I. In the summer of 1999 Leonardo Silva and Peter Hollens met in a University of Oregon writing class. Their common passion for singing inspired them to start a vocal group. That winter, Pete and Leo gathered a small and talented group of 6 music lovers for their very first rehearsal. On the Rocks was born.
Known as the first official collegiate a cappella group in Oregon, On The Rocks began a tradition of excellence in a genre that was previously unheard of in the Northwest. Since 1999, several other groups, including University of Oregon’s Divisi and Oregon State’s Outspoken have followed their lead and joined the fast-growing A cappella community.
OtR has established itself as one of the top a cappella groups in the nation. Their current repertoire ranges from contemporary pop to doo-wop classics to holiday standards and the occasional original piece. OtR is comprised of mostly undergraduate students and usually consisting of 9 – 12 members. Every fall and spring, an extensive audition process is held to find quality replacements for graduating members in 4 different vocal categories-, tenor, baritone, bass and vocal percussion. Auditioning students are evaluated on tonal memory, solo talent, blending ability and, of course, personality. Once the new members are chosen, OTR can be heard singing every Friday @ the EMU amphitheater and around campus at various events throughout the year. Aside from hosting quarterly concerts, they have toured the West Coast and have visited the east coast often, and Canada. They have performed with the professional quartet the Coats and at various a cappella festivals all over the west coast.
In 2002 OtR placed 3rd at the International Competition of Collegiate a cappella and returned the next year in 2003 to place 2nd out of hundreds of groups. During the competitions they took in more than a dozen awards including, Best Soloist, Best Vocal Percussion, Best Arrangement and Best Hair. They have appeared live on the NBC Today show, along with other various semi-national news stations such as WB news @ 10 on “Toni Time”.
Every year in the winter since their inception OtR has been invited to sing the National Anthem at the UO Basketball Games in Mac Court. Their performance has been broadcast on UO radio to several thousand listeners and was received with uproaring praise from the appreciative 7,000 fans and radio commentators alike.
OTR has also reached viral status with their YouTube videos of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," and is probably best known for their version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," which reached 7.5 million views on YouTube. OTR has toured all over the US and Canada. The group travels to Berkeley, CA for the West Coast A Cappella Showcase every year. OTR has toured San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, New Haven, and Boston, and hope to tour more in the future. In 2010, OTR was featured on the second season of the hit NBC show "The Sing-Off".
Since it’s inception, On the Rocks has released two albums:The self titled OTR – 2002 and Backgammon Sessions – 2003. They are finishing up their latest CD, soon to be released in fall of 2005. Awards for their recordings include a selection on the 2004 BOCA compilation album (Best of Collegiate A Cappella). The selected track was Yellow off the Backgammon Sessions album and it was also chosen as the runner-up best male song of the year by CARA (Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards) Their most recent CD, Full Coverage includes tracks from such artists as Mr. Mister, Justin Timberlake, Rufus Wainwritght, and more. On the Rocks A cappella can be contacted via email at uoontherocks@hotmail.com.
II. On The Rocks
Colorado rock has a distinctive sound, identified by a blending of acoustic and electric guitars and an emphasis on tight vocal harmonies. No band around present this as powerfully as 'On the Rocks'. Add to the mix, dynamic rhythms and emotional originals, and you have the recipe for a band on the rise. Frontman Shawn Wright's gravely voice and passionate performances move audiences to frenzied levels, then gently brings the house down with love songs, such as 'til the end' or a power ballad like 'something more than this'. His sense of humor shines through with songs such as 'nailed your best friend'. Nn lead guitar is Ohio born Mike Princehorn. He cut his rock and roll teeth in the northern Colorado area. His versatile styles keep up with the bands ever-changing moods through each set. His strong vocals are heard on front as well as in harmonies. He's no shrinking violet, evident when harmonizing with Shawn's powerhouse vocals. Also a song writer, original material seems limitless. Arriving all the way from Detroit is bassist Sonny Lentz. He brings a streetwise edge and Motown influences to the music. Combining blues, rock, soul, country and reggae, his rhythms keep the songs, and the audience, moving. He contributes original material that is provocative and somewhat unpredictable. Rounding out the quartet is Colorado's own Norris Jones on drums. Norris has played with northern Colorado favorites 'canebrake run', Walt Jenkins, Liz Barnez, and 'harmony road'. His jazz and infusion roots add a cool and diverse bottom to the passionate original material. He is dynamite on the rockin' tunes as well. As word spreads, the band's calender is filling up. They are playing regularly up and down the front range, and extending into Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks - Intoxicated
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks
Discogs: On The Rocks - Mamonama
The Moment
On the Rocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
up and down the carousel ride
not enough from in my personality to hide
behind my fears of empty feelings
and a mountain of emotions in a room with nine foot ceilings
trust my issues of commitment
not for me but for the one that I am seeking
cause it seem like all the flings last for the weekend
That's why I'm so glad you came the moment you did
just wasn't the same before you put it to an end
and I'm happy the rain has stopped with open skies ahead
and allowed myself to smile and be fine
Cause for a moment I left that lonely time
and surrendered all which was mine
and I got lost into your heart
and I got lost into your eyes
and I got lost and I fell apart
right from the start into your life
Now here I go again desperation kicking in
always if but never when I'm waiting for it to begin
I'm sittin' out when I should dance
there 'aint no living sorrow
we'll be taking any chance today
well always wait tomorrow
giving it before I start giving it up to faith
I guess I risk another broken heart if I can only hear us
cause all I'm looking for is one that I call mine
That's why couldn't believe the moment you did
and I want to relive the moment over and over again
you pulled me away from all the clouds that fogged my head
oh how fortunate to leave those woes behind
Cause for a moment I left that lonely time
and surrendered all which was mine
and I got lost into your heart
and I got lost into your eyes
and I got lost and I fell apart
right from the start into your life
(x2)
Into your life
The lyrics of On The Rocks's song "The Moment (I Got Lost)" explore the feelings of a person who has been struggling to find someone special to call their own. The first verse describes the carousel ride of the singer's emotions, going up and down and feeling lost in their personality. The fear of empty emotions and the issue of commitment keep the singer from finding their true love. They have encountered countless flings that only last for a weekend, and they are looking for something more meaningful in their life.
However, everything changes when the singer meets someone special who comes into their life at the right moment. The chorus highlights the feeling of relief and happiness when the rain stops and open skies appear. The arrival of this special person allows the singer to surrender all the fears and emotions that have held them back, making them feel lost in the other person's heart and eyes right from the start.
The second verse describes the singer's renewed desperation and hesitation to start another relationship, not knowing when it will begin. They sit out while they should be dancing, contemplating the risk of another broken heart. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the significance of the special moment and the singer's surrender to the other person.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Moment (I Got Lost)" convey the emotional journey of a person struggling to find love, but when they meet the right person at the right moment, they are lost into their heart and eyes, leaving behind all their fears and past struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
Back and fourth I go
I am constantly oscillating and uncertain about my life
up and down the carousel ride
My life feels like a ride with constant ups and downs
not enough from in my personality to hide
I can't hide my insecurities and fears behind my personality
behind my fears of empty feelings
I am afraid of feeling empty inside
and a mountain of emotions in a room with nine foot ceilings
I have a lot of emotions inside me that feel overwhelming
trust my issues of commitment
I have difficulty committing to relationships
not for me but for the one that I am seeking
I don't commit for myself, but for the other person
cause it seem like all the flings last for the weekend
I've only had short-lived relationships in the past
all I'm lookin' for is the one that I call mine
I am searching for a long-term, committed relationship
That's why I'm so glad you came the moment you did
I am grateful that you showed up in my life when you did
just wasn't the same before you put it to an end
My life was incomplete before you arrived
and I'm happy the rain has stopped with open skies ahead
I feel hopeful and optimistic about the future
and allowed myself to smile and be fine
I am able to be happy and content with you
Cause for a moment I left that lonely time
Being with you made me forget about my loneliness
and surrendered all which was mine
I let go of my fears and insecurities
and I got lost into your heart
I fell in love with you deeply
and I got lost into your eyes
Your gaze captivated me completely
and I got lost and I fell apart
Being in love made me vulnerable and exposed
right from the start into your life
From the very beginning, you became a huge part of my life
Now here I go again desperation kicking in
I am starting to feel desperate and anxious about the future
always if but never when I'm waiting for it to begin
I am always waiting for something that may never happen
I'm sittin' out when I should dance
I am holding back when I should take a chance
there 'aint no living sorrow
I don't want to live with regret and sadness
we'll be taking any chance today
I am willing to take risks and live in the moment
well always wait tomorrow
I don't want to keep putting things off for the future
giving it before I start giving it up to faith
I want to take control of my life instead of leaving things to fate
I guess I risk another broken heart if I can only hear us
I am willing to risk getting hurt again if it means being with you
cause all I'm looking for is one that I call mine
My desire for a committed relationship has not changed
and I want to relive the moment over and over again
I want to experience the joy and happiness of being with you repeatedly
you pulled me away from all the clouds that fogged my head
You helped me clear my mind and find clarity in my thoughts
oh how fortunate to leave those woes behind
I am grateful to have left my worries and troubles behind
Into your life
Being with you is a huge part of my life and I am grateful for it
Contributed by Thomas W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.