It seems logical to assume that in early 2001, when Chase Johnson, and the … Read Full Bio ↴It seems logical to assume that in early 2001, when Chase Johnson, and the Hurley brothers, Kelan and Braeden, formed Stulpigeon (the bands previous name) as seventh and eighth grade kids, that the band was something they all loved. (Drummer Nick Gross joined the band a year later in 2002) Now, skipping to 2006, the band has taken that love of music and grown immensely along with a new name and a new sound that has evolved from Incubus and Foo Fighters covers at school, to the completion of their first unique independent record in April 2005.

With influences ranging from Rage Against the Machine, Muse, and Incubus to Led Zeppelin and The Doors, OPEN AIR STEREO has managed to take these influences and use them to create a hard-hitting, unique, and compelling sound followed by a captivating live show. Hitting venues multiple times such as The Galaxy Theatre, The Coach House, The Roxy Theatre, Chain Reaction, and KROQ's Weenie Roast 2005, ended up bringing them to the 2004 and 2005 Orange County Music Awards where they were honored to be placed in the top 12 high school bands in Orange County. OPEN AIR STEREO was nominated top five for Best Indie Rock Group in 2004, and in 2005, were nominated for Best Rock Group.

Their first self titled EP, released in April of 2005, began in August 2004 with producer matt Beckley of T.E.A. and engineer Greg Burns (American Idiot, Clapton). "It was something the band was all super excited about," says drummer Nick Gross. "It was our first CD and we're proud of it. It was an accomplishment for us from playing out of 12 inch high amps to having a fully produced album. We love all the songs to death and always will, but this year we're ready to move on. It's 2006 and we're starting fresh." And moving on is exactly what OPEN AIR STEREO is doing. Currently working on their 2nd debut CD with Beckley and other producers, which OAS now describes as..."Just plain kick ass", as well as finishing up filming for the third season of MTV's reality hit show "Laguna Beach: The Real OC", the boys are now busier than ever.

"I know we're all excited for the future and for this year. Its going to be a great year for us and we're ready to hit things full speed. We're not beating around the bush. We're getting ready to hit the world with a boom. It's OAS."

Damned
Open Air Stereo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Do you ever feel like you're sitting letting your life go by
Do you ever feel like you're waiting... waiting for the right time
I just wanna dance like I don't give a damn
Whatever comes, comes tomorrow
I wanna jump, don't care where I land
No one can stop me
here I go
Whoa o o

Damned if I do, damned if I don't
Whoa o o
I'm gonna do whatever I want
Do you ever feel like they're watching, watching every move you make
Do you ever feel like this prison is more than you can take
Do you feel like screaming until you break down these walls
Do you ever feel like no one will catch you when you fall
I just wanna dance like I don't give a damn
Whatever comes, comes tomorrow
I wanna jump, don't care where I land
No one can stop me
here I go
Whoa o o
Damned if I do, damned if I don't
Whoa o o
I'm gonna do whatever I want
I wanna dance like no one is around
I wanna fly, no one can bring me down
Out of the night comes the brightest sun
I let it all go
Here I come
Do you ever feel like you're sitting letting your life go by
Whoa o o
Damned if I do, damned if I don't
Whoa o o
I'm gonna do whatever I want
Whoa o o
Damned if I do, damned if I don't

Whoa o o
I'm gonna do whatever I want

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Open Air Stereo's "Damned" convey a sense of feeling trapped and constrained, with the singer questioning whether they are simply letting life pass them by. There is a feeling of being watched or monitored, as if in a prison, and the singer is frustrated with this lack of freedom. However, amidst all of these feelings of frustration and constraint, there is a sense of determination to break free and do whatever one wants regardless of the consequences.

The chorus "Damned if I do, damned if I don't" captures the feeling of being stuck between a rock and a hard place, with no clear right or wrong choice. It seems as though the singer understands that their actions might have consequences, but they are ready to make those choices regardless. The repeated refrain of "here I go" further emphasizes this feeling of determination and willingness to take risks.

Overall, the song expresses a desire for freedom and a desire to take control of one's life. The concept of dancing is used as a metaphor for this freedom, symbolizing a sense of abandon and letting go of fears and constraints.

Line by Line Meaning

Do you ever feel like you're sitting letting your life go by
Have you ever felt like you're not taking control of your life and just letting time pass by?

Do you ever feel like you're waiting... waiting for the right time
Have you ever felt like you're constantly waiting for the perfect moment to live your life to the fullest?

I just wanna dance like I don't give a damn Whatever comes, comes tomorrow I wanna jump, don't care where I land No one can stop me here I go
I don't care about consequences, I just want to live in the moment and dance like there's no tomorrow. I want to take a leap of faith without worrying about where I will land. I am unstoppable.

Whoa o o Damned if I do, damned if I don't
No matter what decision I make, there will always be consequences. I am caught in between a rock and a hard place.

I'm gonna do whatever I want
I am determined to not let fear hold me back from living life on my own terms.

Do you ever feel like they're watching, watching every move you make
Do you ever feel like someone is always scrutinizing your every action and judging you?

Do you ever feel like this prison is more than you can take
Do you ever feel trapped in a situation that is suffocating you and holding you back?

Do you feel like screaming until you break down these walls Do you ever feel like no one will catch you when you fall
Do you ever feel like you just want to break free from your limitations and scream until you're heard? Do you feel like you have to face your fears alone with no one there to support you?

I wanna dance like no one is around I wanna fly, no one can bring me down Out of the night comes the brightest sun I let it all go Here I come
I want to dance without restraint, without fear of judgment or hesitation. I want to soar higher than anyone has ever before and be free from any negativity that may come my way. I let go of all of my fears and embrace the bright future that awaits me.

Whoa o o Damned if I do, damned if I don't I'm gonna do whatever I want Whoa o o Damned if I do, damned if I don't I'm gonna do whatever I want
I am aware of the consequences of my actions, but I refuse to let it dictate how I live my life. I will live boldly and fearlessly, always following my heart and my dreams, no matter the outcome.

Contributed by Hudson O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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