The quest for notoriety

Seeking Homer releases fifth album, jams at Whiskey Bar Feb. 5
Enduring the test of time is any rock band’s biggest challenge. Groups come and go frequently, but only dedicated bands stick together and manage to overcome the adversities of the music biz, recording and touring.

For 10 years, Seeking Homer has found a way to stay fresh, energetic and exciting. With members living in New York City and Hoboken, Homer has become one of the main underground groups creating top-notch original material.

Fronted by David Oberacker (vocals, acoustic and electric guitar), Homer’s team includes Tommy Connors (guitar, vocals), Michael Seda (drums) and James Dunlop (bass). Oberacker, a Hobokenite and chief songwriter, has come out with a light pop rock sound in the new album. On Feb. 5 at 9 p.m., the band performs at the Whiskey Bar in Hoboken.

“The band formed in the Bronx, even though we all live in and around the city,” Oberacker said. “I always tell folks the birthplace of Homer is the Bronx. Rather than get into everyone’s personal hometown hospitals, this voyage began in the Bronx, near Fordham University. We started playing small pubs around there.”

In Not So Far Away (Dirty Boot Music), Homer creates a serene atmospheric catchy sound during its 10 tracks. In “Rock You Slow,” the guitars make a smooth rhythm accompanied by poppy lyrics like: “Let’s spend the night here baby, forget these troubled times.” They also tackle some growing up concerns in “Running Out of Time,” and “In The Air.” In those tunes, the band is reminded about the fragility of making rock music in a 15-minute-of-fame industry. Not So Far Away was produced by Andy Happel and recorded at Dizzyland Studios in New Hampshire. The boys have launched a regional tour in support of the record. The Whiskey show in the mile-square city is a quasi-homecoming, expected to draw many loyal fans.

“We’ve performed all over the country. Usually a steady dose of small clubs, colleges, pubs, and basements. We set up anywhere,” Oberacker said. “It’s a rollercoaster ride. It can be the best of times and the worst of times.”

A decade ago

In 1994, while attending Fordham, Oberacker and Connors began playing in small clubs and bars in the Bronx area and the Upper East Side. Within a year and a half, the duo had composed a variety of tunes with acoustics and distinct harmonies.

Two years later, the duo met New Yorkers Dunlop and Seda and after their first gig formed Seeking Homer. Their first album immediately followed, titled Streets.

The band continued on its path and expanded its touring from the tri-state area to a national scale. They played many clubs, radio stations and venues, and their non-stop touring attitude led them to a peak in popularity during the late ’90s with the release of their second record, A Good Hard Smack.

By 1999, the foursome shared stages with acts like Richie Havens, The Samples, Guster, Moxy Fruvous, Cowboy, Corey Glover of Living Colour, They Might Be Giants, Ben Folds, and the Tom Tom Club.

“I don’t really think our music is that mainstream. I don’t think we’d reject it if we ever went mainstream. It’s out of our control which way our music goes,” Oberacker said. “I don’t think we are that (pop), but maybe we could if the popsters grab us and take us there.”

Seeking Homer continued to tour and garnered national exposure with recordings produced by Quincy Jones and Steve Winwood. After touring for more than two years straight, the guys went back to the studio to record their third studio album and fourth overall titled Paradise. They earned radio play in college, indie and free-format stations. Another two years of touring followed before teaming up with Happel for Not So Far Away, their latest effort.

Dan Brennan, manger for the band, said the last recording is one of the best work produced by the foursome.

“We are very proud of this record,” Brennan said, last week.

Oberacker, who performs solo acoustic sets in Hoboken, said he is excited about the Whiskey Bar show and expects a large turnout.

When asked what the best part of performing is, he said: “Exploring different sounds and music, new cities and states as a band…just being nosey and curious…seeing things and doing things about it. We get to touch a lot of things in a band.”

Seeking Homer will perform at the Whiskey Bar at 125 Washington St. in Hoboken on Feb. 5 at 9 p.m. For information call (201) 963-3400 or visit www.seekinghomer.com. q

Pullout:

“We get to touch a lot of things in a band.” – David Oberacker