Band Feature: Okie Dokie Smokies
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Okie Dokie Smokies - Adam Mourad, Gunner Rowe, Owen Wright, Kelsey Mahoney, & Deniz Ulusemre
Meet Okie Dokie Smokies, one of our "Opening" bands here at Music House. These guys are all 10 & 11 years old, but their ages clearly haven't diminished their ambition. When they're not addressing world peace, solving the planet's hunger issues, and perfecting the art of levitation, they're playing some great music. They've come a long way. Here's what they had to say about their experience when we recently interviewed them...
Why did you name your band "Okie Dokie Smokies"? What's the story behind it?
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Kelsey Mahoney: I say Okie Dokey a lot. Adam Mourad: It's funny. Owen Wright: I wanted our name to be "the bananas". |
What is the best part of being in a band?
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Kelsey: Singing and slow-motion fight scenes. (editor's note: Slow-motion fight scenes?) Adam: Getting to listen to music all day. Gunner Rowe: Playing with other people is fun! Owen Wright: All the fun memories. |
What are some of your band goals?
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Adam: To play all the songs well. Owen: World peace. Gunner: To learn every "Foo Fighters" song. Kelsey: To solve world hunger. |
What is your most memorable band experience?
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Kelsy: When I had to perform with pneumonia. Owen: Slow-motion fight scenes. (editor's note: ??) Gunner: Playing "Counting Stars" live. Adam: My first day in the band. |
If you got to open for any band or artist, current or defunct, who would it be?
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Gunner: AC/DC. Adam: The Beatles. Owen: Red Hot Chili Peppers. Kelsey: 21 Pilots. |
What advice would you give to students that are just getting started?
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Gunner: Get good at your rudiments. Kelsey: Be nice to your bandmates. Owen: Ignore the haters! Adam: Practice a lot. |
What do you guys do that's special – that you think sets you apart from all the Music House bands?
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Gunner, Kelsey, Adam, & Owen: Slow-motion fighting skills. (editor's note: ???) Deniz Ulusemre: Dance moves. |
How has playing with other people benefited you?
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Gunner: It helps with my timing and listening skills. Kelsey: It has helped me come up with new dance moves. Deniz: It has made me sound better. Owen: It has helped me not feel as much pressure when performing. Adam: It has made performing a lot more fun. |