Downside UP is an indie/acoustic rock band based out of Alpharetta, Georgia. They are currently active—touring the southeast and recording new material. The band is headed by singer/songwriter Ronnie Stanley, who refers to their music as the “product of the blueprints for his musical mansion.” In 2009, Stanley, along with bassist Tony Hossri, teamed up with Jameson Price on drums to produce the smooth, acoustic sound that embodies Downside UP’s early style. In 2012, lead guitarist Lyle Kilgore became the newest addition to the band, adding a raunchier, more hard-rocking sound than the trio had never been able to produce before.
While the band has recently earned most of their notoriety exploring the music scene in the college town of Athens, Georgia, Downside UP was chosen to play BamaJam 2012, opening for such big names as Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Yelawolf, and more. Shannon Crumpton, of R U Ready?! Entertainment refers to the band’s music as “A much needed breath of fresh air to relieve the staleness of the ‘same old’ type of music that I see being reproduced. They are original, young, talented, and deserve respect.”
Downside UP’s music has such a broad variety of sounds that gives fans guaranteed satisfaction after every performance. The compilation of soothing guitar melodies, powerful bass rhythms, and addictive sing-song choruses make listening a therapeutic delight. This melting pot of musicians is unique because of their nonmetrically structured patterns, high energy performances, and loyalty to their fans and friends. Downside UP’s refreshing new age sound is reminiscent of Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, John Mayer, The Spill Canvas, and Manchester Orchestra. Within the collection of free downloadable content available at http://www.noisetrade.com/downsideup12 it is evident that each track encompasses a multiplicity of voices to our overall sound.
What is the funniest moment you have had as an artist/band so far?
The funniest moment was when we played at the Masquerade and Tony climbed up these monitors to jump, but realized it was a little to high, so he played three songs up there. Anything funny that happens in this band has to do with Tony.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
We usually ridicule each other to get rid of some pre-show jitters. Always being late seems to be a ritual as well.
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?
Energetic.
How do you connect with a crowd?
we usually try to get people to clap and sing along, and telling what the song was inspired by. Singer Ronnie Stanley says he likes pretending hes on VH1 Storytellers.
How did you come up with your band name?
Downside UP was a song that Ronnie Stanley wrote when he was 14. We had a lot of other bizzare band names but that one stuck.
What is the best way to write music?
Ronnie Stanley write the songs, and he brings the songs to the table for the rest of the band to play with. He has said many times that he just writes out the blue print and the rest of the band builds the house.
They will be playing at Smiths Olde Bar. Tickets are $5 at the door, and remember to bring your canned goods to donate!
