OurAfter (NEPA Featured Band)
Shinbone Magazine (Written by Scott Griffiths)

One of the many interesting facts about OurAfter —...
One of the many interesting facts about OurAfter — beside the fact that the music is fronted by a trio of guitars — is the fact that drummer Eli Hludzik is flown in to perform live shows.

Hludzik is based out of Los Angeles and is no stranger to the music industry. His father, Jerry Hludzik, has been a professional musician most of his life and has included his son Eli on one of his projects, the CBS/Columbia Records artists Dakota. Eli has done some recording with Dakota and even managed to go to Japan, among other places, to tour. Eli keeps himself involved in as many culturally diverse music projects as he can.

OurAfter’s front man, guitarist, keyboardist and founder, John Phillips, is no stranger to the PA music scene. He has been playing out since he was 18 years old and has been involved with many projects. Many may have seen him previously playing keyboards for the band UUU.

Phillips’ roommate, Mike Dudley, plays lead and rhythm guitar for OurAfter. Dudley has had a big hand in creating process and has helped Phillips in many aspects. Sharing the guitar and some vocal responsibilities is the member known as Clyde. Clyde Rosencrance was actually an engineer working with the band when they were recording “Perfect Day.” His input had impressed the guys so much that Phillips asked him to join.

The bassist, Jason Macheska, has only been with the group since March. Apparently, Macheska was the right person for the spot after former bassist, Zhenon Zaia left.

“When our first bass player left, we were a little torn because he did have an influence on the album and everything. But, the new one we picked up, he’s extremely charismatic and musically talented.” Phillips explained.

Continuing, Phillips also exclaimed, “I wouldn’t trade any of my musicians for anyone else on the face of the earth!”

Out and about for a little over a year, OurAfter has taken great strides in its direction and its members are planning to take the ride as far as it takes them. They have been featured in numerous music publications, both in PA and abroad. The music is featured on many different Internet radio stations based all across the US and overseas. Just recently, the crew signed a three-month promotional deal with Organic Entertainment out of Brooklyn, N.Y., to have their CD, “Perfect Day,” entered into the College Music Journal.

The not-so-frequently witnessed triple guitar effect of OurAfter combined with a lot of talent, target marketing, advertising and risky timing has proven to be a strong plus in the band’s success thus far. The release of “Perfect Day” was timed to come out the same day as OurAfter’s first live performance at Tink’s Entertainment Complex, on Memorial Day Sunday.

Phillips explained, “There’s the art side and the business side. We’re a band. And, when we are on stage, or when we are off stage doing studio or other band work, we’re like a bunch of brothers. We’re like a family.”

Phillips also accounted the band’s success to a changing demand and market focus. He believes that the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area is enjoying a renaissance of original music and that the scene is beginning to really grab a hold of original artists.

“The thing about getting a scene happening is getting everyone on the same page and onboard.” Phillips added.

Phillips attributed the changing times to a number of things: talented bands, radio figures, newspapers and a couple dedicated promoters.

Convincingly, Phillips amplified, “Out of all the scenes, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre could be the next Seattle. It’s not like I am trying to blow smoke up anybody’s ass. There are so many good bands up here anymore doing original music. It’s not just rock acts, its alternative, metal, mainstream, indie. It’s nuts!”

It could be what led Phillips to organizing the Steamtown Music Showcase last year, which featured 14 area bands. It could be what also has driven Phillips to organize the second showcase to be held on Sept. 2 that will feature many more bands, including OurAfter, over a weekend stretch at three different venues.

But on the horizon for OurAfter is a lot of traveling during the summer. They have also been writing new material and are currently debating the decision to either release a seven-song EP or another full-length album by the middle of next year.

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