opaque

Artist Information

Biography

opaque is a dark, atmospheric alternative project from Texas. built in 2002, they have songs both in english and spanish. collaborating together for 6 years, they continue to increase their soundscape and develop new ideas. the band has recorded two albums, a limited EP session and has toured in Texas as well as southern Mexico.

their newest release is due to launch this February on local Denton label, Do For It Records.

Instrumentation

n Schwab | vocals
j villareal | guitar
m man | environment
c schwab | bass
c allen | drums

Discography

deception | 2005

sonido EP | 2007

antenna | 2009

available from www.doforitrecords.com

Audio

• black lake
  Listen  
• si regresas
  Listen  

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Spanish Teacher by Day, 'Ecletic' Rocker by Night [+ Show ]
  

  Trading her red pen for a microphone earlier this month, Nicholey Schwab, of the Spanish department,...Trading her red pen for a microphone earlier this month, Nicholey Schwab, of the Spanish department, and her band Opaque rocked out NT students and festival goers alike in the ballroom of the Gypsy Tea Room as part of the 2006 Dallas Music Festival.
  An eruption of cheers marked the end of each song as the crowd, many wearing white shirts bearing Opaque's logo, shouted their praise for the eclectic band with the haunting music.
  As Nicholey begins her fifth year teaching Spanish 1010 and 1020, she also enters her fourth year as the lead vocalist for Opaque.
  "We have what I call an experimental alternative rock type of sound," Nicholey said of the five-member group that also includes bass, drums, keyboard and guitar. "It's more bass and drum driven than guitar driven."
  Although music has been a major part of Nicholey's life since the age of 15, the 33-year-old teacher's education took a different path. She received a bachelor's degree in Spanish from NT, and while working on a master's degree in sociology took a student teaching job with the Spanish department.
  "I never looked back," she said. "I fell in love with teaching."
  While most of Nicholey's songs are written in English, roughly 30 percent are in Spanish. She said much of her inspiration is drawn from Mexico.
  Every year Nicholey spends six weeks during the summer and two weeks over the holidays in Mazamita, a small village in the mountains of rural Mexico, where she takes NT students.
  They give their time to help needy residents in the poverty-stricken area, from working in orphanages to caring for senior citizens.
  "A lot of the beauty in Nicholey's music comes from her experiences in Mazamita," said Craig Allen, 33, Opaque's drummer.
  The modest Spanish teacher with the warm smile and ready laugh is accustomed to positively affecting those around her, especially her students.
  Nicholey's life as a musician isn't something she generally shares inside the classroom, but as opaque began playing Denton hangouts like Texas Jive, Rubber Gloves and J & J Pizza, occasionally she'd be recognized.
  "When one student finds out, they usually tell others, so there are definitely a few who know about the band," she said. Now, it's not uncommon to find enthusiastic NT students loudly showing their support at an Opaque show, as was the case on Saturday.
  "I'm not a North Texas student," said Abigail Mattson, 22, of Denton. "But it's great to see so many here not just cheering them on, but genuinely enjoying the music."
  Pen or microphone, Nicholey Schwab has great love for both. They are not so much two entirely separate aspects of one person, but rather, different sides of the same gleaming coin.
  To check out Opaque for yourself, visit http://www.myspace.com/opaquesounds.

• Opaque - Live Review [+ Show ]
  

  The rhythms that Craig and Chris laid down were at times dance, at times 4/4 rock, and at times just...The rhythms that Craig and Chris laid down were at times dance, at times 4/4 rock, and at times just absolutely chaotic, all of these held together by the unearthly howls... Nicholey has an amazing voice that goes from pure intimacy to pure anger in seconds while still sounding just as beautiful for both.

• Five to see live [+ Show ]
  

  Denton's opaque has an absorbing ambiance to its sound, and thoughtful things to say in its songs. I...Denton's opaque has an absorbing ambiance to its sound, and thoughtful things to say in its songs. Its new CD is due at year's end. A must see.

Setlist

we average a 45 minute, to one hour set comprised of all three of our recordings.

Basic Requirements

Calendar