Fatkid Dodgeball
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Fatkid Dodgeball

Band Alternative Punk

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Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"GARAGE BANDS ALL SHARE SAME HOPE: TO LIVE OFF THEIR MUSIC"

Fatkid Dodgeball? Dirty Leon and the Showerheads? The central Ohio groups are just a couple of the many garage bands that hope to soon be as recognizable as Metallica or Green Day.

Brian Turnbull and Brian Frank started Fatkid Dodgeball after graduating from Pickerington High School in 1996.

"Our first show was in a barn, and our group just formed from there," Turnbull said.

Six years later, the group has expanded to include members Casey Potts and Jon Malone and is getting its first taste of success. It plays frequently at Columbus clubs such as Bella, Skully's and Old School (formerly Alcatraz). It also is working on recording and producing an album.

Fatkid Dodgeball is far from being satisfied.

"Music is our main focus now," Turnbull said. "This is long term, and, eventually, we want to get out of Columbus."

On the other end of the spectrum is Dirty Leon and the Showerheads, a group just starting out. Johnstown High School seniors Jake McKim, Mike Holley and Josh Oswald formed the band last year after playing together at school events.

Johnstown band director Mark Zirille supports the group.

"As a music teacher, my job is to promote music. If this motivates kids to play, then I'm all about it," he said.

Their main "gig" is backing up the school's chorale during concerts, but all of the musicians have been in other groups, some of which have played in area bars.

"The turning point in my outlook on music was the first time I got paid for playing," McKim said. "Getting 75 bucks for having fun for three hours blew my mind."

Both groups have had to overcome obstacles. Turnbull said that the greatest challenge Fatkid Dodgeball faced was getting respect in Columbus.

"At first we had to play on Monday nights in area clubs, but now, we play every Friday night. That's pretty cool."

The members of Dirty Leon and the Showerheads recognize that they will face similar difficulties.

"For me, finding time to practice and venues to play in are the hardest things," Holley said. "Getting support can be tough, too. My parents are supportive of my dream, but they want to make sure I keep my feet on the ground and have something else to fall back on."

McKim defines their goal:

"Ideally, we would achieve moderate success, but realistically, we'd all be happy to simply live off our music."

Members of both bands think that the persistence is worth it.

"There's no feeling in the world like performing for people who are into the music," Holley said.

Turnbull agreed:

"Playing is the best feeling. Hearing people sing back the words we wrote is incredible. There's no other thing we'd rather do."
- The Columbus Dispatch


Discography

1. Ohio Skies
2. X-Mas Lights
3. Your Heart

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Fatkid Dodgeball is an upbeat, melodic rock ‘n’ roll band. They blend classic electric guitar leads with strong acoustic riffs and rhythms over a beefy bottom end. The vocal harmonies and dynamics of two singers give Fatkid Dodgeball a characteristic sound all their own. FKDB blends smooth melodies over rock beats, and channels punk rock energy in their delivery.

Fatkid Dodgeball is an original, 4-piece band from Columbus, Ohio. Although FKDB was only established in September of 2001, members of this band have been together for years in other projects. Brian Turnbull and Brian Frank played together for years in a band called “Turnbull.” They later met Casey Potts through a mutual friend and with the addition of Jon Lawrence in 2003 - Fatkid Dodgeball became what it is today.

In addition to being one of the lead singer/songwriters Brian Frank, also serves as bass player. His personal experiences with the "ups and downs" of relationships and everyday life can be heard in many of FKDB’s lyrics. “Frank's” high-octane stage energy and playing style are a result of his punk rock influences.

Brian “Bull” Turnbull serves as one of the main songwriter’s of FKDB. His commanding vocals and diversity between acoustic guitar and electric guitar give the band their unique sound. Together Bull and Frank bring exciting harmonies to the vocals of FKDB.

Casey Pott's guitar style is derived from both new and classic styles of music. His ear for melodic leads and guitar riffs is unmatched amongst his peers. Aside from playing guitar, Casey is seen as the comedian of the group. His sense of humor can be heard during the live performances, which is a highlight of every FKDB show.

Besides being a musicians’ musician, Jon Lawrence is also an accomplished producer and songwriter. Jon has recorded, mixed, mastered, and produced most of FKDB’s songs. His specialty is the drums, which can be described as solid and melodic. Being the newest member of the band, Jon brings a youthful spirit to the group.

Fatkid Dodgeball can be seen all over Ohio playing various bars, clubs and college campuses. Their live shows combine energy, sweat, and great music, which keep crowds coming back. Fatkid Dodgeball’s unique spirit and attitude has a way of making even the newest of fans feel as if they are a part of the FKDB experience.