Milos Fare

Three months ago, they were random teenagers playing music. Today, they stand together as the five-piece ensemble (un)known to Tulsans as Black Sheep Drive.

Granted, their formation as a band was a bit hurried -- their entry demo to apply for a slot for the 2008 Satellite Battle of the Bands was recorded a mere two days before the deadline, with the addition of bass player Mike Usrey taking place only after their admittance into the battle.

Such a fact is unrecognizable in this group's tightly woven melodies.

"I couldn't believe we got in!" exclaimed vocalist Sarah Dickenson. "We didn't expect it at all."

As the female leader of this band, the bubbly Broken Arrow North Intermediate High School freshman often seems like the mother and the pants-wearer of the group.

But that doesn't overshadow her comrades.

Guitarist John VanZant (Liberty Mounds sophomore), bassist Mike Usrey (Coweta junior), new drummer Alyssa Worth (Collinsville sophomore) and rhythm guitarist Sean Fisher (Coweta junior) are all pretty content with the dynamic of the band.

"I definitely think having a girl for a singer sets us apart a little bit, but I don't mind," said VanZant. "She sounds great, and she's better than a lot of other singers around. If anything, it helps us."

Dickenson's soaring pipes come as a bit of a surprise, as her tiny frame wouldn't seem capable of producing such a sound. However, this powerhouse has a voice
comparable to many of today's Billboard artists.

With a range similar to that of Paramore's Hayley Williams and lead singer Lacey Mosley of Flyleaf, Dickenson rounds out the pulsating songs of Black Sheep Drive, adding a femininity and softness to an otherwise heavy sound.

The result is a perfectly syncopated batch of alternative rock ballads.

Despite the fact that the band is only a few steps out of the neonatal stage, its work plainly showcases its dedication to success.

"We met through a school talent show and through a big web of connections," Sarah said.

"And we all just click," added Sean.

The talent show took place not too long ago, and since then, the majority of the band's practicing has been devoted to performing covers rather than composing original songs.

However, publication of an article seeking high school bands quickly pushed the band to begin writing.

It was a delicate process.

"We'll usually just be jamming, and then later we'll add rhythm," John explained.

Sarah said that she typically handles the lyrical aspect of the music.

"I write my lyrics in the weirdest places. I wrote one of our songs at Subway on a napkin. And another, I wrote on the back of a receipt while working at Reasor's," she said.

Sarah's father, Mark, assisted the band with everything from perfecting chord progressions to booking a recording space.

The band cites the professional musician as having a big hand in their current success.

Other major influences of the band include Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Kill Hannah, Pat Benatar, the Used and local act Congress of a Crow (fronted by female singer Danelle Phillips).

Black Sheep Drive firmly believes that influences such as these, along with polar opposite tastes in music, have helped to propel this band's musical talent and ability. With Black Sheep Drive, diversity is key.

As one band member put it, "I really like that all of our songs sound different. Different but good!"

"Different but good!" is right. Watch for Black Sheep Drive in this year's Battle of the Bands. It is safe to say that Collinsville, Broken Arrow and Liberty Mounds public schools have been very good to Satellite's Battle of the Bands this year. - Tulsa World

The four members of Milo's Fare know music -- good music, to be exact. This young but talented band offers a rough, in-your-face sound, complete with heavy guitars, thumping bass, and soaring drums, much like the works of other accomplished acts such as Flyleaf and Pat Benetar. However, there is a delicacy brought to the table by vocalist Sarah Dickenson, a sophomore at Broken Arrow North Intermediate High School -- her powerful voice adds depth and universality to this band's mature sound. Along with Sarah, guitarist Sean Fisher (Coweta senior), bassist Mike Usrey (Coweta senior), and drummer Detrick Carroll (Owasso Freshman) have every intention of working together to give Tulsans shows they'll never forget. Don't let the name fool you -- there's nothing cute about Milo's Fare. No cute, just rock.
-Megan Shepherd, Union
Satellite-Tulsa World
- Tulsa World