William The Accountant

Part one of the annual radio station-curated extravaganza (Side B takes place Saturday, April 4) features a headlining turn from Bleachers, aka Jack Antonoff of fun., who marries fractured lyrics born of personal tragedy to sharply crafted synth-pop tunes. Also on the bill are art-synth duo MS MR, electro-pop noisemakers Big Data, rock belter Meg Myers, rockabilly duo the Ruen Brothers and local global groove quintet William the Accountant.

One caveat: As always, both Side A and Side B sold out almost instantaneously, so if you don’t already have tickets your best bet might be finding a friend with an extra to spare. - Columbus Alive

CD102.5 Day: Side A (Saturday, March 28th)
Bleachers
MS MR
Big Data
Meg Myers
Ruen Brothers
William the Accountant

CD102.5 Day: Side B (Saturday, April 4th)
The Airborne Toxic Event
Jungle
Robert DeLong
Shakey Graves
Friendly Faux

The LC Indoors
Doors: 4p
#CD1025Day - CD102.5 FM

At first glance, everything about William the Accountant sounds geared toward the brain.

First, there’s the band’s name, which calls to mind a bespectacled number cruncher hunched over a spreadsheet in the midst of tax season. Then there’s the title of the group’s latest, Zero Stroke, an eight-song effort that takes its name from a supposed mental disorder diagnosed by German physicians in the early 1920s and characterized by a patient’s desire to write endless rows of zeros.

In reality, though, the eclectic quintet’s music is largely engineered to move the body, and on Zero Stroke the players craft a loose, funky soundtrack that borrows elements from samba, calypso, Soweto and more.

“What we're trying to do musically is get down to a more fundamental level; we're trying to get back to street-level music,” said singer Kevin Luce, 30, who joined drummer Ted Bigham, 28, for a late October interview at a downtown coffee shop. “If you want to spend time combing through the lyrics, there are more layers to explore ... but in no way would I ever be offended if someone said, ‘Hey, I love coming to your shows because I don't have to think.’ We want it to be a physical experience.”

The loose feel of the album, which the band will debut at a free record release show at Skully’s Music-Diner on Friday, Nov. 7, was aided by the recording process; unlike the band’s previous full-length, Strophes, which was assembled in painstaking fashion over nearly two-and-a-half years, a bulk of Zero Stroke was captured during a three-day recording blitz in a north side cabin overlooking the Scioto River. According to Bigham, the abbreviated sessions allowed the band members to move instinctually rather than belaboring the finer details, and he described the overall vibe as “open and relaxing.”

William the Accountant brings a similarly freewheeling vibe to its live shows, which often require some form of audience participation, whether through call-and-response chants or assisting with additional percussion (Bigham said it’s not unusual for the bandmates to hand out tambourines to audience members before shows.)

“We believe in community,” Luce said. “It’s not about us. The band is literally named for someone else — even William, the accountant, can participate as much as we do. If you come to the show, you're the sixth member of the band.” - Columbus Alive

William the Accountant is a Columbus, Ohio, band with exotic taste in rhythms, dipping into several cultures simultaneously (including Louisville's, since the band's Kevin Luce moved here). They'll celebrate the release of a new album, "Zero Stroke," with Nashville's Kink Ador. - Louisville Courier-Journal

Saturday | Casa Nueva | 6 W. State St.

At William the Accountant’s album release show, all proceeds from album sales as well as the band’s cut of the cover will be donated to the Rise of the Phoenix donation pool. - Athens Post

Looking to listen to some great tunes and support a great cause? A chance to do just that is coming up on Saturday, April 12th at Park Street Saloon. The event is William the Accountant and CD102.5’s Back Tax Music Festival. This is the second year for the event, which will include both local and national acts. The line-up includes about nine great acts and only cost $10 at the door. They’re only $5 if you purchase them in advance. Since April is Autism Awareness month, partial proceeds from the event will be donated to PAK (Parents of Autistic Kids) of Haugland Learning Center. The PAK Foundation does great things like arranging in-school activities as well as field trips for students at HLC. You can learn more about the organization at www.pakfoundation.com. Here are some quick facts about some of the great artists who will be performing at this event:

William The Accountant: This Columbus group has been making music together since 2009. Made of five guys and some interesting instruments. You may here them play saxophone, didgeridoo, or even a cavaquinho, which is similar to a guitar but smaller, with four wire strings. Hear some of their tunes on their website.

The Pass: The Pass is a Louisville four piece specializing in indie-pop and fun. They like “dancing, synthesizers and freaky people,” according to their Facebook page. They’ve been together since 2009 and have put out an EP, two albums, and a new single each month of 2014, so far. Take a listen to their music on bandcamp.

MoJoFlo: A local favorite, MoJoFlo is sassy, soulful, and unique. They’ve been rocking Columbus since 2008 and put on an exciting live show. They neo-funk sound won them the title of Best Local Band of 2012 according to our readers. Check them out on Soundcloud.

PUBLIC: This trio comes out of Cincinnati and were discovered in 2012. They’ve been making a splash by playing festivals like Bunbury and CMJ Music Marathon, as well as opening for other excellent bands like Twenty One Pilots and Walk The Moon. This group is in the process of releasing one single each week for four weeks, so check out what they’ve got this week here.

Teen Fiction: This one-man band also goes by the name Bob Dawson, or Bobby D. He creates a sound that is a mix of pop, electronic, and punk. He was born in New Jersey but is based right here in Columbus. He has been making music as Teen Fiction since July, 2010. Hear his tunes on Reverbnation.

Stagolee: Stagolee is a bluesy indie rock group based out of Nashville. They’re a six-piece group made up of Jimmy Kent on vocals and guitar, Katie Robertson play piano and guitar as well as vocals, Pearce Harrison on drums, Nicklas Hailton on guitar. Collins Gordon plays the keyboards and bass is courtesy of Breck Cooper. Their new album is called The Latest Craze and it’s available now. Get a taste of their sound here.

Wonder Twin Powers!: Wonder Twin Powers is a Columbus duo with a great stage presence and unique sound. Jenny Flory makes up half the band with main vocals, guitar, piano, and lyric writing. Joshua Sheik is the other half, playing drums, background vocals, and producing their tunes. They’ve been playing together since early 2009 and describe their music as super hero soul. Find out what that means by taking a listen on their website.

Bright At Night: Coming out of Athens, Bright at Night is a quartet who formed in 2012 after one member, Emerson, moved back to Ohio after years of traveling. He was working as a solo musician, but when he returned they decided to give it a go together. They like to refer to themselves as a “brotet,” as the band is made of up two sets of brothers. Emerson and Seeder, and Jesse and Zac. Their music is sure to make you tap your toes! Take a listen here.

Lackluster: The final band on the bill is Lackluster, also from Columbus. They draw musical influences from bands like Queens of the Stone Age, The Gorillaz, and The Black Keys. They’ve been making their progressive pop music since 2009. You can buy their album or hear a few tracks on their bandcamp page.

Back Tax Music Festival 2014 will be full of fun, unique sounds and is sure to be a great time. The doors will open at 7pm and the show is 18 and older. Preorder your tickets here and save $5! - ColumbusUnderground.com

A local band with the curious name William the Accountant will be among the performers during the "2014 Back Tax Music Festival" April 12 in the Park Street Saloon, 525 N. Park St.

William the Accountant, whose members include Northwest Side residents Kevin Luce, Andrew Hahn and Ted Bigham, will be appearing along with The Pass, MoJo Flo, Public, Teen Fiction, Stagolee, Wonder Twin Powers, Bright at Night and Lackluster.

Doors will be open at 7 p.m.

Admission is $10.

Two members of William the Accountant, guitarist and singer Luce and Hahn, who plays saxophone, work at local schools for children with autism, and their performance at the festival is to benefit Parents of Kids with Autism, according to Bigham.

Two years ago, before Bigham, onetime member of Karate Coyote, joined the band as drummer, William the Accountant did a show to help pay for musical instruments at the schools where Luce and Hahn work.

A scant week later, they did a "Tax Day Show," according to Luce.

"It's kind of one of the only puns that we allow with the William the Accountant," he added.

They decided to combine the fundraiser and pun-themed show last year at Woodlands Tavern, Luce said.

The nine bands will be performing on two stages at the new venue, the Park Street Saloon.

"There won't be any breaks," Luce said. "As soon as one band stops the other stage begins."

Five of the bands are based in the Columbus area.

The one named William the Accountant, which goes by the slogan, "An honest name, an honest job," on the official website, grew out of an earlier band.

The members play, according to the site, "a musical playground of late '70s new wave, Brazilian samba and New Orleans second line that defiantly incites activity and impulse."

"What's really funny, sometimes we say different things about the name," Luce said.

"One version used to be called Kevin Luce and the Townies during first year of existence, but we wanted something not focused on one individual and less college-sounding."

The version being given out last week to explain William the Accountant was crafted by Zach Tamplin, who plays guitar and didgeridoo.

His explanation, according to Luce, is that "all experiences are equally vital."

"We're all accountants, we're all musicians, we're all doctors and we're all the people who clean the toilets," the Tamplin statement continues.

"We very much aim to not be just the five of us on stage," Luce said.

"When we started the band we didn't even realize we were starting a band," he said.

"We didn't necessarily realize we were going out to play.

"It's a bummer we're on stage and we're loud because we want to be not just a performance, but an experience that people can come and take part of.

"You can do the same thing in a corner office with a calculator. - ThisWeek News

The fourth annual Dayton Does Dayton music festival will return this Valentine’s Day weekend, February 14-15 at Gilly’s. Boasting an impressive lineup that represents some of the Gem City’s most talented musicians, this truly unique and diverse event requires each band to play only their best original songs while also putting their own spin on some of their fellow Dayton band’s songs.

The event is presented by Mick Montgomery and Louie Wood, Jr. – who, in addition to hosting, will spin Dayton-centric music between sets as his alter-ego, DJ MisterKid – and hosted by scene veterans Don Thrasher, RevCool and Niki Dakota along with another surprise presenter. Another exciting addition this year will be presentations by The Fire Lilies Belly Dancers and Miss Theresa’s Burlesque with Veronica Laine on Friday night.
Nearly 20 bands are set to perform, including the Leap Years, Gathering Mercury, the Repeating Arms, Dark Backward, Paige Beller, Free Fall Theory and Junkyard Dojo.

Dayton City Paper spoke with three of the bands about their upcoming performances, cover song choices and more.

The super-eclectic and energetic Columbus-based band William The Accountant will play Friday, Feb. 14.

Your music is influenced by Brazilian music and bands like the Talking Heads. Tell us more about your band and influences.

The initial idea was to bring music from the street inside to the stage. Our intent isn’t about putting on a good show. It’s about creating an atmosphere where you can be a part of that show. Each time we play in Dayton, Columbus or any other city, it is with this objective. – Kevin Luce

You are from Columbus and are playing Dayton Does Dayton again this year. What are your ties to Dayton?
Four-fifths of William The Accountant began in Columbus, but we’ve spread out since then. Two of us now live in Springfield and Yellow Springs, so we’ve spent a lot of time in the Miami Valley. Dayton isn’t a second home at all […] it is home. – KL

What Dayton band’s song you will be covering during your performance
and why?

We’re Bieber-level fans of The Nightbeast, so that’s priority one. We’ll be reuniting with the wonderful and fantastic Josh Weston, a former and founding “Accountant,” to perform his new single. He’s just launching The Josh Weston Experience now, and we’re elated to have him back on stage with us again. – KL - Dayton City Paper

“An honest name, an honest job.”

With that, William the Accountant set off to make music that combines a multitude of different genres. From rock, funk and jazz to ska, alternative and new wave, the band does anything but stick to one type of music. Formed in 2009, William the Accountant hails from Columbus, but over the years they’ve managed to make a name for themselves across Ohio. On Friday, Jan. 10, the band will play at Blind Bob’s in Dayton, bringing their funky-fresh melodies back to the Oregon District after playing Dayton Music Fest 2013 in October.

The band – guitarist/vocalist Kevin Luce, guitarist Zach Tamplin, bassist Kevin Bednar, alto saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Hahn and drummer Ted Bigham – is known for incorporating a wide range of obscure instruments into their sound, including a baritone guitar, a cavaquinho and a didgeridoo. Dayton City Paper caught up with Kevin Luce before their stop in Dayton, where he answered a few questions related to pretty much everything but accounting.

First off, tell me about the history of the band. How did everyone meet?

The roots of the group spring from both Columbus and Springfield. Andrew Hahn and I are both from Columbus and met at Wittenberg University. While playing at Un Mundo Café in Springfield, we met Zach Tamplin and instantly became friends. I’ve known Kevin Bednar since high school, and we scooped up Ted Bigham last month. -Kevin Luce

Your sound blends together of bunch of different styles. How would you describe your sound?

We really love samba and New Orleans second line, but at the heart is a solid foundation in late ’70s new wave. Lately, we’ve added some sampling and analog synths, so you might call us new rave. Or punk-hop. Or call us over-analytical … but, it’s what we love to do. -KL

Individually, what kinds of musical backgrounds does everyone in the group come from?

Everyone has come from another band at some point. Kevin [Bednar] ran in the grunge scene in New York City for a while, and Ted [Bigham] just finished playing with the mathematical indie group Karate Coyote. Zach [Tamplin] used to play metal, and in some ways he still does. Andrew [Hahn] and I were in a cultural-funk outfit for some time before it eventually grew into William the Accountant. -KL

What would you say is a focal point for the band? As a group, what are you trying to do?

The goal is to reach beyond the stage. There are so many great bands out there and we’ve all been moved by great performances, but once in a while you’ll stumble upon something that’s truly inclusive. It’s the feeling you’re not only witnessing a great performance, but you’re a part of it, too. Our goal is to give. That’s why the band isn’t named after us. It’s named after you. The music isn’t for us. We’re trying to incite an experience that calls to all those who wish to participate. -KL

The band released the album Strophes last year. What can you tell me about the album and the recording process?

We recorded in Columbus at Relay Recording with the sometimes-bearded Jon Fintel. It took about two years to make. We’d play a show and head back into the studio. We’d sell a shirt or two and head back into the studio. We’d donate some plasma and then head back into the studio. The album was literally paid for in blood. -KL

What kind of new music has the band been working on since Strophes? Are you planning to release a follow-up anytime soon?

The goal is to start recording again sometime this spring. The assembly line is moving and there are a lot of ideas ready to be pieced together. A few ideas are already assembled, and we’re hoping to have some stuff ready for the show at Blind Bob’s. We can’t make any promises though. We can make some promises, but not that one. -KL

After the band’s stop in Dayton, what’s the tour schedule like for the rest of 2014?

Columbus, Athens, Louisville, Nashville, Detroit, D.C. and then back to Dayton. On Saturday, April 12 we’re throwing our Second Annual “Back Tax Music Festival” in Columbus. We’ll release more information on that show later this month. -KL

You recently played Dayton Music Fest 2013. What was that experience like?

We’d been as fans before, so to be invited to play was an absolute honor. Don Thrasher and Kyle Melton put on an incredible weekend. We played The Trolley Stop for the first time to a packed and riotous house. Dayton has fully embraced us and we couldn’t be more thankful. So, thank you. -KL

Besides shows, what other plans does the band have lined up for 2014?

Recording this spring, the “Back Tax Music Fest” and playing the Gem City again and again. -KL

William the Accountant will perform on Friday, Jan. 10 at Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St. Also on the bill are The 1984 Draft and To No End. Admission is $5 for 21 & up. Doors at 9 p.m. For more information, please visit williamtheaccountant.com. - Dayton City Paper

If Talking Heads circa “Stop Making Sense” was a little less world beat and a lot more ska, they’d be William the Accountant. That seems like condemnation because, ska? And yes, all that skittering and skanking can get hokey, but they make it palatable by making mincemeat of expectations. Six-minute “Science and Synapse” delves into gleaming art-rock, xx-inspired gloom and “Bends”-era Radiohead guitar theatrics. Then again, “134,” sounds like David Byrne and Incubus’ answer to “Lulu.” (Self-aware lyric: “In about 10 years I will regret this song.”) The Byrne imitation is blatant, and their approach can be clunky. But it works surprisingly often, congealing into a fascinating open volley from a unique presence in Columbus music. They play Kobo this Friday to celebrate the release. - Columbus Alive

Named in recognition of a hard day’s work (“An honest name, an honest job,” frontman Kevin Luce said), the multi-genre ensemble released its Strophes debut last month and increased its gig frequency with shows not only for fans but also for a cause.

Two members, including Luce, are employed by Haugland Learning Center, a Northwest Side school for children with autism.

Proceeds from the show tonight will benefit a music program for students there.

Luce, 27, talked recently about the band:

Q How would you classify your music?

A A melting pot of styles and genres that continues to evolve.

At the moment, we might describe it as one part late-’70s new wave, one part Brazilian samba and one part New Orleans second line. Ask us tomorrow, and we might have a different answer.

Q How would you describe the creation of your debut?

A Each song on Strophes started with an exclusive concept. The aim was to have both the music and the lyrics point toward that idea. It sounds simple, but hopefully, by saturating a song in purpose, the listener will find meaning from any angle they take.

Q What inspired your involvement with autism?

A Three of our five band members work in schools specializing in educating students with autism.

April is Autism Awareness Month. We thought that we’d offer any voice we had. - The Columbus Dispatch

Accounting has never sounded better than when it's involved with the creative minds of Kevin Bednar, Zachary Tamplin, Andrew Hahn, Chris Murphy, and Kevin Luce. They are the five members that make up Excursions latest musical guests, William The Accountant. They will be part of the third annual Dayton Does Dayton at Canal Street Tavern this weekend, February 1st and 2nd at 7pm. The members of the band have roots in Columbus, Springfield and Yellow Springs. While in the WYSO studio they performed songs off their album.

To find about more about William The Accountant and Dayton Does Dayton search for them on Facebook or visit www.williamtheaccountant.com or www.canalstreettavern.com - WYSO 91.3

To celebrate the ending of tax season, Grandview’s Woodlands Tavern plans to rock the night away — whether everyone has paid their taxes or not.

The Back Tax Music Festival is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. at Woodlands Tavern — two days before the country’s official Tax Day on April 15. The lineup consists of eight acts, including local bands William The Accountant, The Saturday Giant, Karate Coyote and Post Coma Network, as well as Secret Colours (of Chicago), Kink Ador (of Nashville), The Nightbeast (of Dayton) and Mike Dillon Band (of New Orleans).

“We thought, ‘Hey, let’s celebrate not only Tax Day, but those that haven’t paid their taxes,’ and that’s what a back tax is,” said Kevin Luce, vocalist and guitarist for William The Accountant.

The event was planned by the members of William The Accountant, a band that’s been known to play “tax shows” around Columbus. Luce said the band’s name was inspired by his father, an accountant named — you guessed it — William.

“(We’re) just trying to say that what we do takes the form of music because I’ve got a guitar and we’ve got a stage, but my dad can do a very similar thing with a calculator and a corner office,” Luce said.

Each year, Tax Day is the band’s “special day,” Luce said, but this year the band is starting up a new music festival that’s bigger than any of its past tax shows.

The festival’s eight acts are to be broken up between Woodlands Taverns’ two stages — the W2 and the 1040EZ, both named for the show after tax forms. Radio station CD102.5 is a sponsor for the event, and some of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Autism Society of America.

Luce said the philanthropic support was fitting, since April is Autism Awareness Month.

“That was one angle we wanted to play up,” Luce said. “We said, ‘OK, the tax idea is fun and it’s a reason to get people to go there, but at the same time, what’s something we really care about that we also want to share?’”

Luce and William The Accountant drummer Chris Murphy work as behavior analysts at Haugland Learning Center in Columbus, an educational facility for autistic children and young adults. Luce said the band has invited children and families from the school to come take part in the event. He said coming together to talk about how autism affects people makes for a better musical experience.

“That’s when I think music is at its best,” Luce said. “It’s just about getting people together and celebrating and trying to lean on each other a little bit.”

Nic Jados, an Ohio State graduate student in business and bassist for Karate Coyote, said he and his band met the members of William The Accountant last fall and “really hit things off.”

“We’ve actually worked with Autism Speaks before,” Jados said. “Some of us used to work in classrooms and stuff like that, so it’s something that we care a lot about and we try to do a lot of autism awareness types of gigs and fundraisers.”

Autism Speaks is an organization dedicated to funding the research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism, according to its website.

Paul Painter, booking manager at Woodlands Tavern, said he’s used to putting on larger shows at the venue and was happy to help plan this event with Luce.

“I’ve known him for a long time and he always puts on a really good show,” Painter said.

While Luce said he’s excited for the event to take place at Woodlands Tavern, he said he hopes to outgrow the venue.

“We’re already talking with Paul about how to grow this thing … next year, hopefully Woodlands is too small of a venue to be able to host it,” Luce said.

No matter where the event takes place, Luce said ultimately what he wants is people actively participating in the festival.

“It’s really about people coming together and being a part. I would say if there’s a specific goal, it’s that,” Luce said. “People come and they’re not just witnessing a good night, they’re taking part in it.”

Tickets are $10 and each come with a raffle ticket for prizes including albums and gift cards to local restaurants. Woodlands Tavern is located at 1200 W. Third Ave. Doors are set to open at 7 p.m. and the event is scheduled to go until 2 a.m. - The Lantern

“This is William the Accountant’s house,” Kevin Luce said, nodding across the suburban basement where his genre-defying band rehearses. “Literally, my dad, William, the accountant, lives here.”

Behind the drum set, a banner read “Ars longa, vita brevis,” Latin for “Art is long, life is short.” (You crazy for this one, Hippocrates!) There was also an amazing lamp whose shade functioned as a bouncing, multicolored volume meter while they played. It’s kind of garish, but William the Accountant isn’t trying to be fashionable.

“We didn’t come together and say, ‘Let’s be this,’” Luce said. “We came together, and we brought what we brought.”

When Luce was a junior at Wittenberg in 2005, he won a singing contest that landed him a gig at the campus music festival. The following year, he formed a band called Kevin Luce and the Townies and convinced the festival organizer to book him again. They opened for Better Than Ezra.

Luce dissolved the band and headed to Virginia Tech for grad school. When he moved to Columbus two years later, he got the group back together under the name William the Accountant. In 2009, they started recording an album at Relay Recording, but momentum kept stalling out thanks to a revolving door membership. By 2011, they finally solidified the lineup and finished the record.

“It was just a tumbleweed picking up people along the way,” Luce said.

Strophes, released last spring, is built from shards of various energized, rhythmic combos, from Talking Heads to Primus to Toubab Krewe. It’s physical music meant to evoke experiences (“I’ll Help You Understand” recalls Toubab Krewe playing through a power outage) and ideas (“134” is about being unaware of your surroundings).

The current ensemble — with Zach Tamplin, Andrew Hahn, Kevin Bednar and Chris “The Duke” Murphy — has overseen expansion across Columbus and the Midwest. This weekend, they’ll gather groups from around the region for the intentionally timed Back Tax Music Festival at Woodlands Tavern.

Besides showcasing acts including Les Claypool associate Mike Dillon and Columbus groups like Post Coma Network, it’s a benefit for the Autism Society; several band members work with autistic children. Furthermore, it’s an attempt to conjure a sense of community among performers and audience alike.

“When you’re here,” Luce said, “you’re a part of it.” - Columbus Alive

Jazzy, quirky, offbeat and a bit eccentric, William the Accountant is kind of like the bastard spawn of Barkmarket, Mr. Bungle and early Devo. It’s hard not to be entertained by this irreverant group of maniacs, so see them and get loose. - Dayton City Paper

Tax day if fast approaching and William The Accountant is here to help ease the pain!

They'll play a few songs live during The Global Village ahead of The Back Tax Fest on Saturday at Woodlands Tavern! Listen here!

In honor of April being Autism Awareness Month partial proceeds from the door will be donated to the Autism Society of America.

Also performing on Saturday at the fest:
Mike Dillon Band (formally of Les Claypool's Fancy Band)
William The Accountant
Kink Ador
Secret Colours
Karate Coyote
The Saturday Giant
Post Coma Network
The Nightbeast

Doors at 7PM! - WCBE 90.5

Success in the music industry often hinges on getting noticed and William the Accountant is pulling out all the stops … and ukuleles … and didgeridoos.

The band is scheduled to showcase its sound in its debut album release show at Kobo Live March 9. Doors open at 9 p.m.

William The Accountant has performed in local venues like Skully's Music-Diner and Woodlands Tavern — a venue the band has adopted as its "home" in Columbus.

So why is William The Accountant worth mentioning in a sea of local bands trying to get exposure? It's the sincerity.

In an industry that often breeds greed, William the Accountant holds honesty as a virtue in its music and the members' everyday lives.

Drummer for the band, Chris Murphy, referenced ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons' statement that honesty is contagious.

"Everybody can trust an honest person," Murphy said. "Everybody wants to trust an honest person. Everybody gravitates towards honesty and honest people."

The five-membered band uses feedback from guitar amps, a didgeridoo (a wind instrument of Aboriginal origin), a saxophone and a ukulele as some of the instruments contributing to its raw form.

William The Accountant was formed in Columbus in 2009, but the band has lost and gained members.

Murphy joined William The Accountant six months ago, but the band's visible camaraderie on stage and off is not staged.

Band members Kevin Luce (vocals and guitar), Kevin Bednar (bass), Andrew Hahn (saxophone), Zachary Tamplin (guitar) and Murphy are all connected either through high school, college or work. Luce and Murphy work at a learning center that specializes in educating students with autism and Asperger syndrome.

The name, William The Accountant, is a spinoff of Frank Zappa's "Willie The Pimp" and Tom Waits' "William The Pleaser," in his song, "Lucinda."

The "William" of William The Accountant is Luce's father, who is an accountant.

William The Accountant easily goes from facilitating quick guitar riffs and drum cadences in one track to exhibiting melodic, Caribbean undertones in another.

The band labels its music as falling to multiple genres, such as alternative and jazz. But these generalizations of sound just scratch the surface of its musical aptitude.

"Especially trying to get influence of jazz, guitar and different things like that, I was listening to some ragtime guitar to kind of expand my horizons," Tamplin said. "I feel like for me, as a guitarist in this band, I need to bring a lot to it. I need to look at some of these other styles that I just didn't grow up listening to."

Tamplin originally played bass in the band, but after taking time off for "soul searching," he returned to assume the role as lead guitarist. Tamplin is working to bring Mongolian throat singing into the collaboration.

The band has the ability to transform each song on its set list into a genuine call for human emotion.

"From an emotional standpoint … you can listen to some songs or hear some songs and you can tell this is a good outlet for their anger." Bednar said "I guess when I listen to (our) music I don't feel like it's an outlet for anger or any kind of negative emotions. I definitely feel like there is a lot of positivity that comes out … I think it's just rhythm."

William The Accountant interweaves unconventional philosophies in its lyrics.

In its debut album, "Strophes," the band encourages listeners to understand and interpret facets of life and the universe in its own way.

"There is a theory of how I think I like building up people and encouraging people, and I kind of work off of that," Luce said.

In "The Poet," written as the first song of the band's first album, the lyrics suggest there is no set meaning to its songs.

"As long as you're finding good in it, then it's yours," Luce said. "That song, ‘The Poet,' is about you and it's for you. And so it's the thought that we think about all the time, especially in live performances, it is not just our band. Here's something and hopefully you can take something from this and bring your own to it." - The Lantern

William The Accountant’s sound is anything but ordinary, and that is why they are a band that can’t be missed. The band brings all types of instruments into their music, including a didgeridoo. Don’t be surprised if William The Accountant brings a saxophone and some ukulele to their shows. As far as their sound?! Try one moment hearing alternative rock to jazz to Caribbean music. Each of their songs brings an emotional aspect to the front. Don’t be shocked if the band’s performance stretches beyond the five members. - Dayton Most Metro