Within Reason

I suspected Within Reason would be tough to beat during the first round of the TennesseeConcerts Talent Competition.
These rockers from
Birmingham, Alabama are the very first winner of Pat Adams new Sonic Bids international talent search.
Bloodshot Life is the new CD. The songs are crisp, well executed & masterfully recorded. Chris Dow delivers on lead vocals and has a voice for rock and roll. Mook, David,and Griffin round out the band bringing skilled musicianship, memorable melodies and cool but stinging riffs to the table. They play with energy and abilities of seasoned professionals.
Things are happening fast for these guys with solid reviews, sales around the globe and live television exposure.
I played The Whisky A Go Go last on a Tuesday night. Within Reason played New Years Eve! No one likes a showoff, except me of course.
Congratulations on being #1! - TennesseeConcerts.com

I suspected Within Reason would be tough to beat during the first round of the TennesseeConcerts Talent Competition.
These rockers from
Birmingham, Alabama are the very first winner of Pat Adams new Sonic Bids international talent search.
Bloodshot Life is the new CD. The songs are crisp, well executed & masterfully recorded. Chris Dow delivers on lead vocals and has a voice for rock and roll. Mook, David,and Griffin round out the band bringing skilled musicianship, memorable melodies and cool but stinging riffs to the table. They play with energy and abilities of seasoned professionals.
Things are happening fast for these guys with solid reviews, sales around the globe and live television exposure.
I played The Whisky A Go Go last on a Tuesday night. Within Reason played New Years Eve! No one likes a showoff, except me of course.
Congratulations on being #1! - TennesseeConcerts.com

DUDE! You guys rock! You're a very refreshing change from the usual drivel. I've been in "the biz" in one way or another for 20 years, and I can honestly say, I think you guys are a shoe-in for commercial success - Pauli, DigiVegas Radio

DUDE! You guys rock! You're a very refreshing change from the usual drivel. I've been in "the biz" in one way or another for 20 years, and I can honestly say, I think you guys are a shoe-in for commercial success - Pauli, DigiVegas Radio

Within Reason released their sophomore album Bloodshot Life in February and two singles "Hero" and "Bring Em Out" are picking up radio airplay. Not all openers are worth seeing but this band is. - Kim Reed

Within Reason released their sophomore album Bloodshot Life in February and two singles "Hero" and "Bring Em Out" are picking up radio airplay. Not all openers are worth seeing but this band is. - Kim Reed

Posted by Mary Colurso January 19, 2007 12:00 AM
Categories: Columns, Music, TV

If you asked an up-and-coming rock group to name its dream jobs, playing at the prom probably wouldn't rank high on the list.

But when that prom is part of a popular TV series, lots of skittish musicians might start reaching for a tux and tie.

Members of the Birmingham band Within Reason, for example, say they'd be proud to perform in the gym at Tree Hill High School -- for glamorous, troubled students with names such as Lucas, Brooke, Nathan, Haley and Peyton.

They may get their opportunity soon.

Within Reason, an indie quintet formed in 2005, is one of five finalists in a national contest that will choose a song, and a prom band, for an episode of "One Tree Hill."

Fans of the CW teen drama, which airs at 8 p.m. Wednesdays, have been asked to vote for their favorites on a "Rock the Prom" Web page sponsored by the show and Cingular Wireless.

"I feel confident about it," says Chris Dow, Within Reason's lead singer. "The main thing about this band is that it's one hard work in progress. We're all so dedicated and determined. We all want it bad enough."

An excerpt from Within Reason's song in the competition, a radio-friendly ballad called "Hold," can be heard at www.cwtv.com/thecw/rocktheprom. There's also a link to the group's MySpace page.

The other four acts vying for prime-time exposure -- Powerplay of Atlanta; the Pinder Brothers of Sacramento, Calif.; Whitney Steele of Torrance, Calif.; and Skinny Road Walkin' of Oklahoma City -- have similar downloads and links on the contest page.

To ratchet up interest in these unknown bands, Cingular has created ringtones of the competing songs that can be bought online for $2.49 each. Promotional spots for "Rock the Prom" have been running during program breaks on "One Tree Hill," as well.

"I'd never seen the show before," Dow admits during a Tuesday interview. "But I did watch it last week. And there was our picture, up on national television."

According to the official contest rules, voting began on Jan. 10 and continues through Monday. Multiple votes are allowed, but only one vote per day is permitted from each computer user. The winner will be announced Thursday on the "Rock the Prom" Web page.

Wondering how Within Reason was plucked from the ranks of indie bands plugging away in nightclubs and bars across the country? Dow says the group didn't enter the contest by filling in a form or sending a demo disc to its organizers.

Instead, he says, a team from Cingular and "One Tree Hill" combed the Internet for candidates and selected a handful they liked best, based on band profiles and song streams on MySpace.

Late last year, the guys from Within Reason received an initial call from Cingular, inquiring if they'd be interested in a ringtone. In early January, Dow says, organizers surprised the band with news of the contest and their status in it.

"I think the nature of our song has helped us," he says. "I think it would be a good song to play at the prom. The song talks about love, and about spending the rest of your life with someone."

Fidelity seems like a pipe dream when you consider the nature of the "One Tree Hill" storyline, which has been filled with poisonous betrayals, tumultuous breakups and dramatic cliff-hangers.

But the series has given a publicity boost to several bands lucky enough to place tunes on its weekly soundtrack, including Trespassers William, La Rocca, Silversun Pickups, the American Analog Set and the Outline.

Already, Dow says, Within Reason has reaped benefits from its connection to "One Tree Hill."

"Last week, we did four shows in three days," he says. "Typically, we do two shows per week, usually on the weekend. We do everything from bars and clubs to private parties and fraternities and sororities."

Some clubgoers in the Birmingham area already are familiar with the band's sound -- which Dow says is most inspired by Nickelback -- because of concerts at WorkPlay, Cafe Firenze and Innisfree Irish Pub. Next up: a Saturday show at 9:30 p.m. at Cafe Firenze.

Within Reason remains unsigned, but Dow says several major labels have expressed interest. Buzz is building, too, for the group's 2006 disc, "Cycle a Smile," which was recorded at Bates Brothers Recording studios in Hueytown.

When asked about his hopes for the band, Dow wasn't shy about ticking off items on an ambitious roster of wishes.

"What I'd like to have happen," he says, "is that we win the competition, get exposure from millions of viewers, sign a record deal and go on a really good tour. That way, we'd get to do what we love for a living. Some of us still have survival jobs."

To accomplish such goals, Within Reason is willing to go the distance, he says. That includes wearing uncomfortable suits -- or even frilly shirts and retro polyester -- if the costume department of "One Tree Hill" requires it.

"We - The Birmingham News

Posted by Mary Colurso January 19, 2007 12:00 AM
Categories: Columns, Music, TV

If you asked an up-and-coming rock group to name its dream jobs, playing at the prom probably wouldn't rank high on the list.

But when that prom is part of a popular TV series, lots of skittish musicians might start reaching for a tux and tie.

Members of the Birmingham band Within Reason, for example, say they'd be proud to perform in the gym at Tree Hill High School -- for glamorous, troubled students with names such as Lucas, Brooke, Nathan, Haley and Peyton.

They may get their opportunity soon.

Within Reason, an indie quintet formed in 2005, is one of five finalists in a national contest that will choose a song, and a prom band, for an episode of "One Tree Hill."

Fans of the CW teen drama, which airs at 8 p.m. Wednesdays, have been asked to vote for their favorites on a "Rock the Prom" Web page sponsored by the show and Cingular Wireless.

"I feel confident about it," says Chris Dow, Within Reason's lead singer. "The main thing about this band is that it's one hard work in progress. We're all so dedicated and determined. We all want it bad enough."

An excerpt from Within Reason's song in the competition, a radio-friendly ballad called "Hold," can be heard at www.cwtv.com/thecw/rocktheprom. There's also a link to the group's MySpace page.

The other four acts vying for prime-time exposure -- Powerplay of Atlanta; the Pinder Brothers of Sacramento, Calif.; Whitney Steele of Torrance, Calif.; and Skinny Road Walkin' of Oklahoma City -- have similar downloads and links on the contest page.

To ratchet up interest in these unknown bands, Cingular has created ringtones of the competing songs that can be bought online for $2.49 each. Promotional spots for "Rock the Prom" have been running during program breaks on "One Tree Hill," as well.

"I'd never seen the show before," Dow admits during a Tuesday interview. "But I did watch it last week. And there was our picture, up on national television."

According to the official contest rules, voting began on Jan. 10 and continues through Monday. Multiple votes are allowed, but only one vote per day is permitted from each computer user. The winner will be announced Thursday on the "Rock the Prom" Web page.

Wondering how Within Reason was plucked from the ranks of indie bands plugging away in nightclubs and bars across the country? Dow says the group didn't enter the contest by filling in a form or sending a demo disc to its organizers.

Instead, he says, a team from Cingular and "One Tree Hill" combed the Internet for candidates and selected a handful they liked best, based on band profiles and song streams on MySpace.

Late last year, the guys from Within Reason received an initial call from Cingular, inquiring if they'd be interested in a ringtone. In early January, Dow says, organizers surprised the band with news of the contest and their status in it.

"I think the nature of our song has helped us," he says. "I think it would be a good song to play at the prom. The song talks about love, and about spending the rest of your life with someone."

Fidelity seems like a pipe dream when you consider the nature of the "One Tree Hill" storyline, which has been filled with poisonous betrayals, tumultuous breakups and dramatic cliff-hangers.

But the series has given a publicity boost to several bands lucky enough to place tunes on its weekly soundtrack, including Trespassers William, La Rocca, Silversun Pickups, the American Analog Set and the Outline.

Already, Dow says, Within Reason has reaped benefits from its connection to "One Tree Hill."

"Last week, we did four shows in three days," he says. "Typically, we do two shows per week, usually on the weekend. We do everything from bars and clubs to private parties and fraternities and sororities."

Some clubgoers in the Birmingham area already are familiar with the band's sound -- which Dow says is most inspired by Nickelback -- because of concerts at WorkPlay, Cafe Firenze and Innisfree Irish Pub. Next up: a Saturday show at 9:30 p.m. at Cafe Firenze.

Within Reason remains unsigned, but Dow says several major labels have expressed interest. Buzz is building, too, for the group's 2006 disc, "Cycle a Smile," which was recorded at Bates Brothers Recording studios in Hueytown.

When asked about his hopes for the band, Dow wasn't shy about ticking off items on an ambitious roster of wishes.

"What I'd like to have happen," he says, "is that we win the competition, get exposure from millions of viewers, sign a record deal and go on a really good tour. That way, we'd get to do what we love for a living. Some of us still have survival jobs."

To accomplish such goals, Within Reason is willing to go the distance, he says. That includes wearing uncomfortable suits -- or even frilly shirts and retro polyester -- if the costume department of "One Tree Hill" requires it.

"We - The Birmingham News

So what if Birmingham isn’t represented this year in that karaoke contest watched by zillions of teen girls? Instead, set your dials to CW 21 tonight for an Alabama double-bill. First, your weekly date with “America’s Next Top Model” (starring Top Five finalist Dionne Walters of Montgomery) at 7. Then, see Birmingham band Within Reason play the “One Tree Hill” prom at 8.

That’s right. Another Birmingham band, another prime-time drama. The group beat four other bands in a national Rock the Prom contest for the guest shot. The episode, which apparently involves a kidnapping during the prom, was originally scheduled to air back in March, but got bumped to tonight’s sweeps spot. And if you’ve never heard (or heard of) the band, a quick promo video after the jump.
- WadeonBirmingham.com

So what if Birmingham isn’t represented this year in that karaoke contest watched by zillions of teen girls? Instead, set your dials to CW 21 tonight for an Alabama double-bill. First, your weekly date with “America’s Next Top Model” (starring Top Five finalist Dionne Walters of Montgomery) at 7. Then, see Birmingham band Within Reason play the “One Tree Hill” prom at 8.

That’s right. Another Birmingham band, another prime-time drama. The group beat four other bands in a national Rock the Prom contest for the guest shot. The episode, which apparently involves a kidnapping during the prom, was originally scheduled to air back in March, but got bumped to tonight’s sweeps spot. And if you’ve never heard (or heard of) the band, a quick promo video after the jump.
- WadeonBirmingham.com

Posted by Mary Colurso March 23, 2007 6:00 AM

The members of Within Reason went to wardrobe. They sat still for makeup. They lounged in comfortable trailers. They grabbed dinner from the craft services table. They chatted with other cast members.

In short, the band hurried up and waited.

That's what happens when you're the guest artist on a national TV series. Filming involves a lot of down time -- for the actors, if not for the crew.


The members of Within Reason still keep survival jobs, but their appearance on "One Tree Hill" might prompt a few lifestyle changes.But lead singer Chris Dow says he enjoyed every minute of a very long day on the set of "One Tree Hill."
"No one knew what to expect," he says. "They picked us up at noon and we were there until 11:30 or 12 at night. But I loved it. Even as a kid, I always had an interest in the entertainment business."

Five excited guys from Birmingham got an inside glimpse of the industry in late January, when they performed as the prom band on an episode of the CW teen drama.

Within Reason is set to make its national TV debut on May 2, during an 8 p.m. broadcast. The episode originally was scheduled for Wednesday, but has been postponed by the CW, Dow says.

The delay hasn't dimmed the band's hopes, he says, nor should it affect the outcome. About 4.5 million viewers are likely to tune in for the show, which is far and away the largest audience the group has ever had.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet," Dow admits. "We're just hoping for the best."

Within Reason, which usually plays at bars and nightclubs, became the featured act at the fictional Tree Hill High School through a combination of luck, talent and hustle.

Earlier this year, the band won a "Rock the Prom" contest sponsored by "One Tree Hill" and Cingular Wireless. Organizers chose the band for the online competition after finding its MySpace page and hearing streams of songs such as "Hold," "Change for You" and "Let it Out."

Within Reason bested four other bands from around the country, earning the most votes on an Internet page linked to the "One Tree Hill" site. To generate extra interest, Cingular showcased each band's music on cell phone ringtones.

The group lobbied hard for votes in Alabama, doing media interviews and pushing its "Rock the Prom" connection at concerts. Now, Within Reason is ready to reap the benefits of its labors, although Dow says he won't jinx things by predicting a rush of fame.

"It's been a real confidence booster," he says. "No matter what happens with the show, the exposure is always good. It can only help us; it can't hurt us."

If all goes well, the players of Within Reason -- Dow, bassist David Koonce, guitarist Kevin Smith, drummer Griffin Zarbough and a guitarist nicknamed Mook -- will watch the May broadcast at Cafe Firenze in Inverness. That's a regular haunt for the band, and the site of several previous shows.

In the meantime, Dow says, he and other band members have been fielding lots of questions about their close encounters with TV actors in Wilmington, N.C., where "One Tree Hill" is filmed. Like any night-time soap opera, the series has heartthrobs aplenty, including main characters Lucas Scott (portrayed by Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty).

"Everyone wants to know what Chad Michael Murray is like," Dow says, laughing. "But everyone there was so laid-back and cool. Paul Johannson, who plays the dad, was sitting with us all day, cutting up. We hung out with Amber Brooke (cast as Goth loner Glenda Farrell) and found out that she has a band, too. We talked to her about doing some shows together."

When Within Reason was called to perform on camera -- Dow says the prom episode was filmed in a community college -- the band ended up doing an original song called "Favorite Sin." The band had expected to play its contest winner, a ballad titled "Hold," but producers opted for a more upbeat number, Dow says.

"When you see us on the show, we'll actually be playing and singing, but they had our CD playing in the background," he says. "So we're playing live and lip-syncing at the same time."

After just a few seconds of rehearsal, Within Reason went through the beginning of "Favorite Sin" about three times, Dow says. "Then we did one take of the whole song, and that was it."

Overall, the band spent five days in Wilmington, most of it in vacation mode, with expenses paid by "One Tree Hill." They had so much free time, Dow says, that Within Reason booked a spur-of-the-moment show at a popular Front Street venue, the Soapbox Laundro-Lounge.

"Our goal is to build our resume as big as we can on our own," Dow says. "We feel that we've made a lot of headway."

Preparing for the "One Tree Hill" air date may not keep the group busy for the next six weeks, but Dow says any disappointment over the delay was quickly tempered by realism.

The band, formed in 2005, has gotten a m - The Birmingham News

Posted by Mary Colurso March 23, 2007 6:00 AM

The members of Within Reason went to wardrobe. They sat still for makeup. They lounged in comfortable trailers. They grabbed dinner from the craft services table. They chatted with other cast members.

In short, the band hurried up and waited.

That's what happens when you're the guest artist on a national TV series. Filming involves a lot of down time -- for the actors, if not for the crew.


The members of Within Reason still keep survival jobs, but their appearance on "One Tree Hill" might prompt a few lifestyle changes.But lead singer Chris Dow says he enjoyed every minute of a very long day on the set of "One Tree Hill."
"No one knew what to expect," he says. "They picked us up at noon and we were there until 11:30 or 12 at night. But I loved it. Even as a kid, I always had an interest in the entertainment business."

Five excited guys from Birmingham got an inside glimpse of the industry in late January, when they performed as the prom band on an episode of the CW teen drama.

Within Reason is set to make its national TV debut on May 2, during an 8 p.m. broadcast. The episode originally was scheduled for Wednesday, but has been postponed by the CW, Dow says.

The delay hasn't dimmed the band's hopes, he says, nor should it affect the outcome. About 4.5 million viewers are likely to tune in for the show, which is far and away the largest audience the group has ever had.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet," Dow admits. "We're just hoping for the best."

Within Reason, which usually plays at bars and nightclubs, became the featured act at the fictional Tree Hill High School through a combination of luck, talent and hustle.

Earlier this year, the band won a "Rock the Prom" contest sponsored by "One Tree Hill" and Cingular Wireless. Organizers chose the band for the online competition after finding its MySpace page and hearing streams of songs such as "Hold," "Change for You" and "Let it Out."

Within Reason bested four other bands from around the country, earning the most votes on an Internet page linked to the "One Tree Hill" site. To generate extra interest, Cingular showcased each band's music on cell phone ringtones.

The group lobbied hard for votes in Alabama, doing media interviews and pushing its "Rock the Prom" connection at concerts. Now, Within Reason is ready to reap the benefits of its labors, although Dow says he won't jinx things by predicting a rush of fame.

"It's been a real confidence booster," he says. "No matter what happens with the show, the exposure is always good. It can only help us; it can't hurt us."

If all goes well, the players of Within Reason -- Dow, bassist David Koonce, guitarist Kevin Smith, drummer Griffin Zarbough and a guitarist nicknamed Mook -- will watch the May broadcast at Cafe Firenze in Inverness. That's a regular haunt for the band, and the site of several previous shows.

In the meantime, Dow says, he and other band members have been fielding lots of questions about their close encounters with TV actors in Wilmington, N.C., where "One Tree Hill" is filmed. Like any night-time soap opera, the series has heartthrobs aplenty, including main characters Lucas Scott (portrayed by Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty).

"Everyone wants to know what Chad Michael Murray is like," Dow says, laughing. "But everyone there was so laid-back and cool. Paul Johannson, who plays the dad, was sitting with us all day, cutting up. We hung out with Amber Brooke (cast as Goth loner Glenda Farrell) and found out that she has a band, too. We talked to her about doing some shows together."

When Within Reason was called to perform on camera -- Dow says the prom episode was filmed in a community college -- the band ended up doing an original song called "Favorite Sin." The band had expected to play its contest winner, a ballad titled "Hold," but producers opted for a more upbeat number, Dow says.

"When you see us on the show, we'll actually be playing and singing, but they had our CD playing in the background," he says. "So we're playing live and lip-syncing at the same time."

After just a few seconds of rehearsal, Within Reason went through the beginning of "Favorite Sin" about three times, Dow says. "Then we did one take of the whole song, and that was it."

Overall, the band spent five days in Wilmington, most of it in vacation mode, with expenses paid by "One Tree Hill." They had so much free time, Dow says, that Within Reason booked a spur-of-the-moment show at a popular Front Street venue, the Soapbox Laundro-Lounge.

"Our goal is to build our resume as big as we can on our own," Dow says. "We feel that we've made a lot of headway."

Preparing for the "One Tree Hill" air date may not keep the group busy for the next six weeks, but Dow says any disappointment over the delay was quickly tempered by realism.

The band, formed in 2005, has gotten a m - The Birmingham News

Within Reason
"Bloodshot Life"
(Tripledmusic,2009)

Producer: Rick Beato
Genre: Modern Rock (Tough)
Format: Album
Website: www.myspace.com/wi...
Reviewed by: Kaj Roth



link to album: http://www.melodic.net/reviewsOne.asp?revnr=7589


Guitar driven modern rock with one foot on heavy metal ground, yeah that's what you get if you check out Alabama based Within Reason's new album "Bloodshot life".
The band released their debut EP "Cycle a smile" in 2006 and last year they headed into the studio with melodic.net's fave producer Rick Beato.
This album is a must for all fans of active rock, I think it's a good album where the band deliver both radio ready songs, ballads and hard rocking tunes.
I prefer the heavier stuff that truly stand out on this album like the killer opener "Bring em out" and the muscle rocker "Instigator", more of that stuff and I would've given this album one more star.
For fans of Nickelback, Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace!
- Melodic.net - Kaj Roth

Within Reason
"Bloodshot Life"
(Tripledmusic,2009)

Producer: Rick Beato
Genre: Modern Rock (Tough)
Format: Album
Website: www.myspace.com/wi...
Reviewed by: Kaj Roth



link to album: http://www.melodic.net/reviewsOne.asp?revnr=7589


Guitar driven modern rock with one foot on heavy metal ground, yeah that's what you get if you check out Alabama based Within Reason's new album "Bloodshot life".
The band released their debut EP "Cycle a smile" in 2006 and last year they headed into the studio with melodic.net's fave producer Rick Beato.
This album is a must for all fans of active rock, I think it's a good album where the band deliver both radio ready songs, ballads and hard rocking tunes.
I prefer the heavier stuff that truly stand out on this album like the killer opener "Bring em out" and the muscle rocker "Instigator", more of that stuff and I would've given this album one more star.
For fans of Nickelback, Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace!
- Melodic.net - Kaj Roth