Jennifer Jackson
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Courtesy of MySpace.com/OneRepublic

OneRepublic - (left to right) Drew Brown, Zach Filkins, Ryan Tedder, Eddie Fischer and Tim Myers.

   Lead Singer Ryan Tedder (piano and guitar), knew from an early age he wanted to be a musician, having learned to play the piano at the ripe age of three.

   Like most bands, their journey has been a difficult one. Tedder with bassist Tim Myers, guitarist Drew Brown, guitarist Zach Filkins and drummer Eddie Fischer formed OneRepublic in Colorado in 2004.

   After being signed to Columbia Records, their debut album was slated for release in 2006, but due to politics and bureaucratic nonsense, that day never visualized. Thanks to some heavy maneuvering, they were able to opt out of their contract with Columbia. Though as of May 2006, they were without a record deal - that wasn't the case for very long.

   In the summer of 2006, Timbaland (Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Missy, Bjork) showed interest and signed them to his new label on Interscope Records. Very few bands are able to maintain their rock roots, while placing their toes into other genres of music; OneRepublic accomplished this successfully on their own, and now that Timbaland's at the helm, a new sound's on the verge of breaking.

   A blend of soul and alternative lies within the core of their music. Tedder's voice is edgy and bluesy, and at times makes the listener feel as though they are at church.

   Though you never hear roaring guitar rifts, their melodies and lyrics compensate any shortcomings. Their lead single “Apologize,” could just as easily receive rotation on BET (Black Entertainment Television), as any other music television station.

   Also Timbaland remixed "Apologized" and placed the song on his new solo project called "Shock Value," which will be released April 3. 

Highly recommended tracks: "Apologize," "Goodbye Apathy," and "Mercy" 

To hear the music of OneRepublic visit: www.myspace.com/onerepublic or www.purevolume.com/onerepublic.