OPM (band)

Last updated

OPM
Origin Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres Rock, hip hop, pop, reggae
Years active1999–present
Labels Atlantic, Suburban Noize, MNO
MembersJohn E. Necro
Geoff Turney
Jonathan Williams
Carlos Perez
Past members Matthew Meschery
Big B
Gary P. Dean
Etienne Franc
Billy Flynn
Robert Bradley
Matt Rowe
Shane Mayo
Website opmden.com

OPM is an American band based in Los Angeles. OPM has a distinctive sound, combining hip hop, rock music, and pop with laid-back reggae.

Contents

History

Originally called "Stash", [1] the name OPM, according to the band's frontman John E. Necro, is an abbreviation of the phrase "Open People's Minds" (originally "Other People's Money" [1] ). This was stated during an interview with MarijuanaRadio.com. The name also sounds like the drug opium. The band's original members were John E. Necro, Matthew Meschery and Geoff Turney, with Gary Dean and Etienne Franc later appointed permanent members in 2001. John E. and Geoff aka Casper first met on a bus ride with their girlfriends in 1996. At the time John E. was a label scout at Island Records and Geoff was in a band called "Alpha Jerk". [2] In 1997 John E. invited Geoff to do some recordings with him and his then brother-in-law Matthew Meschery. [3] After 2 years they finally managed to start writing songs and sent a 3 track demo to Atlantic Records, [1] leading them to get signed despite having never played live together. OPM released their debut album, Menace to Sobriety, in August 2000 on Atlantic Records. [4] Their debut single "Heaven Is a Halfpipe" charted worldwide and won the Kerrang! Award for Best Single. They performed their hit single on Top of the Pops on July 20, 2001. [5]

After the Menace to Sobriety tour, Matthew Meschery decided to leave the band. John E. Necro stated "that was the biggest blow of anyone" and "I don't think Matthew thought it through. It seemed like a really good idea when we got started, but it was more than he bargained for" during an interview in 2009. [6] In the October 2015 edition of Rock Sound magazine, Matthew revealed he would "often get stage fright" when performing live and "The idea of touring another record for two years felt pretty daunting. I was done." [7] Matthew along with Etienne Franc and Gary Dean then formed a band by the name of "The Free Agency" in 2003 after they all departed OPM. [8] As of 2007, Matthew has been working for ITVS. [9]

In 2002, they replaced Matthew with Big B and signed to Suburban Noize Records. They left Atlantic Records as they were not interested in releasing another OPM album. John E. spoke of this in 2004 by saying "They'd spent so much to promote the first album, that we thought everything was a go with the second record. But they kept sending us back into the studio…we wrote over 50 songs while waiting for the label to make a move. We finally got to the point where we realized that we needed more attention than they were giving us, so we started working on getting out of our deal." [10] Their second album, ForThemAsses , was released in June 2004. The album was produced by OPM and Steve Gallagher and features guest appearances by reggae artists Yellowman and Eek-A-Mouse along with Johnny Richter of the Kottonmouth Kings. The only single from the album was "Horny", which was released a year later in 2005. Jonathan Williams was then appointed as a permanent member, having provided keyboards for the ForThemAsses album. Matt Rowe was appointed as bass player in 2005 along with Robert Bradley on drums. Their third album was California Poppy , released in July 2006. The album was supported by the release of the In the OPMDEN EP in 2006. In 2008 Robert left the band and was immediately replaced by Carlos Perez. OPM released their fourth album, Golden State of Mind in September 2008. The album was produced by Michael Patterson who also produced the band's debut album. Carlos Perez then left the band to become the drummer for Big B in 2009 and was replaced by Shane Mayo.

The band joined the new label MNO records, founded by John E. and released their single "Holiday Under The Sun" in 2010. In 2012 the band released a new EP called Heaven Can Wait to celebrate 13 years since the band's formation. When asked why a 13th anniversary, John E. Necro explained the band was originally planning a 10th anniversary, but due to a band hiatus which involved building a new studio, he claimed the 10th year "slipped past us, without realizing" and decided on 13 since it is considered an unlucky number. [11] It featured 5 re-recordings of classic songs. In 2013 they released a new single entitled "Everything's The Same In LA". Matt Rowe and Shane Mayo left the band in 2014 to focus on their other band "Garrett Lee Robinson", who are also signed to OPM's label MNO records. In 2015 Carlos Perez returned to OPM to provide drums after originally leaving the band in 2009.

OPM released their 4th EP entitled " The Minge Dynasty " in August 2015 as well as announcing a European tour for 2015. [12] The EP features a new single called "Millionaire Like Me". Big B returns to feature on the EP, produced by Ras MG. They also re-released Menace to Sobriety in September 2015 for the 15th anniversary of the release of their debut album. [13] The re-release featured one bonus track called "Feel The Pain", which was one of the band's first songs recorded in 1999 with the original lineup (John E., Matthew and Geoff).

Members

Former members

Discography

Albums

EPs

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions
TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
AUS
[16] 		GER
[17] 		UK
[14]
"Heaven Is a Halfpipe"200059204Menace to Sobriety
"El Capitan"2001767120
"Stash Up" [18] —67—
"Horny" [19] 2005100——ForThemAsses
"Millionaire Like Me"2015———The Minge Dynasty
"Holiday Under the Sun" [20] 2010———Non-album singles
"Everything's the Same in LA" [21] 2013———

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Men Without Hats</span> Canadian synthpop and new wave band

Men Without Hats are a Canadian new wave and synth-pop band, originally from Montreal, Quebec. Their music is characterized by the baritone voice of their lead singer Ivan Doroschuk, as well as their elaborate use of synthesizers and electronic processing. They achieved their greatest popularity in the 1980s with "The Safety Dance", a worldwide top ten hit, and "Pop Goes the World". After a hiatus for most of the 1990s and 2000s, Doroschuk reformed the band in 2010, and released Love in the Age of War (2012). The group, based in Vancouver, has continued to perform, including tour dates in support of the release of two studio albums, Men Without Hats Again , in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ugly Kid Joe</span> American rock band

Ugly Kid Joe is an American hard rock band from Isla Vista, California, formed in 1989. The band's name spoofs the glam metal band Pretty Boy Floyd's name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iris (American band)</span> American synthpop band

Iris was an American synthpop band, formed by Reagan Jones and Mat Morris in 1993. After the release of their first album Disconnect, Matthew Morris was replaced with Andrew Sega, who pushed the band's sound in a more experimental electronic direction. Their final album, Six, was released in September 2019. Iris disbanded in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vinny Appice</span> American drummer

Vincent Samson Appice is an American rock and metal drummer best known for his work with the bands Dio, Black Sabbath, and Heaven & Hell. Of Italian descent, he is the younger brother of drummer Carmine Appice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Skiba</span> American musician (born 1976)

Matthew Thomas Skiba is an American musician. He is best known as the co-lead vocalist and guitarist of the punk rock band Alkaline Trio, and served as the co-lead vocalist and guitarist of Blink-182 from 2015 to 2022. Skiba's lyrical content commonly involves dark romantic themes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seventh Day Slumber</span> American band

Seventh Day Slumber is a Christian rock band from Dallas, Texas, formed in 1996. They were an independent band for five years until they signed with BEC Records in 2005. They are best known for their song "Oceans from the Rain" which was the 194th most played song on Christian CHR radio in 2006 according to the Weekend 22. Their songs have been featured frequently on X the album series.They are known for touring constantly and playing for crowds of 20-30.

<i>Menace to Sobriety</i> (OPM album) 2000 studio album by OPM

Menace to Sobriety is the debut studio album by American rock group OPM. It was released in August 2000 via Atlantic Records, and was re-released on September 8, 2015 as part of its 15-year anniversary. There is also a clean version of the album, which removes most of the profanities used on the explicit version and any drug references.

Sponge Cola is a Filipino rock band formed in 2002. The band is composed of Yael Yuzon on vocals and guitars, Gosh Dilay on bass, Armo Armovit on guitars and drummer Tedmark Cruz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keep of Kalessin</span> Norwegian metal band

Keep of Kalessin is a Norwegian extreme metal band from Trondheim, formed in 1993. The group's early lineup consisted of Ghash on vocals, Obsidian C. on guitars and keyboards, Warach on bass, and Vyl on drums. They released two albums under this lineup: Through Times of War in 1997, and Agnen: A Journey Through the Dark in 1999, before splitting up. Obsidian C. then toured with Satyricon, but revived the Keep of Kalessin name for a 2003 EP, Reclaim. In 2006, he reconstituted the group with a new lineup and released a third full-length, Armada. They toured with Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir early in 2008. Their fourth album Kolossus was released on 6 June 2008. They take their name from Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea series of books, where Kalessin is the name of the arch-dragon who is the bearer of the Earthsea world. Keep of Kalessin was nominated for a Spellemannprisen in the metal category in 2008.

<i>ForThemAsses</i> 2004 studio album by OPM

ForThemAsses is the second album by California band OPM, released on June 22, 2004. The album features Johnny Richter, Eek-A-Mouse and Yellowman. It produced one single "Horny" released in 2005. The 2005 release of the album features a front cover similar to the Outlaws, Perverts and Misfits EP as well as featuring 3 bonus tracks; "Down Under", "Conflict" and "Horny" featuring TJ Lavin.

<i>California Poppy</i> (album) 2006 studio album by OPM

California Poppy is the third album by California band OPM, released on July 18, 2006. It spawned two music videos: "For Tonight" and "Rock Me Slow".

The Expendables are an American reggae rock band from Santa Cruz, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Wonder Years (band)</span> American rock band

The Wonder Years is an American rock band from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, formed in July 2005. The band currently consists of Dan "Soupy" Campbell, Casey Cavaliere, Matt Brasch, Josh Martin, Nick Steinborn and Mike Kennedy. They have released seven full-length albums, two EPs, and several splits/compilations. The group is currently signed to Hopeless Records. Their name originates from a paper that Campbell read that was written by one of his after-school educators titled "The Wonder Years."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swim Deep</span> British indie rock band

Swim Deep are a British indie pop band formed in Birmingham, England. The band currently consists of Austin Williams (vocals), Cavan McCarthy (bass), James Balmont (keyboards), Robbie Wood (guitar), and Thomas Fiquet (drums).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heaven Is a Halfpipe</span> 2000 single by OPM

"Heaven Is a Halfpipe" (also known as "Heaven Is a Halfpipe (If I Die)") is a song by American rock band OPM. It was included on their debut studio album, Menace to Sobriety (2000), and was released on June 27, 2000, as its lead single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">El Capitan (OPM song)</span> 2000 song by Californian-based band OPM

"El Capitan" is the second single by American rock band OPM. The original version was featured on their debut studio album, Menace to Sobriety. It went on to chart at number 20 on the UK Singles Top 40. It was written about the band's favorite rum. The song was also remixed by Damien Mendis and Stuart Bradbury of SoulChild. It was re-recorded in 2012 for the Heaven Can Wait EP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stash Up</span> 2001 single by OPM

"Stash Up" is the third single released by OPM, and the final from the album Menace to Sobriety. It features samples of Jane's Addiction's Mountain Song, Boss's "I Don't Give a Fuck", Tenor Saw's "Ring The Alarm" and "Gimmie The Loot" performed by The Notorious B.I.G. The song was featured on Kerrang!'s The Best of 2001 compilation. It was re-recorded in 2012 for the Heaven Can Wait EP.

<i>In the OPMDEN</i> 2006 EP by OPM

In The OPMDEN is the second EP by OPM. It was released on June 18, 2006 by Suburban Noize Records, exactly a month prior to their album California Poppy. The EP features reggae artist Yellowman and a cover of The Clash's 1980 hit Bankrobber.

<i>Heaven Can Wait</i> (OPM EP) 2012 EP by OPM

Heaven Can Wait is the third EP by OPM. It was released for digital download on September 22, 2012. It features 5 re-recorded songs and was released to celebrate 13 years since the band's formation.

Matthew Thomas Mescherya.k.a.Shakey Lo the Creation Kid is a vocalist and programmer. He is best known for being the original lead vocalist of the California based band OPM. His father is former basketball player Tom Meschery.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "OPM Bio". mnorecords.com.
  2. ↑ "OPM – Hip Online". hiponline.com. February 14, 2008.
  3. ↑ "OPM". hiponline.com. February 14, 2008.
  4. ↑ Menace to Sobriety. "Menace to Sobriety: Opm: Music". Amazon. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  5. ↑ "OPM – Heaven Is A Halfpipe – Top Of The Pops – Friday 20th July 2001". youtube.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021.
  6. ↑ "OPM – Embracing the underground with SoCal style". newsvine.com.
  7. ↑ "Rock Sound Magazine – Issue 205 – October 2015". Round Sound Magazine.
  8. ↑ "Th3 Fr33 Ag3ncy". freeagencymusic.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2005.
  9. ↑ "ITVS 2011 Digital Survey – Matthew Meschery". youtube.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021.
  10. ↑ "OPM Bio, History, Info". www.jambase.com.
  11. ↑ "OPM INTERVIEW @ The Independent in Sunderland". ramzine.co.uk. October 5, 2012.
  12. ↑ "OPM + Big B – EU dates for 2015!". facebook.com/opmden. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022.
  13. ↑ "OPM The Borderline London". theborderlinelondon.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2015. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  14. 1 2 "OPM | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company . Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  15. ↑ "/ Discography". Allmusic.com. September 20, 2000. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  16. ↑ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 209.
  17. ↑ "Discographie OPM". offiziellecharts.de (in German). Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  18. ↑ "OPM – Stash Up". discogs.com. August 20, 2023.
  19. ↑ "OPM – Horny". discogs.com. August 20, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Holiday Under the Sun – Single". itunes. December 2010.
  21. ↑ "Everything's the Same in Los Angeles – Single". itunes. May 9, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.