Captivating audiences with its dark, rich blend of haunting songs and transcendent vocals, the group October Project will be returning to the area for its second performance this year.
Singing and playing instruments since their early childhood, group members Marina Belica, Julie Flanders and Emil Adler all grew up in the Manhattan area. However, they did not begin playing together until college.
"The three of us met on our first day at Yale and, as a group, we started writing songs and even had our first major production during our senior year," said Marina Belica, October Project vocalist. "Over the years, we have been through the rigors of the music industry and yet we still love each other and the music so much. It adds a lot to our lives and those of the people who come to see us perform."
Although the original group took a break in 1996 for personal reasons, Flanders, Belica and Adler have continued to make music together and in 2003 released a six-song EP, "Different Eyes," as a prelude to a full-length album due to come out this fall.
"When it comes to performing, Julie and I love singing our harmonies together," said Belica. "We also have a cello, guitar and percussion playing with us, which adds variety and spark on stage. The reality aspect, such as getting bookings, is the frustrating park of being in the music industry, but it has all been worth it in the end."
Throughout the years, the band has had the pleasure of touring with many different artists, but one stands out the most. "Sarah McLachlan is one of the most amazing people we have worked with," said Belica. "She is as genuine and real onstage as she is off. She is also generous, considerate and extremely talented. She was always welcoming and warm and treated us like family."
From the beginning, the group has been inspired by the work of numerous other artists. "I admire people like Jane Siberry who have made it big on their own," said Belica. "The key is to operate outside the system and make it work."
While pressure exists in the music industry to conform to what people want of you and take the safe route, "we did what we wanted and chose joy over safety," said Belica. "We are therefore a unique group that is passionate about the inspiration music gives us and our audiences."
The set at Jammin' Java will occur on Friday, July 22, at 8 p.m., and will feature songs from throughout the group's history as well as new material from the upcoming album. For more about October Project and music samples, visit the group's Web site at www.octoberproject.net.