New record in the works for Fern

November 1999

417 Magazine



We wrote about the local lads way back in September '98, after the release of their three-song cassette demo. Our verdict? Solid, servicable pop that could stand a little seasoning. Flash forward a little more than a year, and what are the boys from Fern doing? Opening for the Goo Goo Dolls as part of the Mp3 Music and Technology Tour. Not bad for a foursome from the Queen City. And yes, they've gotten that seasoning they needed.

"Lots of people are genuinely excited about the music," frontman Jason Gaylor says, and with good reason. Fern's new CD, "monologue," is a 10-track marvel of sparkling power pop.

Ten years ago, a local band like Fern could record its own music, litter the countryside with copies to radio stations and hope for spins (not to mention a deal with a major label) — not much personal empowerment there. But technology has altered the landscape in Fern's favor. The internet offers anyone witha computer and a phone line the chance to find downloadable fresh music in Mp3 format. That's how Fern mad its national mark: Getting good download numbers on Mp3.com. Attention there resulted in the gig with the Goo Goo crew.

"Overall, the tour was a great success," Gaylor reports via e-mail, "We met of lot of great people, and made some great contacts. We are thankful for the chance that we had to be exposed to crowds of thousands each night."

Plans for 2000 for the band include this, says Gaylor: "Continue to build our fan base, write new material, work on a new record, and possibly hook up again with the Goo Goo Dolls in the Spring." Heady stuff for the young men of Springfield.