Fern Finds a Friend

Jan 2, 2000

Thomas Conner
Tulsa World

For Lesson No. 347 on the virtues of the Internet for new music, look to the Missouri band Fern. After uploading several of their chunky pop-rock songs to the popular MP3.com site, they landed a tour with the Goo Goo Dolls.

"They gave our stuff, along with about 20 other bands, to the Goo Goo Dolls, and they picked us for the tour," said Fern singer-songwriter Jason Gaylor. "We did eight shows. It was only half the tour because our drummer was getting married right in the middle of the schedule, but it was still a great experience and a lot of fun."

The opportunity came along because of the response Fern's music had received on the web site. Music business scouts pay particular attention to the number of hits musicians receive on the web. It's democracy in action - and no one has to endure a smoky bar.

Fern's Internet success have even saved the band, Gaylor said. "We possibly could have broken up by now were it not for things like the Goo Goo Dolls tour and the sales we've had online. It keeps morale up," Gaylor said.

"We get e-mails from fans in Massachusetts and wherever we've been, and it really reminds you that people are out there and they get it. Bands have never had that kind of feedback before."

Fern played Tulsa a couple of times last year on the heels of fellow Springfield-area neighbors Flick. Fern was supporting its first full-length CD, the self-produces "Monologue," featuring the irresistible and radio-friendly "Sentimental Lovely Day." That record included several tracks recorded with producer Ted Nicely (Girls Vs. Boys, Fugazi) thanks to development money from three major record labels - Work Group, Dreamworks and Lava-Atlantic.

Gaylor said the band this month plans to return to the studio-that is, his basement - and begin work on the follow-up CD.

"This next record will be a little more raw. We'll be a little more creative with the sounds and dynamics instead of putting out just a clean radio mix, instead of a real overproduced sound. We want to capture the energy of the band's live performance, which I think is what most bands are after, unless you're R&B or whatever else is out there."

Fern will be sprouting all over Green Country this weekend. Catch them first at 7 p.m. Friday at Will Rogers Downs, 16305 Highway 20, in Claremore. That show also includes Claremore's Bag Eyes and two Tulsa bands, the Kickbacks and Human Genome Project (formerly Pturd). Fern will play again at 9 p.m. Saturday at the Eclipse, 1336 E. Sixth St. Admission to both shows is $5 at the door. Or catch them for free at 2 p.m. Sunday at Wherehouse Music, 51st Place and Sheridan Road.