Roseburg: A Resilient Sonic Journey Through Adversity

In the ever-evolving tapestry of indie and alternative rock, Roseburg emerges as a vibrant fusion of musical talents. The quartet, comprising Zach Knell, Samuel Sheppard (known as YesterKid), Keith Lambson (from Dryggs), and Soren Buchert, first united their creative forces in the picturesque town of Roseburg, Oregon. While their origins may be rooted in this charming locale, they’ve since transplanted themselves to the inspiring landscapes of Utah.

The genesis of Roseburg’s story finds its roots in a chance encounter. In December of 2016, Zach Knell and Samuel Sheppard found themselves serving as missionaries in the quaint town that would later inspire their band’s name. Fate intervened, and on a fateful night, they penned the initial notes that would eventually blossom into the band’s second single, “Identity Prices.” The catch? Their communication was strictly relegated to handwritten letters, adhering to their mission’s rules. Undeterred by this constraint, their vision of forming a band once they returned home took root and steadily flourished.

In the years that followed, Roseburg meticulously crafted their signature sound, evolving into an electrifying, alternative rock sensation that could induce adrenaline rushes with every chord progression.

But just as their star was ascending and they had released their debut full-length album, a cruel twist of fate emerged in the form of a global pandemic. Overnight, the promising trajectory of Roseburg was put on indefinite hold, casting uncertainty over their future. The hiatus that ensued was a test of their resilience and dedication.

However, the story took an unexpected turn last year when Roseburg emerged from their two-and-a-half-year silence with the release of their single “Alice.” The response was overwhelming, catapulting them back into the music scene’s spotlight.

Now, as they unveil their latest offering, “2 in a Million,” Roseburg reflects on their second chance and the opportunity to start anew. This EP marks a significant departure from their debut album, delving into more intimate and personal territory. Zach Knell explains, “It’s a record of our journey as a band and the close-knit community we’ve built around it. We’re immensely grateful to be reunited with the people we love, doing what we love.” The EP takes listeners back to the band’s roots, delivering a chill, organic soft rock sound tinged with the nostalgia of early 2000s pop punk.

“2 in a Million” is an emotional rollercoaster, featuring tracks like “Sun Sick,” which delves into the frustrations of writer’s block and career obstacles. The EP also chronicles the band members’ struggles during the pandemic, their eventual reconciliation in songs like “See You Never” and “Flowers,” and their unwavering determination to persevere in “Obliviamos.” Knell elaborates on “Obliviamos,” stating, “The title is a fictitious Spanish word with the suffix ‘Amos,’ signifying ‘together.’ Into oblivion, together. It expresses our hope that despite the trials, we can still make this work. Even if we, and perhaps external voices, thought we had faded into oblivion, we’re in this together, come what may. But we’re holding onto hope that we’ll find our way.”

The focal point of the EP is “Good Morning,” a direct response to the final track on their previous record, “Goodnight Punk.” This song conveys their gratitude for waking up in a peaceful place after a long and painful night, surrounded by the people they cherish.

Roseburg’s ability to craft music with a timeless appeal is evident, keeping their sound fresh and polished. With features on Spotify’s editorial playlists and over 10 million streams to their name, this quirky quartet has garnered support from esteemed outlets like Alternative Press, Earmilk, and Atwood Magazine, among others.

As Roseburg embarks on this new chapter, we can’t help but be excited about the promising horizons that await them. Their resilience and dedication to their craft shine brightly, ensuring that their music remains a force to be reckoned with in the indie and alternative rock scene. Where Roseburg is headed next is a journey we eagerly anticipate.

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