Chicago band Oh My God has seen its fair share of bad luck. Since their formation in 1999, they have encountered accidents, thefts, fires, illness and family trials.
The band’s organist Ig explained that their last round of bad luck had an effect on the overall vibe of their latest album The Night Undoes the Work of the Day, which was released in 2009. In addition, it influenced some of the specific lyrics of the album.
“There are some aches and pains on that album…but hope and humor, too. We bring the whole package here at Oh My God Music, Inc.!” he said.
Prior to the release of The Night Undoes the Work of the Day, the band released six other albums.
Ig co-founded the band with singer Billy O’Neill more than 10 years ago, and they both remain the songwriters.
“We started with guitar in the band, went most of our years without it and recently added it again. But all along, it’s been built around the chirps and screams of the organ I play and the emotions, words, melodies and hang-ups of Billy E. O’Neill,” Ig said.
While he explained that they both came from very different backgrounds, their collective inspirations include Van Halen, Black Sabbath, John Lennon and REO Speedwagon.
“The music is really all over the place, from melodic, melancholy reverbed-out piano songs to gritty, grimy, distorted-organ garage-rockers. I can only describe the particular song playing at the moment,” he said.
Currently, the band is focusing on their remaining tour dates and, as Ig said, “on not crashing or falling victim to theft or conflagrations along the way.”
In addition, they have put out videos for “Bring Yourself” and “My Own Adventure,” both of which are on their most recent album.
The band will be playing in St. Louis at the Firebird on Oct. 7.
“Our live show is the center of the Oh My God universe. It’s unpredictable, even to the band mates, and overflowing with energy and emotion. Brief nudity and adult situations abound, too. No joke,” he said.
Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show begins at 9:30 p.m. Tickets will cost $10.
For more information on the band, visit ohmygodmusic.com.
