A New York Minute With The Omega Moos

Those of us who live in or around New York are in for a special treat this weekend when the Omega Moos make a rare appearance outside of the midwest. The Moos feature Brendan Bayliss and Ryan Stasik of Umphrey’s McGee along with Darren Shearer and Jamie Shields of the New Deal mashing up genres and delivering a non-stop dance party. Tomorrow night the boys bring their unique blend of styles to Water Street Music Hall in Rochester, before heading to New York City for a late-night Rocks Off concert cruise aboard the Temptress on Friday. The mini-tour concludes on Saturday with a show at Revolution Hall in Troy.

Omega Moos (Pete Townshend may NOT be included)

Recently we spoke with Darren Shearer about playin’ with the Moos:

Hidden Track: How did the Moos come together?

Darren Shearer: The Moos came together because of a mutual love of classic rock, as well as a brotherly love for each other as players. Hence, the sorority name “Omega Moos”. I love how Bayliss’s guitar meshes in with our electronic sensibilities; and Stasik, well, he’s the man on the low-end and super-fun to play with. It started out as a bit of a joke, but we’ve definitely forged our own sound since playing together. It is always a blast. Those boys know how to throw down the techniques, for sure.

HT: How do you guys decide which songs to play/cover?

DS: They pretty much comes from the god of Classic rock aficionado-ness, James “Guitar” Shields. And then we get em’ into our hot little hands and remix them up a little in true Omega Moos style. What’s funny is, I think that sometimes the younger audiences don’t know that they’re covers. I wish I could take credit for those melodies!!

HT: Can we expect any new material this run?

DS: Absolutely. A bunch of new songs. We keep the material secret for each run, but let me tell you that memories of the music you were listening to while sitting in the backseat of your mom’s Volvo, on the way to your dentist appointment will be conjured up for sure. All with that New Deal techno twist.

HT: Any plans to record?

DS: Hmmmmm. Not sure, but it would be pretty cool. We also do a large amount of improv stuff, that usually takes on more of an Umphreys flavor, but considering how busy we are and the fact that we live 10 hours away from each other, it might be hard. I’d love to release a live show though!

For a taste of what you can expect from an Omega Moos show be sure to check out the collection of tunes on their MySpace.