Page 11 - ION Indie Magazine MayJune 2023

MH: I can imagine how much work a band can put into writing and performing music.
What are some of the band's musical influences and what else inspires you all?

Jordan Stafford: For us, the experience of life creates the music itself. We are inspired by life's
lessons. Otherwise, you end up with synthetic compositions.

John Stafford: Musically, we are influenced by giants in the music industry -- from Hans Zimmer
to Stevie Wonder. Toto is a particular strong influence of ours. Each player was a master of
their craft. Many people don't have a clue that individually they played on over 5000 albums,
including Michael Jackson, Boz Scaggs, Earth, Wind & Fire, Steely Dan, and soooo many
more!

Kathi McKay: My personal musical influences were my Mother and Grandmother. My Mother
had a folk trio with her two brothers that would sing at family gatherings with soul-touching
three-part harmony. My grandmother was a classically trained soprano that used to breeze
around the house singing lilting German opera passages. The joy that I saw in them, and the
joy and connection that they brought to us through music, was exhilarating!

MH: OnesAll band also performs many covers during their show. Tell us about that side
of the band.

Brock Lange: We've all played in both original and cover bands before, so we know the different
dynamic between the two. It can be hard as an original musician to get buy-in from the
audience. As a cover band, we're able to easily connect with people through the songs that we
all love. Once we've built that relationship, it makes it a lot easier to introduce our own music
and have it appreciated more. It's almost a cheat code, but we definitely see it as a win-win.

Kathi McKay: All creatives and songwriters start with the familiar. Practicing the art of the greats
is just a means to an end for us. Covering great songs is like learning to paint by applying the
techniques of Michangelo or to write by studying Shakespeare. Our cover material allows us
to study the art of music. Playing covers also allows us the chance to practice the art of
performance. We are just practicing the art, so we can apply those techniques to our original
songs. The covers are not the end, they are just a vehicle to practice and learn how to apply
what we have learned to our original material.

MH: In your precious off time, what does each member of the band like to do?

Kathi McKay: Besides planning and attending all the family parties and get togethers for
fourteen of us, we all have our ‘own musical thing’ going on. All of us teach our respective
instruments. We have a family (surprise) teaching/recording studio (https://timeharmony.com)
and have collectively taught hundreds of students over the years. For one of my solo projects,
I just finished a meditative CD ‘HEALING SOL,’ using the Solfeggio healing frequencies.

John Stafford: In addition to our family and our private students, Kathi, Jordan, and I also write
music for Independent Film and other projects for hire.

Jordan Stafford: I have a month-old newborn that is the delight of my life. Other than that, I
have my own project that I like to experiment with called SONIC CHEMIST.
(https://www.youtube.com/@sonicchemist7998). I am searching for the mysteries within music
and how I can write and produce a quality music library.

Brock Lange: John and I have a fun side project, TURBOVIPER, a synthwave/metal band.
Each track is inspired by a different action movie of the 80's.
(https://www.youtube.com/@turbovipermusic). When I'm not making music, I am busy being a
father of three, working in education, and going to the gym.