O.A.R.: The American Alternative and Roots Rock Jam Band

O.A.R., an acronym for Of A Revolution, is an American rock band known for their blend of alternative rock, indie rock, and roots rock, built on a foundation of live improvisation and earnest songwriting. Hailing from Rockville, Maryland, the group has cultivated a dedicated fanbase through relentless touring and albums like 2008's "All Sides," which debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Gold.

Early career

The band formed in 1996 while its core members-vocalist/guitarist Marc Roberge, drummer Chris Culos, guitarist Richard On, and bassist Benj Gershman-were still in high school. Their early sound was shaped by college tours and a grassroots following, leading to the self-released albums "The Wanderer" (1997) and "Souls Aflame" (2000), which spread largely through fan trading of live concert recordings.

Breakthrough

O.A.R.'s major-label breakthrough came with the 2003 album "In Between Now and Then" on Everfine Records, featuring the hit single "Hey Girl." The band's reputation as a powerhouse live act was solidified by the 2004 live album "34th & 8th," recorded in New York City, which captured the energetic, communal spirit of their concerts and expanded their national reach significantly.

Key tracks

Hey Girl - This melodic, saxophone-driven track from "In Between Now and Then" became the band's first significant radio hit and a staple of their live sets.

Love and Memories - A driving rock song from the 2005 album "Stories of a Stranger," it received substantial airplay on alternative rock radio and remains one of their most recognizable tunes.

Shattered (Turn the Car Around) - The lead single from 2008's "All Sides," this pop-inflected rock song became O.A.R.'s highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 34.

Peace - Featured on the 2011 album "King," this anthemic track showcases the band's uplifting songwriting and roots rock influences.

I Go Through - A later-career highlight from the 2014 album "The Rockville LP," this song marked a return to the band's Maryland origins and a more introspective sound.

The band's consistent output includes albums like "The Rockville LP" (2014) and "XX" (2016), a double album celebrating their 20th anniversary. O.A.R. has collaborated with artists like Phillip Phillips and maintained their connection to fans through annual summer tours and destination concert events, all while operating largely independently after their stint with major labels.

Artists with a similar blend of alternative rock and jam-band sensibilities include Dave Matthews Band, known for their intricate musicianship and massive live following. Dispatch shares O.A.R.'s roots in grassroots touring and socially-conscious lyrics. The rock sound of Zac Brown Band also intersects with O.A.R.'s blend of rock, folk, and improvisation.

The music of O.A.R. is regularly featured on a variety of radio formats, from alternative rock stations that play their studio hits to online streams and independent stations that cater to the jam band and roots rock community.

Listeners can discover the extensive catalog of O.A.R., from early anthems to recent releases, through the radio stations featured on this website.