The Originalites

Sunday, 16 January 2011 The Music, Passion and Lifestyle of the Originalites

"Many bands start up in garages every year, and local success can be attained in some cases, but for Fountain Valley’s Originalites, success will be far-reaching. Starting from the roots and branching out, the Originalites express a positive lifestyle in everything they do. Their recordings reflect their innermost thoughts about life and love, with a twist toward optimism. It’s no wonder that their fans and admirers seem to glow with enthusiasm as they bounce and nod along with the up-beat tones.

Locals may recognize this group, who categorize themselves as fitting in the ska, dub and punk music genres. Three Originalites, Tim Frankeny, Daniel Tello and Peter Fontes, attended Fountain Valley High School, and the band practices locally. The band has the distinction of being named top band at the Fountain Valley Battle of the Bands at the city’s three-day celebration, Summerfest.

The band blends a few musical styles to create its unique sound. Audiences respond to the reggae influences with rhythmic lyrics and party attitude, then the band changes gears slightly to convey meaty messages with a punk rock flavor. Whatever they’re doing it’s working; just last month the band placed a remarkable second at “The Next Big Thing Tour” at the West Hollywood stop. Held at the legendary Cat Club, more than 40 bands competed for top honors. Band spokesperson and saxophone player Mike Belk explained how the sound comes together.

“We like playing together because of our unique chemistry and confidence in each others’ abilities to make such a full sound as a four member band.”

In addition to sharing music, the boys in the band are united in spirit, sharing a love of surf, skate and soccer. They commune with nature, and they share a commitment to helping others. The band has partnered with several charities to raise money for deserving causes. Among its beneficiaries are the Surfrider Foundation, the Moses Fund and Buy a Soldier Breakfast.

Humble Beginnings

The group came together somewhat by accident. Peter Fontes (drums) and Daniel Tello (lead guitar/vocals) played around with some guitar-and-drums songs, but the sound was not complete without a bassist. Peter was familiar with Tim Frankeny (bass guitar), and the two were united in 2008 at an eventful day of Saturday school at Fountain Valley High which contributed to the band's formation. Peter and Tim started talking about music, and discovered some common ground. The two soon jammed a cover song, Pawn Shop. Daniel joined them, and the three played long into the night, discovering that their music blended beautifully.

The band’s first efforts included songs by Sublime, Jimi Hendrix and some original efforts. Porque, and The Funk Song, yet to be released, are early works that were ready to play at their first shows at DiPiazza's, Evocal and Fountain Valley High School. In 2009, they landed a gig at African Corner in Fountain Valley, in support of the Moses Fund, and there they met Mike Belk, a talented saxophonist who became the band’s fourth member. The addition of Belk’s sax gave the group the tight sound and musical character that makes them stand apart from others.

Today, the group plays an average of three shows per week, including some very prestigious venues. Regular haunts include Hogue Barmichael’s, Chain Reaction, the Gypsy Den and other Southern California hotspots. "

"Our favorite show to date was on Dec. 1, 2010, at the House of Blues in Anaheim,” Belk said, “The house was packed, and we had over 500 tickets to give away to friends and family. The circle pit was massive and constant during our set.”

Inspiration

When asked about their favorite artists and their sources of inspiration, the band members shared some muses, and they also showed individual preferences. When asked about inspiration, the following thoughts were shared:

Mike: the ocean, sailing, Stan Getz, John Coltrane, John Klemmer, Peter Tosh, Steel Pulse, Tommy McCook, Jim Morrison, Paul McCartney, the Toasters, Bob Marley, and Bradley Nowell.

Daniel: waves, sun, moon, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Santana, Pink Floyd, Jimmy Page.

Peter: heaven, waves, ska, hardcore punk and Latin

Tim: King Tubby, Jet, the Beatles, Scientist, Prince Jammy, the English Beat, the Clash and many, many more surfers/skaters/sports figures/bands/artists, all styles of music

The Lifestyle

The Originalites stay active and healthy, enjoying many activities, such as surfing, skateboarding, body surfing and soccer. A regular day starts with a good breakfast before going surfing or skating, which is an essential aspect of their training regimen. After exercising their bodies they begin to exercise their voices and instruments. Daniel and Mike start each practice session before the others join in.

The vocalists exercise their voices and secure harmonies. Then they all set up their equipment and practice for as long as time permits, or however long it takes them to run through all their songs. After practice the band may call it a day, handle the band business (such as promotion), or get ready for performances on show days.

The Originalites plans to release a record sometime in the near future, but for now it's a steady schedule of club gigs, weddings, private parties and other events. They are looking forward to playing with a nationally-know act from New York City, the Toasters, on Jan. 31 at the Slidebar in Fullerton, and at an event on April 29 at Etnies Park in Lake Forest."

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