Unsigned Spotlight: Onism E
Onism E is a soulful indie rock group that have spent the last year using their voices to make a difference amidst the hate and injustices we've seen.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Eline Chavez – Singer, Songwriter, and Guitars
Chris “CeeRod” Rodriguez – Bass
Chris “Lefty” Vargas” – Guitars
Raj Arenas - Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Onism E? How long has the band been around?
We have all had projects to some extent. Anything we could play to keep us busy including, cover bands. Onism E started with just me and, in preparing for SXSW in 2020, I brought on the guys to play some live shows. With all the live shows canceled, I went back to my studio to write. We didn't get to play live but, it launched this version of Onism E.
What kept and solidified this lineup together is the ability to record at home. I had songs I was working so instead of figuring out all the parts like I had been doing, I reached out to the fellas. It was the best decision I could have ever made.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
I started Onism E with a talented guitar player; we originally went with the name Onism EV. He decided to do his own thing after our first EP and, I kept the Onism E and dropped the V. The word onism is still very much alive in me and still fits who I am today.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
For the most part, I write the songs. I write about my life, life in general, and how I view the world and the state of it. There's been a lot to write about in the last couple of years. Ha.
I love to write with a solid rhythm section which, I have now so, I am looking forward to the days we can hang out in the same room and create.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
In no particular order:
Jade Byrd, Sharon Van Etten, K.Flay, LP, Brittany Howard, Chrissie Hynde, Paulo Nutini, Ben Howard, Phoebe Bridgers, Jack White, The Strokes, Fink, and Ben Harper. That’s just this week. Ha.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Eline:
My first real concert was Bonnie Raitt; I think I was 11 or 12. My second was Melissa Etheridge; I was 12 or 13. I was in awe of both of them and went home and asked my parents for a guitar. The rest is history.
Raj:
INXS when I was 11. I wanted to play like Jon Farris.
CeeRod:
The first time I heard Primus.
Lefty:
Pantera, 1996. Dimebag Darrell made the guitar make sounds I had never heard before. Seeing him play live was an experience I will not forget.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
A lot of stretching goes on backstage. We stretch and, I drink tea with honey, lemon, and sometimes a little scotch.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
2020 was good for us. Winning the Power to the People contest sponsored by the JLSC was unexpected. We also won Radio Wigwam’s Best Indie Rock Act for 2020. That was unexpected but wonderful.
In a year without live shows, I am thankful for the ability to stay creative.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
I'd love to tour with Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Joan Jett, Sharon Van Etten, Phoebe Bridgers, Jade Bird, Brittany Howard, Jack White, Manchester Orchestra, The Pretenders, Foo Fighters, The Police, and LP. Why? Because they're amazing live. We'd have to step up our game a little but, we're up for the challenge.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We are all hopeful that 2021 will have us back out playing shows. It has been a tough year for everyone in the scene and, I hope we're able to get back out there soon.