For the past two and a half years, Scubadog has been making waves in the Athens music scene. But when the band’s bassist left last August, the band was forced to regroup.
Scubadog turned to Jesse Remnant of Athens’ own Southeast Engine to fill the void left by Teddy Humpert.
“It was a big shift this past summer. If we were to keep going it would have to be with the exact person fit for the job, and we were very fortunate to find Jesse,” said vocalist and guitarist Jake Householder.
“He saved us. He’s our Han Solo.”
Joining the band was a big change for Remnant as well, who had to adjust to a new band dynamic after his years with Southeast Engine.
“As a new member of the band, it’s a completely different writing process than I’ve ever been a part of,” Remnant said. “It’s much more collaborative than everything I’ve ever done.”
One of the aspects that set Scubadog apart from other bands is its habit of keeping its songs nameless. Vocalist Josh Antonuccio said he feels this allows the group to interact more with its audiences during shows.
“It’s not like, ‘Here, let’s put on a show for you,’” Antonuccio said. “It’s more like, ‘Hey, let’s all get together and dance around and have a good time.’ You can’t really force that into an album.”
Although Scubadog’s tracks may remain nameless, Householder said he feels the songs are anything but forgettable.
“I don’t think there is one song that’s been created since the inception of this band that we’re not still currently playing,” Householder said. “I still feel them. I’m still connected to them. That’s a rare thing.”
Even though the band doesn’t have any specific plans for the future, Antonuccio said that its members hope to continue to live the dream: enjoying their music and focusing on the journey instead of the destination.
“We’ve been really blessed. I feel like people are coming out and enjoying themselves and that is all we are really asking for,” Remnant said.
The group will play at Casa Nueva, 4 W. State St., Thursday night. In addition to playing with Scubadog, Remnant will open with a solo set, followed by indie rockers Old Hundred.
lf328610@ohiou.edu
