Wanda English Burnett, Editor

There’s something to be said about being in the right place at the right time. It also helps to have natural talent, as four boys from Osgood, who are known as the 650north band do.

The band is comprised of Matt Schuerman, 24, vocals/guitar; Andrew Vollmer, 22, guitar/vocals; Chris Bultman, 22, bass/vocals; and Josh Lohrum, 22, drummer.

The group marches to their own drummer so to speak, as they almost exclusively create their own lyrics, notes and style. Now their talent is being heard across the airwaves in several states since they released their latest album, Empty Drawer, in April. This production was recorded in Nashville, TN, with producer Chris Henry (Buck Cherry). It was engineered by George Tutko, who worked with Blondie, KISS, John Mellencamp, Rio and The Stones. The album was mastered in California at the Bernie Grundman Studios.

650north is getting exposure with at least 14 plays weekly as their music is being played in rotation on radio stations from Indiana to Texas, Georgia and Florida. Booking agents are working on expanding their tour south, which will be huge for the local band, according to Jerry Vollmer, the band’s manager.
Rami Jaffee made a guest appearance on the latest album released by 650north, performing on the keyboard. He, along with Jacob Dylan, (Bob Dylan’s son) founded The Wall Flowers. “His talent is incredible,” noted Vollmer. Jaffee’s keyboarding is also heard as he performs with the Foo Fighters.
After hearing 650north perform, Kirk Fredrickson liked what he heard and the rest was history, according to Vollmer. He connected the group with Chris Henry in Los Angeles. The words, “I’ve found one of the greatest bands,” truly applied when Henry heard the music Fredrickson sent him.

650north has a summer tour scheduled and will be appearing with music greats such as national recording artist Seven Mary Three. One of those stops will bring them right back to their hometown, Osgood. It will be held at the Osgood Grub Co., August 23, beginning at 6 p.m. “They are really excited to be performing in their hometown with such a great band,” noted Vollmer. The evening will be outside standing room only with other bands being heard as well. Seven Mary Three is known for songs, Cumbersome, and Waters Edge. Tickets for the event are limited and available at the Grub Co. or online at 650north.com/tickets.

The latest album of 650north is being distributed with Karma records, and can be purchased at some Greensburg stores.

People in the music industry are hearing the talents of the Osgood four and the lines of communication are lighting up, according to Vollmer. As their music gets exposure on the airwaves, the band’s performance schedule is also heating up. Right now members of the band are all employed outside the music industry. “Their employers have really been great to work with them with their schedule,” Vollmer stated.

“The boys are really humble,” noted Vollmer, who said old-fashioned manners is first priority of business for the group. Probably their biggest opening was for Guns and Roses in Warsaw, Poland a couple of years ago. They are excited about the latest developments with their band, but maintain a hometown attitude that seems to be the ticket.

650north on the road