By Liz Simone, Staff Reporter
Five guys, three guitars, one set of drums and a microphone equals the band. However, Mostly Harmless did not start out this way. Austin Miller and Bryce O’Neal, now both juniors, started the band in 2008 when they were in eighth grade. The band’s original name was Sudden Ignorant Mime Death and was later changed to Mostly Harmless.
Mostly Harmless is comprised of lead vocalist, Matt Schulze, a Mehlville graduate and freshman at Meramec Community College; guitarist and back-up vocalist Austin Miller; guitarist Mason Miller; bass guitarist and back-up vocalist Bryce O’Neal; and drummer Chris Russell, all four of which are juniors at Mehlville.
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Mostly Harmless never ceases to strive for the best and plan to record with Jupiter Studios in the near future.
“We are saving money from our shows and working extra jobs to raise money for recording with Jupiter,” Miller said.
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The band has had many good experiences together and their friendships are strong. The future looks very promising for Mostly Harmless, as they continue to raise money and play new gigs every chance they get.
“Personally, I see Mostly Harmless touring the country in a beat down, old van, surviving off only the money we get from gigs and making a living having the most fun possible," O'Neal said. "Where that takes us? My answer: Does it matter?”
This group of musicians has made many memories throughout the variety of experiences they have had.
“(The best part of being in Mostly Harmless has been) being able to meet and talk to our favorite musicians and have them treat us as equals. That’s fantastic,” Austin Miller said.
Being in a band comes with responsibility, but also comes with the joy of the spotlight and the thrill of being on stage.
“Being on stage, in front of all of your friends and fans, is truly a genuine experience," O'Neal said. "It is a huge rush, and I really don't think there is anything like it. It's kind of like riding on a roller coaster, but everybody is watching you and applauding you after every flip and corkscrew.”
Austin Miller agreed and said, "It’s like every single good feeling in the entire world. It’s just pure happiness."
Mostly Harmless will appear in the Battle of the Bands at Meramec Community College on April 29 and at the Relay for Life on May 20 at Mehlville High School.
