User:TheOkayThrill/sandbox

The Okay Thrill is an American alternative rock band from Kansas City. The band currently consists of Matt Shelton (vocals, lead guitar), Luke Walker (vocals, guitar), John Steinmetz (drums), and Melanie Webster (bass). They have released one EP, along with several singles.

History
The Okay Thrill is a musical collaboration between four of the most original and creative artists in Kansas City. Headed by singer/songwriter/guitarists Matt Shelton and Luke Walker, The Okay Thrill officially began as a trio in late 2006, with the addition of drummer John Steinmetz. The group initially began playing shows at "Open Mic" nights at a number of local venues, while recording demos on an 8-track digital recorder.

Soon after playing at more prominent venues in the Kansas City area, Micah Walker, brother of Luke, was added on the keyboard. Micah's wide variety of playing styles added a new dynamic that the band had previously been without. After two years of playing shows, the band was still without a solid album. As this problem was weighing on the band's progress, it was announced by singer/guitarist Matt Shelton that he would be taking a two-year hiatus from the band as he fulfilled a personal obligation in San Diego, California.

The band remained mostly stagnant during this period, playing few shows, and making little progress on an album. With the return of Matt Shelton in May 2010 came a new energy that the band had been lacking since its earlier years. The band immediately began practicing, recording, and playing small venues. Eventually, a 4-song EP was recorded in the home studio of drummer John Steinmetz. It was released in November of 2010.

As the band began to pick up steam, they realized that five years into their project, they still had not acquired a solid bass player. This problem was remedied by the addition of Melanie Webster in early 2011. The EP was then partially rerecorded and remixed with new vocal and bass tracks to reflect the band's new dynamic. After a several month period of few performances, the band once again began playing major Kansas City venues in mid 2011. The departure of Micah Walker in August of 2011 once again left the band as a quartet.

With the inclusion of many newly written and rewritten songs in the band's setlist, they plan to begin recording a new album starting in October of 2011, with a release date in early 2012.

Press
The Okay Thrill has been mentioned by name in The Pitch, a newspaper dedicated to the greater Kansas City area, and other websites regarding upcoming shows, etc. The Okay Thrill is also featured in an episode of KC Anthem, a TV show which interviews musical talent and broadcasts all over the world directly from www.kcanthem.tv.