Huntsville’s Own Drop Diver Shakes Up the Music Scene
Here in Huntsville, Alabama, the local music scene is alive and buzzing, thanks to an up-and-coming alternative/punk rock band named Drop Diver. This lively group consists of five talented musicians: Garrison Lemmond on vocals and rhythm guitar, Evan Ohlsen on lead guitar, Dylan Coty handling the bass, Brennan Persing on drums, and Wesley Weirich adding depth on keyboards. The band has been making waves and turning heads, and it’s easy to see why.
The Story Behind the Name
So, how did the name Drop Diver come to be? Well, Garrison Lemmond, the frontman, came up with it back in 2018 while living in a rusty old houseboat that was parked in his parents’ backyard. Talk about a creative spark! At the time, Garrison had a collection of songs written, and he started recording and releasing them. His passion for music led him to find the other talented guys in the band.
Tuning Into The Doors
Recently, we had a chance to chat with Garrison about what music is inspiring him at the moment. One of his all-time favorites? The self-titled debut album by The Doors from 1967. “Every time I play this record, I listen to it all the way through,” Garrison tells us. He loves the unique vibe Jim Morrison brings to the album, with an attitude that simply screams, “I’m cooler than you, and you know it.”
Each band member brings their own top-notch talent to the table, creating a strong debut record that keeps Garrison coming back for more. He describes Robby Krieger’s guitar solo in “Backdoor Man” as being particularly raw, simple, and bluesy—evoking a sense of nostalgia while paying homage to legendary blues musicians like Howlin’ Wolf. “It reminds me of Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Smokestack Lightnin’,” Garrison notes.
Musical Nostalgia
Listening to The Doors takes Garrison back to his high school days, where he would sing along to “Break On Through” in his room, belting out the iconic lines about getting high. It was during those moments that he realized he wanted to be the frontman of a band himself.
Track Favorites
When pressed for his top tracks from the album, Garrison lights up as he mentions, “I’d say my two favorites right now are probably Crystal Ship and Twentieth Century Fox.” It’s clear that this album has left a lasting mark on him, filled with memories and inspiration that continue to feed his own music-making.
Album Art Appreciation
As if the music itself wasn’t captivating enough, Garrison also has a soft spot for the album’s cover art. “It features half of Jim Morrison’s face on the left, and then John Densmore’s head takes up the spot where Jim’s other eye would be. It’s quite an interesting design!” He explains how the big green font stating “The Doors” above the band members adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the record.
The Collection and Community
For those who haven’t had the chance to dive into The Doors, Garrison recommends this album as a great starting point. He believes there’s enough variety in it for a wide range of music lovers to appreciate, making it a perfect entry point into the band’s rich discography.
As Drop Diver continues to grow and evolve, they’re not just carving out a niche for themselves in Huntsville’s music scene; they’re also inviting others to join in on the ride. Keep an ear out for them, as these talented musicians have a lot to offer! You can expect to hear more from them as they work on new music and hopefully bring their vibrant sound to stages around town.
