Otherwise
By: Blake Wilson

Bands go through phases, face obstacles and often meet their demise.  Otherwise have grown from playing in front of their parents to openers for Static-X
They have gone through many ups-and-down since their start in 2004.  After losing their guitarist, bassist and drummer, Otherwise were comprised of brothers and songwriters, Adrian Boylan and Ryan Boylan.
When they thought things were falling into place, after winning battle of the bands and opening for The Deftones, Otherwise split ways with former drummer Alan Doucette.  Winning battle of the bands earned them enough to fund their debut but it was not enough to keep Doucette.    
Their previous mates talents and musical interests limited them.  “With us being the only original members, and controlling the vision now, we can really do what we want to do,” Ryan said in reference to their most recent splits with drummer, guitarist and bassist.  With the old members gone and the vision in the brother’s hands, they set out for an ambient, indie rock ‘n’ roll sound.
What was next for the brothers from Otherwise?  They moved on.  They strayed away from playing songs off of their debut for their live shows, as they knew their music would change tremendously. 
Adrian and Ryan began the recruiting process.  They were thankful to get Radley Riego formerly of KDT on bass and Walker Warren of Trust Company.  Dave McMahan came from Clockwise to fill in on drums and the lineup was set.  With these replacements Otherwise were sure to go through another growing period. 
Adrian and Ryan take pride in being the main focus for songwriting but they are excited for what the new members have to offer.  They are very comfortable with the members gelling with the writing process.  “They fit in great,” Ryan said.  “They are willing to play one riff that sounds completely different from the next one,” said contributing songwriter Adrian.
It is unlikely that the bands forthcoming record will sound even remotely the same as their debut after undergoing so many changes.  This aspect motivates them.  “We have a new shift in dynamics,” Adrian said.  “It is almost like we are a completely new band, with new guys who have new ideas.” Ryan added.
The band has progressed musically and gained national recognition despite all of their setbacks.  “We thought losing our original drummer was going to hurt us but, we have been getting calls out of the wood-works from professional musicians,” Adrian said.
Typically when you go to a local show in Las Vegas you can expect a few metal bands and an empty room.  Perhaps this was true for Otherwise, well, maybe not the metal part.  Their recent performances at Rainbow Bar and Grill and University Theatre were sold out disproving the phenomena that local bands do not attract an audience.  They wisely chose Larry Elyea of Minds Eyes Digital Studio, who produced some of Jimmy Eat World’s previous tracks, to do their sophomore album.  When they work with this renowned Producer, another milestone will be accomplished.            
Local radio stations have embraced Otherwise as they are played in heavy rotation on Area 108, Xtreme Radio X107.5 and on Komp 92.3’s local show.  “We played a show in Brian Head and Xtreme Radio sponsored us,” Ryan said.
With the help of radio stations and sold out shows, Otherwise have gained a note-worthy local following that will continue to help them climb the ladder.  This opens the doors for them to play at more venues since they bring in revenue.
Being a member of an unsigned band can be discouraging and bands need to gain
inspiration beyond fame and fortune.  The brothers from Otherwise go out everyday and make music from their parents.  “A lot of bands are trying to get signed or write singles, but, for us at the end of the day, we want to write songs that reach out to people and make my parents proud,” said Adrian.