While many bands are content with their sound, and happy with their performances no matter what, Upland-based One Last Look thinks differently. The quartet, while happy with their musical knowledge and skills, are always looking to step up its game, and become better at its craft, especially when it listens to some of the other bands hitting airwaves today.
"When we listen to pro and good local bands, we always want to move it up to the next level," Travis Valera siad. "We have different effects and leads that make us sound unique. We also get into more technical, digital stuff that requires a lot of coordination to perform it live."
Together on and off for the past year, Upland's Valera, George Shrouder, Shane Valera and Joe Dugan have spent much time working together to perfect their sound. Now, as they get ready to announce the name of their new bassist, they can't help but remember how One Last Look all began.
"We were all friends going to the same school, with one very important common interest: music," Valera said. "We are also all neighbors, which is awesome because we get to practice whenever because gas isn't a factor."
One Last Look plays Saturday at The Wire Music and Art Venue in Upland with Redhill Avenue, Mistaken Future, The AndBrian Synopsis, and Courage to Dream Again. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is open to all ages.
"We have a lot of different influences," Valera said. "You can really tell who we were all listening to during certain time periods when you hear our lyrics and tracks. Some of the artists who we really look up to are The Devil Wears Prada, Attack Attack!, Before Their Eyes, and Atreyu. We like to mix all of our influences together, and pick them apart to make a different and unique sound."
Valera believes that creating a different and unique sound isn't as complicated as it sounds; especially when you have the assistance of some great professional bands to lead the way for you. Valera, who pens many of the lyrics for One Last Look finds that he doesn't necessarily have to go looking for inspiration; often, it just comes calling in the form of society, or different issues taking place in his life during that particular time.
And while he would love to proclaim that One Last Look hasn't encountered any obstacles during their time together, Valera finds it difficult to do so. In his mind, one of the biggest obstacles is simply seeing how people react to One Last Look's offerings. But this time around, Valera isn't worried. He's confident that people will enjoy what One Last Look serves up.
"You'll see us going crazy sweating, and making people want more," Valera said. "Basically, something different, and a show you won't forget."
One Last Look with Redhill Avenue, Mistaken Future, The AndBrian Synopsis and Courage to Dream
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: The Wire Music and Art Venue, 247 N 2nd Avenue, Upland
Tickets: $10
Info: (909) 985-9466
