ROCKING THE PEACH STATE: Y-O-U, ATLANTA

Ask the members of the Atlanta rock band Y-O-U to describe their musical style, and you won't get a simple answer. The four band members have found inspiration in everything from neo-soul to rap, but as lead vocalist and guitarist Nicholas Niespodziani notes, "It all goes back to the classic rock our dads spun on their record players when we were in the cradle."

Now the grown-up rockers carry on a Georgia musical tradition rooted in the piano-powered hits of Ray Charles and Little Richard and the guitar-driven, lyrically rich songs of acts such as R.E.M. Although influenced by their famous forefathers, it's hard to categorize this band, comprised of Nicholas, Peter Oison (bass and vocals), Mark Cobb (drums and vocals), and clay Cook (organ, guitar, and vocals). There is, however, a simple word to describe them: "good."

Seasoned musicians with years of professional experience in the music industry, the members of Y-O-U use their different artistic backgrounds to create an eclectic, ever-changing style that has found a perfect home in Atlanta's diverse musical community.

A Band's Migration

Three of them-Peter, Nicholas, and Mark-moved South from their Indiana homes four years ago to pursue recording careers. Peter says Atlanta was their first choice.

"Atlanta is, without a doubt, the hotbed of musical talent in the Southeast," he says. "For us it easily edged out other top music cities such as Miami and Jacksonville."

After a few years playing the city's vibrant club scene, the three Southern transplants joined with clay, who hails from Snellville, Georgia, and has worked with the likes of John Mayer, Sugarland, and The Marshall Tucker Band.

Of Love and Politics

The focus has changed considerably since Y-O-U recorded its self-tided first album in 2003. "Our older songs are mostly love songs," Nicholas explains. "And there is no higher calling than writing a great love song." Their second album, Everything is Shifting, focuses on more complex issues such as politics and spirituality.

"Everything is Shifting is a kind of a concept record about change," Nicholas says. "I think our country is undergoing some pretty momentous shifts, and our record is a small attempt to call attention to that."

In between recording sessions, Y-O-U continues to move forward by playing to crowds across the Southeast and gathering material for a third album. "This record will really focus on capturing the energy of our live shows," Nicholas says. "We're poring over the structures and sounds coming out of our instruments with a much more scrutinizing ear."

Although other cities offer plenty of musical possibilities, Atlanta continues to be the perfect place for the band to make its mark. "I'd compare the rock scene here to a really nice, ripe pile of avocados," says Nicholas with a grin. "It's ready to be converted into some very tasty guacamole."

-SABRA SNYDER

If you want to hear Y-O-U, check out www.pleaserock.com. Some of the group's favorite CDs include All the World Asleep Tonightby Telegram, another Atlanta-based band; Kicking Television by Wilco; and The Bends by Radiohead. To listen to the musicians' audio tracks, visit southernliving.com/features.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Apr 2006
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