Local rock act The Floorwalkers release debut CD

Skully's will host the release party Nov. 19

By John Benson

Special to Metromix

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The Floorwalkers' debut CD, "The Natural Road," will be released Nov. 19 at Skully's. (Credit: Courtesy of The Floorwalkers)
Over the past few years, The Floorwalkers have become one of Columbus' more popular local rock acts. However, unlike other outfits churning out post-grunge schlock, metal din or hardcore drivel, this sextet—Jon Elliott (lead vocals), Kerry Henderson (guitar), Theo Perry (guitar), Ben Meinhold (bass), Todd Hamric (piano/organ) and Tom Lasky (drummer)—seemingly explores less of someone’s favorite playlist and more the entire iPod.

That's how the group, which got its start when a few members were still in high school outside of Cleveland, packed in more than 600 people during its final weekly residency at Ruby’s, which began in Aug. 2007 and lasted through this past February.

Now the band is set to release its debut CD, "The Natural Road," during a release party Friday, Nov. 19 at Skully's.

We talked with Meinhold about the new album, the group's Central Ohio following and the future of the act.

Congrats on the release of your debut CD. How would you describe “The Natural Road”? 
It’s a very eclectic record. We’re a very eclectic band and we have a lot of influences, a lot of sides. No two songs sound alike. We’ve got a lot of real groovy, danceable music—real pop-oriented. We’ve been told it sounds like Jamiroquai, which I agree with. I’ve also heard Black Crowes.
 
How do those two seemingly incongruous sounds mesh?
We’re a very upbeat danceable band, kind of like Jamiroquai, and then the vocals are more Black Crowes—kind of bluesy but a little husky. It just works. It flows together and sounds good. For example, the first track on the record is the single called “Three Wishes.” It’s upbeat, funky. It’s real kind of Stevie Wonder influenced. Another track we like is “Love the Sun Away,” which is kind of an island-y, beachy sound. It’s almost reggae.

Dance music, blues and reggae. So The Floorwalkers aren’t afraid to explore whatever comes to mind?
We feel like that’s where music is going at the moment. It’s very eclectic and kind of non-genre, or submissive to genres. I’m not worried about it. All our songs sound good, everything sounds radio-friendly and it all flows nicely.
 
As far as the career is concerned, how many shows are The Floorwalkers playing?
Probably about 100 to 150 a year. That’s kind of where our income comes from now, and luckily we have a good following. We draw about 200 people at a show in Columbus. So we’re looking to take it as far as we can, obviously. If we can get on a record label and some support or a distribution deal would be ideal. Next for us is just getting some radio airplay and more publicity.

Finally, The Floorwalkers are known for playing a wide array of cover songs. Anything from Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix to The Allman Brothers Band and The Doors. What gives?
We’ve got tons of songs, over 100 cover songs we play out regularly. Our concert is not your run-of-the-mill show. People just come out, have a good time and leave feeling energized. 
 
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The Floorwalkers’s CD release show takes place at 10 p.m. Nov. 19 at Skully’s Music Diner, 1151 N. High St., Columbus. Cover is $10.  For more information, visit www.thefloorwalkers.com.