Here Today- But Not Gone Tomorrow
By Kristi Kastrounis, 04.13.06
Virginia Beach, Va. - “I was in my geology class one day, trying to think of a logo, and I just wrote it like that,” said Matt Murphy, an accounting major from University of Mary Washington, and bassist for .HEREtoday. “The name of the band is [HEREtoday] because the only time you are promised is right now, here today.”
.HEREtoday. evolved from the meager beginning of two friends from the dorms, a guitar, and a bass. Murphy and John Daubert, a biology major and Young Life leader, founded the band as the bassist and guitarist. Soon to follow was Ed Dickerson, who added fanatical band antics, vocals, and some intense violin.
Chip Holt, a DJ at the time, was the last piece of the band to fall into place. Holt, a guitarist and singer, and his brother Bryan, a drummer, convinced the guys from Mary Washington to play in a battle of the bands contest. Murphy, Daubert, and Dickerson joined the Holt brothers with instruments in hand, and took the stage. Though they had never played together before, they won the battle.
Five years after their win, drummer Jon Bibb recently assumed the role of drummer for .HEREtoday. Bibb has his schedule packed with drumming in two bands, Pash and .HEREtoday. as well as completing his degree in English. Yet, he doesn’t seem to mind.
“They’re all really cool guys,” Bibb said.
Recently the band played at Cheeseburger in Paradise in Virginia Beach, Va. The bar and restaurant was jam packed with people enjoying popcorn shrimp and burgers. The band played many of their original songs in addition to covering popular songs by both Christian and secular artists. Overall, their four hour performance was highlighted by their energetic stage presence, complimentary harmonies, and a driving drummer. Both on stage and off, the members of .HEREtoday. portrayed a genuine camaraderie and joy about them. Regardless, Dickerson’s faces and crazy fiddling is enough to keep anyone entertained for a couple hours.
This band proves that you do not have to have a degree to do what you love.
“Our biggest goal is to quit our jobs and make a living playing music,” Daubert said.
Daubert is a medical assistant for a free health clinic. Dickerson is the only one with a music based degree. When he’s not on stage he teaches violin and guitar. The rest of the band works side jobs, but it is obvious come concert time that music is their passion.
The musicians of .HEREtoday. have grown up playing music. Bibb started drumming when he was eight years old and Dickerson picked up the violin at the early age of four. The band attributes many of their musical influences to current day musicians. Holt follows Poor Old Lou, while Daubert says his biggest band influence is Jimmy Eat World. Murphy admires Nirvana, and Dickerson admits to being a Celine Dion fan. Drummer Bibb only credits his greatest musical influence to none other than .HEREtoday.
“Everyone has their own part in the band,” said Daubert, who has the perfect rocker hair that would make even Kelly Clarkson jealous. “Matt writes a lot of the lyrics but we all write, sing and collaborate.”
Bassist Murphy sports sideburns, a Homestar Runner T-shirt and tattoo on his arm, withGreek words meaning “Bond servant of Christ.” Most of the band members look like rockers, yet their appearance can’t fool their close friends. Many of the guys are involved in their local churches as worship leaders and volunteers.
When they aren’t playing pranks on each other, .HEREtoday. can be seen traveling along the East playing gigs at restaurants, coffeehouses, bars, churches, or colleges. To find out where their next stop is, check out their schedule at www.HEREtodayband.com.
This summer, .HEREtoday. is recording a new CD to add to their two previous albums, “.HEREtoday.” and “Desert Room.” To have a listen to "Breakout," click here .
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