The OneUps are a jazz group that plays re-imaginings of classic video game tunes. They’ve rocked the house two years in a row at the Penny Arcade Expo aka PAX, and they’ve got two volumes of music under their belts. One of the musicians for the OneUps, a guitar player by the name of Tim Yarbrough, was kind enough to participate in an interview for our fair website.
Alex: How did you get involved with the OneUps?
Tim: I got involved in The OneUps around Christmas of 2004; I had emailed Mustin back and forth a few times, but there never was really a spot for me. When William (the other guitarist) went to Chile for the winter, Mustin called me needing a part for the Xenogears Light album, and I came in to record. Many hours later I was being handed a music folder for the band and told to come to practice sunday.
Alex: Are there any sections of this volume that you are particularly proud of?
Tim: Volume 2 is going to be two discs packed with a lot of classic video game tracks, along with some more obscure tracks. The tracklist ranges from Mario Paint to Sonic to Chrono Trigger to King Arthur's World to Castlevania to Duck Tales; a huge amount of variety here.
I personally feel that everyone got to shine on the album and show their strengths a little; we're all drastically different musicians in some ways, with backgrounds rooted in styles from entirely different origins. The fact that we can all get together and make songs that are influenced by dozens of different factors as opposed to just chugging out an arrangement is what makes the album, and all other albums in general, really stand out.
Alex: How did you guys get involved with PAX?
Tim: Long story short, someone involved in PAX was into our music and we were invited to play in 2007. Once we stopped worrying about it and trying is when it seemed to actually 'happen'.
Alex: How did your second outing at PAX compare to your first one?
Personally, the second outing was WAY more comfortable for me; the first time around was quite an experience, but in some ways overwhelming. I don't think I realized just HOW MANY PEOPLE were going to be in the audience, but once we started playing everything went smoothly. Also, Mike and Jerry (Gabe and Tycho) along with the Enforcers were incredibly nice and helpful both years we have been.
Alex: As someone who is a fan yourself, what’s it like now having people that are fans of you?
Tim: Really bizarro-world. The majority of it only peeks its head out for that one weekend, but people coming out and shaking hands and wanting photos and autographs is pretty flattering. I've noticed that "Internet" fame and fame within the confinements of video games and that culture seem to be less rabid and more constructive.
People get a chance to talk to ALL of the bands who played, ALL of the special guests and speakers, and most of the time the developers of whatever game they are showing are hanging out and asking the FANS questions. Essentially, everyone is really kind and it means a lot to us.
Alex: Do you have any experiences with fans that you found to be particularly interesting/disturbing?
Tim: Fan experience? People have flown overseas to see us play before. We signed a lot of consoles, like DS'es and N64's, so that was pretty cool. As far as disturbing things go, we haven't had anything too strange happen just yet.
Alex: Finally, when will this new volume be out and how can people get a hold of it?
Tim: The OneUps Volume 2 is actually out! IT'S OUT MAN! Vol. 2 went on early sale at PAX, and an "official" release of Sept. 2nd. You can pick it up at either www.theoneups.com or our studio at www.oneupstudios.com
That concludes my interview with the OneUps’ Tim Yarbrough! Stay tuned to www.rocketllama.com for further exciting developments!
