RIGHT SIDE DOWN MOVES UP

Every band starts from the beginning,\nwith local recognition usually being the initial step of success. However, most bands get filtered out in the process of ascending the industry hierarchy, and few are fortunate enough to experience anything beyond the local music scene. Searching for a local band with a karma drawn to success parallels the experience of scanning a thrift shop, searching for quality among a broad, lesser-known collection in which nothing but the possibility of finding a piece of perfection is guaranteed. The range of talent within a music scene runs wide, but there's always a treasure, and Bloomington has found one of its own.\nLocal band Right Side Down comes out with their debut album, Jackpot, tonight at The Bluebird. With some songs written nearly two years ago, the album contains a rich blend of funk and rock. Funk-rock, distinguished from mainstream rock music through its emphasis on rhythm, with accentuated groove and catchy melody, is exciting at the very least; if not anything else, the album will certainly get the party going, not to mention exceed most expectations of a local band.\nOriginally called Myst, Right Side Down consists of three of the original members -- former student Colby Miller, the lead singer and soul behind the acoustic guitar, Benny Appleby on bass and senior Rob Herbert (also of the Leonard Brothers) on drums. After two of the guitar players from Myst left, an additional guitar player was added -- junior Josh Gilmore (also in Twenty Minutes to Park) -- with the change of the band's name from Myst to RSD. \n"We spent weeks writing down meaningless words, and it came down to three that we liked," Herbert says. "We knew we had to change from Myst." \nMiller, who was already involved with his former band Myst, didn't pair with Appleby until a year later. \n"We played together for fun, but it wasn't until the summer after our freshman year, when we were at a concert, that I asked if he wanted to join," he remembers.\nHerbert and Miller met as fraternity brothers. Gilmore was a native from Nashville, Tenn., like Herbert, with whom he attended high school.\n"(Josh) had been sort of a fan and we had him do a tryout, (and) he was very qualified," Herbert says. Thus, the member lineup was complete as of November 2002.\nAxing one of three guitars, Miller says, simplified RSD's sound. \n"We got tighter as a band," he says, after the transition from Myst to RSD. "During the writing process, there was room for each of us to write our parts and not step on each others toes. It was too chaotic before -- too much going on." \nRight Side Down performed in most of the Kirkwood venues, including Vertigo, Rhinos, Uncle Fester's, The Bluebird and Kilroy's Sports, and have ventured off to various other nearby locales, including Indianapolis. \nMiller contributes most to the song writing, but emphasizes that it's a collaborative process. Someone will come up with a line or melody during practice, he says, and then they each try to expand upon it. \n"Everybody puts down something different to the table," Miller says, which would explain the wide range of genres the band explores. \nRecording began this summer, aided by producer Russ Castillo. \n"Our producer made us a better band," Herbert says. "(He) made us concentrate on the details of the song -- recording gave them a whole new life." \nIn their own words, the guys say their music sounds reminiscent of the Black Crowes or Red Hot Chili Peppers -- another band famous for their contemporary funk sound.  \nThey've been inspired by Pat McGee. But there's a collective sound to them that goes beyond the simply'category of 'funk-rock,' permitting them to leave "something for everyone." And as a local band, it's easy to assume promotion is the hardest part. "[It's hard] to have people take you seriously," Miller says. "It's difficult to play original music and be appreciated." \nHowever, Herbert, a business major, listed the business side of the game as being an obstacle. Time management in general was important for him, between juggling class and his commitments to his music.\nFor now, it seems like RSD's future is fairly clear. Herbert and Gilmore are still in school, but after graduation, they plan on sticking with the band. \n"We're legit and real," Miller says. "I'm just happy to have our album out; it was a milestone for us."\nThey also have ideas of relocating as a band to a bigger city; possibilities include New York, Chicago and Minneapolis. \nThere will be a CD Release Party at the Bluebird tonight. Doors will open at 9 p.m. The show starts at 10 p.m. with Run of the Mill as the opener. Cover is $3, with beer specials all night. For those under 21, they'll be having a show for all ages Saturday, Oct. 4, at T.I.S. Music Shop, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., entry free.