The wait is officially over: members of the Journey tribute band Odyssey Road are excited to announce the release of the band’s first original single, “If I Never Have You.” The single has been available for pre-order for several weeks on the band’s website, and fan interest is at a fever pitch. Eager followers of the band, as well as newcomers, can now download the single from iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/odyssey-road/id403565262. A packed house is expected at the release party, which takes place at Wellington Amphitheater at 7:00pm.
The set list at the release party includes the new single as well as a collection of standards from the Journey catalog. However, the new single is only half the story–Odyssey Road has also created a high-quality music video for “If I Never Have You.” Available on YouTube (www.youtube.com/odysseyroad), the video communicates the energy and passion that goes into all of the band’s efforts. The single is indeed a departure from Journey covers, but the sound holds true to the spirit of the classic rock power ballad. Long-time fans of Odyssey Road will not be disappointed.
“Our desire is that the music video recreates the essence of an Odyssey Road live performance and makes people want to come see us on stage,” explained Odyssey Road frontman James “Bubba” Sanderford. “The band started as a tribute to Journey, celebrating that band’s awesome combination of songwriting and musicianship. From the first recording sessions, we knew that our band was quite a talented lineup in its own right. So, the progression from playing covers to writing our own music and lyrics has felt very natural.”
Odyssey Road has been celebrated for its energetic and positive live shows and is more than deserving of the title “Most Famous Journey Tribute Act in the USA.” The band has been playing gigs across the nation since early 2009. “Essence Recaptured,” a full album of Journey standards, was released in November of that year. Having proven themselves as skilled and precise instrumentalists, each member of the band is eager to showcase their talent with original material.
Sanderford added: “We think of ‘If I Never Have You’ as the stepping stone toward a new stage in our collective career. We hope that fans enjoy hearing our new music as much as we enjoy making it.”
Lead vocalist Sanderford is also the founding member of Odyssey Road. He is joined by Bobby Gugliuzza on bass guitar and vocals, Brian Lutz on drums and vocals, Mike Soper on synthesizer, keyboard and vocals, and Paulie Granato on guitar and vocals.
Odyssey Road/PRNewswire