Courtesy of GOGO13
The ‘90s was a unique time for music. With grunge, punk-rock and ska getting mainstream attention for one of the first times in history, many artists within these genres were able to get a piece of the ‘90s music pie.
One such band is GOGO13. The group started out as a typical garage band in St. Georges, Utah. Originally from Southern California, the band was exposed to many different types of music and even saw shows right here at Cal State Fullerton.
Heavily influenced by other various artists and the many do-it-yourself records, brothers Tyler and Parker Jacobs formed GOGO13.
They began getting attention in Utah, playing at school assemblies, skate parks and other small shows.
The group also had a great deal of touring success thanks to their relationship with new-wave punk band, The Aquabats.
Coincidentally, the lead singer of The Aquabats is Parker and Tyler’s older brother, Christian.
Even with their success, the group did not always get an open door to perform their upbeat, danceable music.
After giving a roller rink a demo-tape, the group was told that their music was not Top 40 material.
After a small hiatus, some members left and new ones joined.
Along with Parker (lead vocals), today’s version of GOGO13 consists of Johnny Beutler (lead guitar), Ryan Gilmore (bass), Erin Ashley (saxophone) and Paul Kloepfer (drums).
The re-grouped ska band once again calls California home.
They are making their way back to CSUF for another concert experience, but this time they will be the ones playing.
GOGO13 will be the last band to perform for the weekly outdoor concerts at Becker Amphitheater.
In addition to reuniting, the band has also been busy in the studio and on the road. GOGO13 released I Like It in 2012.
“It’s a collection of over 10 years of music that we did, but didn’t really tour off of it very well,” said Parker.
He added that the group never had a proper CD release party, as is customary.
Instead, they went to perform at a popular festival, Viva Ska Vegas.
Shows and festivals like Viva Ska Vegas give the group what they really want—to give a fun show with good entertainment that the crowd enjoys.
“It’s just kind of that feel good music and so that’s really what we’re trying to bring,” said Beutler. “A positive atmosphere and music that makes you feel good and makes you want to dance.”
Parker said that some people can misunderstand what ska music really is, especially because of the many different varieties that it was translated in during the ‘90s.
He adds that the brass section is especially confusing for some, but giving the music a listen is sure to pull you in.
“Once you get past that, and you get the actual rhythm, no matter what, you’re gonna dance to the music,” said Parker. “It’s danceable music and it’s fun.”
For students who attend the weekly concerts, be sure to wear your dancing shoes, even if you’re not a fan of ska.
The band wishes to reach out to music fans of all ages with their latest album.
GOGO13 was also featured on Yo Gabba Gabba! Music Is Awesome Volume 3.
Thanks to their contributions to the Yo Gabba Gabba album, the group received recognition and applause, especially lead singer Parker.
Parker is also an artist and the creative director for the popular children’s television show.
Thanks to his work as creative director on Yo Gabba Gabba, Parker received new attention from the television industry.
He was nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards.
Parker was even included in the OC Metro’s Top 40 people under 40, proving that the Utah roller rink was wrong.
The band’s year is going just as well as Parkers. The group also performed at the OC Music Awards in March.
In addition to performing at Becker Amphitheater, the group plans on spending the rest of the year working on a new record and touring.
To catch GOGO13 in the area, fans can visit Club Nokia June 7 where they will play with Five Iron Frenzy, or see them at The Observatory on July 27.
More information on the band and their upcoming shows can be found at Facebook.com/GOGO13BAND.
But fans can first catch the ska sensation at Becker Amphitheater.
“We just want to entertain people and have fun,” Parker said.