Nothing More

Nothing More
Background information
Origin	San Antonio, Texas, United States
Genres	Hard rock, alternative metal, progressive metal, progressive rock
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Eleven Seven, Vestia Entertainment
Associated acts	SouthFM, The Exies, Periphery, Sounds Under Radio, thelastplaceyoulook, Shinedown
Website	www.nothingmore.net
Members	Jonny Hawkins Mark Vollelunga Daniel Oliver Ben Anderson
Past members	Josh Klaus Josh Kercheville Matt Reynolds Travis Cox Trey Graham Devin Travieso Paul O'Brien Gregory Jenkins

Nothing More is an American rock band formed in 2003 from San Antonio, Texas, United States. The current members are vocalist/aux drummer Jonny Hawkins, lead guitarist Mark Vollelunga, bassist Daniel Oliver and their newest drummer, Ben Anderson. The ensemble has released six studio albums to date, including their self-titled album released in 2014.^[1] The lead single off their self-titled debut, entitled "This is the Time (Ballast)" hit number 1 on the Mediabase Active Rock chart and number 2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.^[2]

History

Formation (2003)

Jonny Hawkins was a drummer back in middle school when he met Mark Vollelunga after hearing him play his guitar at a church camp. Daniel Oliver later joined in at the end of high school.^[3] From the beginning, they put their heart and soul into the band, while they ignored the clamor of those around them to stay in school. They did not want to settle. Daniel had an influence on everyone with the philosophy that requires risk and not have a plan B that leads to a way out. He convinced them to start touring so with the DIY attitude they fixed up a broken down RV and hit the road.^[4] This dedication led them to scar their arm for each year they are on the road to serve as a visual reminder.^[5]

Eleven Seven & Nothing More (2014-present)

Nothing More signed with Eleven Seven Music in 2014. Some time after the release of The Few Not Fleeting, the band searched for a label with the intention to make better music. For nearly two years of rejection and hearing “no” from multiple labels, the band decided to work independently, again. This time, they set their goal to “make a record that sounded as good as a major label release”. The band members moved in together and completed the album within two years. Several months after, Eleven Seven approached them.^[6] Within those 2 years, 40 songs were created. The band worked together to cut down the amount of songs into the 17-track album they now have as Nothing More.^[7]

Live Performances

In their performances, Nothing More is known for using DIY creations and well practiced feats to give their audience a unique experience.

The Bassinator

To push themselves further from the mainstream norm as well as draw the crowds in to see a unique show, Oliver made a metal stand for his bass called “The Bassinator.”^[8] During the show, Oliver places his bass in the stand, while he and Vollelunga start picking away on the fingerboard. Soon Hawkins joins in with drums sticks to hammer away on the chords of the bass’ body.

The Four-Man Percussion Solo

Another of their unique crowd-pleasers is the four-man drum solo that utilizes all the band’s members to play percussion instruments in a seemingly choreographed performance with the main drummer holding the rhythm.

Influences

Nothing More (2014)

Nothing more is influenced by a plethora of sources from personal experiences to philosophers to even filmmakers. In terms of personal experiences, “Jenny” is a song that was inspired by Jenna [Hawkins’ sister] who struggles with bi-polar depression;^[9] and the song, “God went North” is about the passing of Hawkin’s mother.^[10] For philosophical and other influences, Jonny Hawkins stated in an interview that; “Films have inspired a lot of our songwriting, obviously through the stories but also through how certain directors communicate emotions through visual mediums, and I think a lot of philosophers like Alan Watts for instance, who has been a big influence on our lyrics and how we view songwriting altogether which affects how we end up creating all of it."^[11] Nothing More has also listed Eckharte Tolle, Carl Jung, Stanley Kubrick, Terrence Malick, and Dustin Kensrue as their influences.^[8]

Members

Current

• Jonny Hawkins – lead vocals, additional drums (2008–present), drums (2003–2009; 2011)
• Mark Vollelunga – guitar, backing vocals (2003–present)
• Daniel Oliver – bass, backing vocals (2004–present)
• Ben Anderson – drums (2015–present)^[12][13]

Former

• Josh Klaus – lead vocals (2003-2004)
• Josh Kercheville – guitar (2003-2008)
• Matt Reynolds – bass (2003-2004)
• Chad Smith – bass (2004)
• Travis Cox – lead vocals (2005-2006)
• Trey Graham – lead vocals (2006-2007)^[14]
• Devin Travieso – drums (2009-2011)^[15]
• Gregory Jenkins – drums (2011-2013)
• Paul O'Brien – drums (2013-2015)^[16][17]

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Extended plays

Singles

Music Videos

References