James Murray, Ashes to Omens returns to 40 Watt
By Seth Manus
Band members huddle together backstage as nerves build along with the energy outside. A huge crowd gathers to see the headlining band.For the first time in nearly two years, the local band “Ashes to Omens” made their return to the stage at the famous 40 Watt Club on Friday, June 28, 2024.
“We were burnt out,” said James Murray, Madison County native and lead singer for the band, when speaking on the hiatus. The band agreed they needed a break to “regroup and refresh”. “We are all good with that,” Murray said.
The break from performing provided each member of the band time to grow and learn, first as individuals and then as a whole.
James and bassist, Chris Epps, picked back up in March of 2023 with the goal of playing again. For the next six months the two tried to find the right fit for the band.
“We didn’t want to do the same thing we had been doing before,” said Murray when talking about the newfound goals for the group. “We wanted to do something new.”
“We could not find the right vibe man,” Murray said. They could not find the right guitarist that fit what they were looking for. Enter Trip Cooper, a student at the University of Georgia.
Within the next two months they reconnected with drummer and founding member Casey Henderson, and brought back guitarist Nathan Grant.
“It’s just been a domino effect of positivity,” said Murray, when speaking on the past six months.
“In and out of the music, the chemistry is awesome,” said Henderson. The break proved to be exactly what the band needed to improve, according to the members. “The lineup now is amazing.”
The vibe is exactly what they worked for. According to the band members, this is the best the lineup has ever been.
“This has been some of the best vibes,” said Grant when talking about the atmosphere in the band. “We have had some of the best times just rehearsing.”
Patience has been the biggest lesson learned for everyone, with each other and with life. Patience and understanding have been very critical in developing and maintaining the vibe, said the band.
“Being in a band is like being in a marriage,” said Epps when speaking on the dynamic amongst each other. “The difference is you’re married to four other people.”
Nearly two years were needed for “Ashes to Omens” to find their identity. Now the band plans move forward while focusing on continued growth and staying true to themselves in the process.
Photo/Seth Manus