Denton band being courted by record labels

by Graciela Razo of North Texas Daily

Two days after Denton band Fergus & Geronimo posted its newest songs on MySpace, the band received three different offers from record labels wanting to record its singles.

What began as a side project to the members' other bands became a duo on its way to a national tour.

"It's weird because we didn't anticipate that reaction at all, and they were all offers from labels we respect and admire," singer and organist Andrew Savage said. "We never had ambitions to play live."

Fergus & Geronimo formed in December 2008 when band members Savage, a 2008 NT alumnus with a degree in watercolors, and singer and guitarist Jason Kelly, a pre-kindergarten teacher, discovered they shared common musical interests.

"We listened to a lot of music together, and we tried to figure out what sound we wanted for the band," Savage said.

Southern soul, '60s pop, psychedelic and Motown influences came to shape Fergus & Geronimo's sound, Kelly said.

Although the band is busy recording singles set to be released this summer, Kelly and Savage continue to play with other local musicians.

"Personally, I just love being in tons of bands," Kelly said. "I'm currently in four different ones."

Even with the large crowds Kelly has played in front of, the bands he is a part of aren't exactly looking for fame and fortune.

"With all the bands I'm in, we try not to take ourselves too seriously," Kelly said.

Locals finding help from Kelly and Savage include Teenage Cool Kids, Wiccans, The Wax Museums, and The Potential Johns.

The band recently had its first live show in March, and even though neither band member is new to the Denton music scene, the two still felt slightly anxious before they first played Fergus & Geronimo songs in front of a live crowd.

"We were kind of freaking out," Savage said. "We just wanted to be good."

But with support from other area musicians, the progression of Fergus & Geronimo has gone smoothly.

"We all help each other book tours and share an ear for recording," Kelly said.

The duo will prepare to set out on its first full United States tour this summer with Teenage Cool Kids.

"We want to stay independent, but with all the attention we've received, it is going to get more serious," Savage said.