For countless teens, the goal of rock star fame remains a bright, but elusive dream. For every musical success stories told, countless failures exist.
Former campus student Nate Warkentin, ’00, has already begun making strides toward the lofty goal of musical fame and stands as an inspiration for current students. Warkentin’s band, The Colour, was formed as another band in the fall of 2003 but has evolved into an alt-rock group blending a bluesy tone with melody driven 60s rock.
“The Colour is coming and coming fast,” Josh Wright, ’05, said. “They make very catchy tunes that cater to all different kinds of ears. They are gaining momentum. These guys are here to stay.”
Nate is the son of Gary Warkentin, campus business administrator. Nate spent 13 years on campus and was the editor-in-chief of The Feather for three years.
The Colour has been playing together since May 2004 and shows no signs of slowing. Members include lead singer Wyatt Hull, guitarists Davey Quon and Luke MacMaster and Warkentin on the drums.
Their upcoming tour through the U.K with British band, The Bravery, is from May 27- June 3 and the first two dates are already sold out. This is their international debut after signing with Lizard King Records and will include stops in Oxford, London, New Castle, Manchester and Glasgow.
However, Fresno fans can get a taste of The Colour in May as Nate and his band will perform at Big Game Studios, 1533 E. Belmont Ave, on May 18 starting at 7:30 P.M. Tickets are $8 at the door.
“I love The Colour,” Spenser Koleen, ’06, said. “I have a few songs by them, and each one is unique. There is a lot of talent in that band.”
While no full-length album has been released, Warkentin and his bandmates remain optimistic about releasing a self-titled 15-track album in the near future. However, a smaller 5-track EP entitled, “The Colour is Out and About,” is available at their online store–www.thecolour.tv.
“All of our music is original,” Warkentin said. “Although, we have been inspired by other bands, like The Beatles, Rolling Stones and The Kinks.”
The Colour recently wrapped up a Western U.S. tour with the British group, Eisley.
“It was really cool to tour with Eisley,” Warkentin said. “They recently opened up for [the band] Coldplay, so there’s a lot of respect there.”
Warkentin comes from humble musical roots, beginning his career with a high school band known as Gannon 382. From there, he moved to a college band at Biola University in which he sang lead.
After the demise of that project he gathered with friends to form a second group, which flopped within six months. Four out of the five members then reorganized again to form The Colour.
“Nate’s tenacity is what brought him success,” Mr. Warkentin said. “After many bands, he still aspired for the best and finally got a contract. I’m surprised how these guys have no fear.”
In order to fully succeed, Nate and his band mates have made harsh sacrifices in their daily life.
The band members all live in a production studio apartment in Whittier, CA. They work as valet parkers in order to raise enough funds to continue their musical journey.
“We have one small bathroom and one small bedroom that we share,” Warkentin said. “Money is very tight, but we wouldn’t trade this for anything. We have grown so close as a result. Many people say that us living together comes through our music and how we perform together.”
The band’s next U.S tour begins June 6 in Sacramento and continues across Arizona and Texas with British band, Kasabian.
“I can’t wait for the May concert in Fresno,” Wright said. “The Colour is even better in concert than on their current CD. The show will knock your socks off.”
Those who want more information on The Colour need to visit their website, www.thecolour.tv, or email the them at [email protected]. For updated tour news, free downloadable tracks and to join their mailing list, visit www.myspace.com/thecolour.
