For Alex Holwerda and Conor Balderaz, Upon the Ether began as a project between two classmates. 

“One day after class, we just pulled up to Guitar Center and bought a brand new electric drum kit,” said Balderaz after recording a Live & Loud episode in the Micheal and Sarah Kuhlin Center. “It all started there.” 

After practicing in Holwerda’s college apartment, the duo eventually expanded to include Haven Conn, lead guitarist, and Damon Dotson, bassist–all of which are alumnus from the BGSU School of Media & Communications. 

“By the time that we were all four together, it just felt like something magic happened that first practice where the sound was just finally complete.” Balderaz said. The group has gone on to forge their own sound, one they describe as falling into “the classic metal side,” and as “ambient, spacey, and psychedelic.” 

Dotson described their song “Martyr”, featured on Live & Loud, as their biggest collaborative effort yet. “Everyone definitely brings something to the table,” said Conn. 

Upon the Ether’s collaborative efforts are not only shown through songwriting, but through the recording process. The band’s new EP, slated to be released near the early summer, will be a product completely written and produced by its members. As the entire band has come from media related backgrounds, this has given them an “edge and expertise” in the studio, said Balderaz. 

In addition to recording an EP, the band has played gigs around Bowling Green at Howard’s Club H, the BGSU Maurer Center, and the Willard Wankelman Gallery.

Upon the Ether’s 3-song set can be viewed on the BG Falcon Media YouTube channel. Their music can be found on all major streaming platforms, and the latest news from the band can be found on their social media. 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KA38Fiq0AiojhtmtaJL5u?si=9wKvNVDDR3KZgOLew1lHZw 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upontheether?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

Upon the Ether Linktree: https://linktr.ee/upontheether