St. Michael-Albertville Band Thrills, But Falls in Talent Show

St. Michael-Albertville group Octazooka was the first act in Sunday night’s teen division of the amateur talent contest.

Though the energy the group had covering Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" was exceptional, Octazooka is not headed to the finals.

The group began in a Rock Band class at the l third trimester.

“Nathan and I were in class together and had another bass player and vocalist but it wasn’t working out,” Ryne shared.

“We knew that Micki could do bass and that Haley could sing so we asked them to join us,” said Nathan.

In May, the group was looking for and considering some open mic opportunities like The Depot Coffeehouse in Hopkins. “They have open mic times there where we could have 40 minutes of playing time,” Ryne shares excitedly.

All four of the bandmembers have been involved in music throughout their lives, but mostly have just started to get serious and committed.

“I started the bass in sixth grade but I’ve just become dedicated now,” Micki, the group’s bassist shared.

While Ryne formerly played guitar, he picked up the drums and he’s now the group drummer.

Haley claims she’s been “singing since I could talk.” Her friends are quick to say that “she has perfect pitch!”

Nathan picked up his dad’s guitar in the seventh grade and then not again until high school.

Ryne’s dad, also a musician and the group’s manager, encouraged the group to try out for the talent competition and see what happens. So they did and had success.

“We’re totally changing our name [now],” Ryne shared.   The group had no name when they decided to try out for the contest, and quickly picked one based on a Pokemon game.

Other plans for the four high school students includes doing some open mics and just continuing to play.