The Ocean Blue Biography & Awards

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Artist Info

Formed

Hershey, PA

Members

Oed Ronne, Bobby Mittan, David Schelzel, Rob Minnig

Biography

Hershey, PA alternative pop band the Ocean Blue was formed in 1987 by singer/guitarist David Schelzel, keyboardist Steve Lau and bassist Bobby Mittan, longtime schoolmates who shared an affection for college radio favorites including U2, Echo & the Bunnymen, the Smiths and R.E.M. With the addition of drummer Rob Minnig, the group signed to Sire the following year, issuing their self-titled 1989 debut within months of graduating high school; the record immediately found favor on alternative radio, notching the hits "Between Something and Nothing" and "Drifting, Falling." The Ocean Blue's sophomore effort Cerulean appeared in 1991, continuing the atmospheric approach of its predecessor; Beneath the Rhythm and Sound surfaced two years later, with the video for "Sublime" becoming an MTV favorite. 1994's EP Peace and Light closed out the Ocean Blue's Sire contract, and was also Lau's final recording with the group -- he left to form his own label (Kinetic). Guitarist/keyboardist Oed Ronne was recruited for their 1996 Mercury debut See the Ocean Blue; 1999's Davy Jones' Locker appeared on the band's own Ocean Blue label prior to being reissued and distributed by March Records/What Are Records? in early 2001. This was followed by Waterworks in 2004. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide