Regional band hopes to break into new territory

by Sarah Laubacher
Staff Writer

Modern rockers Planet 12 consider themselves a "Route 33" band - they have found success in the Athens music scene, the Columbus circuit and cities in between.

They are happy with their regional status but hope to broaden their scope by experimenting musically and expanding their marketability.

"We want to reach out to as many people as possible," member Jodi Toledo said. The band is working on a new CD and discussing touring and promotion possibilities with a prospective manager.

Planet 12 consists of lead vocalist Jodi Toledo on keys, Matt Toledo on guitar, David Adams on bass, Felix Alvis on drums and Stephanie Alvis singing backup.

The common last names among band members provoke speculation similar to that surrounding The White Stripes. When one compares Jodi's fair complexion and red hair with Matt's black goatee and permanent tan, however; their relationship is considerably less ambiguous than that of Meg and Jack White. "You could say we're brother and sister," Jodi Toledo said, "but one of us would have to be adopted."

The Toledos have been linked musically since 1994 and have worked together in six or seven bands since then. Planet 12 has existed in one form or another for a few years, and just experienced another lineup change. 

The band said the new configuration has not altered their sound too much, but they are definitely venturing down new musical paths.

"Matt is working on some really cool rock songs that are a little dirtier than what we normally play, maybe a little less pop - which I'm excited about," Jodi Toledo said.

Matt Toledo said the terms "danceable-modern-rock" and "indie-pop" best describe their sound, and he does not mind the pop aspect because it allows for more dancing. 

"Indie-pop is music that's rough but catchy," he said. "It's a new way of saying alternative since that term kind of has been convoluted. - Nirvana was alternative, but now so is Paula Cole."

Jodi Toledo said that while their older songs have focuses on relationships and life choices, in newer songs she would like to focus on more abstract themes. Citing influences such as "angry Sinead O'Connor," Tool and Radiohead, she also has taken a different approach to her singing in recent years.

"I think I used to feel more pressure to sing a certain way, but now I sing from a wide variety of genres," she said. "Sometimes I like to sing very pretty, or on the other end of the spectrum hard, grungy rock."

The album is being recorded on analog, which allows for natural compression and a warmer quality. The band is uncertain when the CD will be finished but said it will most likely be available the middle of next year.