This week on the Underground Spotlight I had the chance to interview Doug Hammel, the drummer for the Harrisburg based band 1 Echo 1.

This quartet is a rock band that has played with many national acts.  They can be compared to Puddle of Mudd and Three Days Grace.

Q.Tell us a little about 1 Echo 1…

A. Hailing from Harrisburg Pennsylvania. 1 Echo 1 is a 5 piece rock band with huge hooks, infectious melodies, and uplifting lyrics. Guaranteed to capture your attention with a perfect mix of hard hitting guitars and powerful keyboards. Don’t pass up a chance to hear one of the most unique sounding bands of today.

Q. How did the band start?

A. Started from long time friends Shawn and Eric. Shawn and Eric got together after two former bands disbanded. They formed the first version of 1Echo1.

Q. How did you come up with the name 1 Echo 1?

A. A few years ago, we were throwing around name ideas at practice and 1Echo1 was the one that seemed to click.

Q. Before 1 Echo 1 did you guys have any bands?

A. Yes, each member of 1Echo1 has come from bands of many different styles including jazz, funk, country, and rock.

Q. How did you get into the music industry?

A. At an early age each one of us showed a very large amount of interest in becoming a musician. Throughout our lives we all learned that to really do this professionally, we have to be business smart and be the beat musicians we can. Luckily, there are a lot of great people to learn from in the music industry.

Q. Who inspires you?

A. Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, Puddle of Mud, Ministry, Three Days Grace, Papa Roach, Disturbed, and Adrenaline Mob have all been huge inspirations.

Q. What do you guys write about?

A. A lot of songs have to do with going through struggles and overcoming them to achieve success. One of our songs which is Fight Another Day is dedicated to our armed forces and anyone who is facing battles. One of our fans who is battling cancer really connects with this song. For us, it’s a great honor to have people use our songs as a positive energy.

Q. What are some of your favorite bands you’ve been able to play with?

A. Saving Abel, Super Bob, Hailstorm, and 10 years.

Q. What is a favorite moment from a show?

A. At the Saving Abel show, the crowd started to shout out our lyrics to our songs. It was very powerful especially since we could hear them over our in ear monitors.

Q. You guys finished recording your new album if I’m not mistaken.  Tell us a little bit about the recording process.

A. We actually just finished our EP and the recording process was long but exciting. Through each step our producer John Moyer of Disturbed helped us fine tune each one of our songs without changing our identity. We always start with drums so that was the first day, then guitars, bass, vocals, then synths.

Q. What are some favorite venues you’ve played in?

A. Chameleon Club, Tubby’s, and the outdoor festivals we get to do.