Published: April 15, 2009 09:03 am      

Uglysuit: Pretty future

A retrospective montage of memorable scenes and relationships that preceded the final episode of ER on April 2 was set to the tune of a song from Oklahoma group The Uglysuit.

“To be quite honest, it was just a God thing,” said Israel Hindman, lead singer of the group. “The right person heard our music.”

That right person was an employee of Touch and Go Records, who called the band members to let them know their song “Chicago” had been selected for the show.

The Uglysuit is comprised of six members, most with ties to Eastern Oklahoma County. Group member Kyle Mayfield resides in Del City. Three other members--Hindman, Crosby Bray and Colin Bray-- attended school in Del City. Jonnathan Martin met up with a couple of the band members at Rose State College. Jimmy Nimmo later joined the group as well. The band holds their band practices at Mayfield’s house in Del City.

“Chicago” was actually one of the first songs written by the group when it began to form five years ago. Hindman, who wrote the lyrics, pointed out that it really had nothing to do with the city of Chicago, as he has yet to visit there, but said he had always heard the stereotypical “windy city” description associated with the city.

“When I think of windiness, I think of the option to fly... the whole song is about dreaming, flying,” he remarked.

Even with a European tour underneath their belt and another tour with artists Iron and Wine, Mayfield and Hindman said that having their song used in correlation with such a well-known show definitely ranks high with the band’s accomplishments.

“I would say this is very far up there,” said Hindman. “The fact that it’s something that touches Hollywood.”

Right now, the band is just continuing to make music and enjoy playing while waiting for more lucky breaks like the ER situation. They frequently play at several local venues, Belle Isle Brewery being one of their favorites. They noted that they try to play a concert at least once a month. Their next performance will be at the Norman Music Festival April 25. The group also has a full-length CD, an EP and a live show on DVD available for purchase.

The group members place themselves in the psychedelic/folk rock genre, according to their MySpace page. Their songs tend to be mellow and filled with light, happy messages.

There may be confusion for fans attempting to figure out the meaning behind the group’s name as Hindman noted they give a different answer every time they’re asked the question. This is the answer that Mayfield promised the group would be sticking with from now on: “The Uglysuit is just a story, and we’re telling it.”

For more information on this group, check out their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/theuglysuit.