James Allison of Columbus native band Digisaurus. Credit: Courtesy of Ben Goldfarb
In an attempt to shine light on local music, The Lantern’s “Columbus’ Own” is a weekly series that will profile a new Columbus band each week.
Despite a name that sounds more like a computer virus or a “Jurassic World” feature, Digisaurus is the Columbus-based band that’s been playing venues from here to Chicago all summer. Their name pays homage to past music genres like ’70s funk, ’80s pop and ’90s alternative-rock, but with a more electronic punch.
“And also, we all just really like dinosaurs,” frontman and keyboardist James Allison said.
Allison, a 2009 Ohio State graduate, is the main mad scientist behind the synth-pop group. Allison has had his irons in the fires of several bands, including Blastronauts, The Town Monster and The Regrettes, so it comes as no surprise that when he brought the creation that is Digisaurus to life, he wanted to involve as many of his past colleagues as possible.
And the mix of talent Digisaurus is sporting might just be the combination that lasts.
While the band’s debut EP, “No More Room for Love,” does not include backup vocalist Lizzy Morris and bassist Eric Groseclose, Allison has faith in this new collective.
“We’re becoming more of the literal definition of a band,” Morris said when explaining all the transitions Digisaurus has undergone and the solidity of the ensemble today. “I think we’re settling in.”
Allison, along with his confidant, guitarist Jeremy Fina, have been with the band from the very beginning. Morris and Groseclose just recently brought on their funky pop talents when the group began playing live shows back in May of this year. The foursome have already begun recording new music together.
Columbus native band Digisaurus.
Credit: Courtesy of Curtis Cole
Since May, Digisaurus has rocked venues including Skully’s Music Diner and the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion.
When asked if there have been any late night quarrels or dramatic exits after an argument, Allison replied, “We’re just now beginning to spend a lot of time together, so we haven’t had any fights yet, but like with all other bands, I’m sure we’ll run into that.”
If there was a discrepancy while on the road during this trip, though, Morris probably wasn’t involved.
“I’ve mostly been laying in the backseat of the van, sleeping,” she said with a laugh.
Digisaurus will be performing back on their home turf on Oct. 9 at Skully’s Music Diner.
