OneRepublic is an American Alternative Rock band formed in Colorado. After a few years of moderate success, they have drawn mainstream attention with the release of their single, "Apologize", which has sold in excess of 5 million singles worldwide. The song, according to SoundScan Data, is one of only two songs that have reached 3 million legal downloads in history. Their debut album, "Dreaming Out Loud", was released in the US November 20th, 2007, with international release dates staggered throughout early 2008. As of April 1st, 2008 "Dreaming Out Loud" was certified platinum. The band's 2nd single "Stop & Stare" has also crossed the 2 million mark in terms of worldwide single sales. They are currently gearing up for the release of their 3rd single "Say (All I Need)".
Since the summer of 2006, OneRepublic has consistently been ranked as one of the top musical acts on MySpace, due to heavy promotion within the online community. The band was formed by songwriter and Grammy-nominated record producer Ryan Tedder and his high school friend Zach Filkins in Colorado Springs.
Even at a young age, the founder of the band wanted to make music for a living. He first caught public attention, including that of super producer, Timbaland, after winning a talent search in 1999. A few phone calls were made and soon Tedder was learning from Timbaland himself. He eventually sold his car to buy recording equipment, becoming Timbaland's protege and developed as a producer.
After two years, Tedder and Timbaland parted ways since Tedder wanted a career as an artist. For a while he worked under the nom de plume 'Alias', earning a name for himself by producing and writing songs for various artists, even getting a Grammy nomination for his work on Paul Oakenfold's "A Lively Mind".
In 2002 Tedder and his high school friend, guitarist Zach Filkins from Colorado Springs moved to Los Angeles to put together a band. They were first signed to Columbia Records. After a few line-up changes they finally solidified with Ryan Tedder on vocals, Zach Filkins on guitar and backing vocals, Eddie Fisher on drums, Brent Kutzle on bass and cello and Drew Brown on guitar. Known initially as Republic, they later changed the name to what they are currently known as, OneRepublic.
Shortly after turning in their first number of recordings, they were dropped by Columbia Records, though, just as quickly, the band was beginning to get exposure on MySpace, becoming the number one unsigned act in the site. The band caught a number of label's attention including Timbaland's. Timbaland along with a number of labels offered Tedder a record deal. After careful consideration the band decided to join the Mosley Music group becoming the first rock band signed to the label.
OneRepublic's song "Apologize" was prominently featured on Timbaland's 2007 release Shock Value. The song was released as the single in its original form on the band's album debut. In addition the single has gone triple platinum (marking three million copies sold in the U.S) and 5 million copies worldwide. It peaked at number three on the U.K. Official Top 40 Week on November 11, 2007. The song is the biggest radio airplay hit in the history of Top 40 radio in North America, racking up an astounding 10,693 spins in one week, breaking the previous record by 370 spins.
The band performed "Apologize" live on Fox's So You Think You Can Dance on August 2, 2007 and with Timbaland on an episode of One Life to Live in October 2007. It was also played at the end of the three television shows Cold Case episode "Sabotage", Smallville's "Hero", Hollyoaks and Gossip Girl episode "Hi, Society". On May 21, 2008 the band appeared on the American Idol Season 7 finale performing a duet of "Apologize" with finalist David Archuleta. They performed "Stop and Stare" and "Mercy" live on the Smallville episode, "Hero" which aired March 13, 2008. They performed "Stop and Stare" live on So You Think You Can Dance Australia on the 7th of April 2008. In addition, the group also went on tour with various opening acts.
The band is generally known for their collaboration with producer Timbaland, specifically for his remix of their song "Apologize". Tedder also reciprocated by remixing Timbaland's second-best-selling single from his album Shock Value (second to his 4th single "Apologize"), "The Way I Are", drastically changing the song's vibe by adding a rock vibe into the synth-driven melody though the song still retained the original tempo and melody, Keri Hilson's vocals, a few parts of D.O.E. and Timbaland's vocals. The less polished version was leaked out on the internet before the final version ended up on Tedder's MySpace page. The remix has gained positive reviews from its listeners mostly from MySpace. For a time the song was removed from Tedder's MySpace music playlist, but due to popular demand the song was added to the playlist again. The song is currently absent from Tedder’s MySpace. It was replaced with another of Tedder’s work, Blake Lewis’ "Break Anotha".
The follow up single to "Apologize" is "Stop and Stare" as announced on their MySpace page. This song was performed on the Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance on April 7, 2008. In 2008, they toured with The Daylights, Maroon 5 and Brandi Carlile.
OneRepublic will be headlining the Isle Of MTV 2008 at the Floriana Granaries, Malta, on 25th June 2008 in front of 40,000 people.
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