GROK are a band with no songs. Each time they perform they are armed with nothing except a mental image or theme and the Wheel of Chordal Destiny, which determines the key the song is to be played in. Creating pop songs on the spur of the moment, it is risky, exciting and fun.

GROK have no songs

GROK are a band of the moment, creating spontaneous, improvised music uncluttered by traditional notions such as planning or rehearsal.

There are no mistakes in GROK.

This open approach lends the music a vital, dynamic, unstructured feel. In GROK a chance hook can form the basis for a repeated refrain, or a meandering atmospheric can suddenly burst into a three minute pop song.

GROK is for everyone.

GROK are the opposite of the labouring songsmith. They explore randomness and opportunity while avoiding the pitfalls of indulgence or inaccessibility.

GROK performances

All GROK songs are one-shot affairs, never to be repeated. No GROK gigs are ever the same.

Moments of unpredictable serendipity are GROK.

GROK create an inclusive, celebratory atmosphere. They break down the traditional divide between band and audience by inviting people to suggest themes for songs, spin the Wheel of Chordal Destiny or occasionally to also play instruments.

GROK is a collective and inclusive experience.

The potential for everything to go badly wrong creates an entertaining, absorbing and sometimes absurd atmosphere. GROK performances are memorable because there is no agreed version of what happened, only individual recollections.

A GROK biography

The current GROK collective has been together since 2006 and comprises: Scott Brodie – bass/vocals, Rob Talsma – drums, , Paul Fitness – synths, Chris Ayles – guitar, Pep Sanchez – synths and Peter Ocsenas – synths.

GROK includes members from New Zealand, Canada, Spain, Hungary, Scotland and England and is based in London, UK.

GROK’s first album, ‘Bubbles and Noises from the Aquarium’ was released in 1997 and, although featuring different members, was based on the same creative approach.

GROK’s new album ‘Ruined music for everyone’ was released on Dedear Records in July 2008. The album was preceded by a single, entitled ‘Song for Europe’ released before Eurovision in may 2008.

GROK are currently starting to work with visual artists to explore both musical responses to pictures and pictorial responses to music. To submit a visual theme for a future GROK song or to find out more visit the participate area of the GROK website.

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