‘Twas the night before Halloween, and Donovan Farrow was distraught. Farrow had always wanted to be part of a band, but lately, he had fallen short. This time he would take matters into his own hands. For days, Farrow questioned pals and peers in hopes of finding the beginnings of the band for which he was so eager. Little did he know, the solution to his problem was right across the school.

Sitting in anxious anticipation, Gavin Bright and Michael Gallup were preparing for a test that would showcase their knowledge of the periodic table. The two had discussed the idea of starting a band before and never seriously considered it, but that was not the concern at the moment. The two were debating what element would make the best name for a band. The two played a game of Rock Paper Scissors and Gallup would win, and with this victory, Gallup would choose an element that always seemed to roll off his tongue: Cobalt.

Later that evening, Farrow would find himself in art class. Seated next to him was Gallup, who had heard about Farrow’s interest in forming a band before but never thought anything of it. This time, however, something was on his mind, Cobalt. Gallup would pose the query to Farrow and immediately the two hit it off. Within minutes, the two contacted Bright, and the trio had set up a meeting.

On Halloween, the three finally met up. They came to find that they all shared a unique talent for music, each of which complemented the others. The three played some of their favorite beats, and Cobalt was born.

Freshmen Donavon Farrow, Gavin Bright and Michael Gallop spend the little free time they have playing music and trying to write the next big hit. While their studio may only be each other’s basements, the three have succeeded in feeding their passion for music and possibly helping others realize their own. Whether or not the trio becomes the next big sensation is of little importance to them, what matters is that they are doing what they love and can continue to do it. 

Perhaps the most important aspect of a band (behind its discography) is its name. Partially defined by their catchy names are bands from the Beatles to Aerosmith, the names represent both the music they create and the identities they have built. Gallup explained the significance behind his band’s name. 

“I chose Cobalt because it was the easiest element for me to remember when I was memorizing the periodic table; it just clicked to me. I knew I wanted the name to have a science angle because that is where the band started. I was new to the district this year, and Gavin and I got to know each other while in science class,” Gallup said.

Starting a band can be difficult. Creating music requires untold amounts of time that often produces mixed results. Due to this vast time commitment, each band member must be equally dedicated. Gallup explained what drives him and his band to put in such a commitment.

“From the very beginning, all three of us wanted to [be in a band], and I’ve always wanted to be part of a band. Of course, there is the idea of us becoming rich and famous from this, but that would just be a bonus. Our goal, for now, is to just have a garage band, learn how to work together and maybe play a few gigs,” Gallup said.

Creating Cobalt was not just the work of the three freshmen. While having each other has helped, Bright told of others who have aided them on their journey.

“All of our parents have been incredibly supportive of the band. It takes a lot to get us where we’re going, and they have been very helpful. Whether they get the credit for it or not, we know how much they have done for us,” Bright said.

Bands are often defined by their members.  John Lennon and Paul McCartney are inseparable from the Beatles image. Queen may never have made it out of  London if not for Freddie Mercury. Farrow explained the roles of the band’s members. 

“When it comes to our music, I would say we all contribute. Gavin plays drums and keyboard occasionally. Michael plays guitar, sings and writes many of our lyrics. I am our Bass player and also like to mess with the piano. What I think works with us is that we can all help each other be better musicians,” Farrow said.

While it may be easier for them to cover the music of others, Cobalt is committed to creating their content. Gallup explained the band’s songwriting process.                      

“I like to sit down and think about how I’m feeling and try to put that into the lyrics. I will write down a bunch of different things and get the input of Gavin and Donovan and how they are feeling. I take all of that and convert it to a more rhythmic form,” Gallup said.

Bands tend to stay inside of a specific genre, however, that choice can be hard to make, especially when tastes differ. Bright explained how Cobalt has navigated this difficult path.

“I think that it was probably the hardest decision we have had to make so far. For example, I like more classic 90’s metal, and I know Michael tends to listen to ’80s-‘90s California punk rock. I would say blending those things can be difficult sometimes but altogether it works. All in all, I would describe our style as a band as an 80’s thrash meets 90’s skate punk,” Bright said.

For years bands have been inspired by those who have come before them. Bright explained how Cobalt has taken inspiration from those before them. 

“All four of us have different tastes in music, but there are some bands that we all agree upon. Those being bands like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, NOFX and Green Day. Those four have influenced our music, and we have modeled a lot of our music around them,” Bright said.

As stated, Nirvana was a big inspiration for Cobalt. Nirvana saw its beginning when lead singer Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic met in high school and over the years picked up more members. Nirvana would go on to see monumental success, putting the two high school friends in front of the world. Gallup explained how this sentiment has affected Cobalt’s mindset.

“I would say that Nirvana is a huge inspiration for us. Our music is very similar to that of Nirvana, and to see how they were able to get so much recognition having known each other since high school and built their brand and style up from nothing really inspires us to keep going.” Gallup said.

Building Cobalt has been difficult. School comes first to the members and that means that time management is an issue. Gallup shared some of the band’s struggles.

“I think that our biggest struggle has just been experience. When we first started, Gavin didn’t know how to play the drums, and while it’s been slow, to see him grow is very inspirational. Really the problem is that we cannot do many of the complex things yet just because we haven’t had the time or experience to learn yet, but every day we get better,” Gallup said.

The band has had successes, however. Farrow explained what he believes are the band’s greatest triumphs.

“Starting the band and making some music has been our greatest accomplishment, the fact that we have been able to get some attention for that is really rewarding. We have put in so much work and it is so rewarding to see people enjoying it,” Farrow said. 

Cobalt has gone through early bumps and bruises but now looks forward to a bright future. Farrow told of what he expects from the band in the future. 

“I think one of the most important things to remember is that the best is yet to come, although we may be small now, we have had a great time and gotten a lot of experience, whether or not we get famous or not doesn’t matter. I think the memories we’ve made as friends have been the most rewarding,” Farrow said.

Cobalt as an element is known to be highly resistant to corrosion and resistant to high temperatures. Like the substance that inspired it, Cobalt has resisted the high pressure that starting anew inflicts and weathered the corrosion that has tried to tear them apart. Whether they make it big or not, Cobalt’s members see no difference, each is just happy to be along for the ride.

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