[Spotlight Post] Ookla the Mok – Rand Bellavia & Adam English
For the last several years, I’ve been the Guest of Honor Liaison for FenCon. I’ve worked with some amazing writers, editors, artists, and scientists to make sure they have everything they need to do a good job once they’re on sight. There’s always been one group that I’ve been less familiar with than the others – and that’s our Music Guests (and maybe the scientists…). I don’t follow filk or nerd rock, not like some in our fan group, so I’m always on the learning curve with them. This year, I had the honor of getting to know Rand Bellavia and Adam English – collectively known as Ookla the Mok.
A Redhead with Rand and Adam of Ookla the Mok
These were the guests I kept running into. You know how that happens at conventions/event… there’s someone you want to see, but never do; and the folks you meet around every corner. Fortunately, these are Good People guys. If you haven’t had a chance to get to know them, please do.
I admit, I didn’t get a chance to listen to their music until after FenCon. Rand basically gave me their library, and now I’m hooked. I have a Nerd Rock playlist in iTunes. Right now it only has John Anealio and Ookla the Mok on it, but I’m still working on it. And though I’ve met some awesome musicians though FenCon – these are the albums I have. Therefore, playlist with some amazing, nerdgastic music. Nerdvana is my favorite EP. “Welcome to the Con” should be REQUIRED at every convention. “Math” is the best numerical anthem EVER, and “Tantric Yoda” is the best, yet most disturbing thing I’ve heard since some classic Dr. Demento. SMELL NO EVIL is all Monkey Music based. I’m still working through the other albums.
There’s a lot of awesome surrounding Ookla the Mok. I’m proud to have Rand and Adam as part of my fan community “Tribe” – and yes, amazingly enough, Rand and I had a whole conversation about Tribe and Community BEFORE coffee as I was seeing them off at some obscenely early hour Monday morning after FenCon. So go check out YouTube and CDBaby. Buy some music (also available on iTunes and Amazon). I think you’ll enjoy it – and I hope I get to see them again.