Oracle and the Mountain is an eclectic rock trio from Memphis fronted by Dale Naron, who is probably best known as the creative force behind the now defunct alt-country outfit the Great Depression. Naron’s new group incorporates some familiar sounds from TGD - mainly the Lucero-esque jangly guitars and scratchy vocals - but also adds some depth with a slew of piano-driven tunes and hints of influence from the likes of Bright Eyes, Tom Waits, and Black Sabbath.

Scenestars: What happened with your old band, the Great Depression?

Dale Naron: Everyone was ready to do something else. Well, everyone but me, I guess. Justin played with The Glass up until he moved with his family down to Mississippi. Angela got a really good job with the city, and she recently started playing in the Klitz. John moved with his band the Clearing to Portland, Oregon.

What did you do after the other folks called it quits?

A whole lot of nothing. For a while it was just work, sleep, work, sleep, work, sleep. After I got tired of that, I tried to start a couple of different bands which never panned out.

How did you hook up with your new bandmates?

Josh and I have known each other for about 10 years now. We always were in bands that played together but we didn’t get together until about a year ago. Tim and I met about 2 years ago working in a restaurant. I knew he played bass and was good, but for some reason it took us a long time to get together also. When we finally did, it really worked well.

I’ve always known you primarily as a guitarist. When did you start playing piano?

I’ve always kinda messed around on it but, I started trying to learn about a year ago. I really only know how to play what I write. I’m certainly not good enough to play anyone else’s stuff. It’s a good thing we don’t do any covers, I guess.

How is writing songs on a piano different for you than writing with the guitar? Which to you feel more comfortable with?

It’s kinda the same, really. Although, I have more fun writing on the piano. . . I guess because it’s still so new to me.

You’ve really developed as a singer as well, I notice. To what do you attribute that?

When I was younger it really scared me to project with my voice. With this band, I didn’t really have that opportunity. Josh and Tim are really good at what they do, and I’m not all that great of a musician. Don’t get me wrong, I get by just fine, but as far as talent goes these guy are top notch. I had to step it up somewhere so I tried singing from my gut. Once I got comfortable with the idea I wished I would have done it a lot sooner.

What future plans do you have in mind for OATM?

We are recording an album right now. Hopefully it will be ready by late summer. As soon as it is out we hope to get on the road for as long as possible.

Thanks, dog.

Oracle and the Mountain’s Myspace page

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