Onalaska is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Seattle by principal songwriter and vocalist Tom Harpel, guitarist Jake Snider, violist Stephanie (Goldade) Snider. Drummer Erin Tate and bassist Brian Cook joined to form the band's original lineup. Keyboardist Cory Murchy joined the band in 2002, and Stephanie Snider left the band amicably in 2006.
In April, 2002, Dim Mak Records .. released the band's debut album, To Sing For Nights on compact disc. The eight songs featured themes of travel, loneliness and mild absurdity. Despite lack of a tour to promote the release, the album was well received by independent music critics and college radio. This interview was published in Status Magazine shortly after the album's release.
In June, 2005, the band convened at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Seattle to begin recording for their second album, You and the Fishermen . Progress on the album has been slow, with production work continuing into the spring of 2007.
While Onalaska has not toured, the band has played about one show per year in the Seattle area since 2001. For questions about Onalaska, write to Tom Harpel at [email protected].