The Origin (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | San Diego , United States |
| Products | Alternative rock, indie rock, power pop music |
Number of employees | 4 |
The Origin was a San Diego-based American band known for their blend of alternative rock, indie rock, and power pop. Established in 1985, the group’s definitive lineup consisted of Michael Andrews, Topper Rimel, Rony Abada, and Daniel Silverman. Their active period spanned the early 1990s, during which they produced two studio albums and five singles. Notably, two of their singles attained positions within the top 20 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The band dissolved in 1993.
History
During the mid-1980s in San Diego, bassist Topper Rimel and drummer Rony Abada began working together locally. They soon brought on guitarist and vocalist Mike Andrews to complete their rhythm-driven trio, initially known as Origin. The early lineup also featured Gary Jules (Gary Aguirre). In 1985, under producer Matt Silver, they recorded their debut single "Music To My Ears" backed with "Staff And Glove," released through Pop Records. Later on, Daniel Silverman joined the band as a pianist and keyboard player. By 1989, Origin had secured a contract with Virgin Records, a major label.
In the autumn of 1989, The Origin entered Powertrax Studios in Hollywood to record their first album with producers David Kershenbaum and Paul McKenna. Their self-titled debut was launched in April 1990 via Hut Records in the UK and Virgin Records in the US. This album included singles such as "Everyone Needs Love," "Growing Old," and "Set Sails Free." The track "Growing Old" climbed to number 19 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, supported by a headlining tour during the fall season.
By 1991, the band had moved to the Bay Area to compose and record their sophomore album Bend. Sessions took place at Brilliant Studio in San Francisco under producer Jeffrey Wood, with additional recording at Studio II in Culver City. Following these sessions, keyboardist Daniel Silverman departed and was replaced by Todd A. Davidson for touring purposes. Released in February 1992 through Virgin Records, Bend featured the lead single "Bonfires Burning," which peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Early 1992 saw the band touring again, including opening slots for groups such as Toad The Wet Sprocket.
In June 1992, after Virgin Records was acquired by EMI, The Origin was dropped from the label roster. This development hindered promotional efforts for Bend, leading to cancellation of the planned follow-up single "Waiting" and ultimately contributing to the band's dissolution.
Post-Origin projects
Following their split in 1993, frontman/guitarist Michael Andrews adopted the pseudonym Elgin Park and became part of the soul/acid jazz ensemble The Greyboy Allstars. By 2016, he had contributed guitar and vocals to the group for over two decades and participated in all five of their albums released between 1994 and 2013. In 2000, Andrews released an eponymous album as Elgin Park featuring collaborators Eric Hinajosa (guitars), John Krylow (bass), Matt Lynott (drums), and Robert Walter (keyboards).
In 2001, Andrews composed the soundtrack for Donnie Darko. Initially planning to close the film with a U2 track, he instead opted for a cover of Tears For Fears' "Mad World" performed by his childhood friend Gary Jules, due to licensing expenses. This rendition became a UK Christmas number one in 2003, revitalizing Jules’ career. Andrews has since established a successful career composing scores for films such as Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005), Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007), Bridesmaids (2011), and The Heat (2013), as well as television series including Freaks and Geeks and New Girl.
Under his birth name Mike Andrews, he released two solo albums: Hand On String (2006) and Spilling A Rainbow (2012). Additionally, he has produced records for artists like Gary Jules, Brendan Benson, and Metric, while contributing to projects by Robert Walter, DJ Greyboy, among others.
Between 1994 and 1998, bassist Topper Rimel formed garage rock outfits Robots in Disguise and The Deeds while completing an Industrial Design degree at California College of the Arts. He later toured with Brendan Benson’s band and currently works within fashion design, creating handbag collections for notable designers.
Drummer Rony Abada presently resides in Brazil.
Keyboardist Daniel Silverman—who later took on the name Daniel Cage—released his debut album Loud On Earth via MCA Records in 2000. His unreleased follow-up Gold Tattoo included singles like "Smile" and "Help Me." Cage now focuses on composing music for independent films, television commercials, and soundtracks for brands such as Nike, Reebok, Pepsi, and Sony. His compositions have been featured in series including The Dead Zone and South of Nowhere.
Band members
- Michael Andrews: lead singer, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, lap steel guitar
- Topper Rimel: bass guitar, backing vocals
- Rony Abada: drums and percussion
- Daniel Silverman: piano, keyboards, organ, backing vocals
Albums
| Title | Album information |
|---|---|
| The Origin |
|
| Bend |
|
Singles
| Year | Title | US Alt. |
Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | "Music To My Ears" | — | non-album single |
| 1990 | "Everyone Needs Love" | — | The Origin |
| 1990 | "Growing Old" | 19 | |
| 1991 | "Set Sails Free" | — | |
| 1992 | "Bonfires Burning" | 17 | Bend |
| 1992 | "Waiting" | — |
Music videos
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1990 | "Growing Old" |
| 1990 | "Set Sails Free" |
| 1992 | "Bonfires Burning" |
| 1992 | "Bend" |