No One From Nowhere

Article published May 15, 2005
On their way...
No One From Nowhere may be going places now

No One From Nowhere. The name of this band would probably make an English teacher cringe. It's not exactly an ordinary name for a group of professional musicians; but then again this is no ordinary band, either.

No One From Nowhere is the brainchild of Robert Furgal, better known as "Furg." Furgal started learning music when he was 6 years old. He entered the world of music in a big way learning violin, drums, keyboard, guitar and vocals at a very young age. When Furgal was a pre-teen he started singing solo.

After years of covering other people's music, Robert decided to dedicate his time and talent writing and performing his own music. Since 1993 Furgal has been compiling songs that are now the cornerstone of the band.

"There are lots of cover bands out there playing the same songs over and over," said Furgal. "We wanted to do something different," he added. Their music is probably considered alternative rock, although it covers a full spectrum of music styles.

The band most recently performed at the Founder's Day celebration in Belleview. Founder's Day attendees seemed to really enjoy their unique sound. "It's definitely not the same ol' same ol' that most bands around here play," said a fan. "I really like their music, especially that song called Pain," she added. The fans stayed and listened to the entire set, a sure sign that this band has something for everyone to enjoy.

Even though No One From Nowhere hasn't been together very long, they have developed quite a following. The powers-that-be in the music business have started to take notice as well. The band will be performing on the WB Network in August. The band traveled to Orlando and competed against 500 other bands. No One From Nowhere's music impressed the judges enough to be selected to appear on television garnering a chance to earn a $100,000 prize. Not exactly your run of the mill garage band. To be selected to perform at this level you have to have something special.

Robert "Furg" is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitar player. He also wrote all the original music for the band. Furgal says that the name of the band was derived from the fact that they have no rich relatives in the music business, and no inside connections anywhere (nowhere).

Johnny Lacondrata is a native Floridian and plays drums for the band. He has over 20 years musical experience, and is a seasoned musician.

Tim "Fingers" Roberts hails from Bridgeport, Ct. and has been playing in bands for over 20 years. Tim plays keyboards and sings for the band.

James Sabbatis III has lived in Florida for most of his life. He began studying the guitar at age 7 and has been playing ever since. He is the lead guitarist for the band. Jimmy has been playing many different types of music for years.

The band will be performing at the Orange Blossom Music Festival in DeLeon Springs later this month.

For more information contact Furgal at (352) 873-8480 or on the web at www.sonicbids.com/Noonefromnowhere
- Ocala Star-Banner

Article published July 8, 2005
'No one' is home

Local musician Robert Furgal Jr. wants to bring music back the way it used to be: great words to a great medley.

"I just want to make sure the words hold hands with the music," said the 40-year-old singer/songwriter.

Furgal is voice and wordsmith behind the local group No One From Nowhere. A moniker that's best described on their Web site, "No glamour, No make-up, No hairspray . . . No Royalty, No rich relatives in the music business . . . Just a No one from Nowhere."

But the journey for Furgal and his fellow band mates, John Lacondrata, Jim Sabbatis and Tim Roberts, has landed them somewhere. Fresh off their pumped up performance at the popular God and Country Fourth of July celebration, the foursome will now take their music to the streets. No One from Nowhere will perform from 7-9 tonight on the downtown square in Ocala.

"We have two hours of fun-filled, air-pleasing, good time music," said Furgal, known to many simply as "Furg."

The free concert, dubbed "Cast Your Vote Ocala," is an early kickoff to gain support for when the group appears on a budding reality show, "Undiscovered Live" which is planned to air later this year or in early 2006. It's a format similar to "American Idol," but geared toward original rock bands. Once the final 10 are narrowed down by the popular vote of the public, the bands compete live to win a record contract, music video and a six-figure signing bonus.

Jennifer Blair, the city's special events manager, said the event is a good way to get support for the local band. "We wanted to give the residents a chance to get to know them because it's the public that will be voting," she said. "We thought it was pretty cool that out of 500 bands they got the opportunity to compete against 60 other bands."

The band performs all original songs, Furgal said, mainly written by him. He said to date, he's written 125 songs. Although he describes their music as adult contemporary rock, Furgal doesn't believe in putting the group's sound in one box. He said just like with oatmeal, "you can't eat too much of it because after a while it starts to become bland."

"It's hard to put our music in one genre. We're all over the place. We do a little bit of everything, blues, latin, rock and roll, pop. We try to feed all types of styles . . . We're a little bit of 3 Doors Down, with some Dave Matthews Band with a bit Journey. We really stir it up."

Furgal, a self-described "crazy Yankee transplant" has been singing, writing and playing music for about two decades. And when he decided to head down to Marion County from New Hampshire four years ago, his passion for music was right alongside with him.

He poked around the area for about a year, scoping out and observing future band members while in the back of area clubs and bars. After hand-picking the trio he thought would best suit his vision, he approached them. Furgal said it was important to him to "find the right talent for the music." Lacondrata plays the drums. Sabbatis is the lead guitarist. And Roberts is on keyboards.

"I found some really good musicians and when we got together it all just fell on the plate," said Furgal, who plays rhythm guitar in the band.

Only together for 10 months, Furgal said the band is making good strides, performing at local venues and area events like Belleview's Founder's Day celebration and the Orange Blossom Music Festival in DeLeon Springs. "It's all about the music. The music's really pushing us along. It's certainly not our good looks," he said with a laugh. "The momentum of the band is just amazing. We're finally getting our name out there."

More recently they headlined the annual Jaycees God and Country Fourth of July celebration. "It was the largest crowd we ever played," said Furgal, adding he still had a smile on his face the next day. "It was incredible. All those eyes out there looking at us and clapping for us . . . You can't buy a buzz like that."

Lashonda Stinson can be reached at 867-4129 or lashonda.stinson@starbanner.com.
- Ocala Star-Banner