THE OCEAN Parts Ways With Singer, Seeks Replacement

Berlin, Germany's THE OCEAN has parted ways with singer Mike Pilat.

Commented guitarist Robin Staps: "Being in a band is the constant struggle to reach the one, the final, the ultimate lineup. The right people, the right musicians. The lineup that clicks, where the music that is created on stage is somehow greater than the sum of each individual's output. Once a band has reached that lineup, it is flirting with divinity, it has the chance to be larger than life, to touch majesty.

"Any lineup is usually a very fragile constellation, and essentially a ticking time-bomb. Five passionate people's egos, their respective ideas, preferences, defects, habits, characters, the insecurities of their lives, all these are dangerous threats to the existence and future of a band. Struggle is an integral part of any band's existence. As my friend Mitch pointed out recently, VAN HALEN were only a decent band with David Lee Roth in the band, but everybody hated him. There are countless examples.

"It felt like we were close to that ultimate lineup. Very close. The people I have been playing with over the past year and a half are not only amazing musicians, but also amazing people. THE OCEAN has consolidated into a band over the past two years. I am no longer alone, and still, to some degree, THE OCEAN will always remain a collective, I guess.

"Mike is no longer with us. He's got his reasons, and we understand and respect them.

"THE OCEAN has played the ridiculous amount of 141 shows in the past 12 months, and travelled an insane 75704 (!!!) of road kilometers between Kiew, Ukraine and Los Angeles, California. The life we lead isn't made for everyone. Only some of my closest friends understand what life is like when you spend half of the year on the road. There is not much time for girlfriends, friends, family, career or any so-called private life. And yet the upsides make up for it: the chance to see places we would never get to see otherwise, the chance to constantly meet new people, all the countless moments of intensity, passion and craziness. Our tour diaries tell the story. It is the life we have chosen, for now, the life we embrace, the life we love, most of the time..."

Mike Pilat had the following to say regarding his departure from the band: "So, folks, after almost two years and an obscene amount of drinking, debauchery and awesome shows, I have parted ways with THE OCEAN. There are many reasons and it was a hard decision to reach, but what it boils down to is my poor financial situation and I need to continue working with my other band COLLUSION, and with constant touring, this is not possible for me any more. This last tour was awesome, though, a roller-coaster of emotions and alcoholic cocktails with some crazy Finnish, Swedish, Canadian, Swiss and German people.

"I've had such an amazing time with all ofTHE OCEAN guys past and present and I will miss then all greatly. Me and Jona almost cried like babies before the last show in Gothenburg, Sweden. It's hard to scream like a motherfucker when you have a lump of emotions in your throat.

"I wish them all the best of luck for the future, take care dudes, it's been a blast. Thanks to all of the cool people I've been so fortunate to meet and hang out with."

THE OCEAN is currently looking for "a unique, versatile vocalist who can cover all vocal styles from strong clean singing to hoarse rock vocals to melodic pitch screaming to all ranges of grunts, growls and shrieks. Someone who can play at least one other instrument (preferrably piano / keyboard or bass)... a powerful, charismatic performer, a sight to behold on stage... experience is crucial - we want someone who knows that he is willing to dedicate his life to being in a touring band, someone who knows what it's like to tour."

For more information, send an e-mail to [email protected].