Table of Contents
Interview: O.A.R.’s Chris Culos on the band’s beginnings, staying inspired, and returning to Mohegan Sun
File photo: O.A.R. performing at Hartford Healthcare Ampitheater in Bridgeport, Connecticut in August 2023
There’s something rare and enduring about a band that not only survives the churn of the music industry but continues to thrive with purpose. O.A.R. — short for Of A Revolution — is that band. And this August, they’re bringing their decades-long musical journey, infectious energy, and heartfelt connection with fans back to Mohegan Sun Arena.
If you’ve ever been to an O.A.R. show, you know what to expect: a night of music that feels less like a concert and more like a celebration. But for the band, it’s more than performance. It’s about connection, evolution, and a creative spark that was ignited in a Maryland basement over 25 years ago and never dimmed.
In a conversation with Finding Connecticut, drummer and founding member Chris Culos opened up about the band’s early days, the origin of their name, and their ongoing passion for creating music on their own terms.
From “Exposed Youth” to a Revolution
Chris Culos of O.A.R. performs at Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 2024. Photo by Kris Forland
Chris Culos shared that their very first band in eighth grade was called Exposed Youth. “It dawned on us later what that actually meant — and we were like, ohh, okay,” he laughed. But even from those early years, the desire to explore sound and song was real.
Eventually, O.A.R. began rehearsing regularly in his mom’s basement. “Every Tuesday after school, sometimes more. We’d take breaks on the front porch, just talking, jamming. It was this constant shuffle between rooms, and somewhere in that rhythm, the name Of A Revolution was born,” Chris recalled.
The name itself came from a short story their lead singer Mark Roberge had written, titled The Wanderer. “It was taken from a sentence in that story,” Chris explained. “We didn’t know what it meant at first. It just clicked — we knew it was right.” The story inspired many of their early songs, weaving tales of youth, change, and discovery.
“We were 16, so we weren’t really writing first-person songs. We were telling stories. That’s what of a revolution meant to us — a musical revolution. Finding our voice.”
Napster, mislabels, and becoming “O.A.R.”
Chris also spoke about how Napster and early music sharing platforms both helped and complicated their rise. “People were downloading our songs under all the wrong names,” he said. “We’d get to a show and fans would request a song that wasn’t even the title — it was just the first lyric they heard.”
That digital confusion led to the band embracing the abbreviation O.A.R. — something fans had already begun calling them. “It was easier. We didn’t fight it — it stuck.”
Creative control and vinyl revival
When asked about how they’ve managed to stay independent, Chris emphasized the band’s commitment to creative control. “We’ve always tried to do as much in-house as we can. We want to have full creative control — the art, the packaging, the sound quality. All of it.”
This approach is evident in their upcoming vinyl releases. “We’ve been going back through the archives, re-releasing some albums as box sets, revisiting the original artwork, even picking the vinyl colors ourselves,” Chris said. “There’s no date for All Sides yet, but it’s coming. We’re doing them all.”
He recommends fans check the band’s website for the vinyl editions since they’re not typically found in major retail stores. “You can find us — especially in mom-and-pop shops.”
A band you don’t just listen to — you experience
As our conversation wrapped up, Chris reflected on the band’s lasting appeal. “That spirit — that revolution — it’s still there. We’re still evolving.”
O.A.R. has always been more than a band. They’re a movement, a memory, a moment in time. And on that summer night at Mohegan Sun, they’ll prove it once again. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, O.A.R. delivers authenticity and connection few acts can match.
O.A.R. is performing at Mohegan Sun on August 24, 2025. Click here to purchase tickets.
Don’t miss
• Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery announce Mohegan Sun show
• Howie Mandel, Brad Garrett to perform one night only at Mohegan Sun Arena
• Adam Sandler announces fall arena tour with stop at Mohegan Sun on Sept. 26
••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••
Patriotic shirts for every Connecticut town
From the quiet corners of Litchfield County to the shoreline streets of New London, we’re bringing hometown pride and American spirit together. Our patriotic shirts are custom-designed for every town in Connecticut—so you can celebrate where you’re from and the red, white, and blue. Perfect for parades, backyard BBQs, or just repping your roots with pride.
Because in Connecticut, every town has a story—and every story deserves stars and stripes.
As of 6/15 – Shirts will be finished by the end of the week – mugs and tote bags to follow.
Fairfield County
Bridgeport • Stamford • Norwalk • Danbury • Greenwich • Fairfield • Stratford • Shelton • Trumbull • Newtown • Westport • Ridgefield • Darien • New Canaan • Bethel • Monroe • Wilton • Brookfield • New Fairfield • Weston • Redding • Easton • Sherman
New Haven County
New Haven • Waterbury • Meriden • Hamden • West Haven • East Haven • Milford • Naugatuck • Cheshire • Branford • North Haven • Guilford • Southbury • Ansonia • Madison • Derby • Prospect • Middlebury • Beacon Falls • Bethany • Wallingford • Seymour • Wolcott • Orange • Oxford • Woodbridge
Hartford County
Hartford • West Hartford • East Hartford • New Britain • Bristol • Manchester • Southington • Enfield • Glastonbury • Newington • Windsor • South Windsor • Wethersfield • Farmington • Simsbury • Bloomfield • Rocky Hill • Berlin • Avon • Plainville • Windsor Locks • Granby • East Windsor • Canton • Burlington • Marlborough • Hartland • East Granby • Suffield •
Litchfield County
New Milford • Torrington • Watertown • Plymouth • Winchester • Woodbury • Litchfield • New Hartford • Harwinton • Salisbury • Washington • Barkhamsted • Bethlehem • Goshen • North Canaan • Sharon • Roxbury • Morris • Bridgewater • Norfolk • Cornwall • Colebrook • Warren • Canaan • Kent
Middlesex County
Middletown • Old Saybrook • Portland • East Haddam • Haddam • Durham • Westbrook • Essex • Killingworth • Deep River • Middlefield • Chester • East Hampton • Cromwell • Clinton
New London County
Norwich • Groton • New London • Waterford • East Lyme • Stonington • Montville • Griswold • Old Lyme • Lebanon • North Stonington • Preston • Salem • Lisbon • Sprague • Voluntown • Bozrah • Lyme • Franklin • Mystic • Colchester • Ledyard
Tolland County
Vernon • Mansfield • Ellington • Coventry • Stafford • Somers • Hebron • Willington • Columbia • Bolton • Andover • Tolland • Union
Windham County
Windham • Killingly • Thompson • Putnam • Brooklyn • Woodstock • Canterbury • Pomfret • Ashford • Sterling • Chaplin • Hampton • Eastford • Scotland
Don’t miss our popular collections 203 • Two o’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut • Love & Live • Connecticut Fall
Save 10% on all products with promo code Post10. Always free shipping
Farmington Polo Club
The Farmington Polo Club is set to offer a vibrant lineup of events this June, blending competitive polo with festive themes and family-friendly activities.
July 5, 2025 – Independence Cup
July 12, 2025 – $1500 July Jackpot
July 19, 2025 – Mashomack vs Farmington
July 26, 2025 – Argentina vs USA
Click here to purchase tickets
Gourmet Cookies
Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!
Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater
Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!
Connecticut with us!
Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.
Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community
Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page
Don’t miss our reviews
Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews
Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events
Latest news by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • Middlesex County • New Haven County • New London County• Tolland County • Windham County
Latest sports news by team
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns •
2025 schedules
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns • Farmington Polo Club
Events by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • New Haven County • New London County • Middlesex County • Tolland County • Windham County
Events by Interest
Art • Sports • Family Friendly • History • Concerts • Farmers’ Markets
Events by the month
July 2025 • August 2025 • September 2025 • October 2025 • November 2025 • December 2025
Events by venue
College Street Music Hall • Space Ballroom • Westville Music Bowl • District Music Hall • Fairfield Theatre Company • Hartford Stage • The Bushnell • Goodspeed Opera House • Mohegan Sun • Foxwoods • New York Comedy Club Stamford • Westport Country Playhouse • Goodspeed Opera House