The rise of A Dollar Underwater

A group of friends that strive for their passion for music

By Joshua Olivo

Graphics Editor

(photo taken from @adollarunderwater)

A Dollar Underwater (ADU) is a punk/rock, synthwave band based out of Fresno that was formed in July 2015 with 320 monthly listeners and 140 followers on Spotify. The group was formed by a 15 years long friendship between Dan Ramirez, Kyle Fortney and Sanger High teacher Justin Norris.

Norris teaches 10th grade World Literature and is the band’s lead singer.

“I was inspired to start the band because music was something I always wanted to pursue when I was younger… I wanted to have something where I had absolute freedom to create any kind of music I wanted,” said Norris.

The name A Dollar Underwater came from one of Norris’ all time favorite songs "Lucky Denver Mint" by Jimmy Eat World.

The idea behind the band name is that no matter what's going on in your life, you still have your wishes, you still have your dreams

The band gained lots of support from the festivals where they have performed and is finding even more recent success at Sanger High. One of his supporters is also a 10th grade World Literature teacher, Elison Baird.

“ADU's music is amazing! It's a real mix of different genres, which means it can fit different moods you have,” said Baird. “My favorite is to listen to their new synth stuff like on long night drives.”

Baird’s favorite song to listen to is, “Disappear Here” for its overall sound and “vibe,” but she also loves “Slasher Flick,” mostly because she was asked to appear in the music video.

Norris’ former student Michael Oviedo, is also a supporter of ADU and enjoys listening to “Falling Sickness,” his favorite song by ADU.

“I occasionally Listen to A Dollar Underwater, I enjoy listening to music that gives off a retro feel,” said Oviedo.

When it comes to thinking about new song material Norris finds inspiration in things that show growth within a person.

“I write with the inspiration of knowing or hoping that people can easily connect with whatever topic each song is about. I'm inspired by people, I'm inspired by myself, I'm inspired by the beauty in the world, and I'm inspired by the horrors of the world,” said Norris.

With everything happening in the pandemic, ADU still finds a way to keep their supporters happy with new music and virtual concerts.

“Especially in 2020, there's definitely a lot of that going on. We need art more than ever!” said Norris.