Grasshopper Takeover connects with their fans

Joshua Haun

Omaha melodic, hard rock quartet Grasshopper Takeover isn’t afraid to do things on its own terms.

Whether mixing uptempo guitars with infectious pop hooks on its latest album “Elephant Dreams” or covering Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back,” the band is proud of its do-it-yourself ethics.

“We’ve been independent for so long, we feel like we can do whatever … we want,” says Curtis Grubb, guitarist and singer for Grasshopper Takeover.

Guided by what Grubb calls a “pure and true love of music,” Grasshopper Takeover has released four well-received albums and played countless shows, including high-profile gigs like a stint on the Vans Warped Tour, during its eight years in existence. The group will make an appearance Wednesday at People’s Bar and Grill, 2428 Lincoln Way.

“We’ve had offers and we’ll consider anything, but we won’t sell our souls to the devil,” Grubb says.

In a musical landscape currently dominated by major labels and MTV, Grubb says Grasshopper Takeover is one of the rare bands that has been able to develop a large and dedicated following without compromising its self-sufficient principles.

Grubb attributes a strong connection with fans as one of the key reasons the band has seen successes that most indie bands can only dream about.

“We’ve tried to have a close relationship with the fans since day one,” Grubb says.

“Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to do this for eight years. It might sound silly, but we try to answer every single e-mail and letter we get.”

Although the band has shared stages with everyone from Incubus to Kid Rock and played renowned venues like the Whiskey and the Roxy, members of Grasshopper Takeover still enjoy playing smaller, more intimate shows.

“For us, it’s never about the size of the venue or the talent we’re playing with,” Grubb says. “It’s about the fans being happy to see us, and we’ve always gotten tons of great support from places like People’s.”

In a time when bands often complain about the miserable aspects of touring, Grubb says Grasshopper Takeover is more than happy to bring the music to fans as often as humanly possible.

“It does get taxing, but we love it.” Grubb says. “We’ll play anywhere and everywhere we’re welcome.”

Noting that the band draws inspiration from a diverse batch of influences ranging from Billy Joel to Motley Crue, Grubb says anyone who loves rock ‘n’ roll can enjoy a Grasshopper Takeover performance.

“Our shows draw a wider range of fans than just about any other band I’ve seen, all ages and styles,” Grubb says.

Grubb says longtime fans and newcomers alike can expect a “high-energy rock show” when Grasshopper Takeover plays, but not the angst that often comes with guitar-heavy music.

“People want to be moved and rocked, and that’s what we try to give them.” Grubb says.

“We’re big on melodies and hooks, and we don’t feel like we need to be pissed off all the time to get a response.”

Who: Grasshopper Takeover

Where: People’s Bar and Grill, 2428 Lincoln Way

When: 9 p.m. Wednesday

Cost: Free