Who are Ignore The Evidence?

By Travis Conant

Ignore the Evidence is a local Windsor band with a passion for the music industry.

The members of the band are Willy Jaber (singer), Gabe Hand (bass), Hardcore Al (rhythm guitar), John McBean (drums) and Charlie Bondy (lead guitar).

Their biggest influencers were The Beatles, Foo Fighters, Sam Roberts, and Weezer to name a few. Each member said that they wanted to be in a band because of watching MTV. Now they say they are dedicated to the long journey. They acknowledge they owe a lot to their families.

“In some cases, our families, older siblings being musicians. Charlie’s sisters both sing, Willie’s brother plays drums. Eventually we have to credit ourselves for having the drive to learn,” said the band members in an email statement.   

So far the music lifestyle has been good to the band. They said there has never been a moment that was not worth it.

“I, for, one can’t imagine life without music,” said Bondy. “Even quitting a project always sat sour but in the end you have to do what’s right and move on from things that aren’t working.”

The band said they came together during an old project Jaber and Bondy were in. A few guys went their own way and left the band to do their own thing. However, after hearing a few of Jaber’s songs the current band members decided to make a go at it.

The band Ignore The Evidence had difficulties figuring out what to name the band and eventually managed to come up with a name with a powerful meaning to it.

“So many others were taken! We wanted something that had a nice ring to it but meant something. With the way things are its hard to really know anyone anymore. Kind of along the lines of the saying ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover,’” said the band members.

Looking back, the band is very proud of what they have accomplished and where they are right now.

“Firstly we all were so proud to make a full length album. We decided that even if nobody really bought it that we would have something to hold to for the rest of our lives. Hearing our songs on the radio was another great feeling,” said the band members. 

The band does have thoughts on what they want to see happen in the next 10 years. One of the big things is they still want to be together and producing music.

“That’s something a lot of bands don’t get to do. We don’t expect to “make it” we really just love when people are into our music. We love going out, playing and meeting new people to show our songs to. But hey, if one day the Grammys call, we’ll answer,” said the band members.

When it came to the band’s full length album each song has a unique sound that happened by accident.

“We would be lying if we said it didn’t,” said the band members. “We obviously heard it while making it but it wasn’t intentionally done. We have five guys, five writers in the band. Not much is out of bounds and if its rocking in a jam session we roll with it. The only song that felt somewhat thought out was the song My Misery. We knew wanted something a bit different to end the album, something long and meaningful in a sense.”

The band also has advice for any musician or solo artist who wants to get into the music scene but are afraid they are not good enough.

“One great thing about music is that you can’t lose. You’re not against anyone but yourself. Nobody got anywhere without getting them self out there for the world to see. Even if there’s only the staff and that one drunk regular. Be humble, never worry about being the best player in the room. Just play. People love when they see the truth,” said the band members.