Q&A with Greg McGowan of Time and Distance

Time and Distance are returning to The Main Street Cafe this Friday for another show of epic proportions. 

The band, a highly contagious pop rock outfit from Charleston, West Virginia, will have local support from Tell No Tales, Ivory Coast and The Fifth Gear. 

Friday - 1.30.15
Doors: 7pm
Show: 8pm
Admission: $3

Greg McGowan answered some questions for those curious about Time and Distance. Check it out below!

From left to right: Greg McGowan, Dustin Patton, Adrian Crowder and Chris Thompson

The Main Street Cafe (TMSC): First off, who makes up Time and Distance?

Greg McGowan (GM): Dustin Patton plays lead guitar and sings, Adrian Crowder plays bass guitar and sings sometimes, Chris Thompson plays drums, and my name is Greg McGowan and I play guitar and sing.

TMSC: How has the New Year been so far for you guys? Any new things coming up?

GM: It’s been really awesome so far! We just finished a tour of the east coast that was super fun, and we are getting ready to release some new music that we recorded at the end of last year, which we are super excited about.

TMSC: Can you describe your sound using only verbs?

GM: No. and i thought about this for nearly 15 minutes. hahaha

TMSC: Your Facebook says the band has been around since 2002. How has your sound evolved over the last 13 years of writing music?

GM: Well the band technically started with me just playing by myself acoustic when I was still in high school. A few years later it turned into a real “band” and we started taking it more seriously, but we were still playing acoustic, just with bass and drums. A few years after that we went electric and definitely have gotten a little more aggressive in the last few years.

TMSC: Your band has played at the Cafe before, right?

GM: Yeah I believe this will be our third time. Main Street always is a fun time, we are super excited to come back.

TMSC: Having toured quite a bit, what is the difference between playing bigger and smaller venues?

GM: It’s way harder to translate energy in a bigger room. In a small room it’s way easier to connect with people and have it be a little bit more “intimate” for lack of a better word. Don’t get me wrong, it’s super fun to play huge places where you can look out and see nothing but people, but i think we definitely feel a little more “at home” in smaller places.

TMSC: What can people expect from a Time and Distance live show?

 GM: Bad humor and us almost running into each other about 1000 times, while still somehow playing our songs.

TMSC: What is something people might not know about the band?

 GM: We are all incredibly picky eaters.

TMSC: Anything else you’d like to say to Clarksburg and anyone reading this?

GM: You guys rule, thanks so much for doing this. Clarksburg is always a great time, and you guys have an awesome little scene happening up there, we are super glad to be a part of it!

TMSC: Thanks so much. Clarksburg can’t wait to rock out with you guys Friday!

GM: Thank you!

RSVP for Time and Distance's show this Friday on Facebook and listen to their song "That Girl" from ONep below!

Q&A with Tyler Konersman of Tear Out the Heart

By Ryan Glaspell

At times melodic and irresistibly catchy, and others scorchingly heavy, Tear Out the Heart are making their way to The Main Street Cafe this Friday to kick off The Dead, Everywhere Tour. The tour, in support of their upcoming album, Dead, Everywhere, will mark the first time the Victory Records metalcore outfit has came to Clarksburg.

The band will be receiving local support from Portrayer, Mandalorian, Ivory Coast and Tell No Tales. This show also marks Portrayer's EP release show, with each entrant receiving a copy of the band's debut EP, Desolate for free!

Friday - 1.23.15
Doors: 6pm
Show: 7pm
Admission: $10 in advance - $12 at door (for advanced tickets contact one of the supporting bands or head to the Facebook event)

Tyler Konersman, middle, vocalist for Tear Out the Heart

The Main Street Cafe (TMSC): What’s your name and role in the band?

Tyler Konersman (TK): Tyler Konersman. Lead vocalist and lyricist. 

TMSC: For those who don’t know, can you give a brief rundown on who Tear Out the Heart is?

TK: 5 very random but honest dudes that love to play music. We all come from very different backgrounds and that's what makes Tear Out The Heart unique.

TMSC: Want to say a bit about the tour?

TK: Its a short little run in midwest cities to help get the word out there on our new record. Mostly smaller rooms. Gonna be a blast!

TMSC: What motivates you when you write this music and play these songs live?

TK: Hearing stories of how our music has helped them at all in life is always a rewarding experience. For me, it's all about hearing people yell our lyrics right back in my face when we play shows. Nothing compares.

TMSC: Will this be your first time passing through this area of West Virginia?

TK: Yes I believe so! Have toured all around the area but look forward to finally making our stop there!

TMSC: Who would your hardcore all-star supergroup consist of?

Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) - Vocals

Darryl Palumbo (Glassjaw) - Vocals

Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory) - Guitar / Backing Vocals

Timothy McTague (Underoath) - Guitar

Me - Bass Lol

Joey Jordanson (Slipknot) - Drums

TMSC: Finally, what can fans expect from this show and what do you expect from us Clarksburg-ians?

TK: They can expect going home with a smile on their face and having a damn good time. We plan on bringing all the energy we can, we hope you do the same!

Be sure to catch Tear Out the Heart and the rest of the acts this Friday at 7pm! 

Check out Tear Out the Heart's epic new single "I've Got Secrets" below:

Photo courtesy of Tear Out the Heart's Facebook page.

The Rundown! - Barracuda Birthday Bash 1/17

By: Ryan Glaspell

When a member of Barracuda has a birthday, the entire band has a birthday. Why pass up a chance to party?

This Saturday, January 17th, the Morgantown punk rockers are celebrating the birthday of their drummer, Alex Baker by way of loud, fast music with help from Captain Catfeesh, Jordan Poss and Holey Soles.

Barracuda

From left to right: Tim Taylor, Mike "Spider" Chan, Alex Baker, Tyler Washburn and Jack Friend

Who are they: Take the coarse vocals from punk, anthemic guitar licks from rock and roll, and throw in a dash of reckless abandon and you have Barracuda. They are loud, fast-paced and I'll be damned if they don't make you want to make physical contact with every living thing around you. 

Why you should care: Barracuda like to frequent The Main Street Cafe, and we love to have them. This is because we like having a good time. Do you like having a good time? If so, then don't deprive yourselves of 30 minutes of raw, unfiltered garage punk which will have you moving around like you're caught in a tornado of kick-ass. Careful not to spill your beer.

(Don't forget to check out their website, www.fistcock.ninja)

Captain Catfeesh

From left to right: Cody Blosser and Colby "Captain Catfeesh" White

Who are they: Captain Catfeesh is a self-proclaimed "Hillbilly Punk" duo from Morgantown, WV. Sometimes all you need is a drum kit, acoustic guitar and distortion pedal to craft energetic punk music.

Why you should care: Although their setup is simple, their sound is big. Vocalist and guitarist Colby White's songwriting pieces together components of protopunk, grunge and Appalachian culture. The product is an alluring sound that won't be found anywhere else.

Jordan Poss

Screenshot from Jeremy Blizard's YouTube video

Who is he: From Morgantown, WV., Jordan Poss has been making his rounds in the local scene armed with an acoustic guitar and mellow punk tunes. 

Why you should care: Poss fits into a punk show in a beautiful way. His music is subtle, but without restraint. He blends classic punk rock with his acoustic songwriting to churn out something raw and moving. He also plays a Martin, and Martins are heavenly.

Holey Soles

From left to right: Zach Harris, Andrew Peterson and Caleb Karriker

Who are they: Holey Soles are three good friends that love punk music. From Elkins, WV., this trio has a knack for creating pure, driven punk jams.

Why you should care: Their Facebook description says it best, "We like having fun." While listening to their music, that feeling known as "fun" emerges. Rapid guitar progressions, prominent bass lines and upfront vocals will induce the desire to jump around. It's the type of music you want to skateboard, and if you don't skateboard then throw in Tony Hawk and shred it up.

Doors at 8pm. 3$ admission. 

Checkout the event on Facebook, RSVP and tell all your friends!

Barracuda, Captain Catfeesh and Holey Sole's photos are from the bands' respective Facebook pages.