The Rundown! - Rosedale, Instead of Sleeping, Time and Distance & more (2/12)

If you don't have a song stuck in your head right now, you will after this Thursday. Coming to the cafe are five hook-laden rock bands loaded with jams to infest your brain for the next two to three weeks. 

Rosedale is currently on tour from Canada. Local support will be coming from Pittsburgh indie rockers Instead of Sleeping, and three Charleston outfits: Time and Distance, No Pretty Pictures and Letters.

Doors @ 6 - Show @ 7 - $5 Admission

RSVP on Facebook for more info.
                                                                                                                                                                                  

Rosedale

Origins: From Ontario, Canada, Rosedale started as a group of friends playing pop punk in middle school. As time progressed and people moved on, Mike Liorti adopted Rosedale as a moniker for his solo project. He has been on numerous tours, including an opening spot for New Found Glory and performances on Warped Tour. He is now working on releasing his sophomore album.

The sound: He calls his music "aggressive pop," which is a broad term for the amalgamation of influences he has projected into his music. Collecting inspiration from a variety of late 90s and early 2000s alternative acts, Rosedale's music contains all the affection of pop and adds a layer of musicianship reminiscent of Angels & Airwaves. 

Did you know? While interning at Drive Studios in Woodbrige, Ontario, Mike Liorti has had his hands on projects from Protest the Hero, Rust Belt Lights, Dead and Divine and more. On The Flatliners' newest record, Dead Language, Liorti played keys. Also, he is the singing voice of Atticus from the Disney movie Radio Rebel.

Instead of Sleeping

Origins: Instead of Sleeping are our northern neighbors, coming from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since 2008, the band has been refining their pop-inflected brand of earnest indie rock. Their story began jamming in a hookah bar, but throughout the course of their existence they have released four albums and shared the stage with the likes of fun., The Dear Hunter and Good Old War.

The sound: Instead of Sleeping's dedication to creating earnest and passionate indie rock produces consistently alluring tunes. Their songs are fun to listen to, but they aren't inauthentic. Every song has a mesmerizing groove about it. It's like chewing a candy that won't rot your teeth. You get all of the advantages of hearing an upbeat indie rock band while simultaneously listening to a vulnerable and talented group of musicians.

Did you know? Guitarist/keyboardist Woody Wright has a few interesting tidbits of information about himself. His heritage is part Italian, part German...Shepherd. He attributes his excellent skin tone and complexion to bathing in marinara sauce on a daily basis. Lastly, if it were up to him, Woody would wear full denim suits every day of the week!


Time and Distance

Origins: Greg McGowan began Time and Distance when he started writing songs on his acoustic guitar in high school. Fast forward a few steps and a bass guitar and drums join the picture. A few steps more and the acoustic music was fully replaced by electric guitars and aggressive, fast paced pop rock. Since their inception, the band has toured relentlessly and put out two EPs and two full lengths.

The sound: They play pop rock reminiscent of bands such as Punchline and June (the band, not the month). Catchy rhythms, witty lyrics and fun vibes will have you dancing and feeling a little more carefree than you were prior to listening. Having been around for over a decade, the band's sound and identity is unwavering and their chemistry is evident in their music. 

Did you know? Last time Time and Distance visited the cafe they capped off their set with a punk version of "Country Roads" during which their bassist, Adrian Crowder, put down his bass, picked up a mic, and stage dove. It was awesome.

No Pretty Pictures

Origins: John Poole and David Plumley created No Pretty Pictures in 2011. From that time they have had multiple lineup changes and are now working as a sextet. From the beginning, No Pretty Pictures have been working towards a modern and progressive sound. They have three releases under their belt, the most recent being their Bodies EP.

The sound: Their music shifts from somber and brooding to swift and energetic at a moment's notice. "Progressive rock" is a term that comes to mind, but try and rattle off prog rock bands that boast Brand New-esque songwriting with an ever-present trombone. Their experimental approach to rock produces a dark, gripping vibe.

Did you know?  David Plumley has played every instrument but drums since the band was formed, and John Poole has played every instrument but trombone since the band was formed. Talk about versatility.

Letters

Origins: In early 2012 Rob Coleman and Cole Fleming began writing acoustic music. After releasing one EP they felt the urge to expand their sound. A year and a few lineup changes later and Letters added Alex Keenan and Jacob Peyton on bass and drums respectively. Since then, they have released two singles and their first full length, En Route/In Transit is due out March 23rd.

The Sound: Inspired by energetic pop punk acts like Fall Out Boy and The Wonder Years, Letters create upbeat, melody-driven rock. In their own words, they are, "a rock band designed to bring the thunder and keep the surfs up." They accomplish that with music that is polished, but maintains a hard hitting edge to it.

Did you know? Initially, Alex and Jacob had no real desire to be a part of Letters. Being best friends with Rob and Cole, when the band needed some filler musicians for a show they stepped up. The show ended up getting canceled, but they were added on Facebook as members, and everyone knows there's no turning back from that.

All photos courtesy of respective bands' Facebook pages.

The Rundown: Beach Bonanza 6/19

The temperature is rising, the sun is shining bright and the ocean is calling your name. The problem is, you're stuck in North Central West Virginia. Have no fear, The Main Street Cafe is throwing a Beach Bonanza to wipe all of your wistful tears away.

This Thursday, June 19th, Instead of Sleeping, Culture Thief, Timelines and Ryan Glaspell will be performing at the cafe's first ever beach-themed concert.

It's going to be a hot evening, so cool off with some soothing tunes. If you come decked out in beach attire, then you will receive a free pair of sunglasses and a Hawaiian lei (while supplies last).

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the music starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5.

Instead of Sleeping 

From left to right: Woody Wright, Corey McClaine, Shaun Sweeney and Jeff Binardo

Who are they: Hailing from Pittsburgh, Instead of Sleeping is a four-piece indie rock band. Since 2008, the band has been refining their pop-inflected brand of earnest indie rock. Their latest release, Young Lungs, is full of catchy melodies and playful synths. Their music is polished and colorful without succumbing to the phoniness of overproduction.

Why you should care: These guys have shared the stage with the likes of Fun. and The Dear Hunter, and it makes sense why. Their songs are fun to listen to, but they aren't inauthentic. Every song has a mesmerizing groove about it. It's like chewing a candy that won't rot your teeth. You get all of the advantages of hearing an upbeat indie rock band while simultaneously listening to a vulnerable and talented group of musicians.

Listen: 

Culture Thief

From left to right: Joshua Lucas, Jordan Wean, Seth Cochran, Craig Debastiani, Neil Wallace and Terry Rogers

Who are they: Based out of Fairmont, West Virginia, Culture Thief is a band that is not easily described. Their sound is a blend of jazz-inflected, bluesy rock music with hints of soul and folk strung throughout. This collective of musicians is bursting with talent. Their songs will persuade you to dance around and then weep.

Why should you care: While listening to Culture Thief, it is likely that you will have a transcendental experience. From Terry Rogers’ entrancing sax melodies to Craig Debastiani’s ethereal vocals, you won’t walk away from a Culture Thief set unchanged. Each member of this six-piece collective exudes passion and technical ability. Even if you don’t know bass clef from treble clef, the chemistry and talent in Culture Thief is impossible to miss.

Listen:


Timelines

Evan Ferrell (left) and Tyler St. Clair (right) are half of Timelines

Who are they: Timelines started off as a serenely melodic duo of Evan Ferrell and Tyler St. Clair, but has since evolved into a full band with Tyler Wells on drums and Eric Kirkland on bass. Their latest EP, Home, is riddled with buttery vocals, atmospheric guitar leads and heartfelt melodies.

Why you should care: Back when they had nothing more than an acoustic guitar, electric guitar and vocals their music had a heartfelt sincerity that wove its way through every listeners’ ears and into their soul. Now that they are supported by basslines and drum rhythms, their music has evolved into something even more sublime. After hearing a Culture Thief and a Timelines set you won’t even know who you are anymore.

Listen:

 
Ryan Glaspell



Who is he: Ryan has been performing music in one way or another for most of his life. After cycling through a couple of full bands, he began writing acoustic music in a duo entitled The Light of Day. He now writes music as a solo singer-songwriter.

Why you should care: Ryan's songs don't commit to one specific style of acoustic music. In the same set you'll hear an upbeat, reggae-styled jam and a slow, heart-aching ballad. He wears his emotions on his sleeves, and his songs reflect that. His voice caters to each style, whether it's a gritty yell, or a delicate falsetto.

Listen:      

All photos courtesy of the bands’ respective Facebook pages.

Q&A with Shaun Sweeney (Instead of Sleeping)

In case you missed the announcement, this Thursday is The Main Street Cafe's first ever Beach Bonanza. Pittsburgh indie rockers Instead of Sleeping are being joined by Culture Thief, Timelines and Ryan Glaspell to put on a beach-tastic show.

The show starts at 5:30 and admission is $5. If you come in beach apparel, then you will get a free pair of sunglasses and a Hawaiian lei (while supplies last).

Shaun Sweeney, vocalist and guitarist for Instead of Sleeping, answered some questions via email about his band, the show and the summer thus far. Check out the interview below!

Shaun Sweeney (second from right); photo credit: Noah Sahady

The Main Street Cafe: How’s the summer been going for Instead of Sleeping?

Shaun Sweeney: This summer has been one of the busiest in our careers. The crazy thing is, it has been this hectic since before Thanksgiving. A lot of planning and strategy has gone into this summer's release of our new album "Young Lungs". But all the hard work and biding our time has been more than worth it

TMSC: Have you played in the Clarksburg area before? If so, what was that like?

SS: We have only once. We played Main Street Cafe a year or so ago, but we didn't even get to play full band! This time we won't just be coming with the full band, but an entirely new set!

TMSC: What are you looking forward to about the show?

SS: We can't wait to play as a full band for people who only got to see half of what we like to do at shows. We can't wait to play the new songs that we put our heart and soul into. And we can't wait to see everyone in their bathing suits and stuff for this themed show!

TMSC: How would describe your band’s sound in a sentence?

SS: The sound is everywhere from angry and vengeful to smooth and sexy, and could be most understood by people who know how fine the line can be in between.

TMSC: What can people expect from an Instead of Sleeping live show?

SS: We have done everything from bring out extra drum kits, blow up confetti cannons, and at the end of every show, if we don't pack our shit up dripping wet in sweat, then we did something wrong.

TMSC: It’s a beach-themed bonanza; do you have any beach gear you’re looking forward to rocking out in?

SS: We have been in the market for inflatables and goggles... Don't wanna give too much away!!

TMSC: What’s your favorite thing about the summer?

SS: Falling asleep under the stars on warm summer nights. Waking up on the beach. (Another band member tacked grilling onto that list too.)

TMSC: What’s something people might not know about your band?

SS: We've always said that every single song is all from personal experiences. Every songs a story. We live through that at every show. But one thing that people might not know is, if you want to hear that story, all you have to do is talk to us. We love getting to know new people and we love when people come and get to know us!

TMSC: Finally, what would you like the Clarksburg area to know about you and your band and this show?

SS: About us: We are an honest band, so we want everyone to know we are really looking forward to this show! The bands who we are playing with, the venue we are playing, the songs we are playing, and the people we are going to get to meet. June 19 is going to be an excellent night that nobody is going to want to miss

 Photo courtesy of Instead of Sleeping's Facebook page.

The Main Street Cafe to host all-ages beach-themed concert.

Bust out your bikinis and board shorts, there's going to be a Main Street Beach Bonanza!

The Main Street Cafe is truly kicking off their summer on June 19th when Pittsburgh indie rockers Instead of Sleeping will join forces with three local favorites to put on a beach-themed bash for the ages.

Instead of Sleeping performed at The Main Street Cafe once before, before its management changed hands. At that show they weren't full band, but now they're coming back with a full band and set full of new songs. For anyone who saw their last set, this is an opportunity to catch them again, this time with no holds barred.

"We can't wait to play as a full band for people who only got to see half of what we like to do at shows. We can't wait to play the new songs that we put our heart and soul into," said vocalist and guitarist Shaun Sweeney.

Their latest release, Young Lungs, dropped on May 24th, and is a shiny, shimmering example of how indie rock can be polished without losing its underground, DIY edge. This came as a result of heading to Chicago and working with Mark McClusky (Weezer, Bad Religion, Ludo, LetLive. and more).

Young Lungs is the band's fourth studio release, and is their most dynamic effort to date. It is playful and bright, yet isn't restricted by the pop-inflected sound. Rather, it makes it more accessible to anyone willing to listen.

Sweeney said, "The sound is everywhere from angry and vengeful to smooth and sexy, and could be most understood by people who know how fine the line can be in between."

Joining Instead of Sleeping will be Timelines, Culture Thief and Ryan Glaspell. If you've never caught Timelines or Culture Thief live, then now is the perfect time to do it. Both bands have their own unique knack for writing lively, impassioned rock.

Timelines creates entrancing pop rock that is guaranteed to have you swaying and moving your feet. By the end of their set you'll feel like you are walking on air.

Culture Thief is a true spectacle to behold. They are a collection of musicians collaborating in a magical way onstage to produce blues-inflected jam rock. They bleed talent and sweat passion with ever note.

Ryan Glaspell spans the spectrum of acoustic music. Whether its a catchy, cheery tune, or a personal ballad, his serenading will make you happy, sad and then happy again.

This isn't your average show of talented musicians, though. It's a beach bonanza.

"It was really Evan's (Ferrell, Timelines) idea," Manager Daniel Bonner said, "We were all for it though, because we felt like the cafe needed a theme like this to really kick us off for summer."

What better way to celebrate summer than with beach balls and ocean-gear? If you come decked out in beach attire, then you'll get rewarded with some accessories courtesy of the show.

Evan Ferrell, the beautiful voice behind Timelines, has been busy preparing for the theme.

"We bought a big bulk pack of sunglasses and leis to pass out to everyone who wears beach stuff," Ferrell said.

The Main Street Cafe staff and the musicians will also be putting on their finest swimsuits for the show.

"We have been in the market for inflatables and goggles," Sweeney said, "Don't wanna give too much away!"

Timelines will be adorned with beach gear too.

"I just bought a neon green Hawaiian shirt with trees on it. It is so ugly and so very perfect," Ferrell said.

You might even get lucky and see Daniel Bonner wearing a speedo. Who knows?

Admission is only $5, a small price to pay for energetic music and free beach gear (if you dress accordingly).

Show starts at 6:30, but come early to grab your sunglasses and lei before they run out. You may even see some limbo going down.

Check back next Monday for a full Q&A with Shaun Sweeney of Instead of Sleeping.