Q&A with Lance Waste & Anthony Powers

This Friday, February 27th, Lance Waste and Anthony Powers will be finishing up their "Wintour of Discontent" here at The Main Street Cafe. Waste and Powers are two of the members of heartfelt indie rock outfit Darling Waste, but they're stripping it down and going solo for this tour. They each tout their own blend of vulnerable acoustic music.

Their current tour has them hitting several cities along the East Coast in support of their recent split EP release.

When they come to the cafe, they will be supported by SoulStrippa, Clean Dirty Clean and Novis.

Doors @ 6 - Show @ 7 - $5 Admission

RSVP on Facebook for the latest updates!

The two of them answered some questions about their friendship, the tour and their split EP.

Tour flier courtesy of Darling Waste's Facebook.

The Main Street Cafe (TMSC): How long have you guys known each other? How did you meet?

Lance: Well, we've known each other for a couple years now, we both work in the music industry and were working in the same office for a while and Anthony was actually my boss for a little bit.

Anthony: Yeah, when Lance and I first met we really didn't like each other very much, because it took him about two months to realize I was his boss.

TMSC: What prompted this tour to come into existence?

Anthony: So I've been playing bass in Darling Waste for almost a year now, and we were playing this show up towards Cleveland. The promoters were short a few bands so I just kind of threw in an acoustic set of my own songs, and then Lance did an acoustic set as well, so that was kind of the spark that got us started with wanting to put out this acoustic record.

Lance: The tour idea was appealing to me as well because I haven't been playing an instrument in Darling Waste for a while. I've just been being the front man, and we've been playing as a full band, so I haven't been able to play a lot of the older darling Waste acoustic songs. The idea of going out playing smaller venues, driving a car instead of a van and playing the old acoustic songs was really appealing to me as well.

TMSC: You’re on the home stretch of your tour. How has it been so far?

Lance: it's been really great. it's been relaxing and fun. It's good to go see old friends. We're playing a lot of towns that we haven't hit in a while, and we got to go to Disney World. So yeah, it's been a lot of fun.

Anthony: I've been drunk half the time, so yeah it's been pretty solid.

TMSC: Has anything weird or crazy happened?

Anthony: well for me this is actually my first tour, so everything's been a little bit weird and crazy. I mean, so far we've done some really interesting and cool things with some really awesome people from all across the country.

Lance: Yeah, one of our friends got us into Wonderworks in Myrtle Beach, so we got to play laser tag and do a bunch of cool stuff there. and then we also just went to the Ringling Circus Museum which was also really crazy and beautiful and a lot of fun. And the only other crazy thing that happened for me is that one of the opening acts, one of the kids in Canton, tried to fistfight me because they thought the show was free and I was just trying to figure out what was going on and instead of talking, he wanted to fight.

TMSC: How are you two similar as musicians, how are you different?

Lance: I mean, we both come from the same kind of musical background. We both come from punk rock, your post hardcore, emo type music kind of background as far as what we listen to. I think we're both also hyper literate. Anthony was an English major, and I was a political science major. So I think we have that in common. Also, we're both white guys playing guitars, you know. As far as differences, I think I'm just a little more dreary, where Anthony's music is a little more angry still. Give him time to get beaten-down and do what I do.

Anthony: We also both have beards right now, although Lance doesn't always have one.

TMSC: You guys recently released a split together. What was that process like?

Anthony: it was a lot of fun. Actually, all of my songs have been written for a while, some longer than others, but it was a really great experience working with Lance to record the songs and put them together. And we like to think that both my side and his side work cohesively together to really give people something new and hopefully entertaining that we're both really proud.

Lance: Yeah, as far as the recording and putting out the record goes, you know it was really laid-back, really organic. We just went down in my basement and just recorded it, and you know we kept it really DIY. That's really what the project was about for us. There was really no pressure or anything like that. We were just in a basement making music and having fun, and I think the project really shows that.

TMSC: Are there any big plans for you guys coming up, either together or individually?

Anthony: staying alive, mostly.

Lance: I'm trying to convince Anthony to have a Disney wedding, either with me or someone else. So time's gonna tell on that one. As far as music goes, after the tour is over we're right back in the studio to finish the Darling Waste record, which should be out in spring or early summer.

TMSC: 3 random Qs- Favorite tour food? What are you guys listening to? T-Swift, Katy Perry or Miley?

Anthony: Cigarettes and black coffee. On tour we haven't actually listened to a lot of music. It's actually been more entertaining to just kind of talk and bullshit and make jokes the whole time. But personally I've been on a big 1950's rock and roll kick lately, plus you know stuff like Death From Above's new album, Bayside, stuff like that. And I don't know, Wednesday Addams.

Lance: For favorite tour food we had pulled pork sandwiches on an island in Georgia, but I can't go wrong with Taco Bell. Taco Bell is always there for me and they're very cheap. As far as what music we're listening to on tour, it's mostly SModcast, Kevin Smith stuff, a lot of podcasting. Musically I only listen to geniuses so it's mostly myself and Kanye West, although he has found a new talent - someone named Paul McMarty, or something like that. He's putting him on, so you know, Paul McCarthy, some old guy, so I'm excited to see what he does with that raw talent as well. Okay and for the Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry thing I think this is a game of kill, bamf, marry? so I'm gonna have to go with bamf Miley Cyrus, right? Because I think you have to do that. Cause she's gonna force it. And then I kill Katy Perry and marry Taylor Swift. So I hope that helps.

TMSC: What are you most looking forward to out of the show at The Main Street Café, and what can fans expect?

Lance: I'm going to plead the fifth on that one, but it's gonna be a great night.

Anthony: Fans can expect us to be drunk, and surely, and swear a lot.

Lance: So much shouting, so much laughter.

Anthony: I mean, it's gonna be a good time. We've had a lot of fun on this tour, and with this show being one of our last dates, I think we're both planning on just leaving it all out there, you know? If I'm not bleeding (again) by the end of my set, I'll be surprised.

TMSC: Anything else you’d like to say?

Anthony: Be excellent to each other. That, and everybody Wang Chung tonight.

Lance: Me and Anthony may disagree on Sea World and the validity of hockey, but he's an alright guy to be in a Dodge Neon with.

Anthony: Anything else?

Lance: Nope.

Check out Lance and Anthony's singles from their Split EP below, and make sure to support them on their Wintour of Discontent!

One Year Later: The Main Street Cafe celebrates the anniversary of its kick off show

By: Ryan Glaspell

In January, 2014, fiances Daniel Bonner & Sissy Broadwater 

became managers of The Main Street Cafe.

A year ago Daniel Bonner and Sissy Broadwater were making the final preparations for The Main Street Cafe's kick off show. It was the first show after they took over management and reopened the cafe. 

"I just remember being stressed out the entire day, hoping that it went well and that people liked us," Bonner said.

The Main Street Cafe was the first time Bonner and Broadwater had any taste of running a business. The first show they booked was a monstrous concert featuring more than 10 performances from musicians of all genres. 

The anxiety continued to build for Bonner and Broadwater as showtime drew near, but their qualms were quickly extinguished as people began flowing in. At the peak of the night, the head count was over 150.

Greg Tassos was one of the many members in the audience that night. Tassos, a local musician in the band Remaining, and avid supporter of local music realized the kick off show was the start of something big.

"It was great, there was a lot of kids I had never seen at shows before," he said.

A sea of people packed The Main Street Cafe for its kick off show last year.

From the time he was in high school, Tassos was in bands and would perform at local shows. It got to a point, however, where venues were nearing nonexistence.

"There was nowhere to play in Clarksburg," Tassos said.

He began booking his own basement shows, but sharing a house with your family can make it difficult to bring musicians to play loud music throughout the night on a consistent basis.

A decaying music scene, once dependent on house shows and fire halls, received a gift in the form of a century-old building in historic downtown Clarksburg. After The Main Street Cafe's kick off show, local bands had a place to play and a crowd to listen to them. Bands that used to have a difficult time finding anywhere that would allow them to play now had a local venue to truly call home.

"It's as local as local can get, and I think it really affected everything about the local music scene," Tassos said.

The Main Street Cafe began hosting multiple shows every week, in addition to other regular events such as open mics and pool tournaments. 

A year has gone by, and the cafe has amassed an impressive portfolio of artists and events that have taken place in its venue. 

In addition to the plethora of local musicians, bands from all over have played their music on the stage of the cafe, including multiple international acts. 

"We essentially started with nothing, " Broadwater said, "We didn't have anywhere to go but up."

Up they continue to go, as The Main Street Cafe expands its reach to more people with every show. Broadwater attributes the business' ascent from its modest beginnings to the mindset that she and Bonner hold.

"We never approached this as managers or business owners, and we don't have this facade," Broadwater said.

She continued, "We've been one thousand percent us, and I feel like that's really helped us get a bigger fan base."

From the beginning, Bonner and Broadwater didn't set out to make money. They wanted to re-energize local music.

"[I wanted] to get the music scene in Clarksburg back to where it should have been a long time ago," Bonner said.

Even now, he still receives messages from bands asking how much money they would have to dish out to play at his venue. His answer? No charge.

"They're just helping to keep the business open, why would I charge them?" he said.

It's this passion for providing for and enabling musicians in the local area that drives Bonner and Broadwater to keep costs down to play at, and attend, the cafe.

This Saturday, in celebration of the one year anniversary of the first show under new management, Bonner and Broadwater are throwing a special concert. This all ages show will be free to attend, and is featuring a variety of the scene's incredible musicians.

Just as its first incarnation was, this show will be hosted by Corey Hurley, Bonner and Broadwater's close friend and dedicated worker for the cafe. 

Excitement is potent in the air for many.

"The first show was a great show, and this show means a lot to us because even though we didn't know anyone at the first show, we made best friends with them now," Broadwater said.

Tassos is one of those friendships that was formed due to the cafe. His band will be one of the several acts of the evening, and his gratitude is plentiful.

He said, "Playing the one-year anniversary show means a lot because I think that everyone in the local scene owes The Main Street Cafe. We owe them for giving us a place to play, a place to crash if we need to and a place to just be ourselves."

Tassos' band, Remaining, will be joined by False Profit, Proper Addiction, Ryan Glaspell, Tell No Tales and Tomorrow to Forever. This will be False Profit's first show in Clarksburg in five years.

Whether you attend every show, or have never seen live music, make your way to The Main Street Cafe this Saturday with all of your friends at 5 p.m. to celebrate a great year of business and music.

If you want to induce some nostalgia, check out the promo article and show recap from the kick off show one year ago.

RSVP for the show on Facebook to stay up to date on all details.

The Rundown! - The Renfields, Obelisk, Bungler & more (2/20)

If local shows were colors, then this Friday's show would be a rainbow. Are you in the mood for horror punk, emotive rock, alternative hardcore or something else? Chances are we've got it for you!

Our favorite Transylvania Pogo Punks, The Renfields, are gracing our stage with their presence. Joining them will be Bungler, Obelisk, Dead Face Down and A Farewell to Romance.

Doors @ 6 - Show @ 7 - $5 Admission

RSVP on Facebook for more info.

                                                                                                                                                                   

The Renfields

Photo courtesy of Mike Winland Studios

Origins: Precise time and location is difficult to say, but the consensus is that The Renfields were created 10 years ago, give or take 10 years depending on your time stream. Since they departed their Transylvanian residence, they have released six albums, their most recent being the long-awaited "Go!"Their music has been featured on soundtracks, and they have toured across the country. Throughout their tenure as a band, they have succeeded in starving the Fiend (bass) of all food.

The Sound: Driven by the reanimated hearts of The Ramones inside of them, The Renfields are known for writing songs based on a plethora of horror movies. The bass lines, guitars and drums all proceed at an accelerated rate, and the catchy lyrics will have you singing along before you've even heard the song! As for influences, singer and ghoulishly handsome Vincent Renfield said, "With so many members in the band, we tend to have influences coming from every style and genre. For example, I recently asked Fiend what his favorite style of music was and he said 'Chubs'. I'm pretty sure that this is something that doesn't even exist."

Did You know? The Renfields once played in Deleware.

Bungler

Photo courtesy of Errick Easterday

Origins: What began as a side project designed to have fun and escape the "business" side of things eventually bloomed into Bungler. The expiration of other musical involvements brought Bungler into the foreground. Since their formation in 2012, the band has been devoted to creating real, honest music, and not succumbing to all of the "fake" that permeates the music industry. They have released their debut EP, "Fake Fur," which is available pretty much everywhere online.

The Sound: Bungler's music is electrified hardcore. A certain energy pervades their brisk instrumentation and scathing vocals. It's an energy that you'd want before you engage in a run-for-your-life situation, as it makes you want to move, and move fast. They are influenced by a variety of hardcore bands, such as letlive., Every Time I Die and Vanna, but their music is their own. Even Gandhi would want to throw a few 'bows in a pit during their set.

Did you know? There is not a live bassist for Bungler, yet bass is present. While no backtracks or bass guitars are present, the band creates the effect using a few different pedals and a bass amp.

Obelisk

Photo courtesy of Obelisk

Origins: It took Ezekiel Kaplan a few years and two cross-country treks, but at a Steven Wilson concert in 2013 all the components of what is now Obelisk came together. The band is a four piece based out of Pittsburgh. To date they have two releases, including an eponymous EP of demos and a two-song release titled "Pillar of Creation".

The sound: Obelisk infuses progressive elements into their brand of metal. Inspired by music such as the technical, progressive elements of Opeth and the colossal death metal created by Death, Obelisk's sound is somewhere between the two. Powerful vocals and gloomy guitars march together to create metal anthems that build, break down and then build again in a gripping crescendo.

Did you know? When Kaplan moved to California to form a band with his friend Caleb Hay, they could not find any other musicians that they clicked with. Kaplan began talking with Devan Procopio, an old friend in Pittsburgh, and realized how much musical chemistry they had together. When Kaplan jokingly suggested to Hay that they drive across the United States to start the band, Hay was completely on board. They met up with Dan Winschel at a Steven Wilson concert, and then, as if the Pick of Destiny had been found, the band begun to write music.




Dead Face Down

Photo courtesy of Dead Face Down

Origins: Prior to Dead Face Down there was Rasclaat, a metal band formed in 1999. Five years, and a few member changes later came Dead Face Down. The five piece has played with big name acts such as Hatebreed, Morbid Angel, Chimaira, Hed PE and many more. Their latest album was recorded by master producer David Bendeth (In Flames, As I Lay Dying, The Ghost Inside).

The Sound: If you are a fan of Pantera, Lamb of God or Slipknot, then you should enjoy Dead Face Down. Their vein of metal is abrasive and vengeful. Guttural screams are paced amid galloping riffs and rapid drumming. Their sound is cleverly composed, being equal parts brutal and technical.

Did you know? This Friday is Dead Face Down's first time performing in Clarksburg. Although they have played many shows throughout their time as a band, they have never seen what a Clarksburg crowd can bring.

Head to the band's ReverbNation page and check out their music!

A Farewell to Romance

Photo courtesy of A Farewell to Romance

Origins: A Farewell to Romance has been around in some form or another for more than ten years. Although members came and went, in March of 2014 the fixture hardened. The quartet of rockers, based out of Bridgeport, WV., are currently working on their debut album, "My Once Love & Future Regret".

The Sound: There is a warm, affectionate tone to A Farewell to Romance's songs. It's a gentle variety of rock, with traces of punk that arise as vocalist and guitarist Nicholas Cooke croons out his vulnerable lyrics. Their melody-charged songs are laced with reminders of 90s pop rock. 

Did you know? Cooke and bassist Matt Wagner have been working on A Farewell to Romance for over ten years! Whether it was just the duo project, a side project to other bands or their primary focus, the songs you'll hear this Friday are a decade in-the-making!

Head to the band's ReverbNation page and check out their music!

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.

The Rundown: The Strange Times & Jet Set Vapour Trails LIVE 5/25

Welcome to "The Rundown", where we will be giving everyone a taste of the music they will see at upcoming shows.

This Sunday, May 25th, New York punk outfit, The Strange Times, will be passing through on their Spring Tour. They'll be receiving support from local acts Jet Set Vapour Trails, Barracuda and The 5th Gear.

This show is equal parts noisy punk and power rock.

Doors open at 4 p.m., and the show is at 5 p.m. Admission is $5.

With that said, let's get to The Rundown.

The Strange Times

From left to right: Jeff, Sean, Comrade Aaron and CaroLion are The Strange Times.

Who are they: Hailing from New York City, The Strange Times is not your average loud, urban punk band. Formed in the winter of 2012, they have been crafting a colorful blend of contagious punk rock that is guaranteed to get your feet moving. The band is composed of bassist/vocalist Comrade Aaron, guitarist Sean, drummer Jeff, and occasionally electric-violinist CaroLion.

Why should you care: There are two main reasons you should care about The Strange Times. First, they are coming from New York City. Their mini-tour is five dates spanning all down the East Coast and we're lucky enough to be one of those dates! Secondly, they kick ass. Seriously, this band has all of the energetic allure of a punk band with none of the sloppiness. Take fast-paced punk and mix in vibrant rock riffs and charismatic vocals and you've got The Strange Times. I know Clarksburg is full of punk-loving folks. Let's show these guys how a little West Virginia town runs a punk show.

Listen: 

[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1131328254 size=large bgcol=333333 linkcol=ffffff tracklist=false artwork=small]

Their new single "Firing", released this past April.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cLqPBwJyR6g

Psychedelic music video for their song "Potions", released via Blank TV.

Jet Set Vapour Trails

From left to right: Orville Weale, Jeff Goodwin and Thomas Moore compose Jet Set Vapour Trails.

Who are they: Jet Set Vapour Trails is a three-piece rock band full of veteran musicians. From Morgantown, WV., they came together with years of experience making music already under their belts. This is apparent in the brooding alt-rock they create. Sounding like powerful rock colliding with 90's grunge-punk, Jet Set Vapour Trails produces menacingly beautiful music.

Why you should care: In this area you can find loud punk and aggressive metal, there's melodious pop rock and singer-songwriters, but there isn't anyone quite like Jet Set Vapour Trails. There are few local alt-rock acts, and even fewer with the chemistry and experience present in Jet Set Vapour Trails.

Listen:

[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=676099455 size=large bgcol=333333 linkcol=ffffff tracklist=false artwork=small]

The title track off of their debut album "Cellophane Vampire".

Barracuda

From left to right: Jack Friend, Mike "Spider" Chan, Tyler Washburn and Tim Taylor make up Barracuda.

Who are they: Barracuda knows how to play punk music: loud and fast. Formed in Morgantown, WV., Barracuda contains members formerly of local punk act Dangerkat. Barracuda's music is impassioned punk with a 50's rock flair thrown in. Lively stage presence and racing guitar riffs are components of any and all of their performances.

Why you should care: With Barracuda, it all comes down to having a good time. It's not with every band that you can run around, mosh, jump or frantically scream. Between the driving punk vibe and rocking guitar licks, it's hard not to have fun while listening to Barracuda. You should care because you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't go crazy during their set.

Listen: 

Head to Barracuda's ReverbNation page and check out their tunes!

The 5th Gear

From left to right: Dylan, Franky, Brandon, Kelsey, and Riki make up The 5th Gear.

Who are they: What started out as five teenagers participating in Bandland’s Rock Camp in the summer of 2013 grew to be an era-spanning rock band. Three-fifths of The 5th Gear are siblings. Brothers Dylan, Riki and Franky Satterfield team up with Brandon Kennedy and Kelsey Jeffries to churn out hard rock anthems.

Why you should care: These are teenagers busting out everything from Led Zeppelin and Guns N' Roses to Metallica and Green Day, as well as well-crafted originals. The 5th Gear may be young, but they've got old souls. When was the last time you heard a 12-year-old laying down beats for hard-hitting rock songs? If you enjoy rock in any form, then The 5th Gear probably have something to offer.

Listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV9En0seauo

The 5th Gear covering Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll" at The Main Street Cafe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBF-Xvul5dg

The 5th Gear's original song "Part of Me" performed at the Main Street Cafe.

All photos courtesy of the bands' respective Facebook pages.