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.

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.

 

 

 

The Rundown: Friday the 13th feat. Culture Thief & friends 5/13

This Friday you've go to beware of black cats, broken mirrors and pennies on tails. But one thing you don't have to be cautious about is hearing brilliantly crafted rock music, or paying for it!

Tomorrow on Friday the 13th, local jam-masters Culture Thief are going to be headlining a free show at The Main Street Cafe. In addition to Culture Thief, Timelines and Ghost House will be administering their own blends of emotion-laden rock tunes. This will truly be the trifecta of passionate, melodic rock.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and there is no admission fee, so you have no reason to skip out! Come fight bad luck at The Main Street Cafe.

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:

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

Ghost House

From left to right: Mason, Ethan, George and Geoff

Who are they: Ghost House's music is woeful and moving. Soft, but piercing. These four guys from Morgantown forge post-emo indie rock, the likes of Brand New and Sunny Day Real Estate. Their self-titled EP (available for free on Bandcamp) features fluid instrumentation and vocals that jump between a soft murmur and throaty yell.

Why you should care: If you're into introspective, melancholic indie rock, then Ghost House will more than satisfy you. Their expressive songwriting is addictive. You'll feel transported back to the late 90s when emo was fading and indie rock was beginning to crawl. This music will infest itself in your innermost feelings and bring them out.

Listen: 

All photos courtesy of the bands’ respective Facebook pages.