Graveyard Tan
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Graveyard Tan

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Music

Press


"Voice Of The People"

Evart mayor, part time rock front-man, has penchant for stage lights
By Martin Slagter 5/03/08

Secret agents and super heroes are the jobs typically associated with people who lead double lives. But that's not the case for Eric Schmidt.

During the day, he provides vocals at city commision meetings as the mayor of Evart. At night, Schmidt is the fearless front-man of Graveyard Tan, an in-your-face hard rock band.

"It's funny when we tell someone that I am mayor of Evart because their eyes widen at first, and then a big smile comes across their face," Schmidt said. "They think it's fantastic what I do and most find me easily approachable."

Schmidt was elected mayor of Evart in 2007, defeating incumbent Bruce Robinson by a three-to-one margin. His decision to run for mayor came from a willingness to bring new ideas to the Evart community.

"Evart and its citizens are great," Schmidt said. "We have a lot going for us even though we are a small community. I ran for mayor because not only did I want to help Evart move forward, but also rise above the rest."

Schmidt has been in bands and worked as a disc jockey throughout the area since the 1990's, using music as a way of releasing his aggression in a constructive way.

For the complete article, contact Martin Slagter
mslagter@pioneergroup.com

- Pioneer


"Making rock history in Evart"

By Ashley Vox 9/11/08

The mayor of Evart needs your vote. Not for any political office, but to fulfill a dream he shares with friends.

When not fullfilling his civic duties, Mayor Eric Schmidt turns out his other life-- the life of the lead singer for an aspiring rock band.

For complete article;
www.weeklyvoice.net - Weekly Voice


"Evart mayor rocks the vote"

By Jim Crees 8/27/08

Evart mayor Eric Schmidt is campaigning for votes, again.

Not for municipal election or re-election.

The Evart resident, civic leader, and businessman is hoping folks from throughout the area will help him and his band make a life-changing career move.

As a candidate group in the "Make Rock History" contest, the mayor and his band have a chance to be the opening act for rock legends Motley Crue as they head out on tour in 2009.

Schmidt and members of the local group Graveyard Tan are hoping for a place on the ticket that could springboard them onto a much larger stage than they have locally.

For complete article contact the Osceola Edition at 231-832-5566 - Osceola Edition Pioneer


Discography

Singles released;
Bad Seed
Find My Way
Genius

Photos

Bio

Graveyard Tan hails from Evart, Michigan, a town like few others – maybe no others – in America today. After all, how many other communities in America are there where the lead singer of what is widely accepted as the best hard-rock band in the area also happens to be the Mayor?

That’s the case with Graveyard Tan’s Eric Schmidt, though. He’s been the “voice of the people”, in more ways than one, for nearly five years now.

His ability to connect with people personally, politically, and with his powerful rock voice has taken the band to some of the country’s biggest stages. When asked for his party affiliation, the answer is always the same: “I am a card-carrying member of the non-stop rock party!”

The party foundation is powered by the guitar riffs of one Dave "Dirty" Johnson. These straight forward riffs lay a solid foundation that is given additional power and strength by brother Matt Johnson’s (bass) and cousin Mike Sylvester’s (drums).

Their philosophy is simple....."It's just Rock n Roll". They strive to keep their songs uncomplicated, making sure that a hook you just got to sing along with is always within striking distance.

As they make their way across the country rocking every stage along the way, they are constantly writing new songs. "The road has a funny way of bringing out emotions that just need to be expressed", say's Schmidt. “Once we get those emotions in us, well, they just got to come out in a song”.