Mile 23

Who is Mile 23?

Mile 23 is composed of four members who embody the concept of “teamwork.”

Matt O'Connor, the man who uses his astute knowledge of music to put together catchy bass-lines, draws from such influences as Mike Dirnt and Matt Freeman. Jesse Weiss, the creative drummer who integrates a non-traditional, multi-dimensional style of drumming to a traditional pop-punk genre. Mike Thomas, the lead guitarist who also utilizes his experience, rich in guitar playing, drum playing and producing to mastermind and craft ear-grasping guitar melodies. Jared Kaner, the eldest member of the 4-piece who writes, sings, and plays guitar in the songs.

“The way songwriting generally works for us is that I’ll present the basic framework for the song along with the lyrics, and before I know it, Jesse, Mike, and Matt are adding all these incredible parts that I had never even thought of,” front-man and guitarist Jared Kaner says. Mile 23’s “team first” philosophy goes beyond songwriting, Kaner explains: “I do a lot of writing, Jesse does a lot of booking, Matt does a lot of driving (Kaner laughs), and Mike is able to record our new ideas, enhancing our ability to clearly articulate them to each other. Working closely and as a unit in this fashion has really helped us become efficient as the band hopes to take our pursuits to the next level.”

What do these pursuits encompass? After having played a plethora of shows in the Massachusetts and New Hampshire area over the past year and a half, Mile 23 plans to expand their Northeast Ventures during the school year, and then embark upon their first full-fledged tour in the summer of 2006, in hopes to build up on their ever-growing fan-base. The band has also finished recording their new 7-song “Rebirth” EP. Armed with producer Matt Malikowski, who’s clientele have included Drive-Thru Records standouts The Starting Line and Allister, the band has focused in on capturing a pop-punk sound that will make you dance, laugh, and cry.

“The records that have moved me,” Kaner asserts, “have been the ones that take you through the whole range of emotions. Matt (Malikowski) was really able to help us bring out that vision in this EP, and we’re really excited to see how people react to it.” The album, due out October 14th, sends a message based on true experiences. Take, for example, “Wherever I Go,” where Kaner writes about his life since the passing of his father: It’s been a struggle since you’ve been gone everyday of my life/there’s been no connection/there’s been nothing to help me get by/but I feel within me your alive/shining forth your guiding light.

“I think we’re trying to relate with people while sticking true to ourselves,” drummer Jesse Weiss comments, “all of our songs are true and heartfelt and I think that people can see that and relate to what we’re trying to say.”

These four gentlemen take their music seriously, are dedicated to their fans, and continue to work hard. Mile 23’s work ethic derives from the boys’ passion and belief in their band:

“I have been filled with awesome memories,” says bassist Matt O’ Connor. ”Hanging out, playing music, and working hard with three other guys who I consider to be like family is the best experience one can ask for. Even when we’re too old to walk we’ll still be rocking out because that’s what we love to do.”