Mind at Large
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Mind at Large

Band Rock Funk

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Article on Mind at Large"

http://www.dailynorthwestern.com/media/storage/paper853/news/2006/09/21/Campus/Student.Band.Enjoys.Loyal.Fan.Base.Hike.In.Popularity-2289814.shtml?norewrite200611192352&sourcedomain=www.dailynorthwestern.com - The Daily Northwestern


"Preview Article for CD Release Show"

http://www.dailynorthwestern.com/media/storage/paper853/news/2006/11/03/Campus/Mind-At.Large.Gears.Up.For.Free.Rock.Show.At.The.Keg-2437892.shtml?norewrite200611192356&sourcedomain=www.dailynorthwestern.com - The Daily Northwestern


"mind @ LARGE"

mind@LARGE
tori telfer

In a dusty basement, Peter Bartleson is lounging on a speaker. Elliott Higgins and Evan Sameroff are discussing their new song; Jack Pelzer moves between his keyboard and squashy sofa; Alec Zopf is drumming intermittently in front of a cooler marked “The Dove Bar Stands Alone.” Even at rest, they look like real musicians: relaxed but not sloppy, improvisatory but not raucous.
“We’re working on this really complicated piece,” says Sameroff, and they’re off—concrete vibrates with the beat and trippy guitar.
This is Mind @ Large: five Northwestern boys who started in the Phi Mu Alpha basement last fall and skyrocketed to win Northwestern’s Battle of the Bands and place 50th out of 2500 in Lollapalooza’s Last Band Standing competition. This November, they released their first four-track EP.
Their songwriting is a collaborative process; their lyrics are refreshingly apolitical. They sing about women, breakups, love. Emo? Not at all. Their style is self-termed “funk-rock-pop,” emphasis on rock. It’s music that makes people jump, crisp drumming and catchy bass lines throwing hands in the air. Red Hot Chili Peppers are an inspiration; Sameroff’s guitar solos are Santana-esque and Bartleson’s voice has a slight rasp reminiscent of The Cure in their Disintegration days—clearly a rocker who can carry a tune.
With their new EP and some strong local gigs, Mind @ Large’s 2007 goal is to hit the Chicago music scene. After playing in Evanston venues for so long, this will prove their biggest challenge to date. Their current fanbase consists mainly of Northwestern students who show their love through the M@L facebook group and their Myspace page.
“We want to expand our listener base,” says Sameroff, “and playing in environments where you don’t know people is the litmus test of is your music.”
Back in the basement, the guys are completely absorbed. This is real musicianship—surrounded by electric cords and second-hand furniture, playing their music until the sound is tangible. When the song ends, Bartleson sits back on his speaker and questions a new addition to his guitar part.
“Just try it,” Sameroff responds, “We’re experimenting.”

- NUde Magazine


"From Matt Saunders, General Manager of WRGW"

Mind at Large is doing great stuff. Instead of being just another band on
the scene, these guys are really drawing from their influences to make
introspective music that won't get lost in the pile of copycat bands that
are everywhere today. Making great music starts with having great musicians,
and these boys know how to play!
-Matt Saunders, General Manager of WRGW Radio, gwradio.com - WGRW Radio


Discography

2006- "Recompose" (EP)
All tracks have received radio and streaming airplay and the staff at Live365.com has placed M@L on their top 15 Featured Artist list because of the EP. M@L is ranked among artists like Tom Petty, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, Guster, and many more! check it out here: http://www.live365.com/cgi-bin/library.cgi

Photos

Bio

Formed in October of 2006, Mind at Large has emerged as one of the most energetic funk-rock groups in Chicago. With Santana-esque guitar licks coupled with the melodic complexity of The Black Crowes and Umphrey’s McGee, this five-piece band has brought a unique quality to the Midwest music scene. With virtuosos filling each section of the band, M @ L has an arsenal of sound. Their new self titled EP debuts their versatility, from classic rock riffs to techno jams, simple ballads to choruses written in intricate time signatures. In each of their songs off the album, vocalist/guitarist Pete Bartleson has broadened his range in combining his smooth acoustic background with new funk rock elements.
Complementing the band’s musicianship is raw, collective energy that drives each M @ L show. Their ability to connect with their fans, “singing and jamming along with them,” keeps their crowd grooving all night. The band has played at an array of venues in Evanston, IL, placed 50th out of over 2500 bands in the Lollapalooza Battle of the Bands, and won Northwestern University’s Battle of the Bands at Nevin’s Pub in February 2006.
With the release of their EP, M @ L is ready to rock the Midwest – Hear M @ L in Chicago at The Elbo Room, Double Door, Silvie’s Lounge, and the Red Line Tap or come road trip to Wisconsin to see the band open for Blue October at the Rave or headline at The Animal House! Catch Mind at Large in the next few months before the band returns to the studio to record their first full album!