Pink Lipsticks
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Pink Lipsticks

Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States | SELF

Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States | SELF
Band Rock Americana

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"On Milwaukee Gig Roundup"

Published Jan. 3, 2011 at 1:14 p.m.
Pink Lipsticks are playing Milwaukee more and more regularly.If it's good old classic rock and roll you want, look no further than Sheboygan's own Pink Lipsticks.

Although the quartet -- comprising guitarist and singer Mike Willis, guitaris Bob Schmidt, bassist Bret Smith and drummer Ryan Brown -- is based to our north, Pink Lipsticks is becoming a more frequent visitor to Milwaukee.

The band was at Bay View Brewhaus last month and hits The Up and Under Pub on Friday, Jan. 7.

We took the opportunity to talk to Brown about the band and especially about its self-titled debut CD, recorded in Madison, which collects 10 Pink Lipstick originals.

OnMilwaukee.com: Give me a quick history of the band, if you will

Ryan Brown: After a few years away from music, Mike had been playing solo gigs with a mixture of covers and original songs around Sheboygan in 2007. In mid 2008 Mike started to fill out the band by adding Bob Schmidt on guitar and Tony DePagter on bass. I joined in late 2008 on drums. All of us had been playing in various bands around Sheboygan at the time we decided to join Pink Lipsticks. In 2009, Bret Smith replaced Tony on bass and has been part of the band ever since.

OMC: Tell me a bit about the record. Is it your first?

RB: Our self-titled album is our first, yes. Of the 10 songs, eight were written by Mike and two by Bob Schmidt. Mike and Bob pulled a couple of tunes out of their respective vaults to play and record with this band, however the majority of the songs on this album and that we play live are exclusive to Pink Lipsticks.

We recorded the bass and drums (along with scratch tracks) in 1 day at DNA studios in Madison in July 2008 after a string of gigs and a 'mini-tour' in Wisconsin. Mike and Bob put in extra time to finish the guitar and piano tracks, as well as the vocals. Eric Katte engineered and mastered the recording. Our goal was to create a straight-up rock 'n' roll album from start to finish, and I believe we achieved that.

OMC: What's the story behind the name?

RB: Yes, Mike does have serious mental and sexual identity problems. Next
question?

OMC: What's the rock and roll scene like in Sheboygan these days?

RB: Sheboygan has a good mix of bands across multiple genres. On any given weekend you can hear rock, blues, alternative, indie, jam bands, etc. Overall, I'd say that the most common type of band in Sheboygan is hard rock or metal. The most well-known and music-friendly bar for bands to play is at The Green Room, which has a small stage and an in-house sound system.

OMC: Do you guys get out on the road much?

RB: Our goal is to play one or two gigs per month. We typically play anywhere between Green Bay and Chicago with occasional trips to Madison and La Crosse.

Lately, we've been focusing a lot of effort to play in Milwaukee. In 2010 we took second place at a battle of the bands contest at Club Garibaldi -- to (win a slot) at Summerfest. We've also played a Bad Genie. Each summer we try to organize a three or four-day mini-tour in the Midwest.

- OnMilwaukee.com


Discography

Pink Lipsticks - self-titled 1st album - 10 songs.

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Bio

Pink Lipsticks are one of the Midwest's new and upcoming bands. They hail from the Bratwurst capital of the world, Sheboygan, WI. They easily grab the attention of music lovers and venues wherever they play. Drawing crowds and fans, they've started to pack bars and small clubs. With many years of experience under their belts, they are geared up and ready to rock!
The band consists of four Lipsticks.

Mike Willis is the founding member of Pink Lipsticks and plays guitar, keyboard, and sings lead vocals in the band. In high school he joined a band called Buzzkill, a band way beyond its age. In college Mike joined The Cool Waters Band, who packed various venues before packing their bags for Colorado. After a few years Mike left the band and moved to L.A. to attend film school. Now back in his hometown, Mike formed Pink Lipsticks and is ready to rock the Midwest once again!

Bob Schmidt has been playing guitar since the age of 17. He has been in bands such as Sidecar & Waterlounge. Waterlounge is where Bob made a lot of noise in the 7 years the band was together. He has recorded 2 records, played over 200 shows, and packed venues all over the Midwest.

Bret Smith holds the groove on bass. Bret has 16 years of experience playing many genres but always returns to his first love - rock n' roll. He has played in many bands around the nation and overseas as he served in the Air Force including rocking the Republic of Korea as a founding member of the Hillbilly Renegades. The newest member of Pink Lipsticks is dedicated to making your body move with thunderous bass lines that never overpower but always complement the Americana rock 'n roll style of the band.

Ryan Brown has been playing drums since the age of 19 and pulsates the Pink Lipsticks with his talent. The self-taught drummer has played in a variety of bands such as Transparent Envelope, William Indian, and Otter. Ryan has recorded 3 records with various bands.