Simplified
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Simplified

Cornelius, North Carolina, United States | INDIE

Cornelius, North Carolina, United States | INDIE
Band Rock Reggae

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"Awol Charlotte Changes The Game"

Simplified

The first act that I had the chance to see perform on the AWOL stage were Simplified. The blues infused rock band put on an entertaining show. As the lead singer song the tunes with a distinct bluesy grunt, the electronic guitarist with the white party rocker shades and kool-aid red pants demanded attention as he plucked cords with such ease. The bassist exuded such energy with every turn of his lip and flip of his hair while the drummer and percussions exchanged smiles with folks in the crowd. - CLTURE


"Awol Charlotte Changes The Game"

Simplified

The first act that I had the chance to see perform on the AWOL stage were Simplified. The blues infused rock band put on an entertaining show. As the lead singer song the tunes with a distinct bluesy grunt, the electronic guitarist with the white party rocker shades and kool-aid red pants demanded attention as he plucked cords with such ease. The bassist exuded such energy with every turn of his lip and flip of his hair while the drummer and percussions exchanged smiles with folks in the crowd. - CLTURE


"Simplified"

Simplified

Possibly Charlotte’s busiest independent band with 25 dates scheduled between now and mid-October, Simplified makes sunny acoustic-roots rock for fans of arena-fillers like Dave Matthews Band. Members call Charlotte home, but their reggae riffs and Sublime-like hooks indicate the group is most at home beachside with a lawn chair and a beer.

Simplified will spend its afternoon jamming for the CarolinaFest crowd before heading to NoDa’s Neighborhood Theatre for a private DNC gathering, but two shows a day is nothing new for this hard working group.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/02/3494121/diverse-music-styles-to.html#storylink=cpy - Courtney Devores


"Simplified"

Simplified

Possibly Charlotte’s busiest independent band with 25 dates scheduled between now and mid-October, Simplified makes sunny acoustic-roots rock for fans of arena-fillers like Dave Matthews Band. Members call Charlotte home, but their reggae riffs and Sublime-like hooks indicate the group is most at home beachside with a lawn chair and a beer.

Simplified will spend its afternoon jamming for the CarolinaFest crowd before heading to NoDa’s Neighborhood Theatre for a private DNC gathering, but two shows a day is nothing new for this hard working group.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/02/3494121/diverse-music-styles-to.html#storylink=cpy - Courtney Devores


"Simplified"

“Raised on the raspy hill-country blues of Mississippi, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm have played with many of the greats, and it shows…Cedric and Malcolm cut their teeth within a venerable pantheon of legends, alongside R.L., Junior Kimbrough et al., and they’re authenticity oozes across the stage…” - Eric Liebetrau Glide Magazine 2010


"Simplified"

“Raised on the raspy hill-country blues of Mississippi, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm have played with many of the greats, and it shows…Cedric and Malcolm cut their teeth within a venerable pantheon of legends, alongside R.L., Junior Kimbrough et al., and they’re authenticity oozes across the stage…” - Eric Liebetrau Glide Magazine 2010


"Simplified Review"

This is what melodic.net is all about, discovering and supporting new talented bands like in this case with Simplified. Although, they´re a new band to me, this North Carolina based band has been around since 2004 where they started as an acoustic duo. Simplified has released 3 studio records, 1 live album and 1 EP where "Brighter days" is their latest album. The band call their new album as honest and organic rock and I won´t disagree, this is non compromising rock that will appeal to fans of different genres. They´re mainly a jam band in the same vein as Dave Matthews Band and Phish but you can also find traces of roots rock a la Jackson Browne as well as the New Jersey rock of Bruce Springsteen in their sound. The melodies from vocalist Clee Laster bring thoughts to Blue October and let me tell you, he´s a great singer. But the band is groovy too, I bet they´re a great live act. Highly recommendable!

Tracklisting
1. Shall We Begin
2. Brighter Days
3. Screaming At The Ceiling
4. Sitting On A Mountain
5. Wait A Minute (Turn Around)
6. Angel
7. My Life
8. She Don't Care
9. Already Gone
10. Clee Walks
11. Long Time Ago
12. Gettin' Home
- Kaj Roth


"Simplified Review"

This is what melodic.net is all about, discovering and supporting new talented bands like in this case with Simplified. Although, they´re a new band to me, this North Carolina based band has been around since 2004 where they started as an acoustic duo. Simplified has released 3 studio records, 1 live album and 1 EP where "Brighter days" is their latest album. The band call their new album as honest and organic rock and I won´t disagree, this is non compromising rock that will appeal to fans of different genres. They´re mainly a jam band in the same vein as Dave Matthews Band and Phish but you can also find traces of roots rock a la Jackson Browne as well as the New Jersey rock of Bruce Springsteen in their sound. The melodies from vocalist Clee Laster bring thoughts to Blue October and let me tell you, he´s a great singer. But the band is groovy too, I bet they´re a great live act. Highly recommendable!

Tracklisting
1. Shall We Begin
2. Brighter Days
3. Screaming At The Ceiling
4. Sitting On A Mountain
5. Wait A Minute (Turn Around)
6. Angel
7. My Life
8. She Don't Care
9. Already Gone
10. Clee Walks
11. Long Time Ago
12. Gettin' Home
- Kaj Roth


"Simplified puts its name to work for its rock ’n’ roll"

“Brighter Days” are on the horizon for Charlotte, N.C.-based band Simplified — literally.

The group’s new album, produced by Jerry DePizzo of rock band O.A.R., carries that title, and the songs on it fit the band’s moniker — straightforward, no-frills, rock ‘n’ roll. It’s melodic in the same vein as Augustana or The Fray, catchy, anthemic — everything a good rock ‘n’ roll band needs to cultivate a loyal following that knows it’ll have a good time whenever the guys come to town, as they’ll do on Thursday, April 7, at Barley’s Taproom in Knoxville’s Old City.

“Clee (Laster) and I got together back in 2001 or 2002,” guitarist Chris Sheridan said of the band’s origin. “We wanted to play music, but we didn’t really have a plan or anything. We basically auditioned players at an open mic night, and it kind of evolved over a period of a couple of years before we got serious. Eventually, we realized we had something that was kind of special.

“People always commented on how we had this really great sound. We never set out to go after something specific; it was really based on all the genres that everybody in the band liked at the time. We never said we were going to be a rock ‘n’ roll band. When we’re on the road, you hear everything coming out of our stereo — bluegrass; even metal sometimes.

“I think that it’s a sound that’s developed over a period of a few years, and it’s brought us to where we’re at now,” he added. “I think the new CD kind of encapsulates that.”

There’s something to be said for a band that doesn’t complicate its music. Sure, there are a few extraneous flourishes on “Brighter Days” — a hint of reggae here and there, for instance. But it only embellishes the feel-good grooves that anchor the entire disc, a sunny, upbeat sound that’s tailor-made for a night of singing along near the front of the stage, arms wrapped around good friends and drinks in hand.

It’s no wonder that DePizzo took an interest in the guys after both bands met in 2007. A mutual friend introduced both groups, and they set up a private jam session with O.A.R.

“The first time we met them and they got on stage, it was pretty awesome actually,” Sheridan said. “We got to really see how they acted and how professional they were. I was a fan before I met them, and I’d bought some CDs and stuff, but when you see guys on that level and how professional and tight they are from playing together for so long, it becomes one of those things you strive for to make yourself better.

“It’s not about one individual playing and showing off his chops; it’s about playing together, and that’s what those guys do. They play so well together, and it influenced us all. Any band can get better and improve; they showed us that, and we strive for it as well.”

After going out on the road with O.A.R., the guys in Simplified talked about recording an album in 2010. DePizzo invited the band to record with him in Columbus, Ohio, and in January, the band traveled to the Buckeye State and spent three weeks working with him.

“Everybody Jerry brought into the project pushed us as songwriters to make the songs the best we could,” Sheridan said. “Some of the songs we’ve been playing out for a little while; we like to test the material in front of a live audience. Some of the songs we’ve dug on for a little while now, and he really pushed us to make them what they are.”

The band is looking forward to returning to East Tennessee next week and showcasing the new tunes for its Knoxville following. Simplified is no stranger to this area, having played at various venues since first hitting the Southeastern tour circuit several years ago. In fact, he said with a laugh, Knoxville has usually been a place of unusually enthusiastic reception — by fans and by the band members themselves.

“I remember a few years ago, we had a friend who was running The Comedy Zone, and he invited us to come by after a show one night,” Sheridan said. “The place was closed, and we tore that room up. It was a real party; I felt bad for the cleaning crew the next day. I don’t think we would ever be invited to do that again.” - Steve Wildsmith


"Simplified puts its name to work for its rock ’n’ roll"

“Brighter Days” are on the horizon for Charlotte, N.C.-based band Simplified — literally.

The group’s new album, produced by Jerry DePizzo of rock band O.A.R., carries that title, and the songs on it fit the band’s moniker — straightforward, no-frills, rock ‘n’ roll. It’s melodic in the same vein as Augustana or The Fray, catchy, anthemic — everything a good rock ‘n’ roll band needs to cultivate a loyal following that knows it’ll have a good time whenever the guys come to town, as they’ll do on Thursday, April 7, at Barley’s Taproom in Knoxville’s Old City.

“Clee (Laster) and I got together back in 2001 or 2002,” guitarist Chris Sheridan said of the band’s origin. “We wanted to play music, but we didn’t really have a plan or anything. We basically auditioned players at an open mic night, and it kind of evolved over a period of a couple of years before we got serious. Eventually, we realized we had something that was kind of special.

“People always commented on how we had this really great sound. We never set out to go after something specific; it was really based on all the genres that everybody in the band liked at the time. We never said we were going to be a rock ‘n’ roll band. When we’re on the road, you hear everything coming out of our stereo — bluegrass; even metal sometimes.

“I think that it’s a sound that’s developed over a period of a few years, and it’s brought us to where we’re at now,” he added. “I think the new CD kind of encapsulates that.”

There’s something to be said for a band that doesn’t complicate its music. Sure, there are a few extraneous flourishes on “Brighter Days” — a hint of reggae here and there, for instance. But it only embellishes the feel-good grooves that anchor the entire disc, a sunny, upbeat sound that’s tailor-made for a night of singing along near the front of the stage, arms wrapped around good friends and drinks in hand.

It’s no wonder that DePizzo took an interest in the guys after both bands met in 2007. A mutual friend introduced both groups, and they set up a private jam session with O.A.R.

“The first time we met them and they got on stage, it was pretty awesome actually,” Sheridan said. “We got to really see how they acted and how professional they were. I was a fan before I met them, and I’d bought some CDs and stuff, but when you see guys on that level and how professional and tight they are from playing together for so long, it becomes one of those things you strive for to make yourself better.

“It’s not about one individual playing and showing off his chops; it’s about playing together, and that’s what those guys do. They play so well together, and it influenced us all. Any band can get better and improve; they showed us that, and we strive for it as well.”

After going out on the road with O.A.R., the guys in Simplified talked about recording an album in 2010. DePizzo invited the band to record with him in Columbus, Ohio, and in January, the band traveled to the Buckeye State and spent three weeks working with him.

“Everybody Jerry brought into the project pushed us as songwriters to make the songs the best we could,” Sheridan said. “Some of the songs we’ve been playing out for a little while; we like to test the material in front of a live audience. Some of the songs we’ve dug on for a little while now, and he really pushed us to make them what they are.”

The band is looking forward to returning to East Tennessee next week and showcasing the new tunes for its Knoxville following. Simplified is no stranger to this area, having played at various venues since first hitting the Southeastern tour circuit several years ago. In fact, he said with a laugh, Knoxville has usually been a place of unusually enthusiastic reception — by fans and by the band members themselves.

“I remember a few years ago, we had a friend who was running The Comedy Zone, and he invited us to come by after a show one night,” Sheridan said. “The place was closed, and we tore that room up. It was a real party; I felt bad for the cleaning crew the next day. I don’t think we would ever be invited to do that again.” - Steve Wildsmith


"Band blends varied, but complementary musical styles"

Simplified's album, "Elephant Sky," may sound like your typical rock band of the new millennium, but there's color and insight in their creativity. The band's blend of acoustic, reggae and rock music is effortless, and far from simple.

Hailing from Charlotte, Simplified's Clee Lester stands at 6-foot-7; one of the tallest front men in the history of rock music. Lester wrote most of the songs when the band first progressed, although now everyone in the group collaborates and contributes to the lyrics.

If you go
Who: Simplified.
When: 9 p.m. today.
Where: The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy.
Cost: $10 at www.etix.com.
Hear the Band's Music: myspace.com/simplifiedband.
Info: 571-4343, charlestonpourhouse.com.
"The usual writing rehearsal starts with a couple of acoustic guitars and perhaps an idea one of us came up with," said guitarist Chris Sheridan. "Sometimes we will jam on an idea at a sound check and it will inspire us to pursue it further down the road."

Their stage shows are very energized, and they don't limit themselves to a single style of music. Most bands hate being compared to another band, but Simplified doesn't mind being compared to Sublime, Dave Matthews or Jack Johnson.

"Most of the time, listeners have to have a way to describe your music so they compare it to what is most similar," said Sheridan. "Our biggest compliment is our sound, and since Clee plays an acoustic and has a soulful touch in his voice, we get these comparisons."

Simplified is living any aspiring musician's dream: touring from city to city, playing the music they've written together and greeting and meeting new fans every night.

Playing up to 250 shows a year, keeping up with fan e-mails and distributing and creating their own merchandise, Simplified finds it difficult to have any free time.

"To be successful in the music career, every minute counts," said Sheridan.

Some may wonder what may be going through their heads as they carry out these ambitions that are being accomplished daily.

"Every performance offers a chance to cultivate new fans," said Sheridan. "We just want to put on the best show possible every night. We view the band as a business just as much as we love performing music. It is a healthy balance of business and creativity but being able to perform in front of a receptive audience is the absolute reward!"

Simplified has been back and forth to the Charleston area for the past three years. They will be playing the Pour House tonight.

"Charleston is a great town with a laid-back attitude," said Sheridan. "And our music fits in well!" - Chris Dodson


"Band blends varied, but complementary musical styles"

Simplified's album, "Elephant Sky," may sound like your typical rock band of the new millennium, but there's color and insight in their creativity. The band's blend of acoustic, reggae and rock music is effortless, and far from simple.

Hailing from Charlotte, Simplified's Clee Lester stands at 6-foot-7; one of the tallest front men in the history of rock music. Lester wrote most of the songs when the band first progressed, although now everyone in the group collaborates and contributes to the lyrics.

If you go
Who: Simplified.
When: 9 p.m. today.
Where: The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy.
Cost: $10 at www.etix.com.
Hear the Band's Music: myspace.com/simplifiedband.
Info: 571-4343, charlestonpourhouse.com.
"The usual writing rehearsal starts with a couple of acoustic guitars and perhaps an idea one of us came up with," said guitarist Chris Sheridan. "Sometimes we will jam on an idea at a sound check and it will inspire us to pursue it further down the road."

Their stage shows are very energized, and they don't limit themselves to a single style of music. Most bands hate being compared to another band, but Simplified doesn't mind being compared to Sublime, Dave Matthews or Jack Johnson.

"Most of the time, listeners have to have a way to describe your music so they compare it to what is most similar," said Sheridan. "Our biggest compliment is our sound, and since Clee plays an acoustic and has a soulful touch in his voice, we get these comparisons."

Simplified is living any aspiring musician's dream: touring from city to city, playing the music they've written together and greeting and meeting new fans every night.

Playing up to 250 shows a year, keeping up with fan e-mails and distributing and creating their own merchandise, Simplified finds it difficult to have any free time.

"To be successful in the music career, every minute counts," said Sheridan.

Some may wonder what may be going through their heads as they carry out these ambitions that are being accomplished daily.

"Every performance offers a chance to cultivate new fans," said Sheridan. "We just want to put on the best show possible every night. We view the band as a business just as much as we love performing music. It is a healthy balance of business and creativity but being able to perform in front of a receptive audience is the absolute reward!"

Simplified has been back and forth to the Charleston area for the past three years. They will be playing the Pour House tonight.

"Charleston is a great town with a laid-back attitude," said Sheridan. "And our music fits in well!" - Chris Dodson


"With Its Complicated Mix of Styles, Simplified Is a Hometown Legend"

One look at Simplifieds play list and its clear the Charlotte- based band is not attached to any one scene.
The quartet Chris Sheridan (acoustic and electric guitar), Clee Laster (acoustic guitar/vocals), Chris Lynch (bass) and Tim Lail (percussion) covers songs by artists ranging from Stevie Ray Vaughan (Pride and Joy) to Sublime (Badfish) to Jack Johnson (Flake) to Stealers Wheel (Stuck in the Middle With You).
See the full content of this document - The Virginia Pilot - Ledger Star


"With Its Complicated Mix of Styles, Simplified Is a Hometown Legend"

One look at Simplifieds play list and its clear the Charlotte- based band is not attached to any one scene.
The quartet Chris Sheridan (acoustic and electric guitar), Clee Laster (acoustic guitar/vocals), Chris Lynch (bass) and Tim Lail (percussion) covers songs by artists ranging from Stevie Ray Vaughan (Pride and Joy) to Sublime (Badfish) to Jack Johnson (Flake) to Stealers Wheel (Stuck in the Middle With You).
See the full content of this document - The Virginia Pilot - Ledger Star


"Simplified @ Metro PCS Great Atlantic Fest"

Simplified’s songwriter and lead vocalist, Chris Sheridan is blessed with a gritty, Springsteen-like voice. His songs are hooky and memorable–ultimately making Simplified bookable in any situation, which in today’s world, is a distinct advantage. For the members of Simplified, their flexibility and willingness to play a few covers during their gigs endears them to eclectic audiences and endless playing possibilities.

The collective creative unit that is Simplified consists of seasoned professional musicians who include Chris Sheridan on lead vocals and amplified acoustic guitar, Chris Lynch on bass and Clee Laster on vocals and lead guitar. Hot drummer, Donnie Marple just joined the band. He beat out 6,000 other drummers in a national contest called the Great Drum Off.

“Our sound is described as layers of “rock, reggae, funk and roots … and some bits of Southern Rock.” said Chris Sheridan from his home base in Charlotte, North Carolina. He’s a laid-back dude, so we chatted for thirty minutes about today’s harsh reality of staying booked and making enough money to keep the band together.

The guys are currently on a two month road tour taking them to some of the hottest venues from New Orleans to Key West and then back home to the Carolinas to work on a new album.

“We are mostly an original band and we released our third studio album in 2011. We tour around the Southeast and occasionally travel to other parts of the country. We’ve been around for eight years. NASCAR uses one of our songs in their promotions. Everything we do opens doors to something else. Coming up, we are going on the Rock Cruise ship with other rock bands to entertain the passengers,” Chris said

“So how did your band evolve?” I asked Chris

“Well, I was playing solo and duo presenting my originals and gradually the other members joined in until we had a bookable band. Of course, Charlotte is our biggest market. But we play gigs in Florida. We do well in Key West. So, we’re willing to go anywhere to play live gigs. In fact, we’ll be in Jax Beach at the Metro PCS Great Atlantic Fest on March 24,” he said.

The members of Simplified are making the right moves to get ahead in a viciously competitive business that eats its own. Clearly, these dudes are it for the long term. It’s what they do. - EUJacksonville.com


"Simplified @ Metro PCS Great Atlantic Fest"

Simplified’s songwriter and lead vocalist, Chris Sheridan is blessed with a gritty, Springsteen-like voice. His songs are hooky and memorable–ultimately making Simplified bookable in any situation, which in today’s world, is a distinct advantage. For the members of Simplified, their flexibility and willingness to play a few covers during their gigs endears them to eclectic audiences and endless playing possibilities.

The collective creative unit that is Simplified consists of seasoned professional musicians who include Chris Sheridan on lead vocals and amplified acoustic guitar, Chris Lynch on bass and Clee Laster on vocals and lead guitar. Hot drummer, Donnie Marple just joined the band. He beat out 6,000 other drummers in a national contest called the Great Drum Off.

“Our sound is described as layers of “rock, reggae, funk and roots … and some bits of Southern Rock.” said Chris Sheridan from his home base in Charlotte, North Carolina. He’s a laid-back dude, so we chatted for thirty minutes about today’s harsh reality of staying booked and making enough money to keep the band together.

The guys are currently on a two month road tour taking them to some of the hottest venues from New Orleans to Key West and then back home to the Carolinas to work on a new album.

“We are mostly an original band and we released our third studio album in 2011. We tour around the Southeast and occasionally travel to other parts of the country. We’ve been around for eight years. NASCAR uses one of our songs in their promotions. Everything we do opens doors to something else. Coming up, we are going on the Rock Cruise ship with other rock bands to entertain the passengers,” Chris said

“So how did your band evolve?” I asked Chris

“Well, I was playing solo and duo presenting my originals and gradually the other members joined in until we had a bookable band. Of course, Charlotte is our biggest market. But we play gigs in Florida. We do well in Key West. So, we’re willing to go anywhere to play live gigs. In fact, we’ll be in Jax Beach at the Metro PCS Great Atlantic Fest on March 24,” he said.

The members of Simplified are making the right moves to get ahead in a viciously competitive business that eats its own. Clearly, these dudes are it for the long term. It’s what they do. - EUJacksonville.com


"Singled Out: Simplified's Shall We Begin"

Singled Out: Simplified's Shall We Begin

06/10/2011
.
Today Chris Sheridan from Simplified tells us about "Shall We Begin" from their brand new album "Brighter Days". Here is the story:
When Clee and I sat down to write "Shall We Begin" as a band we were facing some challenging transitions within the band and personally. Clee and his wife just recently split up, our original drummer recently left the band, and overall we were just feeling burned out.

Last summer Clee and I spent a lot more time performing acoustic as we continued looking for a new drummer. During our summer shows at The Rusty Rudder in Lake Norman, NC we rediscovered that spark we felt when we first started playing together. The Rudder shows are always a great time because it's a more intimate setting with our fans which are mostly our friends that have been around since the beginning. Even though we were in this kind of melancholy state…the music, the good times at The Rudder were extremely therapeutic.

It was around this time that a bunch of new ideas began to gel. In essence, those hot, summer shows at The Rusty Rudder served as a launching pad for what would eventually become the bulk of material on Brighter Days. Shall We Begin is symbolic of the beginning of a new chapter of Simplified. It kind of turns out to be a party song geared towards crowds and it is becoming a very good live song to perform! It's a "pick me up" tune!

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album right here! - Antimusic.com


"Simplified: BeatCrave Fav of the Month"

Your votes have been counted: Simplified is your BeatCrave Fav for the Month of July!

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based band has a lot up their sleeves, not only in the way of genre but along the lines of heart, drive, and staying power. It’s these qualities that caught our attention and earned them a place in our BeatCrave Fav series, as well as our readers and their fans. Truth be told, what’s not to like: their down-to-earth persona and penchant for playing live goes well with their appreciation for their fans and vice versa. And these days, sometimes it really doesn’t matter how good you sound (although that helps); it’s the quality of music for the sake of making music, for the sake of one’s audience that sticks just as much. Naturally, Simplified is made of such good stock.


Although having drawn audible comparisons to the rich vocals and instrumentals as well as subdued but heartfelt messages a la their contemporaries – Matchbox 20, Dave Matthews Band, and Jack Johnson in particular – it’s a discernible edge all Simplified’s own that also appeals to our ears. Lead vocalist Clee Laster and guitarist Chris Sheridan originally founded the band in 2001, and together they have gone through various changes with the band from its formation to its current form. Today, bassist Chris Lynch and drummer Donnie Marple round out the foursome, making for a cohesive sound that goes beyond typical rock, branching into a soulful quality that can be sensed by listeners, new and long-time fans alike. In fact, Simplified’s fans – a huge portion of them having discovered them on college radio – have rallied up on numerous occasions in support, most recently to feature them on late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, as well as various charities during the holiday season.

Exciting times are in the works for Simplified this upcoming Labor Day weekend. Among them, ESPN and its sister networks will be starting the college football season right with the single, “Shall We Begin?”, from their latest album release, Brighter Days, which will be featured in video representations and montages from September 1-5. Simplified’s music captures and expresses an undeniable human spirit – an awesome quality recognized in being our BeatCrave Fav for the month of July. Check them out in our exclusive interview below.

BeatCrave: Who or what would you say inspires or influences your style of music?

Clee Laster: Lot’s of things. Life. Love.
Chris Sheridan: As far as musical inspiration it’s all across the board really.
Clee Laster: Yeah, I grew up listening to Van Morrison and Otis Redding. They are both a huge impact on what I do now.
Chris Sheridan: I think we all grew up listening to a lot of different things and Simplified is a combination of all of that thrown into a pot. And we get really inspired by the ocean too. That’s probably where the beach & reggae feel come from.
BC: We love the complexity of your layered alternative sound. You’ve got blues and roots fused together with rock, among other things – how do you ‘settle’ on a style when you’ve got a little bit of everything to latch onto, genre-wise?

CL: Thank you. We don’t really settle on a style. We came into the project with an open mind and we write what we feel.
CS: Yeah we never discussed or said we want to be like (fill in the blank)…Our sound is a comprised of everything we all like as individuals and as a band. If one of us brings something to the table like a riff, lick, or melody we will play with it as an idea. Sometimes it’ll become something (a song) and sometimes it’ll end up in the trash can or be put on the back burner. We communicate well when we do writing sessions and everyone has input. At the end of the day though it sounds like Simplified.
BC: What would you say are your favorite songs to have come together on your latest album, Brighter Days? Yes, “all of them” does count as an answer, but were there a few that stuck out to you individually or as a band the most?

CS: My personal favorites are “Screaming at the Ceiling” and “She Don’t Care”. They are both very fun live songs.
CL: My favorite song to record was “Brighter Days”. I felt like I put the most emotion into the song. “Screaming at the Ceiling” is my favorite one to play live though too.
CS: Yeah just today we were driving to pick our guitars up at the shop and “Screaming at the Ceiling” came on the radio, on WSGE 91.7. We were thrilled to hear it. Especially since we haven’t run a radio campaign for the record yet. I think Clee wanted to do a kart wheel (laughs).
BC: Later this month it looks like you’re playing a few shows in your home state. What’s next for you?

CS: Right now we have a lot going on. For upcoming shows we have some festivals and university shows coming up. We have the Black Water Music Festival in Live Oaks, FL coming up at the end of September. We are also in first place for the Samsung Summer Krush Contest to perform in Seattle. And if we do th - Lindsey Darden


"Simplified: BeatCrave Fav of the Month"

Your votes have been counted: Simplified is your BeatCrave Fav for the Month of July!

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based band has a lot up their sleeves, not only in the way of genre but along the lines of heart, drive, and staying power. It’s these qualities that caught our attention and earned them a place in our BeatCrave Fav series, as well as our readers and their fans. Truth be told, what’s not to like: their down-to-earth persona and penchant for playing live goes well with their appreciation for their fans and vice versa. And these days, sometimes it really doesn’t matter how good you sound (although that helps); it’s the quality of music for the sake of making music, for the sake of one’s audience that sticks just as much. Naturally, Simplified is made of such good stock.


Although having drawn audible comparisons to the rich vocals and instrumentals as well as subdued but heartfelt messages a la their contemporaries – Matchbox 20, Dave Matthews Band, and Jack Johnson in particular – it’s a discernible edge all Simplified’s own that also appeals to our ears. Lead vocalist Clee Laster and guitarist Chris Sheridan originally founded the band in 2001, and together they have gone through various changes with the band from its formation to its current form. Today, bassist Chris Lynch and drummer Donnie Marple round out the foursome, making for a cohesive sound that goes beyond typical rock, branching into a soulful quality that can be sensed by listeners, new and long-time fans alike. In fact, Simplified’s fans – a huge portion of them having discovered them on college radio – have rallied up on numerous occasions in support, most recently to feature them on late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, as well as various charities during the holiday season.

Exciting times are in the works for Simplified this upcoming Labor Day weekend. Among them, ESPN and its sister networks will be starting the college football season right with the single, “Shall We Begin?”, from their latest album release, Brighter Days, which will be featured in video representations and montages from September 1-5. Simplified’s music captures and expresses an undeniable human spirit – an awesome quality recognized in being our BeatCrave Fav for the month of July. Check them out in our exclusive interview below.

BeatCrave: Who or what would you say inspires or influences your style of music?

Clee Laster: Lot’s of things. Life. Love.
Chris Sheridan: As far as musical inspiration it’s all across the board really.
Clee Laster: Yeah, I grew up listening to Van Morrison and Otis Redding. They are both a huge impact on what I do now.
Chris Sheridan: I think we all grew up listening to a lot of different things and Simplified is a combination of all of that thrown into a pot. And we get really inspired by the ocean too. That’s probably where the beach & reggae feel come from.
BC: We love the complexity of your layered alternative sound. You’ve got blues and roots fused together with rock, among other things – how do you ‘settle’ on a style when you’ve got a little bit of everything to latch onto, genre-wise?

CL: Thank you. We don’t really settle on a style. We came into the project with an open mind and we write what we feel.
CS: Yeah we never discussed or said we want to be like (fill in the blank)…Our sound is a comprised of everything we all like as individuals and as a band. If one of us brings something to the table like a riff, lick, or melody we will play with it as an idea. Sometimes it’ll become something (a song) and sometimes it’ll end up in the trash can or be put on the back burner. We communicate well when we do writing sessions and everyone has input. At the end of the day though it sounds like Simplified.
BC: What would you say are your favorite songs to have come together on your latest album, Brighter Days? Yes, “all of them” does count as an answer, but were there a few that stuck out to you individually or as a band the most?

CS: My personal favorites are “Screaming at the Ceiling” and “She Don’t Care”. They are both very fun live songs.
CL: My favorite song to record was “Brighter Days”. I felt like I put the most emotion into the song. “Screaming at the Ceiling” is my favorite one to play live though too.
CS: Yeah just today we were driving to pick our guitars up at the shop and “Screaming at the Ceiling” came on the radio, on WSGE 91.7. We were thrilled to hear it. Especially since we haven’t run a radio campaign for the record yet. I think Clee wanted to do a kart wheel (laughs).
BC: Later this month it looks like you’re playing a few shows in your home state. What’s next for you?

CS: Right now we have a lot going on. For upcoming shows we have some festivals and university shows coming up. We have the Black Water Music Festival in Live Oaks, FL coming up at the end of September. We are also in first place for the Samsung Summer Krush Contest to perform in Seattle. And if we do th - Lindsey Darden


"Simplified’s Newest Album Brighter Days Album Review"

Brighter Days, the third studio album from North Carolina southern rockers Simplified can be summed up in one word: diverse. Their latest release delves into elements of funk and hard rock, with each song standing out from the next. Although each song can be categorized in the same genre, the listener hears variation within each track.

Formed seven years ago, Simplified’s journey can be described as anything but simple. Since the beginning, Simplified has been doing everything on their own without the backing of a major label. However, one would never be able to tell that from the production quality of their latest record, which was produced by O.A.R saxophone player Jerry Depizzo.

The opening track, “Shall We Begin,” provides a steady and strong introduction to the band, especially the Dave Matthew’s band vocal style. “Brighter Days,” the second song that the album is named after, can be hailed as one of the record’s stand out tracks. While most of the album is guitar driven, this song focuses more on piano. Lyrics such as “I walk the crowded streets for you,” stick with the listener.

Four tracks into the album, the audience begins to hear traces of funk with “Sitting on a Mountain.” The guitarist uses a broken strumming pattern similar to what one would hear in a Sublime song, and vocalist Clee Laster ditches his Dave Matthews guise for a few minutes.

The middle of the album delivers a solid and consistent sound, keeping with the alternative southern rock genre, but showing diversity in the guitar technique. It’s near the end of “Brighter Days” that the sound begins to pick up. The record leaps into the bluesy rock and roll category with “Clee Walks” and the closer “Getting’ Home.”

“Clee Walks” may be the strongest song on the album. The track takes no time to build up; the listener is thrown right into a funk and blues phenomena. The track oozes with attitude right from the beginning. There is a triumphant vibe apparent in this song, complete with raunchy guitars scratching at your ear.

Brighter Days is a collection of good old-fashioned southern rock-and roll, with a modern twist. It’s clear that the members of Simplified have had their musical training, and know how to use it well. For fans of Pearl Jam, the Dave Matthews Band, and the rock and country genres, this band is a must. - Broken Records Magazine


"Keeping it Simplified"

Ever heard that old saying, "K.I.S.S. — Keep it simple, stupid"? Not that any of the four members of Simplified are stupid by any means, but they've been keeping it simple, and it works. The band has created a solid fan base in Charlotte — a CD-release party earlier this year at the Visulite sold out — and is slowly growing in popularity in other Southeastern markets.

Instead of spreading itself thin, the band has played regular gigs around the city, including a weekly spot at Mac's Speed Shop on South Boulevard. Thanks to grassroots word-of-mouth advertising and performances at a variety of local venues, the band's fanbase has increased enough where it can play four or five shows a week and no member needs a "regular" day job. Instead, days are spent handling management duties -- marketing, merchandise, hotel booking, etc. -- or songwriting.

"We did a run over the summer that was 13 shows in a row," guitarist Chris Sheridan says. "Our major concentration has been in the Southeast and we're trying to now stay on the road as much as possible now -- within a four-hour radius because of gas prices."

The band of 30-somethings -- Sheridan, Clee Laster (vocals/guitar), Chris Lynch (bass) and Tim Lail (drums) -- formed nearly five years ago as the quartet they are today. Originally, Laster and Sheridan were performing acoustically when they met Lynch. They then found Lail as the percussionist. "Clee and I were doing an open mic and secretly auditioning people," Sheridan says. "People also responded to an ad we posted on bandtastic online."

Sheridan recalls Lail saying the band's music "needed some ass to it," and Laster agrees that the early recordings were slow and sleepy. The duo was looking for musicians with personality and similar goals who could help create their own sound -- and that's what they got. "We'd get to jam with people who played bass and drums, but we wanted to do that all the time," Laster says.

Trying to describe Simplified's music is no easy task. It's got hints of Sublime, Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson, but there's also rock, blues, reggae and funk. "There are so many styles that we incorporate," Sheridan says. "I think you said it best (in a Music Menu item in Creative Loafing) that it's more of a mood than a genre."

The band has always had originals in its setlist, but would throw in occasional covers -- done in the band's style -- to help get gigs. As repeat performances grew at a venue, they would slowly weed out the cover songs. "A lot of places don't want us to do originals, but usually when they hear them, they like them and we get invited back," Sheridan says. Laster says they abandoned working on new covers roughly three years ago.

They also tailor the set to the venue they're playing. For Mac's, it's more relaxed, and Laster says, "It's like playing on a back porch for a bunch of our friends." On the other hand, they look at the Visulite as a stand-up full-energy show to get everyone moving.

These days, it may seem like the band is popping up all over the local music scene as something new and fresh, but they haven't forgotten that it's been a long road, five years in the making, to this point. There have been plenty of gigs with small crowds and rough moments where someone has quit -- each member has "quit" the band at least once. No one has quit in the last two years though, Laster notes with a laugh.

As for Simplified's name, it was suggested by a fan. "It's one word, it's memorable and it was perfect," Sheridan says. The band has released four albums so far, including an EP, a live album recorded at the Visulite and its debut studio effort, 2006's Smile. Its latest CD, Elephant Sky, was released in April of this year. There is talk of the band's next album, possibly acoustic and being recorded with Jamie Hoover, being released next year. Though they say there's enough material for two albums -- one acoustic and one regular.

Sheridan says when they play, it now feels like a party and he's sure some people only show up to simply be there -- and probably check out the women who make up 75 percent of their fans. "We want people to feel like they're going to an event," Lail says. Lynch agrees -- "We want people to feel like they are as much a part of our show as we are. They all sing and dance and it feeds our energy to put on a better show."

As for how they've changed in that time, the quartet agrees that songwriting is now more of a collaborative process, and they've also got a better understanding of the business side. "We're much better songwriters now and better listeners," Sheridan says. "We never made a conscious effort with our sound, but it's more - Jeff Hahne


"Keeping it Simplified"

Ever heard that old saying, "K.I.S.S. — Keep it simple, stupid"? Not that any of the four members of Simplified are stupid by any means, but they've been keeping it simple, and it works. The band has created a solid fan base in Charlotte — a CD-release party earlier this year at the Visulite sold out — and is slowly growing in popularity in other Southeastern markets.

Instead of spreading itself thin, the band has played regular gigs around the city, including a weekly spot at Mac's Speed Shop on South Boulevard. Thanks to grassroots word-of-mouth advertising and performances at a variety of local venues, the band's fanbase has increased enough where it can play four or five shows a week and no member needs a "regular" day job. Instead, days are spent handling management duties -- marketing, merchandise, hotel booking, etc. -- or songwriting.

"We did a run over the summer that was 13 shows in a row," guitarist Chris Sheridan says. "Our major concentration has been in the Southeast and we're trying to now stay on the road as much as possible now -- within a four-hour radius because of gas prices."

The band of 30-somethings -- Sheridan, Clee Laster (vocals/guitar), Chris Lynch (bass) and Tim Lail (drums) -- formed nearly five years ago as the quartet they are today. Originally, Laster and Sheridan were performing acoustically when they met Lynch. They then found Lail as the percussionist. "Clee and I were doing an open mic and secretly auditioning people," Sheridan says. "People also responded to an ad we posted on bandtastic online."

Sheridan recalls Lail saying the band's music "needed some ass to it," and Laster agrees that the early recordings were slow and sleepy. The duo was looking for musicians with personality and similar goals who could help create their own sound -- and that's what they got. "We'd get to jam with people who played bass and drums, but we wanted to do that all the time," Laster says.

Trying to describe Simplified's music is no easy task. It's got hints of Sublime, Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson, but there's also rock, blues, reggae and funk. "There are so many styles that we incorporate," Sheridan says. "I think you said it best (in a Music Menu item in Creative Loafing) that it's more of a mood than a genre."

The band has always had originals in its setlist, but would throw in occasional covers -- done in the band's style -- to help get gigs. As repeat performances grew at a venue, they would slowly weed out the cover songs. "A lot of places don't want us to do originals, but usually when they hear them, they like them and we get invited back," Sheridan says. Laster says they abandoned working on new covers roughly three years ago.

They also tailor the set to the venue they're playing. For Mac's, it's more relaxed, and Laster says, "It's like playing on a back porch for a bunch of our friends." On the other hand, they look at the Visulite as a stand-up full-energy show to get everyone moving.

These days, it may seem like the band is popping up all over the local music scene as something new and fresh, but they haven't forgotten that it's been a long road, five years in the making, to this point. There have been plenty of gigs with small crowds and rough moments where someone has quit -- each member has "quit" the band at least once. No one has quit in the last two years though, Laster notes with a laugh.

As for Simplified's name, it was suggested by a fan. "It's one word, it's memorable and it was perfect," Sheridan says. The band has released four albums so far, including an EP, a live album recorded at the Visulite and its debut studio effort, 2006's Smile. Its latest CD, Elephant Sky, was released in April of this year. There is talk of the band's next album, possibly acoustic and being recorded with Jamie Hoover, being released next year. Though they say there's enough material for two albums -- one acoustic and one regular.

Sheridan says when they play, it now feels like a party and he's sure some people only show up to simply be there -- and probably check out the women who make up 75 percent of their fans. "We want people to feel like they're going to an event," Lail says. Lynch agrees -- "We want people to feel like they are as much a part of our show as we are. They all sing and dance and it feeds our energy to put on a better show."

As for how they've changed in that time, the quartet agrees that songwriting is now more of a collaborative process, and they've also got a better understanding of the business side. "We're much better songwriters now and better listeners," Sheridan says. "We never made a conscious effort with our sound, but it's more - Jeff Hahne


"Clee Speaks! Interview with Matt Wake from Metromix~ Simplified brings reggae-rock to the Upstate Check them out Nov. 28 at Wild Wing"

Simplified singer/guitarist Clee Laster encourages fans who buy the group's CDs to burn copies for their pals.
"If their friends like it, then more than likely those people are going to come to the next show we play there," Laster says.
The band's sophomore record, "Elephant Sky," shows distinct growth from their 2007 debut, "Smile" – and more reasons to pass on a couple of copies. There's still a reggae-rock thing going on, particularly on the track "Home." However "Elephant Sky" benefits from savvier arrangements, including a country-harmony chorus on "Low" and pseudo-swing break on "Let's Go Smoke 'Em Up Johnny."
Laster's voice has also bloomed; it's richer, more believable. The front man attributes the upgrades to constant touring, collaborative songwriting and newfound confidence in the studio. Bad news also colored the record.
"We all lost somebody in each of our families between 'Smile' and 'Elephant Sky,' so the songs are a little bit darker—but with a light at the end of the tunnel," Laster says.
Not that "Smile" was all confection. The LP, which nabbed Best Rock Album at the 2007 Charlotte Music awards, was filled with organ swells ("Home"), backwards guitar ("Sugartree") and, of course, a catchy ode to getting high ("Wake N Bake").

What were you listening to when you were cutting "Smile" and how did that differ from what you were listening to around the time of the "Elephant Sky" sessions?
Everybody in the band has kind of got into Kings of Leon. I wasn't even finished with last one before this new record came out, and this new one is amazing. I think those guys are going to really, really take off. I absolutely love 'em. Them and Ray LaMontage. Back when we where doing "Smile," Jack Johnson was probably my favorite. But my all-time favorites are Van Morrison and Otis Redding.

On the track "Six Strings…" you name check Sublime. There have been a lot of groups who've done the reggae-meets-rock thing, to various degrees of success. What about Sublime's approach made them a little more compelling?
His voice. I loved (Brad Nowell's) voice. Even on those recording where you could tell he was drunk as hell. He kind of got that from (Bob) Marley, but he brought it across in a different way.

A lot of your songs mention smoking weed. Has the band ever been hassled by the cops?
No it's funny…nobody has ever messed with us at all.

Simplified is based in Charlotte. What are the biggest challenges and advantages of running a band out of that town?
It's getting better. When we started everybody wanted you to play more than half covers and you could slide your originals in. Now the places in Charlotte we play want originals. Back then, we would try to play covers not everybody else played, like Jack Johnson, Sublime, "Black Magic Woman"…There's some of them you have to do, but we tried to make the covers as original as possible.

Tom Petty once said he didn't like to write immediately after he got off the road because then you're only writing about life on the road and everything sounds like Foghat. How do you keep that from happening?
We try to get together once or twice a week and throw riffs or lyrics together. But we never really sit down and say, "Let's write a song." It usually just comes from inspiration.

Five to 10 years ago, the goal for a regional band like Simplified was to get signed to a major label. With the upending of the music business paradigm, how have the goals of regional bands changed?
You can put everything on the Internet now and not have to spend any money making hard copies of CDs, when half the people are going to download it anyway. I'm sure there are still good record deals out there, and we would definitely listen to anyone that wanted to offer us one. But record sales aren't what they used to be and some of the people we've been talking to that have got deals, they haven't been good ones. We recently got to open up for O.A.R. and they do everything themselves. They're their own management, their own record label. That's something we look up to and aspire to: to take care of everything ourselves.

Are the goals now to move up to the major festivals, like Bonnaroo, etc.?
Yeah. We love doing the festivals and opening up for people like O.A.R.—we played in front of 6,000 people with them. I think our place is in the college towns. It seems like the music goes over good in those places; a lot of college kids like the reggae rock sound, and that's what we're doing right now. We go there and have a great time with everybody and they have a great time with us. It works.

What are some things you guys have learned, tricks of the trade, to make touring w - Matt Wake


"Clee Speaks! Interview with Matt Wake from Metromix~ Simplified brings reggae-rock to the Upstate Check them out Nov. 28 at Wild Wing"

Simplified singer/guitarist Clee Laster encourages fans who buy the group's CDs to burn copies for their pals.
"If their friends like it, then more than likely those people are going to come to the next show we play there," Laster says.
The band's sophomore record, "Elephant Sky," shows distinct growth from their 2007 debut, "Smile" – and more reasons to pass on a couple of copies. There's still a reggae-rock thing going on, particularly on the track "Home." However "Elephant Sky" benefits from savvier arrangements, including a country-harmony chorus on "Low" and pseudo-swing break on "Let's Go Smoke 'Em Up Johnny."
Laster's voice has also bloomed; it's richer, more believable. The front man attributes the upgrades to constant touring, collaborative songwriting and newfound confidence in the studio. Bad news also colored the record.
"We all lost somebody in each of our families between 'Smile' and 'Elephant Sky,' so the songs are a little bit darker—but with a light at the end of the tunnel," Laster says.
Not that "Smile" was all confection. The LP, which nabbed Best Rock Album at the 2007 Charlotte Music awards, was filled with organ swells ("Home"), backwards guitar ("Sugartree") and, of course, a catchy ode to getting high ("Wake N Bake").

What were you listening to when you were cutting "Smile" and how did that differ from what you were listening to around the time of the "Elephant Sky" sessions?
Everybody in the band has kind of got into Kings of Leon. I wasn't even finished with last one before this new record came out, and this new one is amazing. I think those guys are going to really, really take off. I absolutely love 'em. Them and Ray LaMontage. Back when we where doing "Smile," Jack Johnson was probably my favorite. But my all-time favorites are Van Morrison and Otis Redding.

On the track "Six Strings…" you name check Sublime. There have been a lot of groups who've done the reggae-meets-rock thing, to various degrees of success. What about Sublime's approach made them a little more compelling?
His voice. I loved (Brad Nowell's) voice. Even on those recording where you could tell he was drunk as hell. He kind of got that from (Bob) Marley, but he brought it across in a different way.

A lot of your songs mention smoking weed. Has the band ever been hassled by the cops?
No it's funny…nobody has ever messed with us at all.

Simplified is based in Charlotte. What are the biggest challenges and advantages of running a band out of that town?
It's getting better. When we started everybody wanted you to play more than half covers and you could slide your originals in. Now the places in Charlotte we play want originals. Back then, we would try to play covers not everybody else played, like Jack Johnson, Sublime, "Black Magic Woman"…There's some of them you have to do, but we tried to make the covers as original as possible.

Tom Petty once said he didn't like to write immediately after he got off the road because then you're only writing about life on the road and everything sounds like Foghat. How do you keep that from happening?
We try to get together once or twice a week and throw riffs or lyrics together. But we never really sit down and say, "Let's write a song." It usually just comes from inspiration.

Five to 10 years ago, the goal for a regional band like Simplified was to get signed to a major label. With the upending of the music business paradigm, how have the goals of regional bands changed?
You can put everything on the Internet now and not have to spend any money making hard copies of CDs, when half the people are going to download it anyway. I'm sure there are still good record deals out there, and we would definitely listen to anyone that wanted to offer us one. But record sales aren't what they used to be and some of the people we've been talking to that have got deals, they haven't been good ones. We recently got to open up for O.A.R. and they do everything themselves. They're their own management, their own record label. That's something we look up to and aspire to: to take care of everything ourselves.

Are the goals now to move up to the major festivals, like Bonnaroo, etc.?
Yeah. We love doing the festivals and opening up for people like O.A.R.—we played in front of 6,000 people with them. I think our place is in the college towns. It seems like the music goes over good in those places; a lot of college kids like the reggae rock sound, and that's what we're doing right now. We go there and have a great time with everybody and they have a great time with us. It works.

What are some things you guys have learned, tricks of the trade, to make touring w - Matt Wake


"Indie Music Bus - Road Trip"

Friday, September 21, 2012
Interview with Simplified - @Simplified_Band

In this edition of Road Trip, we interview the multi-award winning and very tour experienced, Simplified. With independently produced and other projects ranging the years 2004-2012 and touring and gigging in venues from clubs and festivals like SunFest to NASCAR Rev’d Up in 2009. In fact, in just eight years since the band's inception, Simplified has not only performed more than 2,500 shows, but they have also earned the respect of such renown artists as O.A.R., whose saxophone player Jerry Depizzo produced their latest album. But don't be fooled. Simplified's journey hasn't always been an easy one. The band has done everything – from the writing, recording and even the distribution of their four albums - completely on their own.
And now on to our interview with Chris Sheridan of Simplified conducted by Ced of Independent Music and Media.





Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. You guys have a good vibe as artists and as friends. When was the band formed and how did you all come together?

Thank you Walt. Clee and I got together in 2002 and began playing acoustic shows around Charlotte. We started an open mic to meet other players because we wanted to form a band. We ended up performing with a few people in various groups and then we came across Chris Lynch. Through Lynch we met Tim Lail (former drummer) and we basically formed Simplified in 2003.

Enjoy music by Simplified



Were you each in other bands prior to Simplified and what did you learn from being in previous bands, that made this experience a better one?

Everybody had former projects before Simplified. I learned from being in previous bands that (light bulb)-You have to rehearse! Just kidding. If I’m speaking on behalf of everyone in the band I would say our fans make this band a great experience.

What was it like to do your first live performance together as a band?


Our first real live performance as the “official” Simplified was at The Visulite Theatre in Charlotte. I think we were all really stoked for the show because it’s such a great venue. I used to see a lot of artists there and I always wanted to play there. We were the first of 3 acts and I think we played in front of maybe 20 people. A few years later we sold The Visulite out when we did our cd release for “Elephant Sky”.


There has got to be the band mate that keeps you all in stitches. Which one of you is the class-clown of the group?

That’s a great question. I think we all have the tendency to take on that title depending on our moods. And maybe our level of intoxication.

Who are some of your musical influences?


Everyone in the band comes from a different background. We all listen to a wide variety of music and I think we are all influenced by many different artists. That’s what gives Simplified it’s “sound”.





Your sound can truly be considered eclectic and can not be placed in a box. How are you pulling so many elements into your songwriting, yet still keeping it uncluttered?

We never really sat down and discussed trying to go for a certain sound. I think we just do what we love and make the best decisions we can during the writing process. We come up with a lot of ideas and some of them turn into songs and some are shelved.



Photoshoot with Chris Austin and team 04/21/12


You guys are making music that makes people happy, want to dance, and sing along with your catchy lyrics. Keep up the great work and thanks again for chatting with us. Is there anything else that you would like to say to add?
- Walter Hargrave


"Indie Music Bus - Road Trip"

Friday, September 21, 2012
Interview with Simplified - @Simplified_Band

In this edition of Road Trip, we interview the multi-award winning and very tour experienced, Simplified. With independently produced and other projects ranging the years 2004-2012 and touring and gigging in venues from clubs and festivals like SunFest to NASCAR Rev’d Up in 2009. In fact, in just eight years since the band's inception, Simplified has not only performed more than 2,500 shows, but they have also earned the respect of such renown artists as O.A.R., whose saxophone player Jerry Depizzo produced their latest album. But don't be fooled. Simplified's journey hasn't always been an easy one. The band has done everything – from the writing, recording and even the distribution of their four albums - completely on their own.
And now on to our interview with Chris Sheridan of Simplified conducted by Ced of Independent Music and Media.





Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. You guys have a good vibe as artists and as friends. When was the band formed and how did you all come together?

Thank you Walt. Clee and I got together in 2002 and began playing acoustic shows around Charlotte. We started an open mic to meet other players because we wanted to form a band. We ended up performing with a few people in various groups and then we came across Chris Lynch. Through Lynch we met Tim Lail (former drummer) and we basically formed Simplified in 2003.

Enjoy music by Simplified



Were you each in other bands prior to Simplified and what did you learn from being in previous bands, that made this experience a better one?

Everybody had former projects before Simplified. I learned from being in previous bands that (light bulb)-You have to rehearse! Just kidding. If I’m speaking on behalf of everyone in the band I would say our fans make this band a great experience.

What was it like to do your first live performance together as a band?


Our first real live performance as the “official” Simplified was at The Visulite Theatre in Charlotte. I think we were all really stoked for the show because it’s such a great venue. I used to see a lot of artists there and I always wanted to play there. We were the first of 3 acts and I think we played in front of maybe 20 people. A few years later we sold The Visulite out when we did our cd release for “Elephant Sky”.


There has got to be the band mate that keeps you all in stitches. Which one of you is the class-clown of the group?

That’s a great question. I think we all have the tendency to take on that title depending on our moods. And maybe our level of intoxication.

Who are some of your musical influences?


Everyone in the band comes from a different background. We all listen to a wide variety of music and I think we are all influenced by many different artists. That’s what gives Simplified it’s “sound”.





Your sound can truly be considered eclectic and can not be placed in a box. How are you pulling so many elements into your songwriting, yet still keeping it uncluttered?

We never really sat down and discussed trying to go for a certain sound. I think we just do what we love and make the best decisions we can during the writing process. We come up with a lot of ideas and some of them turn into songs and some are shelved.



Photoshoot with Chris Austin and team 04/21/12


You guys are making music that makes people happy, want to dance, and sing along with your catchy lyrics. Keep up the great work and thanks again for chatting with us. Is there anything else that you would like to say to add?
- Walter Hargrave


"What’s Good in the Music Scene? #29 – Chris Sheridan (Simplified)"

Chris, thanks for speaking with us today about Simplified!

Q1: When did you first start playing music?

Thank you Greg. Music has always been a big part of my life since I can remember. I remember getting my first toy record player when I was 4 or 5 years old. I always liked anything that had a nice melody. My dad was an aspiring songwriter and wrote a lot of lyrics and poetry so I had that influence. The elementary school I went to in Dallas, TX had a music class for kids and I remember loving that. When I was 9 I begged my parents to buy me this little Casio keyboard and I promised them I’d be a musician if they did, ha. After my mom moved us back to Michigan I picked up drums and with my minimal keyboard skills, I was always chosen to play the xylophone, bells, and glockenspiel parts in junior high and high school band. I picked up guitar when I was 12 and that became my main instrument over the years. I self taught and had to do extending borrowing of books from my hometown’s little library and rely on guitar magazines to learn because there really wasn’t anyone around to teach me. I played guitar in the high school jazz band as well, but I really didn’t have a clue, ha.



Q2: Who were some of your biggest influences?

I’ve had so many influences over the years. Early on, Slash was my motivating factor in wanting to really get into guitar stuff. He had a great tone and style that I was attracted to, not to mention a pretty cool hat. The Edge from U2 is a big influence as well because of his style and use of effects. He really does great things that compliment the song. Andy Summers from The Police is another guy I dig. Eric Johnson for his tone. I always gravitated to listening to guitarists that do their own thing. In my teens and afterward I really got into listening to the jammier/southern rock stuff like DMB, Blues Traveler, Phish, Allman Brothers, etc. One of my first concerts was an Allman Brothers show in Detroit, MI and that was my first time seeing Warren Haynes and Dickey Betts together. One of my new favorite guitarists is 21 year old Australian virtuoso Joe Robinson. I got to sit in on a session in Nashville with him last summer and he is an amazing player and a hell of a nice guy. I’m also influenced by horn players because of their phrasing. Leroi Moore (R.I.P.) from DMB has some great lines that I liked to cop and make my own. I love piano too. Bruce Hornsby is an influence and one of my favorite artists.



Q3: How do you go about writing a new song?

Our process usually starts with an idea like a lick, riff, or melody that one of us comes up with. Then we will take that and a do a sit down writing session and come up with some potential lyrical content. It usually just grows from that. In the past we all sat around and just kind of jammed and came up with music and then the lyrics came last as more of an afterthought. The past few years, Clee and I have come up with a writing system taking a more singer/songwriter approach. We sit around with the acoustic and focus on lyrics and melody. We are currently throwing ideas around for an upcoming acoustic project.



Q4: What inspired you to be come a musician?

Everything I was surrounded by when I was a kid from family and friends. MTV back when they used to play videos. Just the love of music really. For a few years, I didn’t play at all after I moved to Charlotte. When my dad passed away, it was a wakeup call for me. That really let me know about mortality and how we are here for a short time. So I decided to pursue what I really love. I don’t want to look back later in life and regret “not doing” something.



Q5: How did you decide on the name Simplified for your group?

I sometimes wish there was a better backstory to this and I’m sure I could make something up, but I’ll be honest. When Clee and I started playing our acoustic shows around Charlotte 10 years ago, we were having a hard time coming up with a name. We were performing at a local pub one night, having a lot of tequila and Jaeger, and mentioned to a fan that we needed a name. She said “Why don’t you guys just be Simplified” or something like that. I instantly loved it because it is memorable and I think it describes who we are since we were really just a duo at the time. So it stuck.



Q6: What do you love most about making music?

Freedom of expression and being able to create.



Q7: How would you describe the music of Simplified?

It was hard in our first couple of years to describe our sound because as independent artists, we didn’t limit ourselves to once particular style or genre. But now, we describe Simplified as funky, reggae, roots rock, or something like that.



Q8: Your song “Wake and Bake” has a video on YouTube that someone created. It shows the Grinch smiling into the camera for the duration of the song. Have you seen that video and do you have any idea why he decided on that image?

This is funny that you - Greg Horowitz


"What’s Good in the Music Scene? #29 – Chris Sheridan (Simplified)"

Chris, thanks for speaking with us today about Simplified!

Q1: When did you first start playing music?

Thank you Greg. Music has always been a big part of my life since I can remember. I remember getting my first toy record player when I was 4 or 5 years old. I always liked anything that had a nice melody. My dad was an aspiring songwriter and wrote a lot of lyrics and poetry so I had that influence. The elementary school I went to in Dallas, TX had a music class for kids and I remember loving that. When I was 9 I begged my parents to buy me this little Casio keyboard and I promised them I’d be a musician if they did, ha. After my mom moved us back to Michigan I picked up drums and with my minimal keyboard skills, I was always chosen to play the xylophone, bells, and glockenspiel parts in junior high and high school band. I picked up guitar when I was 12 and that became my main instrument over the years. I self taught and had to do extending borrowing of books from my hometown’s little library and rely on guitar magazines to learn because there really wasn’t anyone around to teach me. I played guitar in the high school jazz band as well, but I really didn’t have a clue, ha.



Q2: Who were some of your biggest influences?

I’ve had so many influences over the years. Early on, Slash was my motivating factor in wanting to really get into guitar stuff. He had a great tone and style that I was attracted to, not to mention a pretty cool hat. The Edge from U2 is a big influence as well because of his style and use of effects. He really does great things that compliment the song. Andy Summers from The Police is another guy I dig. Eric Johnson for his tone. I always gravitated to listening to guitarists that do their own thing. In my teens and afterward I really got into listening to the jammier/southern rock stuff like DMB, Blues Traveler, Phish, Allman Brothers, etc. One of my first concerts was an Allman Brothers show in Detroit, MI and that was my first time seeing Warren Haynes and Dickey Betts together. One of my new favorite guitarists is 21 year old Australian virtuoso Joe Robinson. I got to sit in on a session in Nashville with him last summer and he is an amazing player and a hell of a nice guy. I’m also influenced by horn players because of their phrasing. Leroi Moore (R.I.P.) from DMB has some great lines that I liked to cop and make my own. I love piano too. Bruce Hornsby is an influence and one of my favorite artists.



Q3: How do you go about writing a new song?

Our process usually starts with an idea like a lick, riff, or melody that one of us comes up with. Then we will take that and a do a sit down writing session and come up with some potential lyrical content. It usually just grows from that. In the past we all sat around and just kind of jammed and came up with music and then the lyrics came last as more of an afterthought. The past few years, Clee and I have come up with a writing system taking a more singer/songwriter approach. We sit around with the acoustic and focus on lyrics and melody. We are currently throwing ideas around for an upcoming acoustic project.



Q4: What inspired you to be come a musician?

Everything I was surrounded by when I was a kid from family and friends. MTV back when they used to play videos. Just the love of music really. For a few years, I didn’t play at all after I moved to Charlotte. When my dad passed away, it was a wakeup call for me. That really let me know about mortality and how we are here for a short time. So I decided to pursue what I really love. I don’t want to look back later in life and regret “not doing” something.



Q5: How did you decide on the name Simplified for your group?

I sometimes wish there was a better backstory to this and I’m sure I could make something up, but I’ll be honest. When Clee and I started playing our acoustic shows around Charlotte 10 years ago, we were having a hard time coming up with a name. We were performing at a local pub one night, having a lot of tequila and Jaeger, and mentioned to a fan that we needed a name. She said “Why don’t you guys just be Simplified” or something like that. I instantly loved it because it is memorable and I think it describes who we are since we were really just a duo at the time. So it stuck.



Q6: What do you love most about making music?

Freedom of expression and being able to create.



Q7: How would you describe the music of Simplified?

It was hard in our first couple of years to describe our sound because as independent artists, we didn’t limit ourselves to once particular style or genre. But now, we describe Simplified as funky, reggae, roots rock, or something like that.



Q8: Your song “Wake and Bake” has a video on YouTube that someone created. It shows the Grinch smiling into the camera for the duration of the song. Have you seen that video and do you have any idea why he decided on that image?

This is funny that you - Greg Horowitz


"An Interview with the Band Simplified"

Simplified's new album, "Brighter Days," dropped April 2011. This is the band's fourth studio album without a label backing. Chris Sheridan stopped by to talk about the band, the album and what it is like being an unsigned band.



Real quick, why the name Simplified?



When Clee and I were thinking of names for a band we got "Simplified" as a suggestion from a fan. We felt it was a memorable name and it described our sound well at the time.



How would you describe the band's music for those who have yet to discover you?



Acoustic driven rock with reggae, funk, and roots undertones.



Your new album, "Brighter Days," was released last April 2011 without a label behind it. This is your fourth studio album without a label backing. What are the advantages and disadvantages of not being signed to a record label?



The advantages to being signed to a major label are the amount of money they can put into marketing and promotion, the connections they have, and the tours they can get you on. The advantages to being independent are you have more creative freedom, you aren't locked into a nasty deal, and you keep a larger percentage of your sales.



I had a chance to listen to the new album. It's like classic rock with a twist of 3 Doors Down. When the band writes and records music is there a certain process you follow?



Usually one of us will have an idea: A lick, a riff, or a melody with some chords. Then we will explore it and if we think it is worth putting time into we will pursue it.



How has the internet helped or hurt Simplified as a band in terms of marketing and getting your name out there?



The internet has been a great advantage for us. Being an independent band we rely in "word of mouth" advertising. As far as spreading the music and building awareness platforms like Pandora Radio are really helping get us out there. And best of all social media is free (somewhat) and Facebook/Myspace/Twitter are all excellent ways to promote and get the word out for artists.



How does this album differ from the previous ones?



This album is more mature in the songwriting and production. We made some good decisions and brought Jerry DePizzo (O.A.R.) in to produce the record. His experience and work ethic really drove us to work hard on making the songs the best they could be. We trashed the tunes that weren't working and went with the strongest material we have.



Will there be a corresponding tour with the album? If so, when?



Our management and agency is working hard on getting us on a tour. It's really hard these days without a major deal because everyone sends support acts out with the touring acts that are on their roster. We are really fighting hard to make our way. For now we are still performing a lot of local and some regional shows. But the only way we will really get the word out about Simplified and "Brighter Days" is if we can take it out on the road and really market it. Tough business.



Thank you for taking the time. Is there anything you wanted to add?



We appreciate you taking a listen to the record and your interest in us! - Jason Tanamor


"An Interview with the Band Simplified"

Simplified's new album, "Brighter Days," dropped April 2011. This is the band's fourth studio album without a label backing. Chris Sheridan stopped by to talk about the band, the album and what it is like being an unsigned band.



Real quick, why the name Simplified?



When Clee and I were thinking of names for a band we got "Simplified" as a suggestion from a fan. We felt it was a memorable name and it described our sound well at the time.



How would you describe the band's music for those who have yet to discover you?



Acoustic driven rock with reggae, funk, and roots undertones.



Your new album, "Brighter Days," was released last April 2011 without a label behind it. This is your fourth studio album without a label backing. What are the advantages and disadvantages of not being signed to a record label?



The advantages to being signed to a major label are the amount of money they can put into marketing and promotion, the connections they have, and the tours they can get you on. The advantages to being independent are you have more creative freedom, you aren't locked into a nasty deal, and you keep a larger percentage of your sales.



I had a chance to listen to the new album. It's like classic rock with a twist of 3 Doors Down. When the band writes and records music is there a certain process you follow?



Usually one of us will have an idea: A lick, a riff, or a melody with some chords. Then we will explore it and if we think it is worth putting time into we will pursue it.



How has the internet helped or hurt Simplified as a band in terms of marketing and getting your name out there?



The internet has been a great advantage for us. Being an independent band we rely in "word of mouth" advertising. As far as spreading the music and building awareness platforms like Pandora Radio are really helping get us out there. And best of all social media is free (somewhat) and Facebook/Myspace/Twitter are all excellent ways to promote and get the word out for artists.



How does this album differ from the previous ones?



This album is more mature in the songwriting and production. We made some good decisions and brought Jerry DePizzo (O.A.R.) in to produce the record. His experience and work ethic really drove us to work hard on making the songs the best they could be. We trashed the tunes that weren't working and went with the strongest material we have.



Will there be a corresponding tour with the album? If so, when?



Our management and agency is working hard on getting us on a tour. It's really hard these days without a major deal because everyone sends support acts out with the touring acts that are on their roster. We are really fighting hard to make our way. For now we are still performing a lot of local and some regional shows. But the only way we will really get the word out about Simplified and "Brighter Days" is if we can take it out on the road and really market it. Tough business.



Thank you for taking the time. Is there anything you wanted to add?



We appreciate you taking a listen to the record and your interest in us! - Jason Tanamor


"411 Music Interview: Simplified Guitarist Chris Sheridan Read more at http://www.411mania.com/music/columns/189915#EuoGBUVBZQ5EKmKB.99"

411 Music talks to guitarist Chris Sheridan from the rock outfit Simplified about their newest album, Brighter Days, and how the band is able to mix together rock, reggae, and funk into one coherent sound.

The Internet and the growth of social media has allowed many artists to support themselves without the backing of a record label. These independent bands self-finance their records and use a DIY approach to marketing and promotion. As an independent talent, Simplified has been able to release three albums, play hundreds of shows, and gather a large fan base in the Southeastern U.S. Their catchy rock sound incorporates everything from funk to reggae, and this dynamic is a highlight of Brighter Days. I had the chance to speak to guitarist/vocalist Chris Sheridan about the ups-and-downs of being an independent band, the evolution of their sound, and what he would have done differently with past albums.





Dan Marsicano: For those just hearing about yourself for the first time, how would you describe Simplified's sound?

Chris Sheridan: Our sound is basically rock with some reggae undertones, some funk undertones. There is some pop in there. We all kind of come from a lot of different genres. When we started the band, it was more of a jam thing. Now, we've kind of evolved into this modern pop/rock thing. We still retained some of that island feel we started with.

When it comes to the band incorporating everything from funk to reggae into their sound, how do the band get these elements to fit naturally into the music without sounding forced?

Once again, that basically comes from all of our backgrounds. It's not really a conscious thing that we set out to do. It's more of a feel thing. I think it's the way that everybody plays together and the way we write together that makes our songs as natural as they are.

You said the band is leaning more in a pop/rock sound. Is that how you always envisioned the band heading when you first started out?

I think it might just be this record and how it turned out. The songs that we were writing, the songwriting process that we had this time of writing for this record; there's a lot of different elements that go into it. It could be our producer that we brought on, the engineers; a lot of different things. I don't think we're saying, ‘Oh yeah, we want to be this way.' I think it was just the songs that we had and everything that surrounded us. That's how this record turned out; a little bit of a rock record versus being a stylistically diverse record, like we've done in the past.

Do you wish there was a bit more different styles in the album Brighter Days? Are you happy with the way it came out?

No, I think we're all very happy with this record. We're all very happy with the songs and everybody that we brought into the project...it became what it is. The next one might be completely different. We're most proud of this record, out of all our records. From the production to the songwriting to everybody that helped us with it, this is our favorite so far.

Do you see these tracks as an extension of previous albums or a new step forward for the band?

I would say it is a new step forward. Definitely in the songwriting, the arraignments, the lyrics; everything. If you listen to some of the stuff we did at the beginning compared to this stuff, some of it is a little deeper. Some of the songs are a little more personal. You can hear it in the lyrics. The music, on certain tunes, reflects the same.

For you, is it important for the band to take risks or to refine what is already working for them?

I think, especially being independent, we don't have a label telling us what to do. We have our manager and our agency that might give us some advice. We take a lot of advice from fans; we listen to fans a lot. I think it's definitely a step forward from where we want to be. I think that based on our fans and the people that have been turned onto the record, their reactions and the reviews that we've had on the record...it says a lot about where we are now, as far as being songwriters and as far as the maturity of the project in its entirety.

Did these songs on Brighter Days come together differently than past records or did you use the same songwriting techniques?

When we did Smile, our first studio record, we had several songs written before we went in. We had about two years to work on those songs before we actually decided to go in and do the record. It turned out good for the budget we had to do the record and doing it on our own, using local guys to help produce and engineer it. We were happy with it at the time.

When we went in a year, a year and a half, later to do Elephant Sky, we had maybe half of a record written. We were kind of forced to dish out the rest of it while we were in the process of recording in the studio. It turned out that's not the way that really - Dan Marsicano


"411 Music Interview: Simplified Guitarist Chris Sheridan Read more at http://www.411mania.com/music/columns/189915#EuoGBUVBZQ5EKmKB.99"

411 Music talks to guitarist Chris Sheridan from the rock outfit Simplified about their newest album, Brighter Days, and how the band is able to mix together rock, reggae, and funk into one coherent sound.

The Internet and the growth of social media has allowed many artists to support themselves without the backing of a record label. These independent bands self-finance their records and use a DIY approach to marketing and promotion. As an independent talent, Simplified has been able to release three albums, play hundreds of shows, and gather a large fan base in the Southeastern U.S. Their catchy rock sound incorporates everything from funk to reggae, and this dynamic is a highlight of Brighter Days. I had the chance to speak to guitarist/vocalist Chris Sheridan about the ups-and-downs of being an independent band, the evolution of their sound, and what he would have done differently with past albums.





Dan Marsicano: For those just hearing about yourself for the first time, how would you describe Simplified's sound?

Chris Sheridan: Our sound is basically rock with some reggae undertones, some funk undertones. There is some pop in there. We all kind of come from a lot of different genres. When we started the band, it was more of a jam thing. Now, we've kind of evolved into this modern pop/rock thing. We still retained some of that island feel we started with.

When it comes to the band incorporating everything from funk to reggae into their sound, how do the band get these elements to fit naturally into the music without sounding forced?

Once again, that basically comes from all of our backgrounds. It's not really a conscious thing that we set out to do. It's more of a feel thing. I think it's the way that everybody plays together and the way we write together that makes our songs as natural as they are.

You said the band is leaning more in a pop/rock sound. Is that how you always envisioned the band heading when you first started out?

I think it might just be this record and how it turned out. The songs that we were writing, the songwriting process that we had this time of writing for this record; there's a lot of different elements that go into it. It could be our producer that we brought on, the engineers; a lot of different things. I don't think we're saying, ‘Oh yeah, we want to be this way.' I think it was just the songs that we had and everything that surrounded us. That's how this record turned out; a little bit of a rock record versus being a stylistically diverse record, like we've done in the past.

Do you wish there was a bit more different styles in the album Brighter Days? Are you happy with the way it came out?

No, I think we're all very happy with this record. We're all very happy with the songs and everybody that we brought into the project...it became what it is. The next one might be completely different. We're most proud of this record, out of all our records. From the production to the songwriting to everybody that helped us with it, this is our favorite so far.

Do you see these tracks as an extension of previous albums or a new step forward for the band?

I would say it is a new step forward. Definitely in the songwriting, the arraignments, the lyrics; everything. If you listen to some of the stuff we did at the beginning compared to this stuff, some of it is a little deeper. Some of the songs are a little more personal. You can hear it in the lyrics. The music, on certain tunes, reflects the same.

For you, is it important for the band to take risks or to refine what is already working for them?

I think, especially being independent, we don't have a label telling us what to do. We have our manager and our agency that might give us some advice. We take a lot of advice from fans; we listen to fans a lot. I think it's definitely a step forward from where we want to be. I think that based on our fans and the people that have been turned onto the record, their reactions and the reviews that we've had on the record...it says a lot about where we are now, as far as being songwriters and as far as the maturity of the project in its entirety.

Did these songs on Brighter Days come together differently than past records or did you use the same songwriting techniques?

When we did Smile, our first studio record, we had several songs written before we went in. We had about two years to work on those songs before we actually decided to go in and do the record. It turned out good for the budget we had to do the record and doing it on our own, using local guys to help produce and engineer it. We were happy with it at the time.

When we went in a year, a year and a half, later to do Elephant Sky, we had maybe half of a record written. We were kind of forced to dish out the rest of it while we were in the process of recording in the studio. It turned out that's not the way that really - Dan Marsicano


Discography

1. Brighter Days - 2011
- The album is licensed with ESPN, NASCAR, The Discovery Network and more.
- “Shall We Begin” was featured on ESPN’s “Kick Off to College Game Day” campaign from September 1st to September 5th in 2011.
- 'Shall We Begin' was featured in the 2012 NASCAR Preview.
- 'Gettin Home' was featured in NASCAR The Game 2012.
- Screaming at the Ceiling' video was produced by NASCAR Productions.
- Song “Shall We Begin” was selected for the iHeartradio Discover and Uncover Program. It stayed in the top 10 “Adult” charts for the month of August 2011 and for several weeks after.

2. Black & Blue: The Official Music of the Carolina Panthers
- #3 Panther's Tailgate
- Played at every Carolina Panthers home game.

3. Elephant Sky - 2008
- Song “Low” from “Elephant Sky” was featured on the 2009 Relix Magazine “Band on the Rise” Compilation

4. Smile - 2006
- “Smile” won Rock Album of the Year: Charlotte Music Awards (2007)
- 'Wake N Bake' is our all-time top selling single.
- Song “Wake ‘N” Bake” is featured on Sunstroke Entertainment's California Dreaming Endless Summer Sampler II - 2012
- To date, 'Wake n Bake' is played between 1.6M-2.0M times on Pandora per quarter.
- Over 100K views of 'Wake n Bake' on YouTube.
- Videos for 'Home' and 'Sugartree' were produced by NASCAR Productions.

5. Live at the Visulite - 2006

6. Act 1 - 2004

Albums: Brighter Days, Elephant Sky and Smile are all available for streaming and some radio airplay.

Photos

Bio

When the laid back vibe of Myrtle Beach, SC meets acoustic rock of Lake Michigan, Simplified, the island rock band arrives with a loud and welcoming splash.

In 2002, Clee Laster of SC and Chris Sheridan a MI native, started out as an acoustic duo. Early on, both musicians displayed innate musical capabilities, which were passed down from family members, and inspired by a diverse collection of original influences. They both grew up on the water, in different parts of the country, but the beach life-blood continues to surge within their suntanned souls, flowing forth in passionate, fun, and energetic jams.

They began playing acoustic shows, revving up and charming the Charlotte, NC crowds, while writing original songs. In 2003, the full band took shape as Simplified. Acclaimed as a dedicated touring machine, they gained new fans, one by one. Simplified's sound caught on, with a devoted fan base in the Southeastern US. With their incessant touring, an enthusiastic buzz was growing, and in turn they began booking shows nationwide, playing for increasingly larger audiences.

With a never-ending tour schedule, including over 3,000 powerhouse, popular performances, Simplified members, with both electric and acoustic acts, are enthusiastic as ever. From Key West, FL to New York City and throughout the Midwest, their hard work, perseverance and commitment have always been key to their hard earned success. Sequentially, in 2011, their song Shall We Begin was featured on ESPNs Kick off to College GameDay. Currently their hit Gettin Home, is featured in the video game, NASCAR The Game 2013 and they have been praised as one of Pandora Radio's top played indie rock bands.

Still writing and riding the sometimes choppy, always exciting musical shores, Clee and Sheridan reinvented the band in 2013 with their newest material, while getting back to their island rock roots. This year, they are releasing tracks from their crowd-pleasing, May 10th, 2013 show at Hideaway Cafe in St. Petersburg, FL. Sheridan states, "Our fans have been requesting a live album so we are focusing on getting as much live content out as possible."

Sheridan and Clee have effectively reformulated the band by adding key ingredients: new players with positive energy, multi-instrumentalists, and a camaraderie that stimulates their passion for writing new material. Now abandoning what others suggested, returning to their roots of a feel good vibe, Clee explains, We are writing new songs for ourselves and our fans, not for a producer or critic. We are getting right back to where we started, with what we know and love music that makes you smile.

Their signature sound is a contagious fusion of rock and reggae, attracting a diverse audience and embracing every kind of fan. Sheridan emphasizes, "We're a rock band with elements of reggae, funk, and acoustic roots. We don't limit ourselves musically and it shows in the songs we write." Conjuring up the island rock roots, Clee expresses, "Our live shows are all about having fun. Each performance will bring you to the beach and right back home.

A decade later, Simplified continues to evolve and attract new audiences through their crowd-pleasing, relatable songs and ongoing support from their loyal fans. Starting out as two musicians with a dream, to one of the industry's top emerging rock bands, makes Simplified a true tour de force. There's nothing simple about that.