The Dial

James Mitchell, of Camdenton, MO, started out with a guitar and four track digital recorder, plus a knack for writing songs that balance dazzling technical prowess and dark complexity with great pop hooks and ear-worm worthy melodies. Eric Schlueter, drummer and previously of Tanqueray, had recently returned from the military when he met James. After discovering their mutual love of writing and playing music, the two decided to start a band.

Shortly thereafter, James met Matt McDonald in a notoriously shady south Kansas City bar. A gifted composer and experienced beat maker, Matt's melodies immediately added a level of depth.. With his innate ability to feel the groove, and talent for musical embellishment, Matt was invited to rehearse with the band at their headquarters in the Crossroads Art District (downtown Kansas City, MO). A week later the aspiring duo had officially transformed into a face melting trio; The Dial was born.

The holidays brought the best gift of all, "the cherry on the top of this rock and roll sundae," (-E.S.) if you will. After unsuccessfully auditioning multiple bass players, James' brought in a friend, multi-instrumentalist Justin Johnson. Immediately Eric and Justin began laying down a rock solid foundation, on which the band could really expand their sound. A talented songwriter and experienced audio engineer in his own right, Justin provided a great counterpoint to James' and Matt's soaring leads, beautiful melodies, and complex textures. With this newfound sense of balance, and finally satisfied with their line-up, The Dial played the News Room a second time, in February 2011. Their rapidly developing artistic direction meant that the songs had become heavier and more complex, without sacrificing any of the dancefloor energy or punk snarl. When the crowd erupted into a dance party, it became clear that The Dial are on their way.