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Out of Philadelphia, PA and into my ears, thanks to a recommendation from my brother, came the music of The Bye Byes. Man, I cannot even begin to tell you how exciting it is to hear music which sounds amazing and beautifully different then everything else out there right now.

The sound is reminiscent of the late 60s/early 70s, not the disco frou -frou sound, but the "dance-easy-pop-snap-your-fingers-and-do the "s" bob with your head-while-you-listen" sound. Trust me, once you hear it you'll understand. The tracks are complete, the arrangements are well executed and the lyrics are memorable and catchy.

The band members are Peter Shauger, Erik Schmidt, Steven Binnig and for some time Joel Rose but he has moved onto another band. Peter, Erik and Steven have talents that come together into one brilliant pot of delicious musical soup. Warm, comfortable and happy with a slew of spices.

After a smashing show at Johnny Brenda's in late August of this year, The Bye Byes decided to hold off on scheduling more live shows so they could focus on finishing their studio work of their first EP.

As far as the (now) trio goes, Erik and Steven keep time with percussion and respective bass thumping. They never miss a beat, or sometimes seem maybe a beat behind but it is fitting and purposeful. While Joel was on keyboard he handled the melodic keys with ease. Peter rules guitar and vocals throughout, one might also say The Bye Byes are his metaphorical baby.

As it turns out, Peter, Steven and Erik have been friends for several years. Peter wanted to be in a band and while perusing craigslist he came across Steven's listing. Steven and Erik have been playing in bands together since high school. Peter initially teamed up with them, but then "life got in the way" and their first efforts never really took off. Not much longer down the road everyone got together again and Steven introduced Joel into the mix. So it was during their second time around as a group that The Bye Byes came into being.

While listening to the demos on their MySpace page, I decided I wanted to know more about the band and then do a write up. I felt inspired.

After a couple quick chats on MySpace, Peter agreed to let me ask him a few questions about himself and The Bye Byes.

C: Tell me what you think about Mac&Cheese. The food. Yes. I just like to hear what people say when I ask that question.

P: "I love homemade baked macaroni and cheese! I had it for lunch yesterday, and for dinner the night before. But it has to be baked, using real cheddar cheese, and no breadcrumbs. My wife makes the best macaroni and cheese, which is probably just the original 1950's Betty Crocker recipe for it, but still. It's simple, and it's delicious."

C: Your sound is so refreshing! It's got this amazing 70s vibe to it and its just light, happy, great music. Were you shooting for something different or reminiscent of another era? What got you to the sound you are producing now?

P: "I don't think I set out to have any particular sound. First I just try to write a song that I like. Then I try to figure out an arrangement that lifts the song up even more. I do enjoy the sounds of the 70s... but that's not necessarily intentional. I enjoy the early 80s as well... It's like how your body can sometimes smell like the food you just ate. You don't intend to smell like that...but your body can't help it!"

C: If you were proud of one show or one song in particular what would it be?

P: "If I had to pick just one that I'm most proud of? Maybe Leftover Lois. I figured out how to record hand-claps on that one. My first pass of recording it (just an acoustic demo) was too fast -- it had energy but there was an emotional element missing. Then I tried again, slowed it way down. That version had plenty of sad, but it had no spark, it wasn't fun. So I tried one last time, and this is how it turned out. But even then, I didn't think it was going to come out as well as it did. I'm always surprised when it all comes together. Like, wow, how'd that happen?"

C: My son, Braeden (age 5) thinks The Bye Byes music is "dance" worthy. He really likes listening to you when I pull your music up on my laptop at home.

P: Your son has excellent taste.

C: (Laughing) I agree, yes he does.

One thing is for sure, Peter is one down to earth guy and after getting to know him a little bit better I found myself liking the band's music even more. Especially their song "I Know It's Hard," I love every second of it.

"I know it's hard to believe me/And the things that I say/I am a constant contradiction/Change my mind every day"

You'll hear the hand claps, jangles, pristine percussion and perfectly paired guitar riffs as you listen. And the harmonizing vocals of Peter and Steven work very well together; they are mellow and smooth.

Press play, sit back and enjoy! And be sure to keep your ears and eyes open for when their EP is released. It will, for sure, be a MUST buy! Maybe Bring Me Up will even set up a contest!

Labels: the bye byes