Artist description At the Crossroads of Rock and Alt-Country lies the sound of The New Relics

Music Style Acoustic Rock

Musical Influences Train, Matchbox Twenty, Pat Green, Howie Day, John Mellencamp

Similar Artists Howie Day, Dave Matthews Band, and Matchbox 20, Barenaked Ladies, Nickel Creek, Lifehouse, John Mayer

Artist History Just under three years old, The New Relics have already seen more success than most bands do in a lifetime. They have shared stages with national touring acts and major label artists including 311, The Pat McGee Band, Graham Colton, Sawyer Brown, Blessid Union of Souls, The Clarks, Seven Nations, Shaking Tree, and The Recipe. They have won over an impressive regional fanbase by headlining all throughout the PA/WV/OH/MD area, touring relentlessly and looking for ways to expand towards a national audience. Above all, they have stayed committed to making powerful acoustic pop/rock music with an energy that is hard to match. Though comparisons have been drawn between The New Relics and the likes of John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Train, Matchbox Twenty, and Lifehouse, TNR takes what is left of the lines between genres and stretches them further; fusing pop, rock, country, and folk to create a sound all their own. Their eclectic style ranges from dark, volatile rock tunes to intimate ballads, from jam-band instrumental breaks to pseudo-country arrangements to catchy 3-minute pop songs, and they tackle them all without hesitation. Redefining acoustic rock isn’t an easy task, but The New Relics do just that by allowing each of the four members’ personalities and influences to come out. Frontman Michael J. Arbogast (Guitar/ Vocals/ Songwriter) produces intimacy and innocence in his well-defined lyrics and soulful voice. His intense storytelling and passionate stage presence permeates throughout any crowd, leaving fans with a sense of connection to the music. Jonathon Schooley (Lead Guitar/ Mandolin/ Harmonica) adds driving blues-rock to Arbogast’s acoustic arrangements with his incredible guitar work and skillful harmonica and mandolin playing. Josh Swiger (Bass Guitar/ Producer) and Bryan Martin (Drums/ Percussion) complete the sound by consistently laying down solid, driving rhythms that set up the feel for each piece. With the group’s boyish charm and TV looks, it’s surprising to hear such substance in their lyrics and musicianship, but make no mistake: The New Relics plan on becoming a serious force in the pop/rock world.

Group Members Mike Arbogast: lead vocals and rhythm guitar; John Schooley: lead guitar, harmonica, mandolin, vocals; Josh Swiger: bass, vocals; Bryan Martin: Drums, vocals

Instruments acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums, harmonica, mandolin

Albums Casting Stones, Hard Road

Press Reviews With rap rock being all the rage today, it’s nice to know that there are still some musicians interested in melodic, harmonious and soothing rock music. The New Relics, a Morgantown-based rock quintet born out of the ashes of the Imaginary Friends, is all about that type of music, with a successful debut CD to prove it. Casting Stones not only serves as a convincing introduction to the band members and their soulful pop/rock hybrid sound but also as a powerful statement that well played and smartly constructed music is not dead. Led by lead singer and guitarist Michael Arbogast, this group of musical veterans draws from a wide variety of influences including country, acoustic jam rock and straightforward pop, leading to a mixed sound that has traces of everyone from Dave Matthews Band to the Dixie Chicks to hometown heroes The Recipe. On Casting Stones, they tackle both slow ballads and driving energy pieces, all without any sign of hesitation. Most impressively, they stamp their distinctive sound on all of the forms they cover, establishing them as a serious musical presence. Instead of trying to be something they aren’t, they assimilate the varying styles, thereby forming a diverse musical identity. For such a young band, only slightly older than one year, they have made tremendous leaps and bounds in their cohesion and overall presence. There are no letdowns on this CD. From the smooth and relaxing opener “Goodnight” to the fast moving “Something New” to the intense storytelling of “Rain Down,” this record has something for every lover of pure, musical rock and fan of the local music scene. The group will surely go far, even with the absence of Marino. Casting Stones is a solid reminder of just how strong the Morgantown music scene is and a exciting promise of what it can become. Their own songs ranged from energetic, foot-stomping beats to atmospheric,love-making rhythms. - Chris Moore, The Daily Athenaeum "..lush, thoughtful productions of Arbogast's introspective and sometimes autobiographical lyrics." - Randy Marks, The Charleston Gazette

Additional Info www.thenewrelics.com

Location Morgantown, WV - USA

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