Artist description A Twin Cities band based in St. Paul, MN.

Music Style Leftfield Pop influenced by new wave, punk, and mod music

Musical Influences The Beatles, Husker Du, The Pixies, Small Faces, The Velvet Underground, P.I.L., Black Sabbath, Modest Mouse

Artist History Ryan Smith released his first solo album, "Juxtapossessed" at age 18 in 1995. He played all instruments and wrote all songs on this project, and followed it up with 1996's "Stream of Unconsciousness." Shortly thereafter, Ryan began recording with producer David Burk and put together several configurations of Ryan Smith and the Melismatics. The self-titled CD was then released in 1998, and the band performed throughout the following year undergoing various member changes. In 1999, Ryan began working with producer Jeremy Ylvisaker; the name was then shortened to The Melismatics, and Jeremy joined the band playing guitar, sampler, and vocals. Mark Wade joined the group playing bass in 2000, and Ron Caron, joined in 2001. They are currently touring and working on their next CD.

Group Members Ryan Smith - Guitar & Lead Vocals, Jeremy Ylvisaker - Guitar, Sampler, Vocals, Mark Wade - Bass Guitar, Ron Caron - Drums

Press Reviews "YES THEY DO, THEY KICK ASS....Postmodern Rock seamlessly richochets between Cars-esque New Wave and Big Star-ical power pop and Pavenment-ular indie and Supergrass-y mod rock......this CD is just plain awesome enough to stand out on its own as an example of fun, exciting rock. I've heard demos from a lot of Minnesota bands that have wound up becoming local celebrites, but none of them deserve celebrity more than these guys. TOP HONORS" - Demorama "The Melismatics' debut release combines high-school angst with grad-student philosophy." - City Pages "Their CD "Postmodern Rock" sounds like The Cars and The Plimsouls had a baby and gave it to Devo to raise---accompanied by a toybox full of socking guitar riffs, stop-start dynamics and whoo-wooing synths." - Nashville Scene "If there's such a thing as classic alternative rock, the The Melismatics are champions of it." - Star Tribune "The Melismatics' CD "Postmodern Rock" offers some of the most pleasing and catchy songs of the year from songwriter Ryan Smith." - Pioneer Press "Energetic rock four-piece considered one of the best of the current crop in their native Minneapolis." - The Rage "The first line on this CD is very clear "I don't like the voices on the radio!" and what then follows is a sort of rock we just don't hear enough on our radio simply cos it...ermmm....rocks! - The Original Sin ... Germany "Fantastic hooks and super cool electro pop! This CD is a gem!" - Tinderbox Music "I just call it catchy, growling power-pop that makes you wanna crank up yer tunes an' rip off the knob." - Pulse "Smith and his outfit are charming popsmiths with a left-field bent." - Star Tribune "In an age where one song sells a CD, Smith's scope and talent are not only refreshing, but literally vital ... I want whatever's next from this guy. So will you." - Cake Magazine "The band's energy is contagious." - The Minnesota Daily ""Can't Relate", from this disc, is careening around the recesses of my brain as I write this. This CD is a rocker from start to finish. Nothing tired or stale. All of it worth listening to." - Impact Press "Smith has a lot to show off. That Smith's talents are many and great is undisputed." - Morris Register

Location St. Paul, MN - USA

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