Wardcliff (PKA Smug)

Many bands are capable of competing with the musical landscape of today's rock and alternative scene, but very few have something truly distinctive to offer. Musically gifted and trained since early childhood, the power trio, Wardcliff, belongs in this category. Formed in 2003 in the small suburb of Haslett, just outside of East Lansing, Michigan, Wardcliff's modern rock edge has been influenced by Incubus, Muse and Tool with a twist of Latin flavor. The trio consists of Brian Stead providing lead vocals and guitar (age 21), Ryan Colthorp on bass and background vocals (age 22), and Matteo Eyia on percussion and background vocals (age 22).
Their tracks deliver depth and insight amid dynamic rock grooves and infectious pop hooks. The aggressive ‘Clearview’, Stead explains, was written during the drive to California. “The line at the end of the chorus, ‘You'll find all you need is a clear view inside’ means you can do anything you want in life if you stay true to yourself and don't let external forces derail you.” ‘Newborn Day’ is an edgy rocker about romantic victimization of what we say and do after a relationship goes sour. Matteo further explains “for me ‘NewbornDay’ is a reflection of my frustration of relationships, and how no matter what happens, one day you’ll get over it and begin somewhere new”. The ironically titled ‘Limit Line’ offers an impassioned exploration of the urgency of "living each day to the fullest", explains Ryan as he reflects on his journey across the country.
Brian and Ryan have been friends since grade school, and met Matteo while a part of two nationally ranked high school choirs, under the direction of Erich Wangeman. Matteo being one year older left for college and Brian and Ryan soon followed behind inspired by their shared love of music. The trio spent a short time attending Western Michigan University but soon returned to their hometown. They moved in together and spent the next eighteen months developing their sound, image and friendship. After playing a variety of shows ranging from acoustic coffeehouse-sets to an MTVU Hurricane Katrina benefit concert, they quickly realized they had become big fish in a small pond. Reinforced by their ability to sell out shows on a regular basis and receive local radio airplay (Q106 and The Impact), Wardcliff played a farewell show to a devoted local crowd in 2006. Having the talent and charisma of a seasoned band, the move west was inevitable. The group packed a 1992 Chevy conversion van that they purchased for $1700 and affectionately named “Ole Bess”. They left their home base and relocated to Los Angeles, CA where Matteo and Ryan both began attending the famed Musicians Institute of Hollywood.
The trio began and continues to build a loyal local following in Southern California and play regular shows in Hollywood at the Knitting Factory, Viper Room and also a weekly gig near San Diego. Outside of school and performing, Wardcliff has been keeping very busy. They are currently working on completing pre-production of their full-length album, ‘Smug, and anticipating its release in summer 2008.
WARDCLIFF LIVE AT MAC'S BAR IN LANSING..