Simplified (band)

Simplified is a North American island vibe rock band from Charlotte, NC.

History

In 2002, Chris Sheridan and Clee Laster met at a local pub in Charlotte, NC and began performing acoustic shows known as Simplified around the city. In 2003 they began searching for members to fill their lineup by creating a weekly open mic and auditioning local musicians. Bassist Chris Lynch joined Simplified during the summer of 2003, and in December drummer Tim Lail was hired as well. In January 2004 the group played their first show at The Visulite Theatre to a sold out audience. The band entered the studio and recorded a five song EP, "Act One," with Grammy award winning producer Glenn Tabor.

In the spring of 2005 the band released a live album titled "Live at The Visulite" on their own record label, Hippizaz. Selling 1000 copies in 3 months they decided to enter the studio to record a full length album. They hired Glenn Tabor of GAT3 as their manager in the fall of 2005.

Simplified's first full length record, SMILE, was recorded at GAT3 studios from winter 2005 through summer of 2006. SMILE was released in the fall of 2006 and won Best Rock Album 2007 at the Charlotte Music Awards. They began touring regionally in 2007 and nationally in 2008.

Between heavy touring and much to the band's dismay Simplified recorded Elephant Sky at GAT3 Studios which was released in April 2008. The band toured extensively from 2008 to 2010 performing over 250 shows each year. The band parted with Glen Tabor in 2008 and hired Rick Booth from Intrepid Artists International as their booking agent and manager.

In the spring of 2010 while touring Tim Lail and Chris Lynch brawled outside of a club in Jacksonville, FL. Lail's arm was injured in the scuffle. After Lail's departure Sheridan and Laster began writing for a 3rd studio record. In the fall of 2010 Simplified went into the studio to record The Carolina Panther's official song, "It's a Tailgate Party". To fulfill touring obligations they enlisted in local fill in drummers before hiring Guitar Center Drum Off Champion of 2007 Donnie Marple. In the winter of 2010/2011 the band brought in Jerry DePizzo, saxophonist and guitarist from the rock band O.A.R., to produce their third album "Brighter Days". In April 2011 Brighter Days was released with special guest Mikel Paris performing on the record.

In 2011 the band received success with "Brighter Days" licensing "Shall We Begin" to ESPN for College Football Kick Off to Game Day. In the fall of 2011 "Shall We Begin" became a top ten hit on iHeart Radio's Discover and Uncover for 16 weeks. In January 2012 the band filmed their third official music video for "Screaming at the Ceiling". In November 2012 the band licensed "Gettin' Home" to NASCAR 2013 The Game.

In 2012 Donnie Marple joined North American country star Lee Brice on drums. In December 2012 Chris Lynch left the band due to personal obligations.

In 2013 after a short hiatus Sheridan and Laster reinvented Simplified bringing in Pat Gerasia on percussion and Justin Powell on electric and upright bass.

Members

Current members

• Clee Laster (lead vocals, rhythm guitar; 2002–present)
• Chris Sheridan (lead guitar, backing vocals; 2002–present)
• Pat Gerasia (drums, percussion; 2012–present)
• Justin Powell (bass guitar; 2013–present)

Touring members

• Mikel Paris (keyboards, percussion, backing vocals; 2011–present)
• Jason Friedman (keyboards, backing vocals; 2012–present)

Past Members

• Donnie Marple (drums, percussion, 2011–2012)
• Chris Lynch (bass guitar, 2003–2012)
• Tim Lail (drums, percussion, 2004–2010)

Discography

External links

• Official Website

References

• Wildsmith, Steve "Simplified puts it's name to work for it's rock 'n' roll" “The Daily Times”, March 30, 2011, accessed April 25, 2011.
• Devores, Courtney “Local Flavor: A Hometown Act Worth Watching” “The Charlotte Observer”, April 15, 2011, accessed April 25, 2011.
• Hahne, Jeff “CD Review: Simplified’s Brighter Days” “Creative Loafing”, April 12, 2011, accessed April 25, 2011.
• Augustine, Dianna “Interview: Simplified” “Shutter 16 Magazine”, September 11, 2009, accessed April 25, 2011.
• Wake, Matt “Clee Speaks” “Metromix”, November 25, 2008, accessed April 25, 2011.
• Hahne, Jeff “Keeping it Simplified” “Creative Loafing”, November 4, 2008, accessed April 25, 2011.
• Schlehuber, Ryan “Chris Sheridan returns home to St. Ignace with North Carolina rock band” “The St. Ignace News”, August 24, 2006, accessed April 25, 2011.