"...folk, funk, rock and reggae, there's enough of a hook to be catchy, but enough style to stand out on their own. Wouldn't surprise me a bit if some lucky label scooped Simplified up..."
Jeff Hahne - Creative Loafing 2008
The accolades tell the tale of Charlotte North Carolina's Simplified: Best Rock Album of 2007 for SMILE from The Charlotte Music Awards, almost a quarter million song plays and 8,000 friends and counting at myspace.com , and a sell-out show at the historic Visulite Theatre in 2008 seem only harbingers of greater things to come. In its short five year history, Simplified has developed into a musical and performance force with which to be reckoned. Hundreds of fans flock to shows in and around the southeast and the band is poised to begin touring nationwide in 2009, promising a bigger and brighter future for an already successful ensemble.
Simplified's cleverly cool lyrics, original vocals and inventive music may give a slight nod to recent innovators, but the band's forte is its ability to boost itself into its own territory of style, shuffling confidently from folk to rock to funky jam without losing its, well, Simplified-ness.
It's evident after only a listen or two, that Simplified's members truly possess a unique and endearing vibe. Clee Laster, the band's six foot seven front man, controls the reins on a remarkable vocal style featuring a nearly percussive timbre but heavy on the rock influence. Laster also plays a mean acoustic guitar, a perfect backdrop for the rich textures and ethereal string antics of electric guitarist, Chris Sheridan, who understands a simple,tasteful approach works best. Chris Lynch (bass) focuses brilliantly on a satisfying backbeat and Tim Lail (drums), confidently anchors the band, providing grounded, signature beats. Simplified takes up where genre benders stop short, expanding cleverly on music that sounds familiar, but is decidedly different. The music trips down a path of neatly packaged and delivered lyrics combined with innovative musicianship. Simplified is a spirited journey focusing on the undeniable adage of strength in numbers and it is this dynamic that is the band's most intriguing element.
With a growing tour itinerary and a fan base that increases daily, Simplified is on the cusp of a bright quest, bringing a dose of magic and musical brilliance to new fans and friends worldwide.
OK! I miss you guys!! I moved from Charlotte to Raleigh and I DONT see that you guys will be in Raleigh anytime soon :( I guess that means I have to start traveling...
Was gonna see you guys in York tonight but apparently I should look at your schedule and not the flyers next time because you were apparently there last night and not tonight :( Sad I missed you guys...but soon!! You guys ROCK :D
miss seeing u guys!!! Hope all is well with u all and you're success!!! Can't wait to get the new album!!! If I dont see u soon....Take care and do what u guys do best!!! -BEST WISHES JD
Thanks for adding us in to your friends. Hopefully through the universal language of MUSIC we can help knock out cancer..such an honor to have talented people like yourself on board. Every little thing matters, from top friends to word of mouth. Again thank you guys...and best of luck in everything you have going on right now.
Hey Guys, Sending you a SPF virgin tomorrow(my best friend Angie)to see you at the Party at the point in Charleston! Wish I could be there! YOU ROCK ;) Mara
Thanks so Much!! I'm so glad y'all are finally making it down to the gulf coast. I'm a huge fan. I'll be there Fri & Sat hopefully! I haven't seen yall in a year, looking forward to it!
Thanks for the add Simplified. I enjoyed checking out your music and page. Wishing you much continued success, good health and lot's of happiness! Jeff in South Carolina
