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- 12.5.11 Minneapolis, Etc...
- 11.16.11 New show announced in Minneapolis, MN at Fine Line Music Café on December 10, 2011
- 10.5.11 New shows announced in Madison, WI - Minneapolis, MN
- 7.11.11 The Usual Things, Saturday @ The 7th St. Entry!
- 5.3.11 "Middle Coast" CD Release show, Friday the 13th @ The 331 Club!
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Minneapolis, Etc...
In 2006, I made a solo record. It was never released. During the mixing process the source files were effectively lost, leaving the record in a state of semi-completion, existing only in MP3 form. I'm proud to say, these masters have finally been found, sequenced, and published to iTunes and beyond. Check it out. Even though it was recorded while I was a lot younger, I'm still very proud of the music that came out. The lyrics? Not so much, but I think that the songs are all there. I think you'll enjoy it. Check it out...
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Minneapolis, Etc...

Middle Coast

& The Usual Things

Sprawl
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That Hurried Sound

Recording

Austin, TX
The Band
Led by singer/songwriter Aaron Shekey (pronounced she-key), The Usual Things mix power pop melodies with southern inspired story telling, reminiscent of their mid-western roots and big city aspirations. Shekey references his own blue-collar family experiences with relatable ambiguity; tales that push the simple, upbeat melodies of the band into surprisingly darker territory.
“Incredible songs and solid musicianship without indie haircuts or too-tight pants. Please God, send more.” -Maximum Ink
Their influences range from the story telling of dirty southern rockers, The Drive-By Truckers, to the more hook driven melodies of The Bends era Radiohead, to the straight-forward rock fervor of the Foo Fighters. Their debut album Middle Coast explores a loose narrative, highlighting characters and places that embody the small town theatre of the mid-west, while establishing the band’s ability to weave that narrative into catchy, accessible melodic songs.
Aaron Shekey
Vocals, Guitar
Layne Knutson
Drums, Backing Vocals