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Mike Mains & The Branches
Mike Mains & The Branches with a cat
Mike Mains & The Branches with a cat
Background information
OriginGainesville, Texas/Owosso, Michigan
GenresIndie rock
Years active2009–present
LabelsPlatinum Pop Music
MembersMike Mains, Shannon Mains, David Denison, Nathan Wethy
Past membersJacob Burkhart
Websitearcadefire.com

Mike Mains & The Branches is an American indie rock band, based in Michigan.[1] It consists of Mike Mains, Shannon Mains, David Denison, and Nathan Wethy. The band is signed to Platinum Pop Music, a Nashville-based record label. They first made their way into the national spotlight after the release of their debut album, Home, in 2010. The band's music is most readily identified by their use of pop melodies in contrast with singer Mains' often aggressive vocal style.[2]

History

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Mike Mains & The Branches formed in 2009 in Gainesville, Texas, after Mike Mains met David Denison, who would become the band's drummer. Soon after, the two were joined by Jacob Burkhart, a former bandmate of Denison, and Shannon Bolanowski, a former bandmate of Mains. After determining to pursue music full-time, the band relocated to Michigan, home-state of Mains and Bolanowski. According to multiple interviews with the band, they started with the intent of writing a full-length album, but in light of the large volume of music that was being written, decided to first release The Rustic EP, a collection of songs that they determined merited their own release, despite not making the cut for what would become their twelve-track album, which released the following year. [3]

Home was produced by Tyler Orr, most known for his work with As Cities Burn, and mixed by Matt Malpass, known for his work with Manchester Orchestra and Train.[4] The album was initially released independently, but after touring consistently for over a year in support of their debut, Mike Mains & The Branches signed to Platinum Pop Music, who re-released the album with national distribution. Following this signing, the band's song "Miracle" rose to #3 on American Christian Rock charts, and received significant radio play. [5]

While the band has had radio success, it is likely that their growth can be attributed more to energetic live performances, as well as the large number of concerts they have performed. In 2012, they were asked to play the Main Stage at the final year of Cornerstone Music Festival, a performance that was named in the post-event coverage as the "Best Show" of the festival. This title was likely awarded, in part, as a result of Mains' invitation for the crowd to climb onto the stage and dance during the band's final song.[6] In that same year, the band also had appearances at several other notable American music festivals, as well as performing at a number of large festivals in Europe [7] and Australia.[8]

In May of 2012, the band had their van stolen in San Antonio, Texas while on tour, and with it, all of their equipment and personal possessions. The theft received national news coverage, which led to substantial financial donations to the band.[9]

In July of 2012, Mike Mains married long-time friend and bandmate Shannon Bolanowski. Their relationship had been the subject of some speculation, but Mains addressed the matter candidly in an interview with TVU before a performance in New York City. [10]


Reception

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Mike Mains & The Branches' debut album, Home, was initially released without notable critical response. However, the successful release of a music video for the song "Stereo" garnered some attention, leading to a number of positive reviews. However, most coverage of the album followed the rerelease in June of 2012. [11] [12] [13] TVU's music countdown show, "Ten Most Wanted" named it the "Most Wanted" video of 2011.


Personnel

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While Mike Mains & The Branches' line-up initially consisted of frontman Mains playing guitar, David Denison on drums, Shannon Bolanowski on keys, and Jacob Burkhart on bass, Burkhart would leave the group in April of 2011. [14] Nathan Wethy, who started as an interim touring bassist, would eventually come to fill the role of a full member. Josh Smith, a music producer from Lansing, Michigan is credited with the production of the band's first EP, and is also listed as playing lead guitar on Home. However, Smith does not tour with the band, a void that has filled by various touring members. [15]


References

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  1. ^ Daily, Rob. "Mike Mains And The Branches". Daily Unsigned. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  2. ^ Bray, Dale. "Mike Mains And The Branches". Platinum Pop. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  3. ^ Bray, Dale. "Mike Mains And The Branches". Platinum Pop. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  4. ^ Malpass, Matt. "Discography" (PDF). Ozone Entertainment. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
  5. ^ "Christian Rock National Airplay". Neilson BDS. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  6. ^ "Best Show, All-Around". Cornerstone Music Festival. Retrieved 13 July 2012. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  7. ^ "Artists and Speakers". X Noizz. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  8. ^ "Artist Lineup". Easterfest. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  9. ^ French, Jared. "Mike Mains and the Branches have van, belongings stolen". TVU. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
  10. ^ French, Jared. "Mike Mains and the Branches in New York City with TVU". TVU Live. Retrieved 25 June 2012.
  11. ^ Walz, Sara. "Home - Reviews". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  12. ^ Schexnayder, Nathaniel. "Mike Mains & The Branches, "Home" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  13. ^ Davis, Kevin. "Home by Mike Mains & The Branches". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  14. ^ Burkhart, Jacob. "Farewell Address". Mike Mains & The Branches. Retrieved 18 April 2011.
  15. ^ Mains, Michael (2010). "Home" credits. Platinum Pop.
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