In the Space and Time of the Minneapolis Road Warriors by Jon Schinke & Curt Biese
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Sometimes in life it's not the destination that defines you but the journey it takes to get there. In the case of Minneapolis groove funk band, Roster McCabe, sometimes it's both. The group, made up of Mik Daum on guitar, Scott Muellenberg on bass, Jeff Peterson on drums, Drew Preiner on guitar and synth, and Alex Steele on keys and lead vocals, has been relentlessly touring since 2007, playing hundreds of shows across the country. And as their popularity continues to grow, so to does their abilities as musicians and songwriters. With their latest release, 'Through Space & Time', Roster seems to feel at ease with themselves and each other, and the result is a smooth, well written, dance friendly record, accenting all the things that have garnered the band the fanbase they have today. We recently chatted with the Daum about Roster's new album, life on the road and what it takes to stay above water.
WIJAM: Since Roster McCabe’s debut at Sally’s Saloon in Minneapolis in Jan. 2007, the band has played around 500 shows. This by anyone’s standards is a very rigorous schedule. How have you guys maintained your poise over this time period?
MD: We do what we do by putting the music first and being dedicated.
WIJAM: Tell me about your new album, “Through Space and Time” .
MD: The album has been a big step for us, it is the first studio record that has Jeff on drums and the most recent songs we've been touring with. The entire process was more detailed and lengthy than any other previous recordings. We're happy with how it turned out - and our fans have been very receptive with it. We had 600 people come to the release show in Minneapolis.
WIJAM: In the past year Roster has been on tour with Steve Molitz (particle/Phil and Friends) and he has also appears on “Through Space and Time” a track called Soar. How did that friendship/collaboration come to be? What was the inspiration behind Soar? Was it written with Molitz' skills in mind?
MD: We hooked up with Steve Molitz through some mutual music contacts and ended up touring with him a few times. Roster eventually went on tour with Particle and we continue to jam at festivals and do other shows. Steve was kind enough to fly in for the CD release show and play with us, we had some sweet jams with him that night! We knew "Soar" was going to be heavy with sythns and dance beats, so it only seem natural to get Steve to play on it. Drew came up with the song, it wasn't really "written" with Molitz in mind - but it ended up working out great. Steve also plays on "Stargazer".
WIJAM: With so many indie groups going the way of striclty digital releases, what was it that made you decide to go with the hard copy cd format for this album?
MD: Well, we tour full time and people want to leave our shows with hardcopy discs and t-shirts and stuff.
WIJAM: Looking back to 2007, what, as far as musicality, has changed for Roster?
MD: Well the two big changes were the loss of the sax player and the addition of Jeff Peterson on drums. We've tightened up quite a bit and improved our songwriting.
WIJAM: What has remained the same?
MD: Our unabashed enthusiasm for touring, writing and jamming.
Seems pretty simple. The amazing thing is that it really might be that simple. Have a never say die attitude and never give up on your dreams. As far as attitude, work ethic, and conviction, I don't think Roster McCabe has anything to worry about. Oh yeah, and being a bad ass band doesn't hurt either.
Check out IfdaKamp performers Roster McCabe online at http://rostermccabe.com/ for tour dates and more info!
WIJAM: Since Roster McCabe’s debut at Sally’s Saloon in Minneapolis in Jan. 2007, the band has played around 500 shows. This by anyone’s standards is a very rigorous schedule. How have you guys maintained your poise over this time period?
MD: We do what we do by putting the music first and being dedicated.
WIJAM: Tell me about your new album, “Through Space and Time” .
MD: The album has been a big step for us, it is the first studio record that has Jeff on drums and the most recent songs we've been touring with. The entire process was more detailed and lengthy than any other previous recordings. We're happy with how it turned out - and our fans have been very receptive with it. We had 600 people come to the release show in Minneapolis.
WIJAM: In the past year Roster has been on tour with Steve Molitz (particle/Phil and Friends) and he has also appears on “Through Space and Time” a track called Soar. How did that friendship/collaboration come to be? What was the inspiration behind Soar? Was it written with Molitz' skills in mind?
MD: We hooked up with Steve Molitz through some mutual music contacts and ended up touring with him a few times. Roster eventually went on tour with Particle and we continue to jam at festivals and do other shows. Steve was kind enough to fly in for the CD release show and play with us, we had some sweet jams with him that night! We knew "Soar" was going to be heavy with sythns and dance beats, so it only seem natural to get Steve to play on it. Drew came up with the song, it wasn't really "written" with Molitz in mind - but it ended up working out great. Steve also plays on "Stargazer".
WIJAM: With so many indie groups going the way of striclty digital releases, what was it that made you decide to go with the hard copy cd format for this album?
MD: Well, we tour full time and people want to leave our shows with hardcopy discs and t-shirts and stuff.
WIJAM: Looking back to 2007, what, as far as musicality, has changed for Roster?
MD: Well the two big changes were the loss of the sax player and the addition of Jeff Peterson on drums. We've tightened up quite a bit and improved our songwriting.
WIJAM: What has remained the same?
MD: Our unabashed enthusiasm for touring, writing and jamming.
Seems pretty simple. The amazing thing is that it really might be that simple. Have a never say die attitude and never give up on your dreams. As far as attitude, work ethic, and conviction, I don't think Roster McCabe has anything to worry about. Oh yeah, and being a bad ass band doesn't hurt either.
Check out IfdaKamp performers Roster McCabe online at http://rostermccabe.com/ for tour dates and more info!
