Somewhere the between the coal mines and steel mills, mountain streams and majestic rivers, where blue-collar meets corporate America, The New Relics have taken life around them and create what has been called “the perfect driving music”. The band blends the sounds of country, rock and Americana and created the sound of modern American music.Their latest album Monongalia is more than a collection of songs, it is the essence, the soul, and the sound of The New Relics. Having spent years on the road, the band has found who they are and where they belong musically and personally. Big Cities and Fastlanes just don’t seem to sit with The New Relics, they are more about small towns and local watering holes. “Monongalia” tells a story about the people that surround the band, the towns they live in and the choices that they make everyday.
Influenced by the sounds of Pat Green, Jack Ingram, John Mellencamp, and Keith Urban, The New Relics deliver a sound that is more than country music. It’s a journey about great songs. Music that makes you smile, laugh, reflect and believe in something more than yourself. Country music is more than hats and boots. Its taking care of your family, living life, good times and bad, and living to the fullest. Country, Rock, Americana, Bluegrass have all been used to describe the band. All are valid comparisons but not one can describe the band.
The music is radio friendly, with plenty of great melodies and choruses. Music that will make you drive all night, watch the morning sunrise and kiss your lover.
With good years of touring under their belt, meeting more friends and fans, The New Relics are just beginning. Yet for every journey that they take out of Monongalia, they always come home to the people that they love.
That Nashville Sound- What brought you to music in the first place?
Bryan Martin (drummer) - In early childhood, I watched a performance by a high school band and was drawn to the drums. Thought "I wanted to be that guy."
Mike Arbogast (lead vocals & guitars)- I always had country music playing in the house, went to yard sale with mom and bought a 3/4 size guitar and "played along" with the TV. I got a little older and really went out and learned to play.
Jim Bidwell (lead guitar)- I wanted to be part of the junior high jazz band and they needed a bass player. I had the teacher teach me.
Josh Swiger (bass) – My father was an old rock and roller, parental influence was a big part.
TNS- What’s the mission behind the music?
New Relics- The mission behind the music is to bring Morgantown and West Virginia into the spotlight, and to show that great music and musicians can be heard everywhere. We want to play feel good upbeat music that people can enjoy. We believe that the songs and themes have significant relevance in the daily lives of the listeners. Seeking personal truth and fulfillment through creative expression.
TNS- How would you describe your music?
NR- Our music has been described as fusion country, we even asked about that and people said it’s a combination of country, bluegrass, alt, and pop-country. We slide styles in and out of songs and incorporate different instruments into songs that you wouldn't expect to be there.
TNS- What might people be surprised to learn about you?
NR- We hold 7 college degrees between the 4 of us. We have heavy support from family and friends. We are not really big party animals- kinda mild- and would rather hang out and talk with fans and friends. Despite our over education on the bus we still talk about beer and girls.
TNS- What kind of music are you listening to? What's in your iPod?
Mike Arbogast - In the iPod - Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, John Meyer, Dave Matthews
Jim Bidwell - Best of Chess Records, Blues Breakers, Jay-Z
Bryan Martin - Paul Simon - Graceland, Levon Helm, Hayseed-Dixie
Josh Swiger - Miranda Lambert, Hanson, Jack Ingram,
TNS- If you had a crystal ball and looked forward five years, what do you see for yourself?
NR- We want to be successful touring musicians that can reach to a larger audience.
TNS- Nickname for your guitar or other instruments?
NR- Rooster - a really old telecaster, that we bought of a guy named "Rooster" and The Stick - an electric upright bass
love the new relics sound. its got a great beat. I was first introduced to them last week when I met Bryan Martins (the drummer) step daughter. I have been listening to it every day since then. Keep up the good work.
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