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A Peek inside Smear's notebooks
While many musicians go the route of writing lyrics in their mind, and drawing inspiration from the songs that they know and love; Norco-based Smear takes a road less traveled. By absorbing as much as they possibly can via film, poetry, and life, Smear's members have filled an abundance of notebooks with words that, eventually, make their way into lyrics. Lyrics that provide listeners with a sneak peek inside the secret notebooks of Smear.
"Journals," vocalist Sergio Mares said. "Poetry. I would read a book, watch a movie, experience life, and become very perspective. I would just drain my brain into stacks of notebooks."
Blending together the sounds of Norco's Sergio Mares, Victor Mares, and Ontario's Miguel Rodriguez, the band came together via lifelong friendships, birthday presents and a few home movies.
"We've known each other just about all our lives," Mares said. "We grew up doing things together ---- from skateboarding to making home videos. My dad bought me a five-piece drum set for my 14th birthday; the next month, Victor was given an electric guitar. We learned on our own, with no knowledge on how to hold our instruments. Eventually, we switched roles, and got Miguel to play my stepbrother's bass guitar. The rest is just music."
Smear plays Saturday at The Wire Music and Art Venue in Upland, along with Recreation Myth, Mindpunch, Sybil and You Scream He Laughs. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is open to all ages.
"Smear's sound is oftentimes hypnotic, and yet still heavy," Mares said. "The band has always been a project routed in brotherly camaraderie and experimentation. We don't always follow a specific formula for a catchy tune. We are always discovering inspiration through observation, and each musician's instrumental development.
"Just as the season's change, and it is human nature to adapt to the changes occurring in nature, the sound of our music is always evolving. Therefore, we too are continuously developing as musicians."
At times, however, it has been a struggle for the trio to evolve musically. The band ---- who credits The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath among others as inspirations ---- has had to overcome many obstacles that have stood in the way of its music over the years.
"We had issues with practicing at each other's houses," Rodriguez said. "We had complaining neighbors petitioning to kick us out of the neighborhood. Victor would also go to school in the evening, and would lessen our practice time ---- as well as our Friday shows. Eventually, we worked out a schedule with a.m. practices in a rehearsal studio at a convenient price and location."
Due to its camaraderie, it was easy for Smear to overcome its challenges, and present what they hope will be an entertaining show to attendants at The Wire come Saturday night.
"We hope that if people are to expect anything," Mares said. "It is that each individual should expect to experience our music with an open stream of consciousness."
Smear with Recreation Myth, Mindpunch, Sybil, and You Scream He Laughs
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Wire Music and Art Venue, 247 N. 2nd Avenue, Upland
Tickets: $8 presale; $10 at the door
Info: (909) 985-9466
Listen: myspace.com/smear
"Journals," vocalist Sergio Mares said. "Poetry. I would read a book, watch a movie, experience life, and become very perspective. I would just drain my brain into stacks of notebooks."
Blending together the sounds of Norco's Sergio Mares, Victor Mares, and Ontario's Miguel Rodriguez, the band came together via lifelong friendships, birthday presents and a few home movies.
"We've known each other just about all our lives," Mares said. "We grew up doing things together ---- from skateboarding to making home videos. My dad bought me a five-piece drum set for my 14th birthday; the next month, Victor was given an electric guitar. We learned on our own, with no knowledge on how to hold our instruments. Eventually, we switched roles, and got Miguel to play my stepbrother's bass guitar. The rest is just music."
Smear plays Saturday at The Wire Music and Art Venue in Upland, along with Recreation Myth, Mindpunch, Sybil and You Scream He Laughs. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is open to all ages.
"Smear's sound is oftentimes hypnotic, and yet still heavy," Mares said. "The band has always been a project routed in brotherly camaraderie and experimentation. We don't always follow a specific formula for a catchy tune. We are always discovering inspiration through observation, and each musician's instrumental development.
"Just as the season's change, and it is human nature to adapt to the changes occurring in nature, the sound of our music is always evolving. Therefore, we too are continuously developing as musicians."
At times, however, it has been a struggle for the trio to evolve musically. The band ---- who credits The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath among others as inspirations ---- has had to overcome many obstacles that have stood in the way of its music over the years.
"We had issues with practicing at each other's houses," Rodriguez said. "We had complaining neighbors petitioning to kick us out of the neighborhood. Victor would also go to school in the evening, and would lessen our practice time ---- as well as our Friday shows. Eventually, we worked out a schedule with a.m. practices in a rehearsal studio at a convenient price and location."
Due to its camaraderie, it was easy for Smear to overcome its challenges, and present what they hope will be an entertaining show to attendants at The Wire come Saturday night.
"We hope that if people are to expect anything," Mares said. "It is that each individual should expect to experience our music with an open stream of consciousness."
Smear with Recreation Myth, Mindpunch, Sybil, and You Scream He Laughs
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Wire Music and Art Venue, 247 N. 2nd Avenue, Upland
Tickets: $8 presale; $10 at the door
Info: (909) 985-9466
Listen: myspace.com/smear