Injecting more dynamics and emotionally-reflective songwriting into their music than most of their guitar band peers in Grand Rapids, the Mines describe their music as “epic indie pop rock,” doing justice to each descriptor. The band formed in 2004 as a four-piece, before the line-up settled as a trio – Todd Hoek (drums), Greg Lockwood (guitar, vocals) and Ethan Nickerson (bass, vocals) – to record their 2006 debut, Metropolis. Filled with novel-like confessions and character portraits, the self-produced album gave hints to fans of the diverse directions still to come.
Adding guitarist/keyboardist Troy Hatfield in ’06 helped the band realize wider musical soundscapes in a live setting, paving the way for the subsequent 2008 release, People Music. The EP’s lead single, “Valley,” has gained the GR quartet local attention, thanks in part to a professionally-made video to accompany the energetic and melodic show opener.
The Mines began hosting “The Mines Experience” – performances in creative environments that include music, lights, video and other art forms – in October 2006. The second and third highly successful incarnations were held at the historic Wealthy Theatre, featuring a dancer, painter and choir along with a full light show and projected video that accompanied creative new arrangements of an already broad catalog of melodic rock songs. | |
