Lynhurst

Local Band From Southwest Is Worth A Listen
By Alison Grausam

You may be asking yourself, "Are there any new bands out lately? Any new, local, good bands?" Why, yes, there are. Welcome to the wonderful world of Lynhurst.
Lynhurst is the sibling pop-rock trio straight out of Minneapolis. The band members- Mari, Matt, and Jake Abdo- all spent their high school days in the halls of Southwest. They grew up near the Parkway, visiting the local park with their younger sister, Rose.
Jake and Matt were originally in a band with their father. Entitled The Abdomen, they played at local venues across the metropolis. After a few years, their father dropped out, and Mari joined as the lead singer and drummer. With the transition of Mari, the band name had to make a conversion, too. The triad changed it's name to Lynhurst, in homage to their local neighborhood.
With the trio of siblings together, they recorded their first album, "Field Day." Containing such little known miracles as "Exactly" and "Summer Rain," their recognition shot up in the local pop-rock scene. They played local shows at the Bandshell on Lake Harriet and other coffee shops. They garnered enough of a fan base to be able to open for Owl City, Sheryl Crow, Ingrid Michaelson, and Amos Lee.
Selling tickets, albums, and tee-shirts, they gathered enough to set up a makeshift shop in Southern California. There they started a demo entitled "One Of These Days." Working with Los Angeles producer Matthew Puckett, they finished writing the songs for their EP. They even had a collaboration with guitarist Jonny Lang. They returned home to snowy Minnesota to record their songs.
The result of Southern Californian songwriting turned into their newest EP, "One Of These Days." The five-song miniature CD was released over the summer of 2011. After it was released, the band started on a tour of sorts. They have played concerts in California, New York, and other states. Of course, they have played concerts in their hometown, and continue to do so often.
If you are interested, check their website at LynhurstMusic.com. There are links to their YouTube page, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Tumblr. You can support them by buying the songs from "One Of These Days" on iTunes. "Field Day" can be purchased at any of their live shows or ordered online. - Southwest Anchor (11/17/2011)

Sibling rockers Lynhurst on their new album—and why they won’t be Oasis

Q: You’re only in your early twenties, but you’ve already been playing together longer than the Beatles. What’s the secret to your longevity?
Mari Abdo [vocalist]: We say things to each other we’d never say if we weren’t related. We get into ginormous fights. Then we hug it out. We don’t want to lose each other as family.

Matt Abdo [guitar]: Sibling bands, like Oasis and Kings of Leon, have a reputation for drinking a lot and fighting a lot. Our songs have an element of hope to them—we’re not destructive people.

Q: Is it weird to see your brother or sister get hit on at shows?
Jake Abdo [bass]: Oh, we already know Matt is the cute one. He’s the Paul McCartney. After a show in New York recently, these college girls asked for a photo. All of us said sure, and they’re like, no, just with Matt.

Q: Mari, are your brothers protective of you?
Jake: We definitely are.

Matt: Can you tell Jake is the oldest one?Jake, let Mari take this one.

Mari: The guys told me, if a dude comes up to me after a show, just ask him if he wants to buy a CD. He walks away or we make $15—works either way.

Q: Your dad is an entertainment lawyer in Minneapolis. How has that helped?
Jake: More than introductions, he’s just been supportive. He was a disco deejay at one time. He played drums for us when we started. He’s just really, really into music.

Q: You worked with Jonny Lang on a song for your new record, One Of These Days. Did he offer advice on surviving young stardom?
Mari: He said, “Don’t try to be someone else. Do what you do.”

Q: Were you in danger of becoming a hip-hop act?
Jake: No, but someone did once suggest we go country.

Matt: People tell us our lyrics are so earnest, so Midwest. They think we’re too nice for rock.

One Of These Days is in stores now. lynhurstmusic.com - Minnesota Monthly (12/13/2011)

Minneapolis, MN – This Thursday, August 26 from 12 to 2 PM join the band Lynhurst as they welcome Jeff Pulver’s #140conf Road Trip to The Mall of America with a special acoustic performance.

LYNHURST is a pop-rock trio from Minneapolis, MN featuring siblings Mari, Matt, and Jake Abdo. Younger sister Mari fronts the group from center stage on drums and lead vocals, flanked by her brothers on guitars, keyboards, and harmonies. Listen Here

The Mall of America is hosting and sponsoring this ‘tweetup’ along with Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy and its restaurant R. Burger. You can RSVP here!

You might recognize Jeff Pulver as one of the true pioneers of VoIP and a leader in the emerging TV on the Net Industry. He is also the founder of the #140conf events that provide a platform for the worldwide twitter community to: listen, connect, share and engage with each other, while collectively exploring the effects of the emerging real-time internet on business.

The #140conf road trip is to promote the 140 Character Conferences across the nation.

VISIT LYNHURST AT:
http://twitter.com/lynhurst
http://www.myspace.com/lynhurstmusic
http://www.facebook.com/LynhurstMusic - FingerCandyMedia.com (08/25/2010)

Lynhurst
I'm sending a few people over to the Dakota Jazz Club at 11pm to see Lynhurst for $5. I might head over there after I'm done seeing Arrington De Dionyso. You can read our previous articles on Lynhurst here.

No matter how young they look, these musicians are already seasoned professionals. Matt and Jake were regularly performing gigs before reaching their teens and Mari, the youngest, wasn’t too long to follow. What amazed me watching them play at such a young age is how comfortable and confident they looked on stage. Their debut album is no different. - We Heart Music Blog (05/05/2011)

Minnesota family trio Lynhurst perform live at the All Together Now Showcase at SXSW 2010. The pop rock group also took the time to answer a few questions. Check it out in the video below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egFp_y0cKZg&feature=player_embedded - PopWreckoning.com (06/01/2010)

Lynhurst‘s debut album, Field Day, compels pop listeners to recall what it is to move through the confusing web of young adulthood. Its songs wave through a series of coming-of-age emotion and discovery. This spirited mix of poetry and sass reflects upon the perspective that is lost, gained, and changed.

[audio=http://borangutan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/05-Valentine.mp3]
“Valentine” by: Lynhurst

Nika: What compelled you to make the name change from The Abdomen to Lynhurst?

Jake Abdo: The Abdomen started a long time ago when Matt and I were preteens, we had a retro garage rock style. So that was the Abdomen, it was Jake and Matt Abdo and we thought we were men, a big family name pun. The name lasted through the evolution of the band, then Mari started joined the group about six years ago and started writing and singing pretty heavily about five years ago. So the name Abdomen didn’t really fit anymore, (and) playing in L.A. to crowds that didn’t know the family name made us realize that we needed a name that represented the new direction that Mari’s influence was taking us. The Abdomen was a great name that had run its course.

Mari Abdo: We have lived within a mile of Lynhurst park our whole lives and we were advised to pick something close to home not just some random name. Lynhurst represents a lot to us; our childhoods growing up in South Minneapolis, and we feel really connected to the neighborhood and to the park. It fits our sound very well.

Nika: Why the transition from garage rock to pop?

Matt Abdo: We have always tried to play to our strengths, and Mari’s voice added a friendly, female influence that is better represented in a pop style.

Nika: Your new album, Field Day is complete. What are some of your fondest memories from that recording process?

Mari: We spent a lot of this past year writing and recording in Los Angeles, CA. There are a lot of memorable moments in that time. However, one of the first songs on the album, “Exactly,” came out of a trip back here in January/February, the coldest part of the winter. The song reflects high school relationships, and the different personalities you come across in that period in life.

Jake: I remember working in Venice Beach, CA. with a great composer and producer by the name of Tom Pile, a Minnesota native. We were working into the long hours of the night… I noticed that it was a very different world at night than the trendy, vibe day environment. So many homeless people gathered there at nights that were not visible in the day time.

Nika: How would you describe the feeling and sound of this album?

Mari: It’s very organic and natural. Our sound isn’t particularly processed although we do like pop melodies. Like Matt said, the approach in recording was very band-centric.

Jake: It’s very sweet and sarcastic. A lot of the songs come from Mari’s point of view. It’s fun to (be) the brothers (and) to facilitate while her imagination is allowed to run wild. There is a sort of whimsical, youthful, female feel to the songs. Playing a lot of all age shows, it’s fun to see a lot of young girls really latching onto Mari’s poetry.

Matt: Making a record always seems to take longer then you would like. We started making the record here in Minneapolis (with) Jeff Irondale before going to work on it in L.A. We tried to figure out how the record was going to feel and how it was to be presented. We try to make things sound as good as they can and put a lot of attention to the things you wouldn’t normally think are that important. Although we have been outside of the state, everything from how we approach the recordings, the name, to where we started the record is very grounded in Minneapolis. We try to be honest in what we’re doing.

Nika: What does “organic” music mean to you?

Matt: There are so many computer programs that can make music for you. Our definition of organic would be a recording of real people playing the music, rather than everyone recording separately. Listeners have developed high expectations, i.e. constant perfect pitch, which makes it hard to completely eliminate all technology from the recording process. We use only what is necessary by minimizing the use of a click track, and the like.

Jake: We don’t approach music in a mathematical format, rather, we trust the direction that the feel of a particular song will lead us to.

Nika: When I heard you perform your song “Valentine”, I was transported to a feeling of intoxicated adoration, “It’s love that shuts my eyes blind…but you’ll never be mine”. I believe that most of us can relate to that hypnotic fog and uncertainty. What inspired those emotionally arousing lyrics?

Mari: It’s a song about two different people. The verses describe a relationship that has run its course, while the chorus is from the perspective of another anguishing unrequited love that will never flourish. In the end, both have a sense of where they stand.

Nika: Was it different collaborating with people that were not your immediate band members?

Mari: Learning how to co write with people is dramatically different from writing with someone you know. It was valuable to learn how to write with people that were not your band members. Everyone has emotions to express, but co-writing teaches you to pen those emotions in a manner that will be understood by everyone. Even Matt and I have played with word association. He will say something and I will try to get down to the meaning of it all by attaching all these details, when all he was doing was making a simple statement or observation. Oh well.

The completion of the album is the beginning of more work. Lynhurst will be playing the east coast, TBA. Lynhurst stated that being in a studio is just the beginning; it’s playing and connecting with people that they will be enjoying in the near future.

The Fine Line Music Café will be welcoming Lynhurst on Saturday, September 5th. Music starts at 9 p.m., cover at the door is $5 for 21+ and $8 for 18+.

Your copy of Field Day can be purchased at iTunes today. - Borangutan Music Blog (08/31/2009)

Lynhurst are a pop trio from Minneapolis who specialize in glowing hooks and harmonies. Check out an interview with drummer and lead singer Mari for Converse.com where she discuses being in a band with her brothers, the songwriting process, and much more.

-When did you guys start playing your respective instruments? Are your parents musical?

My brothers Jake and Matt are only 13 months apart in age, and started playing music when they were very young. They played garage rock in venues around our hometown before they were in high school. Matt was like 3 feet tall. I’m the youngest and was an artsy kid. The band needed a drummer, so I filled that spot when I was 13. My low- tops were perfect for drumming, because of the flat sole. The guys were cool enough to let me sing and play original songs.

Our father is very musical, although he practices law for a living. Our parents first met at one of his gigs when they were teenagers. They owned a DJ company together as a young married couple. We grew up with guitars in the basement and lots of vinyl albums.

-That’s awesome having supportive parents, how much of a difference did that make in your musical journey?

It’s made all the difference, really. We couldn’t ask for more supportive people in our lives. Our younger sister Rose is amazing, too. She’s the first person I play new songs to- she’s fifteen and has a great ear. We also have many family friends that are musicians and have totally inspired us.

-How vibrant a music scene does Minneapolis have? Is it a good place for a young band?

Minneapolis is an excellent place to grow up, both as a human being and as a band. The city is great, because young musicians can get on stages here and get support. There are many encouraging musicians, and Minnesotans are just nice.

-What brought you guys to The Grammy Camp? How did that experience affect you musically and beyond?

A family friend encouraged us to audition for Grammy Camp. The camp was in its first year and was new and exciting for everyone there. Teenagers from all over the U.S. went to Los Angeles to experience many aspects of the music industry. We were in the singer/songwriter and instrumentalist groups, so we recorded in a great studio, were loaned amazing instruments and stayed up until 2 a.m. jamming every night. It was heaven. We left inspired and empowered to pursue music.

-Did you guys play in bands before you played as a group together?

Jake and Matt have always played music together in one form or another. When I was nine two friends and I were a girl group for a day or two. I think we were going for TLC meets the Spice Girls.

-How is it playing in a band with your brothers and sisters? I’m sure you get asked it all the time, but how does that shape your music?

How being siblings shapes our music- that’s a great question. The band’s sound is definitely a mix of our three different personalities. Matt is influenced by alternative rock, especially from the late 90s… Jake is really into singer/songwriters… I’m all over the map. We don’t sugar coat opinions with one another- we can be brutally honest as siblings.
That’s a really mature way of approaching a notoriously difficult business for people so young. Do you guys write the parts together or split them up?

Oftentimes I’ll play the others a song that’s almost done, and we finish it together. Once you play a new song for the rest of the band, it opens the box to everyone’s input. Sometimes Matt plays a guitar riff and we start jamming on drums and bass and creating a song around it- that’s really fun. Matt likes to point out that the lyrics about young men are all mine.

-What are our plans for the immediate future? Are you touring and recording?

Yes and yes! We are heading on a national tour this summer. We’ve written many new songs since releasing our album “Field Day” in 2009, and hopefully will record this summer.

-Any advice for younger musicians trying to get started?

I think that great songwriting is at the heart of great music, so go for it. Also, just play a lot!

To see and hear from Lynhurst, check out their Myspace, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube page.

Photos by Collin Hughes and Lee Cherry - www.play.converse.com - Converse Music Blog (05/10/2010)

Lynhurst are a pop trio from Minneapolis who specialize in glowing hooks and harmonies. Check out an interview with drummer and lead singer Mari for Converse.com where she discuses being in a band with her brothers, the songwriting process, and much more.

-When did you guys start playing your respective instruments? Are your parents musical?

My brothers Jake and Matt are only 13 months apart in age, and started playing music when they were very young. They played garage rock in venues around our hometown before they were in high school. Matt was like 3 feet tall. I’m the youngest and was an artsy kid. The band needed a drummer, so I filled that spot when I was 13. My low- tops were perfect for drumming, because of the flat sole. The guys were cool enough to let me sing and play original songs.

Our father is very musical, although he practices law for a living. Our parents first met at one of his gigs when they were teenagers. They owned a DJ company together as a young married couple. We grew up with guitars in the basement and lots of vinyl albums.

-That’s awesome having supportive parents, how much of a difference did that make in your musical journey?

It’s made all the difference, really. We couldn’t ask for more supportive people in our lives. Our younger sister Rose is amazing, too. She’s the first person I play new songs to- she’s fifteen and has a great ear. We also have many family friends that are musicians and have totally inspired us.

-How vibrant a music scene does Minneapolis have? Is it a good place for a young band?

Minneapolis is an excellent place to grow up, both as a human being and as a band. The city is great, because young musicians can get on stages here and get support. There are many encouraging musicians, and Minnesotans are just nice.

-What brought you guys to The Grammy Camp? How did that experience affect you musically and beyond?

A family friend encouraged us to audition for Grammy Camp. The camp was in its first year and was new and exciting for everyone there. Teenagers from all over the U.S. went to Los Angeles to experience many aspects of the music industry. We were in the singer/songwriter and instrumentalist groups, so we recorded in a great studio, were loaned amazing instruments and stayed up until 2 a.m. jamming every night. It was heaven. We left inspired and empowered to pursue music.

-Did you guys play in bands before you played as a group together?

Jake and Matt have always played music together in one form or another. When I was nine two friends and I were a girl group for a day or two. I think we were going for TLC meets the Spice Girls.

-How is it playing in a band with your brothers and sisters? I’m sure you get asked it all the time, but how does that shape your music?

How being siblings shapes our music- that’s a great question. The band’s sound is definitely a mix of our three different personalities. Matt is influenced by alternative rock, especially from the late 90s… Jake is really into singer/songwriters… I’m all over the map. We don’t sugar coat opinions with one another- we can be brutally honest as siblings.
That’s a really mature way of approaching a notoriously difficult business for people so young. Do you guys write the parts together or split them up?

Oftentimes I’ll play the others a song that’s almost done, and we finish it together. Once you play a new song for the rest of the band, it opens the box to everyone’s input. Sometimes Matt plays a guitar riff and we start jamming on drums and bass and creating a song around it- that’s really fun. Matt likes to point out that the lyrics about young men are all mine.

-What are our plans for the immediate future? Are you touring and recording?

Yes and yes! We are heading on a national tour this summer. We’ve written many new songs since releasing our album “Field Day” in 2009, and hopefully will record this summer.

-Any advice for younger musicians trying to get started?

I think that great songwriting is at the heart of great music, so go for it. Also, just play a lot!

To see and hear from Lynhurst, check out their Myspace, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube page.

Photos by Collin Hughes and Lee Cherry - www.play.converse.com - Converse Music Blog (05/10/2010)

Lynhurst owes its namesake to the neighborhood park in Minneapolis that the band's members spent so many hours as children.
The sibling-trio amazingly spent as much time playing old instruments in their basement as they did in that park. For Jake, Matt, and Mari (ages 23, 21, and 19, respectively), music always seemed to be second nature to them, as evidenced in the three twice winning the Minnesota Music Academy Teen Artists of the Year Award.
After having taken the huge step in moving to Los Angeles to pursue their music full-time, Lynhurst seems poised to take their career to the next level with their debut album Field Day.
I was somehow mistaken in thinking the band was indie rock after about two minutes of the opening "Kiss Me Now." I did double and triple takes of the album's front and back cover to look for the word Disney on any of them. No luck.
And regrettably at this point I can't help but lump the band into the Radio Disney category. I have nothing against the successful stable of Disney's young artists (Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez), but that pop-rock sound feels so outdated and old-fashioned.
Fortunately, I left the album running long enough for the bubblegum pop of "Exactly" to remind me of the harmless cuteness of enjoyable radio-friendly Colbie Caillat along with Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton way back when (and yes the latter two still make music). And long enough after to listen to the sassy "If You Love Me" or "Do You Love Her," that reminds me of more mellow and subdued Paramore (no, seriously).
It's a shame that Lynhurst wasn't really around during the time Branch and Carlton were popularized during the MTV Total Request Live era where that pop rock sound still had its slice of contemporary mainstream music. - www.BlogCritics.org (09/02/2009)

SXSW Showcases
Saturday
8pm, the Parish

Breathy, new romantic pop is a family affair for the members of Minneapolis' Lynhurst. Brothers Matt and Jake and sis Mari extrapolate the heartbreak of those difficult post-teen years and distill it all into lonely perfection.

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/review?oid=oid%3A981920 - AustinChronicle.com (03/19/2010)

Last year, it poured rain. This year, the heat and humidity were stifling. But the second annual Dakota Street Fest was an unequivocal hit Saturday in downtown Minneapolis. Twenty-seven acts on four stages (3 outdoors) over 13 hours resulted in some excellent music in a variety of styles, a wide-ranging audience and lots of beer, sweat and cheers.

It was a tremendous, free event, a resourceful and reassuring substitute for the late, great and much-missed Day of Music at Orchestra Hall (which the Minnesota Orchestra pulled the plug on a couple of year ago because of a lack of titular sponsor).

No surprise that piano stud Bobby Lyle with ageless saxophonist Irv Williams were exceptional indoors at the Dakota. Even though he learned heavily on 1970s-evoking jazz fusion and electric keyboard, Nachito Herrera was his usual invigorating self. Philly pop-soul singer Sharon Little was a tasty out-of-town treat, and the revamped Lynhurst, the Minneapolis family pop/rock band, projected a becoming, new vibe with drummer Mari Abdo moving up front as standup lead vocalist (while a new drummer, Steady Eddie, has joined).

By Davina Sowers - www.StarTribune.com (07/17/2011)

Lynhurst performance live on TV promoting new album "One Of These Days - EP"

View here: http://www.kare11.com/video/1037878966001/0/Sibling-band-Lynhurst-to-play-Aster-Cafe - KARE 11 (NBC) T.V. (07/04/2011)

It's been fun watching the band Lynhurst create increasingly better music and gather more and more fans over the years. Originally called "The Abdomen," which was a take off on the last name of the three siblings that make up the core of the group: Jake, Matt and Mari Abdo, they made the switch to the new band name about a year and a half ago. That name change, by the way, has a real neighborhood connection for the two brothers and one sister.


Matt, Mari and Jake Abdo of Lynhurst

I caught up with Mari Abdo on Wednesday, Aug. 17th. We chatted about the group's new record, their new drummer, that neighborhood connection on the band's name and some upcoming shows that sound real fun - to include The Dakota on Friday, Aug. 26th. They'll also be playing at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, The Maplewood Center for Performing Arts and The Aster Cafe in the weeks ahead.

BT chatting with Mari Abdo from the band Lynhurst

For more specifics on all things going on with the band, take a quick trip to the Lynhurst website. - Cities 97 Radio Website (08/17/2011)

Live interview of lead singer Mari of Lynhurst on Minneapolis/ Saint Paul WCCO Radio.

Listen here: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/nyc.podcast.play.it/media/d0/d0/d0/dZ/d1/dY/d4/Z1Y4_3.MP3%3Fauthtok%3D5561596772874328684_cnEZPZ3tt7vsay0EOtVoU48C7A&podcast_name=10-23-11+Center+Stage&podcast_artist=Jearlyn+Steele&station_id=82&tag=pages&dcid=CBS.MINN - WCCO Radio (10/23/2011)

After nearly a year or so in the making; Lynhurst have finally given us their latest album "Field Day" - taking their name from a childhood hangout. The three musical siblings have created a blissful and tranquil album that shows off some impressive song writing skills on their part.

Although the album sounds like a collection of songs compiled to make a teenage television drama soundtrack, in this particular case it doesn’t seem to be a bad thing. Each track is as peaceful and packed with emotion as the last, indicating that a lot of personal feelings from the family are being expressed in every song.

Mari Abdo’s lead vocals are soft and soothing enough to take the edge off anybodies hard day at the office, and are complimented excellently by Matt and Jake on keys and guitar perfectly. This album "Field Day" seems to cover a number of meaningful topics ranging from love all the way up to to sarcasm. Although this may not be a good listen for everyone, its definitely a must for appreciators of the song writing art form at its finest. "Field Day" is probably best described as a modern rendition of the styling made popular by The Carpenters and The Cardigans.

The band are currently touring the United States to promote this release and they have achieved awards including Teen Artist of the Year Award, and if "Field Day" is anything to go by, this seems to be the taste of things to come.

http://hangout.altsounds.com/reviews/111972-lynhurst-field-day-album.html - AltSounds.com (10/18/2009)

Band Name: Lynhurst
Band Members: Jake (23), Matt (22) & Mari (19) Abdo
Best Known For: Their debut album, Field Day
Hometown: Minnesota

**All questions are answered by Mari on behalf of the band.

AC: What inspired your band’s name?

Mari: We’re Minnesota kids, and our hometown, Minneapolis, has many beautiful parks. Lynhurst is a neighborhood park, where we went ice skating and used to have soccer practice. Our name reminds us of home.

AC: You guys just came out with your debut album, Field Day. Can you tell us about it?

Mari: We’ve recorded music before, but Field Day is Lynhurst’s first album. The title, Field Day, is an expression that can mean “extraordinary opportunity,” which is how we feel at this point in our lives. We’re pursuing our dreams, and have the opportunity to share our music with you.

AC: How would you describe your sound on this album?

Mari: This album has a very natural, organic feel to it. There are sparkling guitars and keyboards, warm drums and sweet melodies.

AC: Can you tell us a little about your journey?

Mari: Jake and Matt started playing music in elementary school, and have been in a band together since then. I started playing drums and singing when I was 13, and amazingly, the guys let me be in their band.

AC: You’re all siblings…so, do you ever deal with sibling rivalry or fighting within the band?

Mari: We’re human, so yes. But we have a common goal, so the rivalry never goes too far.

AC: Matt and Jake both began performing as pre-teens, but Mari, you didn’t start off as the band type. What made you finally test out your musical talents?

Mari: I was into painting and drawing as a little kid, but I was totally bitten by the rock ’n roll bug. Once, when I was 12, I sang karaoke at the same festival that my brothers’ band was playing at. They heard me down the street and thought I was the singer of another band!

AC: What was the inspiration for this album?

Mari: Being a teenager and all the amazing firsts and awful angst that goes along with it. Friends, relationships and the pursuit of a perfect moment in time.

AC: Now, you all left the University of Minnesota to go to Hollywood and try your hands at making it big as a band. Did you have any reservations about making such a bold move?

Mari: Not really. We studied hard in school, always knowing in the back of our minds that we wanted to play music full-time. It was exciting for us.

AC: What surprises you most about Hollywood?

Mari: They’re crazy about frozen yogurt in Hollywood! I wasn’t expecting that. Also, a paparazzi once took our photo when we were driving through Hollywood. That was surprising. And funny.

AC: What’s one of the coolest things that’s happened to you guys since you formed your band?

Mari: We’ve had the honor of performing before some fantastic acts that we really admire, including Hanson and Owl City.

AC: Mari, you’re the only girl in the group. Do you ever miss having your girlfriends around? How do your bothers deal with male fans taking an interest in you?

Mari: I do miss my girlfriends! But between texting and tour breaks I have good opportunities for girl talk. As far as admirers? Honestly, I should be watching out for Matt—he has some serious girl fans.

AC: Why do you think cheerleaders will like Field Day?

Mari: We sing about mean boys. Everyone knows one.

AC: What are some of your future goals? Anything cool coming up?

Mari: We’ll be on tour, playing shows across the U.S. for our new album. There are some shows we’re really psyched about.

AC: Any fun facts you can share with us?

Mari: It’s pretty unusual to have a girl singing lead and drumming at the same time. Also, we all know multiple instruments and can switch places onstage—in the middle of a song—if we really wanted to.

AC: What inspires you?

Mari: Traveling, blue skies, mountains, rain, trees and huge open fields are inspiring. Is it cliché to love Twilight? I’m a huge fan of books that address the intricacies of relationships. I also love anything from the turn of the century. English royalty is fascinating. The first time I saw Romeo and Juliet, my jaw dropped—what a story! Eighties movies are excellent. The band Death Cab for Cutie is incredible…I could listen to them for hours.

http://www.americancheerleader.com/2009/12/time-out-with-lynhurst/ - American Cheerleader Magazine (12/21/2009)

Last Friday evening I went to a great local concert, and I couldn’t remove the culture goggles.  Three bands played to a single audience as singular as the music and artists they were there to see.  There were hipsters present, jocks, folks from the lesbian community, young people, older people, and a twerp in a jean jacket (that was me).  I go to a lot of live shows, but rarely do I see such a mix of people.  The root, naturally, was in the music, and had this show not been 21+, I suspect an even more diverse spread would have occurred.
Lynhurst creates music that can charge youthful memories into the most staunchly mature listener.   Compare it to what you like: the Jonas Brothers, early Hanson, etc. but there is something very different occurring whether realized or not.  Over the last few decades we’ve come to associate very youthful music with corporate entities like Disney.  Have we so tragically forgotten that this music shares more likeness in feeling with songs such as ìI Want To Hold Your Handî and ìShe Loves Youî than with, say, ìHangin’ Toughî?  In many ways corporate entities have skewed our outlook on youthful music – image is > music, $ is > enrichment.  That’s what they tell us, but what is music meant for in our society if not for enrichment?

Lynhurst needs no corporate entities.   They reminded me of my younger days in fond ways, and had they not been outstanding artists this would have never happened (I would’ve simply been turned off).   The sibling trio of Mari, Matt, and Jake Abdo is solid; producing intricately arranged pop song after pop song.  Live they switch out instruments regularly, but the standard line-up is Mari pounding on the drums, Jake dropping the bass beats, and Matt cutting leads on guitar and keys.  This is one of the young bands to watch in the cities, and though they quote ìare trying not to grow up too fast,î they invariably will.  The anticipation ought to build with those familiar with Lynhurst, because if what they’re doing now is this good (and it is), we can’t fathom what might become of them in five years.   If nostalgia isn’t enough to entice a purchase of their new album Field Day out of you, then eventually you’ll succumb to a more mature sophomore or 3rd release.

http://borangutan.com/band-reviews/melismatics-sick-sarah-lynhurst-entry-071709/
- Borangutan Blog (http://bit.ly/jF8P1)