A streamlined path is one that offers the least resistance and turbulence. For five Los Angeles musicians, that path includes the road to Baton Rouge. Those musicians are members of Streamline, a newly-formed rock band fresh from the entertainment capital of the nation. The band will open for Meriwether tonight at the Varsity Theatre and headline at the Caterie on Saturday night. Lead singer Mike Hogan, guitarist Brad Ourso, drummer Brian Ireland, bassist John Viviattine and keyboardist Jon Scholl have been playing together for almost a year. The group calls its music a mix between the Dave Matthews Band, Led Zeppelin and (arguably) some generic pop bands such as Maroon 5 or Matchbox Twenty. “I think it’s something people haven’t seen recently,” Ireland said. “It’s not emo rock. It’s not scene-y or trendy.” Psychology freshman Meghan Payne found Streamline on Myspace.com and saw them live at the Caterie in November. “I love that their lyrics are catchy and make sense and are paired with great and original music,” she said. The band’s history is anything but streamlined. Ourso, the hometown representative in the band, was born and raised in Baton Rouge. He graduated from the University with a degree in construction management. He has been a part of the city’s music scene from an early age and said he moved to Los Angeles soon after graduation to pursue a music career. Ireland is also the drummer for piano pop-punk band Something Corporate. The Orange County native said he is still good friends with the members of Something Corporate. Hogan, Scholl and Viviattine played together in Rochester, N.Y. for a few years before moving to the West Coast. The New York trio hired Ireland to sit in on a studio recording in Los Angeles. “I was so impressed when I did their studio session that I kept in contact,” Ireland said. Out of that session came the self-titled EP released last spring. The song Ireland contributed to, “All I Need,” was Myspace.com’s “Most Played Artist of the Day” for five days in a row. Soon after recording, Ireland left side project William Tell to join Streamline. Ireland said Hogan’s profound lyrics drew him to the band. “He’s the most sentimental person I’ve ever met,” Ireland said. Hogan said he tries to capture very specific moods when he writes songs. “If I expect anyone else to care about it, I have to care about it,” he said. Ireland said the band’s live performances are much more high-energy than the previously recorded material. “There’s a whole different side to this band now,” Ireland said. After playing in L.A. for about a year, the band decided to move to Baton Rouge to gain a fan base. Contrary to popular belief, the guys from Streamline said California is not always the best place to make it as a band. Hogan said the stiff competition makes it hard to get noticed. “We’re hoping to use Baton Rouge as a springboard,” Ireland said. “Not to mention Cali-boy can’t handle a Northeastern winter.” Baton Rouge is also centrally located for east-coast touring, according to the band. Thursday’s show will be the first on their tour up the Eastern seaboard, which ends in Rochester in June. Ourso said fans can expect a dynamic show this weekend. “If they don’t like our show, I will pay back everyone personally,” Ireland said.
—-Contact Lauren Walck at [email protected]