Mike Mains and The Branches

History

Mike Mains & The Branches formed in 2009 in Gainesville, Texas, after Mike Mains met David Denison. Soon after, the two were joined by Jacob Burkhart, and Shannon Briggs. After determining to pursue music full-time, the band relocated to Mike and Shannons home state of Michigan.

Their debut album, Home, was produced by Tyler Orr and mixed by Matt Malpass. The album was initially released independently, but after touring consistently for over a year in support of their debut, Mike Mains & The Branches signed to Platinum Pop Music.

While the band has had radio success, it is likely that their growth can be attributed more to energetic live performances. In 2012, they were asked to play the Main Stage at the final year of Cornerstone Music Festival, a performance that was named in the post-event coverage as the "Best Show" of the festival. I

They released Everything EP just before the start of their 2013 Fall Tour with The Orphan, The Poet & The American Opera. Afterwards, the band launched a successful Pledge Music campaign in the Spring of 2013, raising enough to record and release their sophomore album entitled Calm Down, Everything Is Fine. They worked with producer Matt Hoopes who produced the album, while Zach Farro, formerly of Paramore, played drums on the album.

Calm Down, Everything Is Fine released February 18, 2014.

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Reception

Mike Mains & The Branches' debut album, Home, was initially released without notable critical response. However, the successful release of a music video for the song "Stereo" garnered some attention, leading to a number of positive reviews. However, most coverage of the album followed the rerelease in June 2012. TVU's music countdown show, "Ten Most Wanted" named it the "Most Wanted" video of 2011.

Their sophomore album, Calm Down, Everything Is Fine release was met with much excitement as many reviewers noted the unique style & “It” factor Mike Mains & the Branches portrayed in their new music. “Noises” brought much attention for it’s “gritty, rock edge,” while “Slow Down” brings a whole different, “calm, folk-like” side of Mike Mains to the table. The entire album portrays many different styles of music, but are all done masterfully showing the true talent & skill of the band.

Personnel

While Mike Mains & The Branches' line-up initially consisted of frontman Mains playing guitar, David Denison on drums, Shannon Mains (Briggs) on keys, and Jacob Burkhart on bass; Burkhart would leave the group in April 2011, with Denison leaving a year later. Nate Wethy, who started as an interim touring bassist, would eventually come to fill the role of a full member for four years, leaving in 2015. Josh Smith, a music producer from Lansing, Michigan is credited with the production of the band's first EP, and is also listed as playing lead guitar on Home. The void of drummer, guitarist, and bassist is one that has filled by various touring members.

Discography

Studio Albums

EPs