RPCVs Al Adams and guitarist Mike Levasseur founded the musical group the Maybellines in the fall of 1998
The Maybellines started in the fall of 1998, solidified when Julie Dorough agreed, over large plates of hummus and tabouli at a local Syrian restaurant, to sing on a project that drummer Al Adams and guitarist Mike Levasseur were working on. The project (a demo tape of power-pop anthems left over from Al and Mike?s days in the Peace Corps) went so well that Julie was immediately asked to join the band, and auditions were held for a bassist. It didn?t take too long before they met Dave Reeves, a spindly musician with a taste for sixties pop and having fun. The lineup clicked immediately, and they began playing around the Denver area, making friends and honing their performing skills. Within six months they had recorded their first EP, a seven-inch record with four songs that would become staples of their live shows even to this day.
That first record would really get them a lot of attention. In addition to offers to appear on various compilations (Planting Seeds, Shado Records, Unread, etc.), the first release caught the eye of Ed Mazzucco, owner of Shelflife Records. He wrote the band and offered to release their first CD/EP, as well as including them in various compilations that the label was planning to release in the future. The band jumped at the chance, and in November of 2000 the world was presented with the Maybellines first CD, a shimmering, sweet testament to friendship and indie love. It was very well received, and further strengthened the Maybellines following throughout the US and Japan.
The Maybellines is the first band for Mike and Julie, while both Dave and Al draw from a cornucopia of other experiences, including Al's stint in the legendary blacksburg band "The Hood." Dave has served in several Denver bands and was once kicked out of a speed metal band for yawning onstage. The Maybellines have stayed true to their indie philosophy, well, except for a corporate party they played a few years back. They played in the cafeteria while the employees played air hockey and that crazy rapid fire basketball game. No, the corporate sell-out gig isn't on the past shows list.
The Maybellines released their first seven-inch single in 1999. The Shelflife CD was released in July, 2000. A short west coast tour followed. An even shorter tour to New York City and Washington D.C. followed that. The CD received a moderate degree of exposure and acclaim, being played on college radio across the nation and even popping up on MTV, albeit in the form of "Road Rules" background music. The band has stayed busy since then by playing out regularly and contributing countless songs to compilations and tribute albums, many of which have never seen the light of day. In 2002 it was decided that the world was finally ready for a full length CD. They recruited old pal Bryan Feutchtinger to record it and Jon Chaikin to master it. "Chatfield Holiday" was released on October 1st, 2002. It is a landmark day in the world of indiepop! Check back soon for updates...
