Simplelife

Simplelife was born in 2001 with Ben Sumner, Mike Frisina & Ben Lucas as an acoustic trio that focused and prided itself on three-part harmonies. Gary Lucas (drums, percussion) and Michael Schleier (bass) joined the group in early 2002. They released their first full length album "Life in the Third Person" in 2004 to critical acclaim. The album won a Syracuse Area Music Award (SAMMY) in the "Best Pop Recording" category. Upon Schleier's departure in 2005, Simplelife brought in bass player Brett Hobin (The Todd Hobin Band) who has remained as the bassist for the band ever since. Gary Lucas underwent a series of medical issues in 2006 and could no longer withstand the rigors of touring, so his father Jim Lucas (Mr. Ed, The Todd Hobin Band) replaced him as the touring drummer. Gary has remained as the session drummer, arranger and live percussionist. In 2005, Simplelife was signed to Subcat Records and released its sophomore album "New Addiction", also to critical acclaim. The album was also nominated for a SAMMY in the "Best Pop Recording" category. Simplelife has opened for numerous national greats that include, Martin Sexton, Guster, Rik Emmett, Chris Trapper, Spin Doctors, The Beach Boys, Ted Nugent, The Marshall Tucker Band, Cracker, Shiny Toy Gun, The Gin Blossoms and more. They've also headlined festivals such as Taste of Syracuse and Harborfest. They've played venues big and small. Smith Opera House, Westcott Theatre, CMAC and The Palace, to name a few. Currently, Simplelife can be seen anywhere from a two-piece acoustic act, to a seven-piece full band. Lucas and Frisina have since opened 2 Bros. Studios and continue to write and record music consistently.

Syracuse, NY