From small town beginnings and big dreams, the seeds of desire were well planted in Fort Wayne, Indiana; when Blue Background took their hobby turned passion to new heights by moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As the final lineup began to take shape; blending musical influences and styles, Maggie Tielker, Carlyle Nowak, Sarah Mick and Christopher Christen knew they had the makings of a good thing. Drawing on their appreciation and respect for artists like Sheryl Crow, Counting Crows and Alanis Morrisette among others, Blue Background sought to develop their own sound and direction.
Still in their teens, and while balancing school with writing and performing, Blue Background won grand prize in the FAME Battle of the Bands contest held annually in Fort Wayne. Not satisfied with local success only, the band packed up and went to SXSW in Austin Texas where Maverick Records tapped them to showcase for the “Unlisted Tour” with national headliner Michelle Branch.
In 2001 the band released their first EP titled “Out of the Basement” which they produced themselves. Writing, recording and producing their own record gave the band much needed prospective on what it takes to make a commercial record that can sit on a retail rack alongside their music idols. Since then, the band has cultivated a unique pop-rock sound that while still evolving has garnered the band a growing fan-base and critical acclaim. Subsequent releases include 2003’s full length Paperbacks and Photographs and 2004’s “Are You Listening” EP, which the band is promoting regionally at colleges, clubs and through in-store performances.
Continuing to evolve and wracking up accolades like an endorsement from Daisy Rock Guitars, placing in the Independent World Series and national 1 800 CALL ATT Battle of the Bands finals; Blue Background has also opened for seasoned national acts like Ryan Cabrera and Everclear while playing Summerfest in Milwaukee with bands like Maroon 5 and John Mayer.
In the ultimate show of approval from industry experts, the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards presented Blue Background with the 2004 People’s Choice award! In 2005, the band was recognized again and are nominated for “Pop/Adult Contemporary Artist of the Year” and “Best Female Vocalist” for singer, Sarah Mick.
Look for more of Blue Background in 2005. Are you listening?
