There’s really nothing quite like it. To be pedaling, sweating, agonizing, with legs throbbing and chest burning as the wheels on your bike go round-and-round. For those of us who are three season bikers in Des Moines it’s the time of year when we check our tires, knock on our helmets, and brave the elements.
Though the ride is usually exhilarating due to climate and effort there’s one thing that does make Des Moines a bit of a scary place to roll. Drivers. Yep. In the absence of clear bike lanes around the city it seems that drivers often forget that bikes count as vehicles…and as people!
Finn Miles is a biking band. It keeps our lungs strong and our reflexes sharp. If you value community; if you value musicians, If you don’t like roadkill…

consider this a friendly reminder…be kind to bikers.

Thanks!

Good news! Scott Gratton, my talented producer and brother is in the beginning stages of producing “Telltale,”  the upcoming album from Finn Miles. When I spoke to him on the phone he said “you want it to sound like Mutemath and Radiohead’s Kid A in a blender with Grizzly Bear, right?” Hmm…

In other news, congrats to the Community Bash at the Vaudeville Mews in Des Moines. Rock and roll for homeless youth is a worthy cause. Plus, anytime you get to see the Seedlings and Envy Corps it’s a party!

Fun times as always at Mars Cafe! Opening for us was the always surprising Redforehead, playing original songs and a little bit o’ Flaming Lips.

Following, Finn Miles played a hot set on a cold and blustery Friday Feb. 13th night, enjoying the painting of Jon Pearson as well as the crafty Valentines that we’re created at the art table. Thanks Mars Cafe for all the memories!

Last night Finn Miles enjoyed the great honor of participating in Scented Vinyl, the fabulous live interview and acoustic showcase held at the Mars Cafe. We started the night at the Sonic Factory, recording “Face the Facts” and “Catch You if I Can” in one-shot live takes.

After the quick recording session we took to hopping over puddles as we crossed the alley to the Mars Cafe. I (Paul) spun vinyl with Dan Bosman, shared in a few choice beverages from Olde Main, and played a mini-show as a warmup for our full show on Friday, Feb. 13th at the Mars Cafe.

Click here to see pictures, hear audio, and read the fantastic playlist that we spun!

Bring a loved one out for a Finn Miles show this week. We’re playing an acoustic bit Monday night at Scented Vinyl…a very chill affair indeed! Come out for a drink special as we play some of our favorite vinyl records.

Friday the 13th of love @ Mars Cafe…consider it your pre-Valentine’s warmup. We’ll have arts and crafts for the manufacture of Valentine’s cards, as well as live art…and a special guest who will be opening for us! (the astounding Josh Moore of Tyke and Redforehead)