"When we create music as a group, our main influence is to create good rock music. We don't seek out certain sounds or try to sound like anything else."

         For anyone who has been paying even passing attention to the world of independent music, this statement from Maggie Brown, lead singer of My Favorite Everything, is a refreshing thing to hear. Considering the number of bands who are trying with all their might (and loads of equipment) to make a "this band + this band = this band" equation with their music, hearing this Portland quartet's stripped down, straightforward, no bullshit attached rock 'n' roll is like waking up to a sunny day. Albeit with a bit of hangover, a scorched tongue from too many cigarettes, and ringing ears.

         Maggie and her three male compatriots (Zach Hinkelman on guitar, Shane Asbery on bass, and Jonathan Kreilter on drums) have been gracing stages in the Northwest with their melodic and remarkably assured rock for the better part of a year and have already started to pull together a dedicated fan base in their hometown of Portland. They already have their own fan club (known as the Sneak Out Club) and have been getting lots of praise from fellow musicians as well. "Within the music scene our name is recognizable and the word of our live show is growing. I love it that we have people who love [the band]. Of course the idea is to always put on that great live show if you are playing to four people or 400 and hopefully someone in the audience will connect."

         There should be some kind of connection made at their next show (a free Halloween gig at the Tonic Lounge) as the highlight of the show will be the wedding of Maggie and Shane. The two met eight years ago in Missouri while they were both members of a different band. "We began dating a couple of months after that and when that band ended, we continued." In between, the two decided to pull up stakes and move to Oregon, "We could've made the easy jump to St. Louis, which is a city with an up and coming music scene, but decided that if we were going to move then let's make it a real one."

         Besides having their hands full with each other, Maggie and Shane will be busy in the coming months preparing a new EP and then a tour to support it in the summer of 2006. Until then, the band will focus on their energetic live act. "All I know is that performing live is where our bread is buttered. Fans and bands alike respect the energy and effort we are putting out. And we will continue to deliver our melodic rock message at every show."