THE MEDIAM/ACTRESS: BIO Portland, Oregon has never had a shortage of artistic individuals who speak their mind. Though very few successfully convey their message with the ironic subtlety and wit as THE MEDIAM do. Through their soaring melodies and sarcastic undertones, the group yields timely and timeless songs that demand a listener's attention. Labeling THE MEDIAM would be an injustice to their music. The group's musical influences range from Bad Religion to Bowie with "traces of post hardcore ala Quicksand, laced with straight up rock elements from bands like the Foo Fighters" (Metro/Chicago). Heartfelt vocals with anthemic traits and heavy angular riffs infused with punchy bass and pulsating rhythmic drums coalesced to form the quintet's inimitable blend of heavy, melodic rock. THE MEDIAM vocalist Gus Nicklos and guitarist Ondrej Fercak have played together in bands since high school. After graduating, the two enlisted former school mate and drummer Joe Mengis to play in their hardcore band, 5 Cent Refund, which disbanded shortly thereafter. Driven by a new musical vision, Nicklos, Fercak, and Mengis forged ahead and established THE MEDIAM. Determined to make their own mark, the band added bassist Adam Pike in 2003 and began performing throughout the west coast. Guitarist and friend Elijah Russell recently joined in 2007 completing the line up. A DIY band from the get go, THE MEDIAM recorded several EPs over the course of the next few years including One (2002), Out of Ideas (2003), and The White House Sessions (2004). Additionally, the group began aggressive touring thusly augmenting their fan base. Broke but determined, the band began recording their first full-length album, Actress, in 2006 with producer and friend, Rob Daiker. After several different studios and meticulous editing the band finished the album in early 2007. "We put our blood, sweat and no tears into this record," says front man and part-time alchemist Nicklos. "Everything good about this project materialized through friends, favors and/or a shared vision. There was no pile of money to draw from so we worked our asses off and recorded when possible. We didn't have the power or staff of a record label either, but that's what makes it satisfying... the fact that it was hard work. Its character reflects the writing and recording process. It parallels the creative tension and personal stress that we went through while making this record. It was a lot of fun too, and I hope that comes across just as well." Stylistically succinct and sonically focused Actress is an explosive concoction of intricate dexterity, heavy riffage, and melody. Featuring songs such as "Slide," a chemically inspired rock anthem, and "Rupert Murdoch," a head bobbing, tongue-in-cheek jab at corporate greed. THE MEDIAM plan to open eyes and ears in the summer of 2007 with a West Coast tour and dates on the Van's Warped Tour. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.