MP3: Inspired and the Sleep – “Chops”

With bassist Max Greenhaulgh at the center of Inspired and the Sleep, rhythm and musicianship take first priority. The Carlsbad trio takes the indie aesthetic to an unexpected level by mixing dance elements with rock riffs and jazz-inspired twists and turns.

The band, originally Greenhaulgh’s project but now featuring Bryce Outcault on guitar and Hayden Stewart on drums, will celebrate the release of their debut EP, Kaleidoscope Years, at the Che Cafe on May 7.

In anticipation of the show, Greenhaulgh told us a little about his influences.

Coachella: This year was epic and it’s my dream to play one day.

Rise Above by Dirty Projectors: An album of Black Flag reinterpretations that’s pretty fucking amazing.

Patrick Watson: A pianist from Canada; his band is amazing.

DIY: If you’re in a band, do-it-yourself, do-it-yourself, do-it-yourself!!! I’ve been booking DIY tours since I was 17 and it’s just a lifestyle that I have developed.

Ché Café: Punk commune venue on UCSD campus and one of the last cool all-ages places in San Diego. Definitely my favorite venue in town.

HEALTH: Noise rock band from Los Angeles; they play the Ché all the time and played a downright scary set at Coachella.

Scarlet Symphony: Space prog rock locals from San Diego, played a couple of shows with them before. They are on hiatus and lead singer, Gary, started Shapes Of Future Frames. They made some insane music, though.

Menomena: Portland band that I’ve been in love with for a long time. They have some unique arrangements and instrumentation. (Saw them at Coachella too).

Rafter: Quirky indie dance pop. Rafter is really an amazing engineer and producer. Would really love to play with these guys one day, and recording with him would be awesome!

Tune-Yards: She makes some janky-ass music using loops, ukulele, and African-influenced melodies and I dig it, kinda along the same lines as Rafter. I bought a rc-50 Boss looper pedal and have been trying to accomplish what she can for a while now!