Refurb original indie-tinged alt rock “The lyrics draw you in... the melodies invite you to stay.” -Laura Sherlock - WXPN/Musicians On Call Philadelphia\'s indie-tinged alt rock band REFURB is a far cry from singer/songwriter Kevin McQuiston\'s acoustic pop sensibilities. After years fronting alternacoustic pop bands, McQuiston recruited a diverse group of musicians to fill the ranks of REFURB. But it almost didn\'t happen... The road to success has a few bumps and turns. Having got close to getting signed with his last project, KMB then having their A&R rep leave the label was enough to cause McQuiston to take leave of the music industry... and enter an interfaith seminary in NYC. “I was burned out and wanted to re-invent myself. I\'ve always been spiritual, not necessarily religious and have been a Buddhist / Taoist for about 20 years. I\'m always the guy everyone calls when they have a problem or need to talk, so I thought maybe I\'d like to be a chaplain at a university.” After a year in the program, McQuiston had a realization. “Number one, that\'s an awfully tight collar to wear... being defined solely by your spirituality. And two... I like being a rockstar.” Ron Telfor, REFURB\'s bass player, had played with McQuiston in his previous alternacoustic project KMB. Bumping into McQuiston on the street, Telfor asked \'where\'s the gig?\' and suggested that a producer who had loved their previous work would be interested in doing a project. Telfor and producer Rudy McGlone brought in drummer Darnel Hillary, an ever buoyant rhythmist who\'s hip hop influences give REFURB\'s alt rock songs a decidedly unique sound. Several guitar slingers were brought forth but the nod went to lead guitarist Matt Callahan, a singer/songwriter that McQuiston had become close friends with since giving him guitar lessons ten years earlier. Armed with a slew of new “hopeful angry love songs” and a killer line-up, REFURB set out to make an EP with McGlone. After a couple of months and dozens of sessions it was decided to try tracking on their own. After several months of mixed results, the band decided to record their debut EP “Sway” at Range Recording Studio in Ardmore, PA. “This has been the recording experience we have always wanted... that we have earned and deserve. Whatever happens with the record from here on out, I know it was worth it all. All the guys at Range, but especially our Producer/engineer Mike McCarthy, have been just awesome.” Due to overwhelming career commitments, Callahan was unable to continue past recording and Keyboardist / guitarist Kirk Abernathy now rounds out the line-up. Abernathy had played in several projects with Hillary and Telfor and is considered by many to be one of the heavyweights of the East Coast. The addition has made for a dynamic live show. REFURB\'s debut EP “Sway” is due for October release 2008, with gigs currently in NYC and Philly. Touring is slated to start in November 2008. For booking contact: Matt Thompson 610-745-7899 Middleman1974@hotmail.com Kevin McQuiston 484-716-4496 kevin@RefurbRock.com