PureVolume

Michael John Iafrate

is a West Virginia songsmith in his late 20's who has been creating and performing acoustic-based songs for well over a decade. As a member of some of WV's most creative and well-known independent music acts, such as The Minus Tide, Drown Culture, and Killed At Camp, Iafrate made it a point to continue writing and performing acoustic solo material alongside his various other musical projects. The songs deal not only with the usual topic of human relationality, but of the intersection of politics, religion, and sexuality, giving respectful nods in part to Will Oldham, Neil Young, classic R.E.M., Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, and Songs:Ohia/Magnolia Electric Co.

M Iafrate independently released four CDs and two cassettes between the years 1998-2003, and in July 2005 released O Happy Marriage - his first recording to feature a full band - under the name M Iafrate & The Priesthood. The album features the playing of Iafrate's bandmates from The Minus Tide and Drown Culture, as well as Clint Sutton of Moon and fellow WV songwriter Sean Decker (also ex-Minus Tide). Marriage consists of full-sounding country/folk-rock songs as well as the softer guitar-only tracks that audiences have come to expect. 2005 also saw the release of a limited edition Christmas album entitled happy xmas, x is here, available for free download on Iafrate's site.

In 2006 Iafrate plans to release another full-length of new material, possibly with the Priesthood, a collection of older home recordings and demos, a collection of re-recorded best of tracks from his earlier albums, and a collection of liturgical songs originally penned by the St. Louis Jesuits. Should be a busy year.

Iafrate has shared the stage with such vital acts as Songs:Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co., The Anomoanon, Papa M, Matt Pond PA, and the Rosebuds. Surprisingly, he has also played shows with such bands as Zao and The Movielife.

Iafrate recently debuted a new project featuring members of The Minus Tide called COBRA. COBRA is currently working on material for their debut full-length.

Michael John Iafrate
songs, acoustic and electric guitar, vocals
banjo, mandolin, keyboard, harmonica, etc.

THE PRIESTHOOD:
Dallas Campbell
bass guitar
Clint Sutton
electric guitar, vocals
Sean Decker
acoustic guitar, vocals
Dave Klug
drum kit, percussion
Rosanne Campbell
keyboard