The Pop Project was born in the suburbs of Detroit in 1998 as a group of high school kids gathered to create music to excite both them, family, friends, and their growing fan base. They quickly built a following in Detroit and throughout various Michigan college towns. From the beginning, singer/guitarist Dave Lawson took a lead role. With the later addition of Zach Curd relieving Lawson of some vocal duties, the Pop Project began a new era as serious songwriters and dedicated musicians, rarely taking a break from live performances. Bassist Lauren Orr left the band in the fall of 2000 soon after the band's performance at the Detroit Summer Smash music festival and the recording of their debut album, Let's Eat Green Beans. In 2001, drummer Dave Knepp left the band and was temporarily replaced with Dave Shettler of Detroit's Moods for Moderns. In the fall of 2001, Adam Kempa of Michigan band the Recital took over on drums. All along, Chris Graves performed gleefully on guitar and bass since the Pop Project's inception. With a focus on melody, a quick listen to the Pop Project's music conjures up emotions and sounds reminiscent of the Beach Boys, the Beatles, and Big Star. Exhibiting an unabashed enthusiasm for clean pop hooks and a quick turn of phrase, the band has created a name for themselves in the Michigan music community. ~ Stephen Cramer