Stir

Comprised of childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist Andy Schmidt and drummer Brad Booker, later bringing in bassist Kevin Gagnepain when all three were enrolled in the University of Missouri-Columbia, St. Louis's Stir have been making a name for themselves through their extensive touring and glossy power-pop. Originally signed by Aware Records after their showcase at the 1995 South By Southwest festival, their self-titled debut, though rather low budget, received some airplay. Eventually signing with Capitol Records, Stir produced a more focused, radio-friendly follow-up with 2000's Holy Dogs.