TRANĂ

Although guitarist Yakup Trana and singer Stephen Schmidt had been writing together for some time, it wasn't until January of 2003 that they hooked up with the rhythm section of bassist Tom Barrett and drummer Tate Erickson. Taking their name from their Turkish-born guitar player and de facto leader, Trana gelled together quickly, and by April the Seattle-based group's debut, Weird World, was ready for release by indie label Lake Samm. ~ Wade Kergan