BEST BAND • 1. Three Minute Mile

Although the band Three Minute Mile leaves the meaning of their name to their fans' imaginations, the band's name could represent their rapid growth in popularity around Bloomington. \nThree Minute Mile is a result of two guys, a bathroom and a demo for the Live From Bloomington CD, an annual collection of local artists put out by the Union Board. Seniors Mike Stocksdale and Jason Kotynski were Willkie suite mates who created the demo in their bathroom. After having their demo selected to be a part of the Live From Bloomington CD, the two friends had to find a band -- Kirby Oelling (who has since left the band), Justin Seidenberg and Justin Leone.\nBut being voted Best Band in Bloomington is not the only recognition the local band has encountered this year. This past summer, Three Minute Mile traveled to Los Angeles, Calif., to perform 20 shows, opening for the Foo Fighters. In October, the band then performed at the 16th annual Farm Aid and also won the Maverick Battle of the Bands. They are currently competing between 12 other top bands for $10,000 and a demo deal with Maverick. \nStocksdale says the mission for their music is evident on their latest album, Waiting for Whenever, and also during their live performances.\n"We try to keep (the music) simple and keep to the roots," Stocksdale says. "People who see us live get a pretty good show. There is this big exchange of energy between the audience and us. We love our music and we get into it."\nThe fans obviously agree because of their votes submitted in this year's Best of Bloomington contest. \n"Anyone who is sick of cover bands should go see Three Minute Mile," says senior and self-proclaimed fan Gena Soeldner. "I like how they write their own songs."\nSoeldner says their music is so universal that a multitude of different people can listen to it and enjoy it.\n"My friend's mom was here and bought the CD for her daughter," she says. "Her daughter loves it. It's cool how they can reach so many people."\nPart of this universal draw is a result of the band members' different musical backgrounds.\nBassist Justin Leone has a punk-rock background while Stocksdale, lead-guitarist and co-songwriter, prefers classical rock. Drummer Justin Seidenberg loves jazz, and Kotynski's vocals blend all these influences together.\n"He sings straight from the heart," Seidenberg says. "He has passion in his vocals."\nStocksdale defines their sound as comparable to the format of radio music -- music that is easy to listen to, but he adds that they are in no way attempting to produce formulaic music.\n"We try to be versatile," Stocksdale says. "There are peaks and valleys in our music. We range between loud and more sensitive sounds."\nSeidenberg says that winning Best of Bloomington was unexpected by the band but much appreciated. \n"We appreciate all the support," he says.\nIf you want to catch Three Minute Mile, voted Bloomington's Best Band, they will be performing Dec. 7 at Kilroy's Sports and Dec. 15 at the Bluebird Nightclub.