Biography
Vocalist and guitarist Stephanie Smith, after co-leading the Portland, OR, rock trio Spectator Pump throughout four years in the '90s, chose to launch a solo venture by establishing Kleveland in 2000. The resulting outfit, a hard rocking yet pop-oriented garage band tailored to Portland's gritty club circuit, drew its intensity from the likes of X and early Pretenders while issuing the 2002 EP Everybody Wants To. Two years later the band delivered its self-titled full-length through the local Pampelmoose imprint, with Smith collaborating alongside drummer Danny Carbo of area rock band Thrillbilly and bassist Matty K. That release balanced melody and ferocity in equal measure to Blondie and Cheap Trick on one hand and Joan Jett and Iggy Pop on the other. By 2008 the lineup had settled around Smith performing with Carbo, bassist Allen Hunter of the Eels, and second guitarist/vocalist Morgan Grace.
Albums
