Square was a musical trio from Lincoln, Nebraska who moved to Southern California in early 2000. It was comprised of Sean Beste on vocals and keyboards, James Valentine on guitar, and Ryland Steen on drums. Their sound has been described as including elements of rock, pop, and jazz fusion. The band moved to Orange County after entering an Ernie Ball-sponsored band competition. They won the grand prize, besting 600 other entrants.[1] Shortly after winning the competition, they released their only full length album, This Magnificent Nonsence, on indie label Lucy Smith Music. The band starting playing many gigs in the area, including some with local band Kara's Flowers. In 2001, the members of Kara's Flowers asked Valentine to join their group, an invitation that he accepted, effectively dissolving Square. Kara's Flowers changed its name to Maroon 5 and became one of the most commercially successful acts of the mid-2000's. Steen later joined established ska band Reel Big Fish. Beste, who was initially upset at Valentine's decision to leave Square but says he no longer harbors any ill will, started a band called The Excuse and moved to Portland, Oregon for several years.[2][3] Beste has since returned to the Los Angeles area and has done some work with the band Maxeen.
References
- ^ Kane, Rich. "What’s that Sound? The buzz about Square". Orange County Weekly, August 17, 2000.
- ^ Kane, Rich. "Starstruck: Square should’ve had what Maroon 5 got". Orange County Weekly, May 5, 2005.
- ^ Official website of The Excuse.
