Q&A: Get to Know Local Quirky Indie Folk Band 'At Average'

At Average is a three-piece eclectic indie band that just might be far from “average.”

The band has an original sound, unique vibe and a one-of-a-kind background that brought Nathan Schleicher (vocals) of Berkley, Emily Carlson (strings and organ) of Royal Oak and Nic Cole-Klaes (bass), a Birmingham teacher, to where they are today.

The Metro Detroit-based indie rockers have been touring across the Midwest and to Nashville (even the West Coast just last week), but it’s right here in Michigan where they are debuting their new EP: Black Hatted.

At Average has two shows coming up — at 7 p.m. today at  and 8 p.m. Sunday at . Both shows are free and great for all ages.

We wanted to know more about this unconventional band that is noted for including bellowing organ sounds, orchestra mixes and unusual lyrics about everything from history to cinema, God and myths.

Schleicher, lead vocalist and musician of various acoustic instruments, gives a sneak peek at this weekend’s concerts, the idea behind their music and why averageness is something the band embraces.

Patch: Tell us a little about At Average.

Schleicher: The band officially formed early in 2011, though the three of us have been playing together for some time. Emily and I had previously released several albums with the The Northern Skies and Drake. We play across the Midwest, though locally, Ferndale has been a consistent place for concerts. This summer we've been asked to participate in their DIY Festival and their Dream Cruise celebrations.  

Q: Give us an example of a musical inspiration for your sound.

A: In recent years I've been most inspired by Sufjan Stevens, a musician originally from Michigan, in fact. His creativity with lyrics, instrumentation and rhythm astounds me and his success in remaining an independent artist gives me hope and encouragement. 

Q: What about the name of your band — how did that come to be?

A: Do you remember gym class when every year they'd measure you? Heights, weight, number of push-ups or laps you could do?  In school I distinctly remember being told time and again that my body and my abilities were average! As a result, I became somewhat obsessed with this dream to be the best at something ... anything! 

Only recently have I had the wisdom to be OK with the idea of average because I see a distinct separation between being average and being normal. I can be extremely average in a lot of way (and I probably am), but that doesn't mean my life and my future can't be extraordinary. Music is one way that I express my passions and our band name helps remind me of the desire to keep pushing forward, beyond normal or typical things.  

Q: What can people expect at your show?

A: We like to joke and be a little goofy at concerts, and conversely we have intensely personal and moving moments as well. Our shows reflect the kind of music we write, which is a full gambit of emotions and topics. For example, on the EP we're releasing, we have a song about an oddball art student (and) two tracks from a song about an absent father figure. 

I believe our shows have appeal for people because it’s not all the same feel or content all the way through. At times it’s provocative and at times it’s just plain fun.  Heck, we're even thinking of ending our concert this week with a "Muppety"-style song we originally wrote for kids (but adults seem to love it even more) all about the "joys of opposites."  

We get a kick out of throwing stuff like that into the live show and we can't wait to share the new music with our friends and fans.

For more information about At Average, visit ataverage.com.