Intended to release these songs with accompanying video for YouTube (check out the VIDEO section to watch), Mike recorded this acoustic album live and in a single take.

"This is the first time I ever released a record so raw and stripped down. It was recorded with only my longtime wiritng partner (a 2001 Taylor 414ce acoutsic guitar), 2 mics and a couple cameras...so this is literally 'what you see is what you get.' But when I listened back to the recordings, there is something so authentic and genuine there that sometimes gets lost in the drums and electric guitars. The sparseness allows the story of the song to take the spotlight, and I am so proud of the songs for being able to stand on thier own without the fireworks."

-MJA

Real to Reel (2010) is The New Relics’ most polished live release to date. Coming off the radio success of “Beautiful” and “Real Love,” TNR spent most of 2009-2011 on the road, touring the east coast and honing in on a sound that was reminiscent of their jam-band and rock roots while stretching further into the Alt-Country and Americana genres where they always towed the line.

You can hear the influence that sharing stages with Zac Brown Band and Craig Morgan had on the band in the smart arrangements and extended instrumental jam sessions of this live recording.

"Since day one, we've always been a live band. This is simply us doing what we do best - grabbing an instrument and making some memories."

-MJA

Recorded in a small whitewater rafting bar in Fayetteville West Virginia in 2005, “Live at the Red Dog” is a snapshot of one night on the road with The New Relics.

The setlist is a high energy mix of originals spanning 3 albums, as well as covers ranging from country to classic rock to 80’s pop.

“I can still remember that night. This little bar filled with rafters and locals and folks from all over, partying and jumping around so much we were legitimately concerned that the floor was going to cave in. We’ve done bigger shows for sure, but the Red Dog has a special place in my heart.”

-MJA

Moving firmly into the contemporary Americana genre with their newest release, comparisons have been made between The New Relics and Pat Green, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and John Mellencamp. The band consistently delivers a fresh, radio-friendly sound with great stories and hooks that will have fans singing along.

Monongalia is more than a collection of songs; it’s a collection of people and how their lives interact and intertwine together all within the mountains of Monongalia County, West Virginia. Each song represents a day in the life of someone from Monongalia and the thoughts and dreams that they hold onto each day.

The New Relics have spent many years touring and evolving their musical style, and Monongalia was just the next stop on their musical evolution. But no matter where their music takes them, they always come back home to the people they love. Because sometimes a jeep, a dog, a secret swimming hole, and your lover are all you need. That is Monongalia.

In their 3rd studio release Chasing Venus (2006), The New Relics explore a more open, live sound that they quickly became known for in their regional following.

Frontman Michael J. Arbogast’s smart lyrics and emotive voice are put to good use over a bed of rhythmic acoustic guitar, along with Josh Swiger’s thumping bass and Bryan Martin’s tasteful drumming. Jim Bidwell steals the show with his soulful electric guitar riffs, proving that a 4-piece band with minimal added tracks can create a full, lush sound that fills the space between your headphones with sonic tastiness.

Highlights of this album are the Billboard-charting opener Pictures, the raucous and clever King of Beers, the lyrically poignant Gravity, and a rocking cover of Ah Ha’s hit from the 80’s Take On Me.

Hard Road (2003) showcases a more mainstream rock approach to The New Relics’ rhythmic acoustic roots rock, trading the soaring violin and jazzy piano riffs of Casting Stones for a more prominent bluesy electric guitar.

Frontman Michael J. Arbogast’s smart lyrics and emotive voice are put to good use over a bed of rhythmic acoustic guitar, along with Josh Swiger’s thumping bass and Bryan Martin’s tasteful drumming. The addition of John Schooley on electric guitar marks a change in the direction of the band, leaning towards a more accessible sound of 90’s pop-rock icons like Matchbox 20, Train, and Howie Day.

Highlights of this album are fan-favorites Evaporating and Hard Road, as well as radio-friendly versions of the previously recorded What He Sees In Her and Middle America. She Believes was also played in heavy rotation on Sirius XM radio.

Casting Stones (2000) is the debut album from The New Relics. The tone flows from melancholy (Ann Arbor) to feel-good (Something New) to dark, driving and foreboding (Rain Down) and back again.

The band is fearless, taking on ambitious arrangements with virtuosic soloing from pianist Davin Seamon and violinist Alexandria Marino. Holding down the foundation is bassist Josh Swiger and drummer Bryan Martin, who selflessly put Arbogast’s storytelling and emotive voice front and center.

Though young at the time, these players show real moments of brilliance in Casting Stones, setting the stage for a genre-hopping career that is still evolving today.