Upside Groove Coalition bassist, Steve Tycz, describes his band's music as "modern rock flavored with funk, jazz and soul," but after listening to their demo CD, it seems samba and New Orleans-style blues are undeniable influences as well. This mega-mixture of genres, and interesting choices for cover songs, are what make UGC unique and potentially a band that will spark from the ashes of unknown local groups.

Although the covers are not on the new CD, called Funky Estofado, they are still in rotation for live shows. Most impressive is UGC's funkified, slow version of The Cure's "Close to Me," that showcases the talents of the entire band, especially saxophonist Matt Ostlund. Although Robert Smith's signature delivery seems strikingly absent whenever a Cure song is covered, lead vocalist Richie Howell's New Orleans-style voice takes the song to a completely new place -- one that is definitely hotter than the melancholy Smith's version.

Other members of the band include founding members Brian Bruendl on drums and Sean Berry on guitar (Howell and Ostlund joined later) and guest musicians often sit in during shows, including esteemed violinist Tom Hansen.

Upside Grove Coalition will release their first CD this weekend at the Milwaukee Ale House and recently, OMC caught up with Tycz and tapped him for more information about his new band.

OMC: Is this your first CD with UGC?

ST: This is our full-length debut.

OMC: Where was it recorded? Who produced it?

ST: We recorded at Al & Willy's Engine Room (Alan Williams & Willy Porter's new studio). Alan engineered it. It was produced by Brian Bruendl, Alan Williams and I.

OMC: What other bands have you been in? How is UGC different?

ST: Brian and I came most recently from the ashes of True Heart Susie, a Milwaukee-based progressive rock band. THS was centered around one songwriter, and UGC tries to be a more collaborative effort. Sean was last in the Crowning. Matt still plays with meringue and salsa bands in the area and Richie sang with a few projects in New Orleans.

OMC: Is Milwaukee a good place for your type of band?

ST: I think we're a good band for a place like Milwaukee because we're happy to play for the audience. We can play clubs where all-original music is expected, or festivals and clubs where it's traditional to play covers, while being at home in each. It's great for us too, because we're not playing the same set night after night and it keeps the music fresh for us.

There are a lot of groups who would rather sit in the basement because they don't want to play any covers. There are a few bands in town who are savvy enough to be able to do what they love, and finance their original art by doing it. We try to take what other musicians have done, build on it and make it our own. Whether that means samba beats for Radiohead or Meters-style funk for Jane's Addiction.

OMC: What are your aspirations for the band?

ST: In the short term: play lots of festival and club dates, in and out of state this summer and fall. Just keeping the band out there. In the long term we want to keep evolving as musicians and continue growing as a band. By that I mean getting our music into the hands and ears of new fans, adding new venues and festivals to our playlist, and attracting national attention.

OMC: How long have you been playing bass?

ST: Since 1984 or '85.

OMC: Did you study somewhere or are you self-taught?

ST: I think it's better from a creative standpoint to teach yourself and explore your instruments first, then seek out a teacher and other players to share philosophies and techniques with. I had already played in several bands and developed a style before taking classes with Tom McGirr.

OMC: Do you play other instruments?

ST: Sure ... drums, guitar, other things as needed. Everyone in the band plays multiple instruments.

OMC: What else do you do besides the band?

ST: Sometimes I don't think there is anything besides the band. It's been a lot of work lately, but you know, it's "good work." To help with the bills I bartend sporadically and do graphic design. I still flirt with the idea of getting another day job or taking that last class I need to graduate. Brian is a locksmith during the day, and burns the other end of the candle with his Irish rock band at night. Matt, Sean and Richie are going to school and working part-time as well.

OMC: What CDs are you listening to these days?

ST: Cake, "Comfort Eagle," Sparklehorse, "It's a Wonderful Life," Red Hot Chili Peppers, "By the Way," Queens of the Stone Age, "Songs for the Deaf."

OMC: What are your all-time favorites?

ST: There are so many for different reasons: song writing, production, energy, subtlety and emotional attachment. The most cohesive albums don't necessarily have the favorite songs, but here's a few: Radiohead, "The Bends," Smashing Pumpkins, "Gish," Beatles, "Abbey Road," Afghan Whigs, "Gentlemen," John Coltrane, "Live at the Village Vanguard" and Soundgarden, "Badmotorfinger."

OMC: Where's the best place to play in Milwaukee?

ST: Every place has its good points. Summerfest on a beautiful day is fantastic. Opening for a national act at the Eagles Club makes you feel like a rock star. The fun-loving crowd and great beer at Milwaukee Ale House always makes it a party. I could go on about a lot of the places we play because each has it's own "special sauce."

UGC will play a show and release their first CD on Sat., Mar. 1 at 9:30 p.m. at the Milwaukee Ale House. $5 cover.