Living the rock 'n' roll dream for most musicians isn't working a "day job.”
But for THE LIFT , a rock quartet of Matt Docter (guitar), Jason Docter (keyboards),
Todd Beeson (bass) , and Chris O'Brien (drums)– immersing themselves in the
entertainment business is paying off!   “Opening new doors and building new relationships
with creative people is important for artists.   Working in the Hollywood system offers
those opportunities daily,” says Jason.

Before moving to Los Angeles, Matt and Jason founded the The Suede Chain in the mid-90's.
The indie darlings of the Champaign, IL scene released two albums for the Parasol label.
Opening for major artists Oasis, Sheryl Crow, and Poi Dog Pondering as well as
charting commercial radio play, gave The Suede Chain a modestly successful indie career
with 6000+ in sales.  

In Minneapolis, bassist Todd Beeson toured with critically acclaimed Marlee MacLeod
and Matt Wilson of Trip Shakespeare.  

From Toronto, drummer Chris O'Brien joined the band to support the debut Road To Hana,
after drumming with fellow Champaign, IL artist Robynn Ragland.   Chris's talents as a TV
composer and creator of the drum loop CD “Stark Raving Beats” for Ilio quickly became apparent.  

Currently, Matt and Jason direct commercials and have used the band to compose themes for
Guitar Center, Fox Soccer Channel, True Tone Music and Midwest-based Sky Bank.  
Todd teaches music to kids and does an occasional bass session. Chris composes music for
the hit TV shows Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, Dr. Phil and Rachael Ray.  

It is through these various day jobs, that THE LIFT has placed numerous songs before ever releasing a CD. Many may recognize tracks such as “Satellite,” “Surrounded,” “Spaceman,” and “Ride” from placement on Fox's “Roswell,” ABC's “Life As We Know It,” the NBC mini series “The 70's,” MTV's “The Real World,” and most recently the MTV shows, "Cheyenne" & "Why Can't I Be You," the CW show “Hidden Palms,” and NBC's hit drama “ER.”

With the success of 2004's Road To Hana -- described by All Music Guide as, “a smooth solid debut that drifts, rocks, and shimmers in all the right places” --   Gibson® guitars recognized The Lift as “one of L.A.'s top 3 unsigned bands.”  

It is What It Is , their sophomore release out independently May 1, 2007, is a mature offering that evolves from start to finish. While its predecessor is about the journey, not the destination, the 10 tracks on It Is What It Is are a collective celebration of beginnings and endings.

“ It Is What It Is is an absolute collaboration -- all the way down to the tracking and mixing,” notes Matt.

“Being that we are all talented songwriters with strong ideas, it is fun to see what parts float to the top,” adds Todd.   “Everyone in the band has the integrity to speak up and be heard…so what you end up hearing on this CD is a perfect reflection of us and where we are at in our lives.”

The Lift will perform at The Viper Room in Los Angeles to celebrate the release of It Is What It Is on Friday, May 11.   The new album is available as a download for purchase through www.myspace.com/thelift and will soon be available on ITunes or visit the band's website at www.theliftstation.com.