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When a Volkswagen Jetta pulls up to Cowboy

Monkey on April 26, don't be surprised when you see what will come out of the car. It will most likely be the band Snowsera, intact with all band members and instruments.

Typically dressed in button-down shirts, these are not your typical rock stars, but they have been making a steady impact on the local scene since the creation of the band last October. They have 11 scheduled shows over the next few months including upcoming shows in Dekalb and Minneapolis, as well as playing locally at Canopy Club May 2.

Bill Arteaga sings, Ian Erard plays guitar and Nate Christenson plays bass for Snowsera. They have always played with a drum machine but are currently trying out a local drummer.

Although Erard describes their music as rock or alternative, do not expect to hear a typecast sound. They play an entire set list of original songs without falling into a particular musical genre.

"You want your music to be singular and unique on its own," said Erard.

It may seem that all three guys have a laid back and easygoing demeanor, but they are dedicated to their music and are constantly looking for ways to improve. Christenson called his band professional, hardworking and dedicated, whether they are booking shows practicing or playing live.

"Nothing is done by one person," said Christenson. "Everything's always collaborated." They have learned to work off of and with each other.

All one needs to do to get the full view of their personality is to dissect their name. If you are looking for something profound, you will be disappointed. Erard said after days of looking through pages of possible names, they settled on Snowsera because all three members like snow and "sera" is the Italian word for evening. And with that moment of genius, a band was truly born.

While they have only been a band for a little over five months, they owe their good fortune of playing a lot of venues to MySpace. The entire band agrees they would not have a chance to be where they are now if it were not for the capabilities of MySpace to gain contacts and friends and allow everyone in the world to listen to their music free of charge.

"We have been fortunate to play where we have," said Arteaga. "We've played at all of the places locally where we wanted to."

Their first show was at Canopy Club after they had formed the band less than three weeks before the show. Arteaga called it "heaven sent" to play their first show ever on the main stage in this venue. They only played three songs then, but now can play nine songs for a full set. Their songs are available on MySpace, and they regularly give out free CDs at their shows.

Though they have been successful in many different aspects, Christenson said it has not been a cakewalk - their second show at Eastern Illinois University was almost the end of the band. The drum machine at times was not loud enough to hear until it was turned way up, resulting in "blood-curdling squealing." Erard said he thought his ear was bleeding and actually checked for blood during the show. The whole band was completely embarrassed, and Christenson thought it was the end of the band.

Instead, they made it a bonding and growing experience. They have had many "trials and tribulations with the drum machine," but with the prospect of a full-time drummer, their hard work and positive attitudes, the future path for Snowsera looks to be both successful and rewarding.