"Peace of mind, I want to make some time for wasting." A theory, which applies to many college students, is also the album cover that the Katie Todd Band has chosen for their new record release entitled Make Some Time for Wasting. Described as "fresh" and edgy" the band proves their latest CD has a lot to offer both talent-wise and instrumentally.

In an interview with The Badger Herald, lead singer Katie Todd describes the CD as being different from the band's prior ones because she could "write about" dilemmas in life and "feel OK." She described it as a process where she was totally open and honest with herself, the most sincere she had ever been.

Not only is the CD personal, it also displays Katie Todd and the band's instrumental talent. The blonde haired, blue-eyed singer and songwriter has been playing the piano since the age of five, and her latest band consists of a bass, guitarist and drummer. The four-piece band originated after Todd graduated from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania in 2001. Calling themselves a mix between the "pop" scene and "independent music," the band's four instruments mix well with the synchrony of the group's voices to create a sweet sense of harmony that matches the melody.

As far as vocals are concerned, Todd has a powerful voice that can be likened to a blend between a more energized Sarah McLachlan and a younger Sheryl Crow. Moreover, Todd, who considers her range to be between an alto and a soprano, has a rustic voice like Tori Amos and could be put in the same genre as a softer version of the lead singer of The Cranberries, Dolores O'Riordan.

Not only is her voice pleasing to the ears, her song lyrics easily engage her listeners. Todd describes the Make Some Time for Wasting as being from a "Blue Period" — a time when she was "figuring stuff out" and going through a lot of changes in her life.

Todd said, "Music means everything and helps one get out of a bad situation."

This is apparent on the first single, "Face Down," which displays the band's ability to captivate an audience within the first couple of notes. As Todd sings: "A broken record but you stay and take some more. And as you're looking out at your chord you think, well I gotta get out of here." For Todd, the mention of the word "chords" reveals how music is an outlet for dealing with life's everyday traumas.

As well as being an outlet of emotion, the CD's lyrics also create a sense of empowerment for the listener. On the track "Wonder Woman," about a close family member's struggle for control, she sings, "Seize the day, do you have something you can sink your teeth into? … please don't give in." These strong lines give the listener a surge of energy to disregard the day's troubles and relax.

In another track, "In and Around" are the lines, "your actions are contagious" and "it's starting to affect us and that's when we say no." The song refers to peer influence and not seeing eye-to-eye. It also gives a sense a power to the listener because Todd's voice and lyrics disregard the negative influences of conflicting ideas.

Todd said that working with others in the music business inspired the song and, as different opinions come to the surface, others can be negatively affected by it. The song pertains to the theory "agree to disagree" in order to move past differences.

Power struggles are not the only subject the band sings about. On the track, "This Time," which relates to another college theme — infidelity, Todd's talent as a pianist is blended with smooth lyrics and the singer's calming voice. During the song she connects with the notion of "coming clean," "kissing and telling" and not returning to "the past." Todd said, "One thing great about being a musician is that you can vent without costing yourself millions in damages." This candid attitude is apparent in the lyrics Todd conveys to audiences.

Although the lyrics are short on the 11-track album, the lack of repetitive choruses and the wittiness of lines such as "your pocket full of bullshit" or "and even when the stars are shining, there's always something caught between your teeth", suggests that Katie is able to bond with her audiences much like her self-proclaimed "god" Fiona Apple, who she describes as "brilliant" in an almost optimistic, euphoric state.

The Katie Todd band is not suggested for those who want to rock out, but rather is better suited for sitting around and relaxing with friends, enjoying life for the moment. Perhaps the track, "Figure It Out", which relates to two friends trying to figure out the mysteries of life over coffee, best describes the setting of where one might most likely hear her music.

As far as hearing the band live, Todd said she's "happy" with live shows, and sees them as a much better representation of the band and her music because "the CD doesn't quite represent our band," which she describes as much more passionate.

The band has been touring, mainly around the Chicago and Wisconsin areas, and sees an audience comprised of ages anywhere between 16-65. Currently doing a college tour, Katie Todd said she "loves Madison" and that the band will be coming to Madison's own "The Klinic" April 15. As of March, the band has been added to the Lollapalooza tour coming this August.

Already winning Milwaukee's own "Big Break" contest at Summerfest in 2002, the band brings strong promise, fresh faces and a great lyrical and instrumental vibe to the independent music scene. Look forward to seeing big things for the band.