New Cadence may have come together in 2009, but its classic sound could be dropped into the 1970s, 1990s and easily into 2013. Classified as indie-folk, the band's pop sensibilities and meticulous layering of instruments and harmonies separate it from most traditional Americana acts.

The lineup solidified in 2011 after some shifts, and New Cadence released the EP "Yesteryear" in July. The band has recorded its next release, which should come out early next year.

Lineup: Shane Bierwith, vocals, guitar; Mike Rawlinson, guitar, vocals, horns, lap steel; Hilary Hanselman, piano, vocals, organ; Greg Finley, bass, vocals, piano, organ, glockenspiel; Tim Brummett, drums, glockenspiel.


SB: When I was a kid, it was Van Morrison and Gregg Allman. As I got older, indie artists like Jawbreaker and Elliott Smith transformed my love for music.

How does living in the Bay Area affect your music?

SB: There's a new roots revival that is happening around the globe, and San Francisco is at the epicenter of an amazing music scene that's primed to take off. The level of talent in the Bay Area really keeps us motivated to be better musicians. The harder we work, the closer New Cadence will be to the epicenter when the quake hits.

What's the most important aspect to putting on a live show?

SB: At the end of the day, we just want people to have a good time at our shows. If we can get you to sing along and leave with a smile on your face, then we've done our job.


SB: Naming a band is ridiculously difficult. It can be more daunting than making a record. If you take the name literally "New" as in "novel" or "unique" and "Cadence" meaning "sound" or "rhythm." The idea is that we never want our music to be stale. We always want to challenge ourselves.

Check it out:

Next gig: 9:30 p.m. Friday. With Great White Buffalo, Northerner. $10-$12. Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th St., S.F. (415) 626-4455.

- Tony DuShane,