Biography
Mentally Distrakted has been carving out their name in the music scene with this lineup since 2019. With Evan Pearston as the singer/guitarist, Trevor Pearston as the drummer, Jenna Clark as the bass guitarist and Daniel Likes as the lead guitarist, Mentally Distrakted brings a rounded, heavy sound to the new age of music.
​
Their style leaves one foot firmly planted in the grunge aesthetic of the 90's, while the other loosely flows between sub-genres of punk, metal, and other unique styles.
​
From a very young age, these kids have been expressing a level of musicianship that excels far beyond that of their peers, and they continue to bloom and express themselves through their innovative style of music.
Timeline
2019
Evan Pearston (age 14) starts to write songs, occasionally inviting Trevor, his younger brother (age 10) to play drums with him. A special musical bond forms between them.
2020-2021
Evan and Trevor start to frequent the local record store where jam nights foster inspiration to continue writing for both of the boys.
At this time, Evan fosters relationships between musicians in the community, and tries to form multiple bands with friends. These projects, while short lasted, helped solidify Evan's unique writing style.
One particular musical project encouraged a young Jenna Clark to pick up a bass guitar. Evan and Jenna began learning and growing with one another, challenging each other to get better as the months progressed.
April 2022
Evan and Trevor play together alongside a few other friends as a part of the house band for the record store. By this time, the boys had frequented the record store and made it the unofficial headquarters until it was shut down. They earn their first spot on a local show when the owner asked the boys to perform as part of a "Metal Monday" showcase.
June 2022
The band, now known as "The Boys", "The Strum Around Kids", "The Metal Monday Band", or just Evan and Trevor play a show together for the 2nd time. They quickly realize there is some sort of magic happening... and the adults around them agree. The manager at Strum Around book the boys for a show in July under the name "Mentally Distrakted".
The Band is born.
​
Trevor suggests that his new band plays at the annual talent show. Trevor, along with Evan and stand-in bassist Jenna Clark play a packed gym as "The Band!"
Friends and Family encourage these three to play as a band together, and rumors of Jenna becoming the 3rd member of Mentally Distrakted start to fly around.
July 2022
The boys play their first show under the new name, opening for a band on tour. Evan and Trevor play with a minimal setup, and tear the house down for the first time as Mentally Distrakted.
August 2022
The band solidifies its lineup by adding Jenna Clark on bass. They continue to play shows at Strum Around, building a following from the ground up.
​
The band meets Jason Voorhees. (long story)
John E.L. Tenney gets Mentally Distrakted. (another long story)
October 2022
Band is interviewed on local radio 95.3 WLKR for the first time.
November 2022
The band's sound is established.
​
With tracks like "Detached", "Chakra" and "Educated" being written by Evan nearly 2 years prior, the songs finally see a new light and are formative in grounding the band in the alternative punk genre.
December 2022
Mentally Distrakted plays a Christmas Benefit show that benefits local charities and gets toys in the hands of underprivileged children.
​
They are invited to play the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Tri-C High School Battle of the Bands. (Best Christmas present EVER)
January 2023
Mentally Distrakted plays the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the first time.
March 2023
Mentally Distrakted plays their first acoustic set.
​
The band plays their first gig in Columbus, OH.
April 2023
Live Album is recorded at Halo Live during a show.
​
Mentally Distrakted's unofficial mascot was found in the middle of the road in downtown Sandusky.
May 2023
Mentally Distrakted plays for Ohio members of Green Jellÿ.
Evan graduates High School.
June 2023
Mentally Distrakted plays their first big stage in front of over 100 people downtown.
​
They make their first celebrity friend. (kinda)
​
August 2023
Local bands and underground legends alike commend Mentally Distrakted for their heavy live show and unique style. The band's oldest member is only 18 at this point.
September 2023
Mentally Distrakted is invited to play Jubilleego, a festival that helps raise funds for local artists with developmental disabilities.
October 2023
A brief break was taken to pursue other work. With the rhythm section in high school, and with Evan in college, breaks are necessary to get Educated!
November 2023
The band stood strong while playing out in a new environment. Bootlegs and recordings are in circulation!
December 2023
Mentally Distrakted celebrates the Holidays by playing on the 22nd at Waterbottom.
January 2024
Demo tracks and ideas are starting to circulate for the debut album.
February - April 2024
Pre-Production and Schoolwork are the two things on these kid's minds.
May 2024
The band gets in touch with their old friends and family, Jenna graduates, and these young adults appear on the radio again to promote their shows taking place in the summer.
June 2024
The band has a few gigs during the month of June, playing in Norwalk, Sandusky and Vermillion! After weeks of pain, Evan finds out his right thumb is broken, preventing him from playing guitar for a few months to come.
​
Evan and Trevor join the shiny hiney club. (hehe)
July 2024
With Evan unable to play, the future of the band is uncertain... but a bit of perseverance and a little help from a friend keeps hope in the hearts of fans everywhere.
Daniel Likes, a long time fan and friend, picks up guitar duties for Evan while he heals. He is welcomed in as the 4th member of the band!
They play a house party as a four piece for the first time, covering Alice in Chains and Silverchair.
Daniel learns fast, and has his first official gig with the band in Mansfield!
September 2024
Mentally Distrakted plays Jubileego for the second time in two years, performing alongside local legends and growing bands from all across Ohio.
​
The single for "Accutane" is in development.
​
