Creating a thrilling blend of funk, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, The Main Squeeze gets your feet tapping and your body swaying to their utterly infectious beat. Although they have been based in Chicago and are now in LA, the band was originally formed in Indiana.

Founding members Max Newman who plays the guitar, and Ben “Smiley” Silverstein met at a summer camp in New York State. They hit it off and began writing music together. A few years later, the pair enrolled at Indiana University, where fate brought them together with drummer Reuben Gingrich, and The Main Squeeze was born. Their lineup has changed several times, but the lack of continuity has in no way harmed the band’s success. The current lineup is rounded off with Corey Frye, who sings and bassist Rob “Skywalker” Walker.

The Main Squeeze’s popularity must be at least partly due to their utterly unique sound. Few other bands are able to mix musical genres so effortless to create magic. It’s possible they do this so well because the band is so diverse. As the band explain on their YouTube channel: “5 different men. 5 different walks of life. Different shades, religion, tastes, backgrounds, and opinions. SAME GOAL AND VISION. The Main Squeeze are living proof that love and respect don’t have to take a backseat to the differences plaguing the world around us. We don’t need to be afraid of one another, we just need to listen and love.”

In a world where we seem more divided from one another than ever before, it’s no surprise this philosophy brings people together from all walks of life. The YouTube page has 225,000 subscribers, and many of the band’s videos have close to a million views. If you’ve never heard this band play before, then why not start with this hit from the late, great Michael Jackson.