The Lighthouse and the Whaler is a band from Cleveland, Ohio, with what MTV describes as "really cool melodic folk-rock... and a live show you've got to check out for yourself." Inspired by a theme from Moby Dick, the band’s name alone is enough to make underpaid Literature teachers beam with pride.

It all started with two musicians — Michael LoPresti and Aaron Smith — who decided to collaborate in a field one sunny afternoon because that seemed nicer than playing in a basement. By the end of the day they had written their first song: “The Field Song.” When it was selected for a Paste Sampler CD, Aaron and Michael decided to make a proper run at it.

The Lighthouse and the Whaler released a four-song EP in 2008 and a self-titled album in 2009. Two songs from that album — “White Days” and “Under Mountain, Under Ground” — found their way to TV and radio. With more fans to play for, the band hit the road and toured across America. Somewhere between Boston and Seattle, the band picked up three new members — Matthew, Mark and Steve — thereafter, fulfilling the prophesy that was to be five young men stuffed in a forest green Chevy Venture, searching for open ears and loyal hearts.

The Lighthouse and the Whaler plays indie-pop-rock but does not believe that genre labels tell you anything you need to know about a band. It has nevertheless caught the attention of Paste, FILTER, Spinner, Brooklyn Vegan, Under the Radar, Daytrotter, KEXP and other media outlets that cater to indie-pop-rock fans.

The Lighthouse and the Whaler has performed at venues and festivals like The Rock’n’ Roll Hall of Fame, SXSW, House of Blues, Pop Montreal and Mercury Lounge, though its favorite show to date took place in the attic of an old bookstore. The band has also shared stages with Sufjan Stevens, The Temper Trap, The Dodos and GIVERS, and shared blankets while sleeping in its donated mini-van, inappropriately named Rihanna.

The unsigned band is currently preparing a new album, "This is an Adventure," produced by Ryan Hadlock at Bear Creek Studios.

John Richards of KEXP called The Lighthouse and the Whaler his new favorite band. He may be the smartest man on the planet.