Slightly Stoopid to play MET Theatre

It’s time to get stoopid.

California reggae band Slightly Stoopid will play the Morgantown Metropolitan Theatre Sunday at 7 p.m.

The group, which is notorious among fans of recreational marijuana, is consistently stereotyped in music pop culture circles, but the band’s drummer, Ryan "RyMo" Moran describes the band in a different way.

"There’s so much worry and fear in the world, and we’re trying to let people forget about that and let us joke around, be nerds and just entertain you," Moran said.

Moran asserts the group’s main purpose is to entertain and provide a relaxing atmosphere for the crowd to enjoy some good tunes.

"If anything, that’s our common theme of the band," Moran said. "Have them leave a little lighter than when they walked through the door."

Rather than simply confining to the stereotype of a stoner reggae group, Moran feels Slightly Stoopid is more a result of the group’s Southern California style.

"(We are) definitely a product of our environment – you know, surfing, skateboarding and listening to all different styles of music," he said.

The band, which boasts a mix of punk, reggae and electronic, started out with two high school students, Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald – the two lead vocalists. The group signed with Skunk Records, the brainchild of the late Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell.

The band realized the need to expand its membership, and Moran joined the crew, along with four other incredibly talented musicians. This collaboration contributed to Slightly Stoopid’s sound with an arrangement of saxophone, trumpet, keyboards and the congas.

With this lineup, Moran promises even though the touring life can become repetitive and mundane, fans are in for a treat.

"Chaos," Moran said. "Full-on chaos."

Shortly after leaving Skunk Records, the band created their own label, Stoopid Records. The group has been both creating its own music and signing up-and-coming groups .

In Moran’s opinion, an independent label was the only way Slightly Stoopid could perfect both their sound and give back to their loyal fan base.

Describing the music industry as a marketing ploy, Moran said he believes an independent label is the best route to continued success in the business.

"When you take the independent route, you’re not going to go from zero to hero in a week," Moran said "We’re trying to create a career and not a flash in the pan."

While this may be the case, Moran also notes hardships associated with taking the road less traveled.

"By maintaining our independence, it’s been a harder road, absolutely," Moran said. "But we play our music, playing shows over and over, going through little towns and cities all over the country – and now the world."

Along with this business side of the group, Slightly Stoopid reaps the benefits of full creative control, which they fully used in their latest studio album, "Top of the World."

"We would start the writing process and the recording process with just one or two of us, so we were sort of able to define the shape of each song," Moran said.

With this new approach, the continuity of each song on the album was able to have its own distinct definition and form.

You’ll just have to check out Slightly Stoopid Oct. 14 to judge the final product.

If Moran’s words are any indication, the show will be a high-octane affair sure to put a smile on your face.

"When we show up, we just like to bring a high-energy show, and you know, just have a good time, relax and enjoy the music," Moran said.

For information about ticket sales, stop by the Creative Arts Center box office in the Mountainlair and on the Evansdale campus or visit ticketmaster.com.