Epigene is a word used to describe a formation occurring just under the surface of the earth; like a crystal found in bedrock. Epigene can also describe the music and lyrics of Seattle based songwriter Sean Bigler. His songs contain a lyrical depth and melodic sophistication rarely found among today's modern rock/pop contemporaries.

Epigene was originally formed by Sean and Bonnie Lykes (keyboards, harmony vocals) in 1999, and the band released their self-titled debut EP the same year. The band played many local shows before playing an MP3.com/Angelcity showcase in LA. Following this experience, Epigene went into hibernation for a while but not before laying down drum & bass tracks for a new album. Several months of painstaking home recordings followed and after mixing and mastering the songs at Rainstorm studios, in Seattle, "One Bright Sign" was completed in November 2001.

The album's 14 immaculately arranged songs covered a lot of ground both emotionally and musically, from the frantic melodic punk of "Night Rally" (think pre-orchestral XTC) to the languid, trance-like "Sleeptime." The song "Troubled Man," inspired by the film Five Easy Pieces, was a finalist in the 2002 American Songwriting Contest.

In the spring of 2002, new bassist James Burkman and drummer Steven Harris joined Epigene and the band became a four-piece with a highly dynamic live sound. The band also hired The Planetary Group for national radio & press promotion and over 55 college stations added One Bright Sign to their playlists.

Epigene recorded their 2nd LP, entitled Popular Dissent in their home studio during the summer and fall of 2003. Inspired by recent events and loosely a concept album, Popular Dissent is an attempt to reflect popular concerns by everyday people living in 21st century society. Issues such as empty consumerism (Generica), political leadership (New Voltaire), loneliness/infidelity (Sugarwater), war (Power & Glory) and spiritual/psychological angst (Inner Figure, New Bethany) are explored with a vulnerability and razor-sharp insight. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.