TUPPER LAKE – I know what many people including myself think of when they hear the phrase “morning person”: some kind of abnormal being who is inexplicably happy before the sun rises and the day’s first cup of coffee is made. These morning people are quite different, I assure you. Actually, only one of them is the anomaly described above, the rest just vibe with the band name.

Morning People is a young Tupper Lake based band with growing future. They’re a funny, folksy and creative troupe successfully juggling college and independent musical success in a small town. After a little more than a year playing together, the group is promoting their first album, working on a second and touring New York State, from the Spruce and Hemlock of their hometown to the skyscrapers of New York City.

During this “Pleased to Meet You Micro-Tour”, you’ll get several chances to catch them play live in the Tri-Lakes. Their next local shows are July 9 and 10, both at the Woodsmen’s Days in Tupper Lake at 7 p.m. Later that month on July 23 they’ll play at 2 p.m. at the Raquette River Brewery in Tupper Lake.

The band consists of Mark Pratico on guitar, vocals, piano and banjo; Emily Mitchell on guitar, vocals, piano and ukulele; Cody Reandeau on bass guitar and vocals; and Max Smetanic on drums. Each artist played music together throughout high school within a wider circle of musical talents. This exposed the group to diverse styles of music they’ve adopted to form a unique sound which they refer to as “Space Folk.”

Now comes the problem of describing space folk. First, think of some original, Adirondack inspired singer/songwriter ballads with cheerful acoustics and upbeat drumming. Now, mix in a celestial synthesizer and echoing backup vocals. Spice it up with the occasional banjo or ukulele and there you have it: Morning People.

The group’s first album, “Pauses” is available for free listening on YouTube, and perhaps will give you a better taste of their style. The production of the album is impressive considering the fact that it was mixed together entirely by Pratico in his room. Instruments layer together in a smooth progression, with each one bringing a distinct melody that varies throughout the song. Unexpected bridges and resounding vocals give the tracks a dreamy feel, while themes of existentialism and love lend lyrical depth.

They play songs from their first and second albums as well as covers of popular alternative and classic rock songs while performing live. As performers, they clearly enjoy being on stage. Listen for jokes from the bass player: they’re dry but effective.

Pratico and Mitchell began making music together while they attended separate colleges in Albany. Reandeau, a long-time guitar player, was originally asked to play drums for them. He accepted, but had to get creative since he didn’t have a kit for practicing. Thankfully, he said, the sessions he spent banging pens and pencils on random objects transferred well to the kit on the night of their first show.

Reandeau moved to bass and started singing when the group found a drummer. You’ll notice this instrument dexterity throughout each performance as members switch their instruments to give songs a unique touch.

Pratico and Mitchell said they are excited narrow down their sizeable collection of new material and refine it into a new album soon. Now that the band has chemistry playing together, they’re free to explore back and forth vocals and new sounds at the helm of Pratico’s seemingly endless synthesizer library and audio effects.

Check out their Facebook page for more information about the group’s upcoming shows at the Woodsmen’s Days in Tupper Lake, Raquette River Brewery, Smoke Signals in Lake Placid and the Hudson Valley Music Festival.