Considering the diverse population and attractions which make up Columbus, it is not hard to find music that appeals to every personality. And if that personality happens to enjoy a combination of rock, metal and hip-hop, catching an Introspect show will undeniably be worthwhile.

Introspect, consists of primarily Ohio State students, and has gained immense popularity around Columbus in a surprisingly short time.

“Introspect has been together about a year,” said Aaron Chalcraft, Introspect’s lead singer and guitarist. “We began performing regularly last April and have played on average between one and three times a week since then.”

The band has been busy playing around campus at the former Alcatraz, Scarlet and Grey Caf, the Ohio State football Buckeye Bash and the Newport, as well as off campus at Victory’s, Brewmaster’s Gate and Bella’s.

When Introspect played at the Newport this past November, they performed to a sold-out crowd.

“We sold hundreds of tickets and played to a packed house,” Chalcraft said. “It was a wonderful experience to play on the same stage as some of the greats in rock history and be able to pull it off successfully.”

During their shows, Introspect performs a combination of both cover songs and originals. Their song list consists of approximately 90 cover songs from a variety of genres that include artists such as Tool, Alice in Chains, Outkast, The White Stripes, Steve Miller Band, The Beastie Boys, Elton John and Jimi Hendrix.

“The majority of our music is covers right now. It gets us in the bar and entertains the audience,” said J.T. Payer, Introspect’s drummer. “As we write more of our own material, we slowly creep more of it into our shows.”

While mixing it up musically around Columbus, Introspect puts on a stage show that is both moving and entertaining. Each member is equally dedicated to not only the band, but also doing their part in helping it improve as a whole.

“We all have a love for music,” said Mike Bogart, Introspect’s lead guitarist. “I see it as a challenge to constantly improve musically. That’s the main attraction to me. I am always looking for ways to become a better guitarist and ultimately a better musician.”

It is obvious that each member of Introspect has a passion for music that surpasses the stage.

“Music allows me to get away from the rest of the world. I can get away from the frustrations of work and school and do something that I truly love,” Payer said. “It’s almost like a form of meditation for me. I can practice or jam and come out completely refreshed and relaxed.”

Introspect’s fans undoubtedly enjoy their performances and appreciate their talent.

“Introspect’s stage presence is huge. When they’re on, the music’s compelling rhythm and melody grabs you. You can tell that those guys are having the time of their life on that stage,” said Ben Lerner, former bandmate of Chalcraft’s. “This energy is apparent in their sound, body language, and overall confidence, and is returned two-fold by the eager crowd. But what separates introspect from many cover bands is their original work. Their songs are reminiscent of the style they cover, and are as good, or better than anything else they play.”

In the future, Chalcraft, Payer and Bogart, along with Jason Valley on bass and Jon Blechinger on rhythm guitar, hope to go back into the studio, record and gain some additional venues for spring and summer.

“As long as we work hard, continue to improve and write good music that people can relate to, the sky is the limit,” Chalcraft said.

Throughout March Introspect will be playing at Victory’s on Friday, as well as March 13, 18 and 27, and at Old School on the 11th.