Though he didn't help start the band, Tonic's bassist Dan Lavery has

been with the rootsy L.A. pop rockers throughout their recording career.

Tonic recently took the cyber route when they issued a second helping of music to the public. On the heels of the success of their debut LP, Lemon Parade, Tonic issued in February a four-song self-produced live EP exclusively through their official website (www.tonic-online.com).

Lavery was born 30 years ago today and grew up in New Jersey. He knew the band and was called on as a replacement player early in its history. Tonic was formed in 1993 by singer/guitarist Emerson Hart. He named the group after the "tonic" or root chord in a series of chords. The group also included Hart's childhood acquaintance from the East Coast, Jeff Russo, on guitar; bassist Dan Rothchild and drummer Kevin Shepard (who recently quit the band).

Tonic gigged in Southern California for a few months, until Rothchild left. Before Tonic signed with A&M Records, Lavery jumped on board as bassist.

In 1995, Tonic began recording their debut LP with producer/engineer Jack Joseph Puig, known for his work with the Black Crowes and Jellyfish. The 1996 album, Lemon Parade, featured Hart/Russo tunes, many of which added lap-steel guitar and mandolin to the core band's primary instruments.

Tunes such as "Open Up Your Eyes" (RealAudio excerpt), "If You Could Only See," and "Casual Affair" displayed Tonic's myriad influences, which include Led Zeppelin, the Pixies, U2 and traditional Irish folk music. "If You Could Only See," which received the most radio attention of the album's tracks, expanded the band's fanbase. Lemon Parade charted in the upper half of the Billboard 200 albums chart.

In 1997, Tonic toured a great deal, playing with the Verve Pipe and with Iggy Pop in the R.O.A.R. tour. The following year, they covered Lindsey Buckingham's "Second Hand News" on Lava/Atlantic's Legacy: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac's Rumours.

In addition to their recent limited-edition live EP (which also features video clips and a screen saver), Tonic have been busy contributing to film soundtracks. The band lent "Eyes of Sand" to the soundtrack of the movie "Scream 2" and "Flower Man" to "The X-Files Movie." They also covered the Harry Nilsson hit "Everybody's Talkin'" (originally from the Oscar-winning film "Midnight Cowboy") for the soundtrack to "Clay Pigeons."

Tonic are scheduled to play the Summerfest in Milwaukee on July 4 and are currently in Los Angeles working on a new LP. A new Tonic song, "You Wanted More," is the first single from the soundtrack to the upcoming movie, "American Pie." It is being released to radio stations and will be accompanied by a new video clip.

Other birthdays: Frank Beard (ZZ Top), 50.