The band was named best Milwaukee band at the Bodog’s Battle of the Bands this year, propelling them to larger performances at the Metro and House of Blues, respectively, in Chicago.

Songwriter and guitarist Ian Ash won "top singer" at the Waukesha County Fair last month and opened for the Beach Boys.

Ian and the Dream got the chance to work with Grammy award-winning record producer Stephen Short at Sonic Ranch Studios in Texas. Short helped them to hone in on their musical strengths and best songs to develop a self-titled extended-play recording; an EP contains more songs than a single, but less than a full album.

It was those recent experiences that Ian and the Dream hope will propel them toward the ultimate goal of a record deal.

"We want to play as many cities as possible and get our music heard by as many people possible," bassist Chivo said.

"We want it all," Ash added.

Waukesha-area music fans will get a chance to hear the band play at the Rockin’ and Poppin’ on Broadway stage at Waukesha’s Freeman Friday Night Live at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

Ian and the Dream all but got their start when Ash and fellow bassist and band member Matt Chivas, better known as Chivo, grew up in the same neighborhood.

"We played basketball together," Chivo said. "And eventually we started playing music together."

Ash started playing piano in the second grade and fell in love with The Beatles in the fourth grade, eventually picking up the guitar. Ash and Chivo both attended Waukesha West High School and played a variety of shows and videos at school.

After going their own way for a few years after high school, the two rejoined and went through a couple of different band names before becoming Ian and the Dream in 2008. It’s a name that referenced their lifelong dream to play music and make it their livelihoods.

"It became more of a business and less of a hobby," Ash said.

Ian and the Dream play a selection of original music, as well as some cover songs that transverse through time. When they play live, Ash and Chivo are joined by guitarist Blair McLaughlin and drummer Brian Farvour.

Much of their music is influenced by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as The Beatles. Some of their covers include "Miss You" by the Rolling Stones and "I Get Around" by the Beach Boys.

"We try to play everything that’s inspired us," Ash said.

Ash and Chivo primarily enjoy performing their original music, written by Ash.

"I’ve always enjoyed Ian’s songs," Chivo said. "He wrote such cool songs, even at a young age."

Ash focuses on creating melodic and uplifting music. He ensures that each part of song delivers and consistently carries a melody.

"It’s not enough about the melody anymore," Ash said referencing modern music.

It’s usually the melody that comes to Ash first and then the lyrics, which usually correspond to issues occurring in his life at that time.

"It’s the song that transforms you," Ash said.

To hear a sample of Ian and the Dream’s music, visit www.ianandthedream.com.