The word of the day is “easy.”

At least that’s what it is for Nadas co-frontman Mike Butterworth, who has kept very busy with his side project, a new trio known as The Heroes.

But unlike his life with the Nadas, Butterworth has made this musical experience much smoother. With quick recording, quick set up and tear down at shows and a predominantly Midwestern touring schedule, Butterworth is keeping life for these heroes as stress-free as possible.

“We recorded in nine days and mixed it in five,” Butterworth says, comparing the new album to the Nadas. “As opposed to a year to record and a year to mix.”

Butterworth’s goals for this band include having fun and selling enough records to pay his hefty bank loan. The no-pressure atmosphere he has created is a healthy change of pace.

“The independence is nice” Butterworth says about life with The Heroes. “It’s 100 percent different.”

With The Heroes also consisting of Nadas’ drummer Tony Bohnenkamp, rumors have definitely been flying about the fate of The Nadas, arguably Ames’ biggest act.

But all The Nadas have done is condense their touring schedule to open more time for projects such as this.

The new itinerary for the foursome includes touring for two weeks every two months. This, according to Butterworth, will have them playing about the same amount of shows as their old touring schedule.

The Heroes put forth a sound not unlike The Nadas because Butterworth’s vocal and guitar talents show up in both. But The Heroes are more rocking and edgier, as opposed to the highly folk-influenced sound The Nadas carry.

“[The Nadas] don’t play as hard as this,” Butterworth says in comparison. “It feels different to me.”

The band’s roster has done some shifting in the bass player spot between recording and now. The Heroes have acquired Ross Vander Werf as the new bassist, replacing Curtis James who, according to Butterworth, wasn’t able to put forth the time commitment.

A Heroes live show will consist of material from the band’s debut album, “Prettier World,” but two-thirds of a full set will also include Nadas songs and covers.

Some focus has been put on songs Butterworth wrote for The Nadas that haven’t got much attention, so Nadas fans won’t be disappointed.

“If it is a Nadas hit, we kind of changed it up a bit,” Butterworth says.

With Butterworth penning almost all the songs on the album (Bohnenkamp took over duties for one song), he is enjoying the freedom. His lyrical content hasn’t changed much from band to band, though he did write a song for his wife – something he has never done for anyone.

The Heroes will be staying in the Midwest with its touring for now. Due to good relationships built through The Nadas, they have been able to book shows at places they might not usually be able to get into.

The Heroes’ first show was in Rock Island, Ill., where the band was welcomed by a diverse and loving crowd.

“We had people come from all over,” Butterworth says. “Omaha, Chicago, Iowa City and Michigan among others.”

Though Butterworth chose the band’s name before the events of Sept. 11, he has decided to accept the coincidence and roll with it.

On the band’s Web site, www.theheroesband.com, Butterworth says the world needs heroes – including musicians.

He also says they are not trying to save the world, nor do they put themselves on the same level as the heroes who have emerged since the attacks. They just want to help make you smile and enjoy life.

Which is exactly what Butterworth and company want to see tonight, as they make their Ames debut at People’s Bar and Grill, 2428 Lincoln Way.