Maillist
FOCUS ON: Hermano
- Official Website >>
- Label: Tee Pee Records >>
- Genre: Rock
Spread the rock.
Line up:
Vocals: John Garcia
Guitar: David Angstrom
Guitar: Mike Callahan
Bass: Dandy Brown
Drums: Chris Leathers
Vocals: Aleah X
Hermano bio
Although brought together in 1998 as a "side-project," you should know that it was clear from the beginning that Hermano was indeed a band. With members John Garcia (Kyuss/Unida), David Angstrom (Black Cat Bone/Supafuzz), Steve "Dandy" Brown (Dock Ellis/Orquesta del Desierto), Steve Earle (Afghan Whigs) & Mike Callahan (Disengage/Earshot), Hermano combined the sounds of several geographic areas and individual upbringings into a uniquely honest sound.
Passing tapes and cdr's across the nation for six months, from Cincinnati to Cleveland to Lexington and out to Rancho Mirage, Hermano finally entered the studio in the spring of 1999 to begin recording. Initial sessions were paid for by artist Frank Kozik. Completing the record in the winter of 2000, it would be another two years before its release due to an assortment of contractual obligations. With the release of "Only a Suggestion" in the summer of 2002, Hermano was quickly accepted by a loyal, global fanbase and the media. "Only A Suggestion includes 8 tracks that remind you of classic Kyuss strained through a Soundgarden at 100 miles an hour. This hard rock collective lend their high decibel riff work to the project and create a sound that both burns and soothes."...nice, huh?
Continuing to work with their respective groups (Unida, Supafuzz, Earshot, Orquesta del Desierto), the members of Hermano embarked on a number of brief tours in support of their long awaited release. Fueled by John Garcias unique voice and history, the band was welcomed with open arms. The success of these now legendary tours, and the response of audiences around the world motivated the group to begin the process for a follow-up release. Again caught up in contractual obligations, it would be another two years before the follow-up could begin production. During this period, drummer Steve Earle began to focus on a solo project and asked that Supafuzz drummer, Chris Leathers fill his shoes. Chris joined the band for the first time at the Azkena Festival in Spain in 2003 and was brought on as an official Hermano during rehearsals. Mike Callahan was not always able to join the band live, but remained a member of the band. Guitarist Eric Belt (Supafuzz) toured with the band during Mikes absence. The family was growing...
It was during this period that it became clear to those watching that Hermano was a force to reckon. Their live show was intense. Their music hit a nerve. It was also pointed out by the press and fan base that Hermano shunned the typical "rock star" stance...this band has values and family roots. Hermano is about friendship, family, expression, art and life as they know it...no battle-of-the-bands, no dreams of grandure...just a group of guys who are talented as hell and enjoy being with each other when ever possible.
Cleared of all obstacles in 2004, Hermano began sending snippets of song ideas via courier and the internet. Tracks were created over international calls and several bottles of Jim Beam. Glasses were raised across phone lines as the bands drummer Chris Leathers finally entered a studio in Atlanta to begin the drum tracks for the album....just Chris, yep - the band created the record with each member recording their parts in separate studios, separate cities, and at separate times. Seem strange?...not to Hermano. This band exists within geographical obstacles ever day. Did we mention that the members all live in separate cities in the states spanning from Joshua Tree, California, to Atlanta, Georgia, to New Orleans, Louisiana, to Boca Raton, Florida? Imagine that.
Expanding the boundaries of what they started with "Only a Suggestion," Hermano asked some friends to guest on their new album. Aleah X (Devil May Care) offered her voice and song "Lets Get It On", Country Mark (Orquesta del Desierto) played guitar on "On The Desert", and Eric Belt was heard on "Angry American." John, Dandy and Dave continued to refine the Hermano sound with severely-focused writing, brought from the touring and years together as a band. Songs such as "Life", "Roll Over", "Is This OK?" and "Brother Bjork" proved that the band was moving forward while staying true to the Hermano sound. As one could imagine, Hermano was anxious to hear the final outcome of months of writing and weeks of tracking without seeing each other. The band finally sat face-to-face for the Atlanta mixing sessions...well, for four days. Thats right, four days.
Pleased with the outcome, Hermano was officially slated to release its sophomore release on Suburban Records in the autumn of 2004. Returning to the heavy blues roots which established them as one of the premier groups in the genre, while adding a new edge to the sound with 70s rock-punk fueled tracks such as "Quiet Fucked" and "Cowboys Suck," Hermano was ready to hit the road. Joined by Olly Smit (Celestial Season) as 2nd guitarist, "Dare I Say" was hailed as one of the most anticipated and refreshing productions and tours of the year . . . a statement that will definitely reaffirm our belief that the power and emotion of rock are here to stay.
During the final months of 2004 and 2005, Hermano continued to tour when possible in Europe and select US cities. After the final show of the "Angry American Tour" at Madrids Festimad with friends such as Fu Manchu, Mondo Generator, Clutch, System Of A Down, Dillenger Escape Plan and Mastodon, Hermano flew home to begin writing songs for their third studio release. From the tours, a live CD and DVD are scheduled to release in 2005 and 2006. These releases are for the fans for supporting the underground music scene...personally created and selected by the members of Hermano. Would you expect anything less?...
