My Head
Encyclopedia
My Head was a grunge
/alternative rock
power trio
from Los Angeles, California
, United States
formed in 1993 by singer-songwriter
and guitarist
Adam Siegel
and drummer
Greg Saenz
. Due to its member's past on Excel
, My Head's sound was influenced by early 80's Crossover Thrash
music, but also by the growing grunge movement impulsed by bands like Nirvana
, Pearl Jam
and Soundgarden
. Even after its dissolution My Head recorded three tracks for two different Mike Muir
's releases: Pneumonia (EP later included on the album Mas Borracho
by Infectious Grooves
) and Friends & Family, Vol. 2
by Suicidal Tendencies
.
and Greg Saenz
left Excel
definitely and Dave Silva joined as bassist
, but Adam's appearences on Infectious Grooves
's albums repeatedly interrupted the progress of the project. It was not until 1994 that they could get a recording contract, however the label (Imago Records
) went out of business 8 months later. In 1995 the band had its second chance and signed a new contract with Capitol Records
. Then they began playing at several clubs around Hollywood like Dragonfly, Martini Lounge, Spaceland, Bar DeLuxe, Opium Den and coffe houses. The April 16, 1996 My Head brought to market its first and only studio album Endless Bummer, the record consisted in twelve tracks and was released on CD format and cassette tape. Saenz described the album as "a hard-hitting soul - rock, a 90's version of Grand Funk". Even though the album didn't make it to the charts, it had some commercial success in California
and environs. Soon after My Head filmed a music video of the single Humbucker (previously released the April 1) at EMI
studios, it debuted on VH1
. After some management changes, the firm started pushing the band to add new members, modify its image and even its name; to worsen the situation EMI
began supporting Nu Metal
bands more than anything else; in an interwiev Saenz said: "they were getting huge egos and bank accounts managing Korn, and hyping their new band, Limp Bizkit [...] then told us to add a D.J., another guitarist, and change our name to The Peking Logs". Due to these conflicts My Head broke the contract with Capitol
and disbanded the 1 January, 1998.
. This album is notable for its heavy guitar riffs influenced by psychedelic
and funk rock
that allude to bands like Alice in Chains
and Cream
. According to Siegel, his guitar work on this album is comparable to some musicians' style as Eric Clapton
, Robin Trower
and Tom Morello
.
studios; it later debuted on VH1
.
Grunge
Grunge is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged during the mid-1980s in the American state of Washington, particularly in the Seattle area. Inspired by hardcore punk, heavy metal, and indie rock, grunge is generally characterized by heavily distorted electric guitars, contrasting song...
/alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
power trio
Power trio
A power trio is a rock and roll band format where the traditional power trio has a lineup of guitar, bass and drums, leaving out the rhythm guitar or keyboard that are used in other rock music to fill out the sound with chords...
from Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
formed in 1993 by singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
and guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
Adam Siegel
Adam Siegel
Adam Siegel is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and graphic designer from Venice, California, United States...
and drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
Greg Saenz
Greg Saenz
Greg Saenz is a drummer from Los Angeles, California, currently based in Coachella Valley. He started playing for several groups around L.A., mainly inlfuenced by british performers like John Bonham, Keith Moon and Charlie Watts, later he joined Excel where he stayed for 7 years...
. Due to its member's past on Excel
Excel (band)
Excel was a punk/metal fusion band from Venice, California founded in 1983 by singer Dan Clements and guitarist Adam Siegel. They were influenced by famous 70's punk rock musicians like The Police and The Sex Pistols, and heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath, Trouble, Slayer, Corrosion of...
, My Head's sound was influenced by early 80's Crossover Thrash
Crossover thrash
__FORCETOC__Crossover thrash, often abbreviated to crossover, is a form of thrash metal that contains more hardcore punk elements than standard thrash. The genre lies on a continuum between heavy metal and punk rock...
music, but also by the growing grunge movement impulsed by bands like Nirvana
Nirvana (band)
Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
, Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
and Soundgarden
Soundgarden
Soundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984 by singer Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto...
. Even after its dissolution My Head recorded three tracks for two different Mike Muir
Mike Muir
Mike Muir is the lead vocalist of the Venice skate punk bands Suicidal Tendencies Los Cycos and the funk rock band Infectious Grooves...
's releases: Pneumonia (EP later included on the album Mas Borracho
Mas Borracho
Mas Borracho is the 4th album released in 2000 by Infectious Grooves. The title, as written on the album, is "but drunk" in Spanish. However, it most likely is a misspell of "más borracho", meaning "more drunk" or "drunker".-Track listing:...
by Infectious Grooves
Infectious Grooves
Infectious Grooves is a funk metal band led by Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir. It also features former Excel guitarist Adam Siegel, ex-Suicidal Tendencies bassist Robert Trujillo , and ex-Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins...
) and Friends & Family, Vol. 2
Friends & Family, Vol. 2
Friends & Family, Vol. 2 is a compilation CD of bands who are friends or associated with the hardcore punk band Suicidal Tendencies.-Track listing:...
by Suicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Tendencies is a U.S. crossover thrash band founded in 1981 in Venice, Los Angeles, California by Mike Muir, its leader and only permanent member. The band is sometimes credited as one of "the fathers of crossover thrash"...
.
History
My Head was founded in early 1993 after Adam SiegelAdam Siegel
Adam Siegel is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and graphic designer from Venice, California, United States...
and Greg Saenz
Greg Saenz
Greg Saenz is a drummer from Los Angeles, California, currently based in Coachella Valley. He started playing for several groups around L.A., mainly inlfuenced by british performers like John Bonham, Keith Moon and Charlie Watts, later he joined Excel where he stayed for 7 years...
left Excel
Excel (band)
Excel was a punk/metal fusion band from Venice, California founded in 1983 by singer Dan Clements and guitarist Adam Siegel. They were influenced by famous 70's punk rock musicians like The Police and The Sex Pistols, and heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath, Trouble, Slayer, Corrosion of...
definitely and Dave Silva joined as bassist
Bassist
A bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
, but Adam's appearences on Infectious Grooves
Infectious Grooves
Infectious Grooves is a funk metal band led by Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir. It also features former Excel guitarist Adam Siegel, ex-Suicidal Tendencies bassist Robert Trujillo , and ex-Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins...
's albums repeatedly interrupted the progress of the project. It was not until 1994 that they could get a recording contract, however the label (Imago Records
Imago Records
Imago Records was an independent record label which was active during the late 1980s – early 1990s. Several influential artists released albums through Imago, including Henry Rollins, Aimee Mann, Paula Cole and Love Spit Love...
) went out of business 8 months later. In 1995 the band had its second chance and signed a new contract with Capitol Records
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
. Then they began playing at several clubs around Hollywood like Dragonfly, Martini Lounge, Spaceland, Bar DeLuxe, Opium Den and coffe houses. The April 16, 1996 My Head brought to market its first and only studio album Endless Bummer, the record consisted in twelve tracks and was released on CD format and cassette tape. Saenz described the album as "a hard-hitting soul - rock, a 90's version of Grand Funk". Even though the album didn't make it to the charts, it had some commercial success in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and environs. Soon after My Head filmed a music video of the single Humbucker (previously released the April 1) at EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
studios, it debuted on VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
. After some management changes, the firm started pushing the band to add new members, modify its image and even its name; to worsen the situation EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
began supporting Nu Metal
Nu metal
Nu metal is a subgenre of heavy metal. It is a fusion genre which combines elements of heavy metal with other genres, including grunge and hip hop...
bands more than anything else; in an interwiev Saenz said: "they were getting huge egos and bank accounts managing Korn, and hyping their new band, Limp Bizkit [...] then told us to add a D.J., another guitarist, and change our name to The Peking Logs". Due to these conflicts My Head broke the contract with Capitol
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
and disbanded the 1 January, 1998.
Members
- Adam SiegelAdam SiegelAdam Siegel is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and graphic designer from Venice, California, United States...
- guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, lead vocals (1993–1998) - Dave Silva - bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(1994–1998) - Greg SaenzGreg SaenzGreg Saenz is a drummer from Los Angeles, California, currently based in Coachella Valley. He started playing for several groups around L.A., mainly inlfuenced by british performers like John Bonham, Keith Moon and Charlie Watts, later he joined Excel where he stayed for 7 years...
- drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(1993–1998)
Endless Bummer
Endless Bummer is the first and only My Head's studio album. The record was released the April 16, 1996. Its recording and distribution was handled by Capitol RecordsCapitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
. This album is notable for its heavy guitar riffs influenced by psychedelic
Psychedelic rock
Psychedelic rock is a style of rock music that is inspired or influenced by psychedelic culture and attempts to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs. It emerged during the mid 1960s among folk rock and blues rock bands in United States and the United Kingdom...
and funk rock
Funk rock
Funk rock is a music genre that fuses funk and rock elements. Its earliest incarnation was heard in the late 1960s through the mid-1970s by acts such as the Jimi Hendrix Experience , Eric Burdon and War, Trapeze, Parliament-Funkadelic, Betty Davis and Mother's Finest. The 1990s were known for acts...
that allude to bands like Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley. The initial lineup was rounded out by drummer Sean Kinney, and bassist Mike Starr...
and Cream
Cream
Cream is a dairy product that is composed of the higher-butterfat layer skimmed from the top of milk before homogenization. In un-homogenized milk, over time, the lighter fat rises to the top. In the industrial production of cream this process is accelerated by using centrifuges called "separators"...
. According to Siegel, his guitar work on this album is comparable to some musicians' style as Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE, is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and...
, Robin Trower
Robin Trower
Robin Leonard Trower , known professionally as Robin Trower, is an English rock guitarist who achieved success with Procol Harum during the 1960s, and then again as the bandleader of his own power trio.-Biography:...
and Tom Morello
Tom Morello
Thomas Baptiste "Tom" Morello is a Grammy Award-winning American guitarist best known for his tenure with the bands Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, his acoustic solo act The Nightwatchman, and his newest group, Street Sweeper Social Club...
.
Track listing
Single
The only single taken from the album was the track Humbucker. It was released the April 1, 1996. Later that month My Head filmed the music video for this song at EMIEMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
studios; it later debuted on VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
.
Personnel
My Head
|
Production
|
Other appearances
| Year | Album | Band | Type | Accredited songs | Label |
| 2000 | Pneumonia | Infectious Grooves Infectious Grooves Infectious Grooves is a funk metal band led by Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir. It also features former Excel guitarist Adam Siegel, ex-Suicidal Tendencies bassist Robert Trujillo , and ex-Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins... |
EP | The Beard | Suicidal |
| 2001 | Friends & Family, Vol. 2 Friends & Family, Vol. 2 Friends & Family, Vol. 2 is a compilation CD of bands who are friends or associated with the hardcore punk band Suicidal Tendencies.-Track listing:... |
Suicidal Tendencies Suicidal Tendencies Suicidal Tendencies is a U.S. crossover thrash band founded in 1981 in Venice, Los Angeles, California by Mike Muir, its leader and only permanent member. The band is sometimes credited as one of "the fathers of crossover thrash"... |
Compilation album | Chain of Hate and Ultra Down | Musicrama, Inc |