On Fire (band)
Encyclopedia
On Fire is a rock band from Boston, Massachusetts.
In the spring of 2003 Boston
local/national indie rock favorites The Burning Paris hit a creative lull while writing the follow-up to their second release And By December You Will Know Where Your Heart Truly Lies ( Magic Bullet Records) which quickly lead to the band’s untimely demise. Nate Shumaker (ex-Everdown)(Tooth&Nail
) (Vox/Guitar), Josh Megyessy (guitar), and Jenny Townsend (cello) decided to forge ahead in anew band with Tom Korkidis on bass/keys (ex-Placer, ex-Alienist Outfit) and Mike Ushinski on drums (ex-Placer, ex-Barbaro) under the moniker On Fire (an homage of sorts to the acclaimed 1989 Galaxie 500
release of the same name). The five musicians began collectively composing songs, all of which made up the debut EP ‘’This Time it is Forever’’ (Magic Bullet Records). As the recording process began at Boston’s historic Q Division Studios with producer/engineer Matt Squire
(who later went on to produce multi-platinum selling Panic! at the Disco
) at the helm, Jenny Townsend decided to leave the band to pursue her career in teaching. Within a month a strong replacement was found in cellist Dana Feder
. Long time friend and Dopamine Records
(incidentally founded by Shumaker and Megyessy) co-founder/label head Alexander Maniatis
was also added at the same time to the group to provide additional synth work and samples to the live band.
. At the same time, the sextet began receiving and accepting offers to play for notable national acts like The Secret Machines
, The Album Leaf
, Mates of State
, MUTEMATH, The Dresden Dolls
, Wheat
, American Analog Set, Ambulance Ltd., Matt Pond PA
and Jimmy Chamberlin Complex
, etc. - which further helped solidify their stature as one of Boston’s best original indie rock outfits – all while keeping a relatively low local underground profile. On Fire continued to play to growing audiences and began composing what would soon make up components of their second official release. The band also licensed ‘’This Time it is Forever’’ to Japanese label Waver Waver at the end of 2004.
who went on to join national acts Matt Pond PA
and Anomie Belle
. Suitable replacements were found in Derek Mabra (guitar) and Kristen Antolik (Cello), but within six months both musicians moved elsewhere in the US for other personal commitments. The final blow came when original drummer and long time musical collaborator of Korkidis’, Mike Ushinski moved to New York City. At that same time Alex Maniatis decided to focus more time on his own group Radka
.
In the spring of 2006, after contemplating dissolving what was left of the band completely, the main composers and founding members of the group - Shumaker and Korkidis - decided to push forward slowly and carefully, focusing on re-arranging/composing new music, adding strong multi instrumentalists/collaborators from different musical backgrounds, and abandoning the typical ensemble format that they had been using (two guitars, vocals, bass, keys, cellos, and drums) since the group’s inception. On Fire added Clara Kebabian (ex-Jumblies, Emily Grogan) on violin and vocals; Sean Will (ex-Tint, ex-Brass Monkeys) on trumpet/flugelhorn, piano, samples; Nick Knouf on viola and samples, and Alex Mihm on drums. The new sextet maximizes each individual musician and pushes all elements of their original orchestral post rock sound to new levels coming off more immediate, dynamic and cinematic than ever.
In 2008 On Fire decided with the new line-up, altered instrumentation, and new direction to change the name of the group to Eksi Ekso
. 2008 marks the emergence of Eksi Ekso
, both live and on record, with the long awaited full length I Am Your Bastard Wings due out June 10 on VA’s Magic Bullet Records, with subsequent tours following.
In the spring of 2003 Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
local/national indie rock favorites The Burning Paris hit a creative lull while writing the follow-up to their second release And By December You Will Know Where Your Heart Truly Lies ( Magic Bullet Records) which quickly lead to the band’s untimely demise. Nate Shumaker (ex-Everdown)(Tooth&Nail
Tooth & Nail Records
Tooth & Nail Records is a record label founded by Brandon Ebel in the U.S. state of California in November 1993. The label later moved to Seattle, Washington, where it is situated today...
) (Vox/Guitar), Josh Megyessy (guitar), and Jenny Townsend (cello) decided to forge ahead in anew band with Tom Korkidis on bass/keys (ex-Placer, ex-Alienist Outfit) and Mike Ushinski on drums (ex-Placer, ex-Barbaro) under the moniker On Fire (an homage of sorts to the acclaimed 1989 Galaxie 500
Galaxie 500
Galaxie 500 was an American alternative rock band that formed in 1987 and split up in 1991 after releasing three albums.-History:Guitarist Dean Wareham, drummer Damon Krukowski and bassist Naomi Yang had met at the Dalton School in New York City in 1981, but began playing together during their time...
release of the same name). The five musicians began collectively composing songs, all of which made up the debut EP ‘’This Time it is Forever’’ (Magic Bullet Records). As the recording process began at Boston’s historic Q Division Studios with producer/engineer Matt Squire
Matt Squire
Matt Squire is an American multi-platinum music producer and writer. He has produced, engineered, or written tracks for One Direction, 3OH!3, Good Charlotte, New Boyz, Selena Gomez, David Archuleta, Taking Back Sunday, HIM, The Used, All Time Low, Panic! at the Disco, Boys Like Girls, The Cab,...
(who later went on to produce multi-platinum selling Panic! at the Disco
Panic! at the Disco
Panic! at the Disco is an American alternative rock duo, formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2005. Since its split, the band's line-up includes Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith . Former members Ryan Ross and Jon Walker left the group in 2009...
) at the helm, Jenny Townsend decided to leave the band to pursue her career in teaching. Within a month a strong replacement was found in cellist Dana Feder
Anomie Belle
Anomie Belle is an American musician and activist. Originally a classical violinist and songwriter from Portland, Anomie began performing and recording her own music as a child. She has since worked as a musician and producer in Madrid, Glasgow, Amsterdam, New York, Buenos Aires, and London...
. Long time friend and Dopamine Records
Dopamine records
Dopamine Records is an independent record label with national and international distribution based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is part of what is known as the Dopamine/Amalagate Family...
(incidentally founded by Shumaker and Megyessy) co-founder/label head Alexander Maniatis
Alexander Maniatis
Alexander Richard Maniatis is the CEO/Owner of Dopamine Records in Boston, Massachusetts. He is a former member of Boston post-rockers Eksi Ekso and was the former singer in the indie/post punk band RADKA. Maniatis founded indie label Amalagate Records in 2000.-References:...
was also added at the same time to the group to provide additional synth work and samples to the live band.
Performances
During these initial months On Fire was building their following on the solid foundation created by both former bands The Burning Paris and Placer. Garnering quite a bit of critical and commercial attention in the Northeast, due in part to the increasing reputation the group was receiving for their dynamic new material and unforgiving live shows, On Fire secured a few successful regional tours (taking the band to the Midwest) and an invitation to play CMJCollege Music Journal
College Music Journal, commonly known as CMJ, is a music events/publishing company which hosts an annual festival in New York City, the CMJ Music Marathon, as well as a weekly magazine of and for the music industry and college radio stations in the United States and Canada. It publishes top 30...
. At the same time, the sextet began receiving and accepting offers to play for notable national acts like The Secret Machines
The Secret Machines
The Secret Machines are a three-piece American alternative rock band. Originally from Dallas, Texas before moving to New York City, they describe their band as space rock. The original lineup consisted of two brothers, Brandon and Benjamin Curtis, and Josh Garza...
, The Album Leaf
The Album Leaf
The Album Leaf is an American solo musical project founded in San Diego, California in 1998 by Jimmy LaValle. He is known for his use of electronics, synthesizer and Rhodes piano...
, Mates of State
Mates of State
Mates of State are an American indie pop duo, active since 1997. The group is composed of the husband-and-wife team of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel .Over the course of the band's fourteen year career, they've released three EPs and six full-length, studio...
, MUTEMATH, The Dresden Dolls
The Dresden Dolls
The Dresden Dolls are an American musical duo from Boston, Massachusetts. Formed in 2000, the group consists of Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione...
, Wheat
Wheat
Wheat is a cereal grain, originally from the Levant region of the Near East, but now cultivated worldwide. In 2007 world production of wheat was 607 million tons, making it the third most-produced cereal after maize and rice...
, American Analog Set, Ambulance Ltd., Matt Pond PA
Matt Pond PA
Matt Pond PA is a New York based band formed in Philadelphia by singer-songwriter Matt Pond. They have released eight LPs and eight EPs since 1998....
and Jimmy Chamberlin Complex
Jimmy Chamberlin Complex
The Jimmy Chamberlin Complex is an alternative rock/jazz fusion band, founded by Jimmy Chamberlin and Billy Mohler. Their debut album entitled Life Begins Again was released on January 25, 2005...
, etc. - which further helped solidify their stature as one of Boston’s best original indie rock outfits – all while keeping a relatively low local underground profile. On Fire continued to play to growing audiences and began composing what would soon make up components of their second official release. The band also licensed ‘’This Time it is Forever’’ to Japanese label Waver Waver at the end of 2004.
The Present
Unfortunately, 2005 saw the departure of original member and lead guitarist Josh Megyessy (who focused on a career as a gallery owner), and cellist Dana FederAnomie Belle
Anomie Belle is an American musician and activist. Originally a classical violinist and songwriter from Portland, Anomie began performing and recording her own music as a child. She has since worked as a musician and producer in Madrid, Glasgow, Amsterdam, New York, Buenos Aires, and London...
who went on to join national acts Matt Pond PA
Matt Pond PA
Matt Pond PA is a New York based band formed in Philadelphia by singer-songwriter Matt Pond. They have released eight LPs and eight EPs since 1998....
and Anomie Belle
Anomie Belle
Anomie Belle is an American musician and activist. Originally a classical violinist and songwriter from Portland, Anomie began performing and recording her own music as a child. She has since worked as a musician and producer in Madrid, Glasgow, Amsterdam, New York, Buenos Aires, and London...
. Suitable replacements were found in Derek Mabra (guitar) and Kristen Antolik (Cello), but within six months both musicians moved elsewhere in the US for other personal commitments. The final blow came when original drummer and long time musical collaborator of Korkidis’, Mike Ushinski moved to New York City. At that same time Alex Maniatis decided to focus more time on his own group Radka
Radka
Radka is female given name. Diminutive of Slavic names beginning with rad care, joy. Feminine version of Radek. Similar names are Radana, Radimíra, Raduše, Radmila, Radomira, Radoslava...
.
In the spring of 2006, after contemplating dissolving what was left of the band completely, the main composers and founding members of the group - Shumaker and Korkidis - decided to push forward slowly and carefully, focusing on re-arranging/composing new music, adding strong multi instrumentalists/collaborators from different musical backgrounds, and abandoning the typical ensemble format that they had been using (two guitars, vocals, bass, keys, cellos, and drums) since the group’s inception. On Fire added Clara Kebabian (ex-Jumblies, Emily Grogan) on violin and vocals; Sean Will (ex-Tint, ex-Brass Monkeys) on trumpet/flugelhorn, piano, samples; Nick Knouf on viola and samples, and Alex Mihm on drums. The new sextet maximizes each individual musician and pushes all elements of their original orchestral post rock sound to new levels coming off more immediate, dynamic and cinematic than ever.
In 2008 On Fire decided with the new line-up, altered instrumentation, and new direction to change the name of the group to Eksi Ekso
Eksi Ekso
Eksi Ekso is a rock band from Boston, Massachusetts. The band is known for atypical rock instrumentation, form experimentation, and collaborative writing techniques...
. 2008 marks the emergence of Eksi Ekso
Eksi Ekso
Eksi Ekso is a rock band from Boston, Massachusetts. The band is known for atypical rock instrumentation, form experimentation, and collaborative writing techniques...
, both live and on record, with the long awaited full length I Am Your Bastard Wings due out June 10 on VA’s Magic Bullet Records, with subsequent tours following.