SouthFM was an alternative rock band based in Dallas, Texas

Texas

Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...

. They formed in 2001 and disbanded in October 2006. The band officially released two full length albums, Drama Kids (2003) and Swallowing the Pill (2005). The band reunited for one concert in June 2010.

Drama Kids (2001-2004)

SouthFM's first album Drama Kids was originally released by Dallas based indie label Brando Records, and later re-released nationally by MCA

MCA Records

MCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003...

. The lead single, Dear Claudia, received good airplay in the U.S. and was included in an episode of Law & Order SVU. Ken Shimamoto of the Fort Worth Weekly

Fort Worth Weekly

Fort Worth Weekly is an alternative weekly newspaper that serves the Greater Fort Worth area . The newspaper has an approximate circulation of 75,000. The Fort Worth Weekly is published every Wednesday and features news, editorials, profiles, and reviews of art, books, theatrical productions, food,...

 said Paco Estrada's "pipes are strong and expressive enough to set him apart from the other 10,000 faceless, droning alt-rock angst-boys." MCA closed its doors while SouthFM was touring in support of Drama Kids, leaving the band and album behind. Many MCA artists were merged into Geffen Records

Geffen Records

Geffen Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-Beginnings:...

, SouthFM however, was dropped.

Swallowing the Pill (2005-2006)

After nearly two years of writing since parting ways with MCA/Geffen the band released their follow up album, Swallowing The Pill, yet again on Brando Records. Two singles were officially released to radio, Killing Me and Blue & Grey. The band toured regionally throughout 2005 and 2006, until their final show on October 28, 2006 at the Curtain Club in Dallas, Texas.

June 12, 2010 Reunion (2010)

After nearly 4 years of silence, Dallas based rock band SouthFM returns this Spring to make some noise. The band will release Letters That Were Never Sent, a rarities collection of over fifty unreleased recordings beginning April 1, and reunite for one night only on June 12, 2010 at the Curtain Club in Dallas, Texas.

Letters That Were Never Sent (2010)

Letters That Were Never Sent is a 3 part digital compilation album of demos, live, and rare recordings by SouthFM. The majority of the songs were written/recorded leading up to the releases of Drama Kids and Swallowing The Pill prior to 2005. Some of thes songs ended up being re-recorded professionally for the actual albums while others were never released.

November Shows (2010)

SouthFM gathered again in November 2010 to play three shows. This time they were not joined by original guitarist, G.I. Sanders. Dan Rivera, a friend of the band, filled in on guitar. They were schedule to play in three Texas cities, Dallas, Tyler, and San Antonio, which was cancelled due to an illness. November 20th 2010 at The Venue @ The Down Under Pub in Tyler, Texas, and the following weekend on November 27th 2010 at Trees in Dallas, Texas. Opening for SouthFM that night was Mothers Anthem, Eyes Burn Electric and Meridian.

Band members

Founding members Paco Estrada (vocals), G.I. Sanders (guitar), and Chad Abbott (guitar), were the mainstays for the band, performing on every recording and at every show during the band's existence. Dave Shafer (bass) and Tabber Millard (drums) were also members of the band at the end. Other members included Moe Martinez (drums), Doug McGrath (bass), Spencer Estep (drums), and Scot Risch (bass).

External links

• Official SouthFM MySpace Site