The Wandas
Encyclopedia
the WANDAS are an American
rock band based out of Boston
Massachusetts
composed of Keith McEachern, Brent Battey, Ross Lucivero, and William Bierce. the WANDAS have been compared to Wilco
, Elvis Costello
, The Beatles
, Bruce Springsteen
and The Strokes
.
There have been several stories surrounding the origin of their name. The Boston Herald reported, "They got their name when Brent Battey met a woman named Wanda in a Toronto
bar back in 2003 when on spring break." Contrary to The Boston Herald report, guitarist Brent Battey noted on his Twitter
page that the band was named after the Neil Young
song, "Kinda Fonda Wanda" off of his album Everybody's Rockin'
.
Their highly anticipated self-titled album was released on August 30, 2011. It was featured in USA TODAY
and has already been named one of the "50 best albums of the first half of 2011" by Guitar World
Magazine.
In November 2010 the Boston Music Awards nominated The Wandas as Best Pop Act of 2010.
In October 2010 CMJ Music Marathon
wrote "With their big shout-along choruses and their classic rock melodies, the band managed to whip the crowd at the Bowery Poetry Club
into a sugary frenzy"
In April 2010 theWANDAS won the 95.5 WBRU
Rock Hunt, edging out several hundred bands who submitted for the competition.
In March 2010 theWANDAS performed several shows at the South By Southwest
Music Festival in Austin, Texas USA. The group gained momentum as the week of the festival progressed and were covered by several media outlets:
"...this Boston
act is suddenly (only with much hard work and extensive touring, of course,) one of the best bands in America. As it ended up, they were easily one of the best live shows we saw in Austin last week." - Ryan Spaulding (Ryan's Smashing Life)
The Boston Globe was quoted as saying theWANDAS' "...sound is a dreamy lovechild of rock radio and your grandpa’s record collection..."
Both publications featured rave reviews of theWANDAS' performances at South By Southwest
in 2010.
theWANDAS were the 92.9 WBOS best of Boston pick for 2008 and numerous other awards.
theWANDAS won first place in the indie pop category for August 2008 from Ourstage.com
.
theWANDAS have shared the stage with several accomplished acts such as The Dears
, Justin Townes Earle
, The Futureheads
, The Duhks
, Rustic Overtones
, Elizabeth Ziman of Elizabeth & The Catapult
, The Jane Shermans: featuring Angelo Petraglia, Grammy Award winning producer of the Kings Of Leon
's album Only By The Night
, and Eulogies (band)
.
. At the time, Battey was playing in another band with original drummer Pete McElholm who was also attending Berklee College of Music
. Coincidentally McElholm and McEachern both attended Auburn High School (Auburn, Massachusetts)
and frequently performed in various musical acts together throughout their high school tenure. Also living on the same floor as Battey and McEachern in college was original bassist Brian Carson.
In 2003 McElholm was going to leave the band to peruse another drumming opportunity prompting the WANDAS to bring on McEachern's former roommate Levin Gillespie on the drums. After McElholm had second thoughts, he remained in the band as the drummer. However, after practicing with Gillespie, the group liked the dynamic and decided to keep Gillespie in the band on the keys and backup vocals.
In 2004 the WANDAS' debut album "…if the accident will" was released. The album was tracked by Charles Austin of Super Friendz, mixed and mastered by J. Lapointe of North of America
in Halifax Nova Scotia
, Canada
The album features the 5 members but Gillespie performing only on half of the tracks as the album was recorded in two sessions; the first taking place before Gillespie was in the band.
In 2004 the lineup of the band became unstable. With Carson graduating from Berklee College of Music
and no longer having a student visa, he was required to return to his native home of Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada
. Gillespie filled in on bass temporarily shifting the band to a 4 piece once again. Not being satisfied with the current situation, Gillespie decided to follow Carson out of the band as well. Without a bassist, the WANDAS had their friend and well known Boston
musician Alex Sepe (future member of Age Rings
) fill in on bass guitar for their booked shows.
From 2004-2005 the 3 remaining members, McEachern, Battey & McElholm recorded their second album "Can't Say Danger on the Radio" entirely in their Boston
home which had been converted into full studio over the past two years. The album features Battey on lead guitar, McElholm on drums, McEachern on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and bass guitar; as they were currently without a bassist.
In 2005 McEachern's cousin Ross Lucivero had recently moved to Boston and began playing with the band as their new bassist. McEachern and Lucivero grew up playing music together and Lucivero was already familiar with the WANDAS's music, so the pairing was a natural fit. In 2006 "Can't Say Danger on the Radio" was released on Robella Records after a long tracking and mixing process.
In 2007, the WANDAS teamed up with Producer Patrick Krief
, guitarist of The Dears
to record the 3 song EP "You Should Have Listened". The EP was released in 2008 exclusively online in digital format. After an extremely successful working relationship the WANDAS and Krief teamed up again in 2008 to track their third full length release New Wave Blues
. The album features remixed versions of the 3 "You Should Have Listened" songs along with 8 other new songs. The album was tracked in Boston
, Massachusetts
USA and mixed and mastered in Montreal
, Quebec
Canada
. New Wave Blues
was both produced and mixed by Krief, and was mastered by Ryan Morey who has worked with The Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade
and The Stills
.
In 2009 New Wave Blues
was released independently and has garnered international acclaim from several media outlets. "[ New Wave Blues
is] full of sweet harmonies and music that is unburdened with extravagance" - indie.mp3.co.uk "[This is] some of the best pop I've heard this year" - Mary Leary; [San Diego Entertainer Magazine]."Both poppy and emotional, the [WANDAS] cut straight to the core with gorgeous harmonies, startling earnestness, and a sense of indie pop cool..."Telegram & Gazette
In February 2009, before heading out on tour to support the new release, the WANDAS replaced drummer McElholm with current drummer William Bierce. Since the change, the current lineup of Battey, Bierce, McEachern, and Lucivero have been touring the U.S. in support of New Wave Blues
independent of label backing.
From April 2009-Aug of 2010, the WANDAS spent most of their time touring the entire United States in their 1992 30 foot RV and building a grass roots fan base.
In 2010-2011 the WANDAS teamed up with producer Patrick Krief
again to work on their latest (Self Titled) studio album. The bulk of the album was tracked live in 6 days at MixArt Studios in Montreal, Quebec. The album features guest appearances by members of The Dears
, The Stills
and Stars (Canadian band). The album was mixed by Dave Schiffman who is famous for is work with Tom Petty
, Johnny Cash
, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Before its release the album was featured in USA TODAY
and was already named one of the "50 best albums of the first half of 2011" by Guitar World
Magazine.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rock band based out of 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...
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
composed of Keith McEachern, Brent Battey, Ross Lucivero, and William Bierce. the WANDAS have been compared to Wilco
Wilco
Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo following singer Jay Farrar's departure. Wilco's lineup has changed frequently, with only singer Jeff Tweedy and bassist John...
, Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello , born Declan Patrick MacManus, is an English singer-songwriter. He came to prominence as an early participant in London's pub rock scene in the mid-1970s and later became associated with the punk/New Wave genre. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader...
, The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
, Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen , nicknamed "The Boss," is an American singer-songwriter who records and tours with the E Street Band...
and The Strokes
The Strokes
The Strokes are an American indie rock band formed in 1999 in New York City. Consisting of Julian Casablancas , Nick Valensi , Albert Hammond, Jr. , Nikolai Fraiture and Fabrizio Moretti ....
.
There have been several stories surrounding the origin of their name. The Boston Herald reported, "They got their name when Brent Battey met a woman named Wanda in a Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
bar back in 2003 when on spring break." Contrary to The Boston Herald report, guitarist Brent Battey noted on his Twitter
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
page that the band was named after the Neil Young
Neil Young
Neil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
song, "Kinda Fonda Wanda" off of his album Everybody's Rockin'
Everybody's Rockin'
Everybody's Rockin' is the thirteenth studio album by Canadian musician Neil Young, released in 1983. The album was recorded with the Shocking Pinks , and features a selection of rockabilly songs . Running 25 minutes, it is Young's shortest album...
.
Their highly anticipated self-titled album was released on August 30, 2011. It was featured in USA TODAY
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
and has already been named one of the "50 best albums of the first half of 2011" by Guitar World
Guitar World
Guitar World is a monthly music magazine devoted to guitarists. It contains original interviews, album and gear reviews and guitar and bass tablature of approximately five songs each month. The magazine is published 13 times per year...
Magazine.
Notable awards & achievements
In December 2010 Time Out (company) Magazine Boston selected The Wandas as Best Live Act of 2010 "The Wandas spent the better part of 2010 touring the bejesus out of their third album, New Wave Blues. In the process, they caused a few bloggers’ jaws to hit the floor at South by Southwest and squashed the competition at WBRU’s Rock Hunt battle of the bands. The retro rock charms found on New Wave Blues should mollify anyone put off by the fact that none of these four dudes are actually named Wanda. The catchy and heartfelt “Thank You Note” exemplifies what a hit single should be, “Lose You” gushes lovelorn anguish, and “Please Come Home” proves that sounding like Neil Diamond isn’t necessarily something to be ashamed of. Still, it’s the Wandas stage show–which manages to be at once tight and bombastic–that has them topping our lists."— Barry Thompson Time Out (company) Magazine BostonIn November 2010 the Boston Music Awards nominated The Wandas as Best Pop Act of 2010.
In October 2010 CMJ Music Marathon
CMJ Music Marathon
CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival is put on by CMJ Network. CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival 2010 is scheduled for October 19–23 and will be headquartered at New York University and other downtown NYC venues.- History :...
wrote "With their big shout-along choruses and their classic rock melodies, the band managed to whip the crowd at the Bowery Poetry Club
Bowery Poetry Club
The Bowery Poetry Club is a New York City poetry performance space founded by Bob Holman in 2002. Located at 308 Bowery, between Bleecker and Houston Streets in Manhattan's East Village, the BPC provides a home base for established and upcoming artists...
into a sugary frenzy"
In April 2010 theWANDAS won the 95.5 WBRU
WBRU
WBRU is a commercial alternative rock radio station in Providence, Rhode Island that broadcasts on 95.5 FM. It was the first student-owned-and-operated campus radio station in the United States when it started as the Brown Network at Brown University in 1936...
Rock Hunt, edging out several hundred bands who submitted for the competition.
In March 2010 theWANDAS performed several shows at the South By Southwest
South by Southwest
South by Southwest is an Austin, Texas based company dedicated to planning conferences, trade shows, festivals and other events. Their current roster of annual events include: SXSW Music, SXSW Film, SXSW Interactive, SXSWedu, and SXSWeco and take place every spring in Austin, Texas, United States...
Music Festival in Austin, Texas USA. The group gained momentum as the week of the festival progressed and were covered by several media outlets:
"...this 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...
act is suddenly (only with much hard work and extensive touring, of course,) one of the best bands in America. As it ended up, they were easily one of the best live shows we saw in Austin last week." - Ryan Spaulding (Ryan's Smashing Life)
The Boston Globe was quoted as saying theWANDAS' "...sound is a dreamy lovechild of rock radio and your grandpa’s record collection..."
Both publications featured rave reviews of theWANDAS' performances at South By Southwest
South by Southwest
South by Southwest is an Austin, Texas based company dedicated to planning conferences, trade shows, festivals and other events. Their current roster of annual events include: SXSW Music, SXSW Film, SXSW Interactive, SXSWedu, and SXSWeco and take place every spring in Austin, Texas, United States...
in 2010.
theWANDAS were the 92.9 WBOS best of Boston pick for 2008 and numerous other awards.
theWANDAS won first place in the indie pop category for August 2008 from Ourstage.com
Ourstage
OurStage.com is a web and mobile-based music community offering free music streaming, discovery, and editorial content. It is owned and operated by OurStage Inc., headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts...
.
theWANDAS have shared the stage with several accomplished acts such as The Dears
The Dears
-History:The band formed in 1995 and released their first album, End of a Hollywood Bedtime Story, in 2000. Their orchestral, dark pop sound and dramatic live shows cemented The Dears at the foundation of the then-emerging Canadian indie renaissance...
, Justin Townes Earle
Justin Townes Earle
Justin Townes Earle , son of Steve Earle, stepson of Allison Moorer, and named for songwriter Townes Van Zandt is an AMA winning, Americana musician based in Nashville, Tennessee. Earle is signed to Bloodshot Records and has four released albums from 2007–2010...
, The Futureheads
The Futureheads
The Futureheads are an English post-punk band from Sunderland. consisting of Ross Millard , Barry Hyde and David "Jaff" Craig...
, The Duhks
The Duhks
The Duhks is a band from Winnipeg, Canada.The members play a blend of Canadian soul, gospel, North American folk, Brazilian samba, old time country string band, zydeco, and Irish dance music. Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, their music draws heavily on all of the North American musical traditions,...
, Rustic Overtones
Rustic Overtones
Rustic Overtones is a rock/jazz/funk band from Maine active from 1993–2002 and 2007–present. They were the first group to perform live on XM Satellite Radio, and their 2007 album Light At The End was the fastest-selling local disc ever in the state of Maine....
, Elizabeth Ziman of Elizabeth & The Catapult
Elizabeth & The Catapult
Elizabeth & The Catapult is a Brooklyn-based artist, consisting of singer-songwriter Elizabeth Ziman. She best known for her 2009 album Taller Children, produced by Mike Mogis and released on Verve Forecast.-History:...
, The Jane Shermans: featuring Angelo Petraglia, Grammy Award winning producer of the Kings Of Leon
Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon is an American rock band that originated in Albion, Oklahoma but formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 1999. The band is composed of brothers Anthony Caleb Followill , Ivan Nathan Followill and Michael Jared Followill Kings of Leon is an American rock band that originated in Albion,...
's album Only By The Night
Only By The Night
-Critics:The album was met with mixed reviews. Metacritic's average rating settled on a 63/100, counting a drastic range of ratings between North America and UK press. The U.S. online publications Pitchfork Media, PopMatters and JustPressPlay gave the album a 3.8/10, 2/10 and 4/10 respectively,...
, and Eulogies (band)
Eulogies (band)
Eulogies is an American rock band based in Los Angeles, California. The current line-up consists of Peter Walker on guitar and vocals, Garrett Deloian on bass, Chris Reynolds on drums, and Drew Phillips on guitar....
.
Extended History
The band formed in 2002 by Keith McEachern and Brent Battey who lived on the same floor while attending Berklee College of MusicBerklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known primarily as a school for jazz, rock and popular music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including hip...
. At the time, Battey was playing in another band with original drummer Pete McElholm who was also attending Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known primarily as a school for jazz, rock and popular music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including hip...
. Coincidentally McElholm and McEachern both attended Auburn High School (Auburn, Massachusetts)
Auburn High School (Auburn, Massachusetts)
Auburn High School is the only public high school in Auburn, Massachusetts, United States, a town approximately 5 miles south of Worcester. It has an enrollment of 759 students in grades 9-12, as of the 2010-2011 school year. Founded in 1935, the original school building served the town until the...
and frequently performed in various musical acts together throughout their high school tenure. Also living on the same floor as Battey and McEachern in college was original bassist Brian Carson.
In 2003 McElholm was going to leave the band to peruse another drumming opportunity prompting the WANDAS to bring on McEachern's former roommate Levin Gillespie on the drums. After McElholm had second thoughts, he remained in the band as the drummer. However, after practicing with Gillespie, the group liked the dynamic and decided to keep Gillespie in the band on the keys and backup vocals.
In 2004 the WANDAS' debut album "…if the accident will" was released. The album was tracked by Charles Austin of Super Friendz, mixed and mastered by J. Lapointe of North of America
North of America
North of America is a rock band from Nova Scotia that has recorded with Matlock Records in Canada and the American label Level Plane Records. Members of Halifax's State Champs and Truro's The Motes formed North of America in 1997...
in Halifax Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
The album features the 5 members but Gillespie performing only on half of the tracks as the album was recorded in two sessions; the first taking place before Gillespie was in the band.
In 2004 the lineup of the band became unstable. With Carson graduating from Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known primarily as a school for jazz, rock and popular music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including hip...
and no longer having a student visa, he was required to return to his native home of Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. Gillespie filled in on bass temporarily shifting the band to a 4 piece once again. Not being satisfied with the current situation, Gillespie decided to follow Carson out of the band as well. Without a bassist, the WANDAS had their friend and well known 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...
musician Alex Sepe (future member of Age Rings
Age Rings
Age Rings is an American rock music group from Boston, Massachusetts, consisting of singer and guitarist Ted Billings, bassist Andrew McInnes, guitarist Will Spitz, keyboardist Alex Sepe, synth player Peter Baker, and drummer Steve Sherwin. Their music has been compared to Wilco, Pavement, and Spoon...
) fill in on bass guitar for their booked shows.
From 2004-2005 the 3 remaining members, McEachern, Battey & McElholm recorded their second album "Can't Say Danger on the Radio" entirely in their 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...
home which had been converted into full studio over the past two years. The album features Battey on lead guitar, McElholm on drums, McEachern on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and bass guitar; as they were currently without a bassist.
In 2005 McEachern's cousin Ross Lucivero had recently moved to Boston and began playing with the band as their new bassist. McEachern and Lucivero grew up playing music together and Lucivero was already familiar with the WANDAS's music, so the pairing was a natural fit. In 2006 "Can't Say Danger on the Radio" was released on Robella Records after a long tracking and mixing process.
In 2007, the WANDAS teamed up with Producer Patrick Krief
Patrick Krief
Patrick Krief is a Canadian musician and singer-songwriter. Krief is known as the guitarist for The Dears since 2004.In 2004 he appeared on MTV Canada's Project Moose Catch. He was a guest on Jonathan Ross's show in 2005...
, guitarist of The Dears
The Dears
-History:The band formed in 1995 and released their first album, End of a Hollywood Bedtime Story, in 2000. Their orchestral, dark pop sound and dramatic live shows cemented The Dears at the foundation of the then-emerging Canadian indie renaissance...
to record the 3 song EP "You Should Have Listened". The EP was released in 2008 exclusively online in digital format. After an extremely successful working relationship the WANDAS and Krief teamed up again in 2008 to track their third full length release New Wave Blues
New Wave Blues
New Wave Blues is an album by the Wandas, independently released in 2009. It is the band's third full-length album.-Track listing:# "New Wave Blues" – 4:39# "Bending Over Backwards" – 4:07# "Thank You Note" – 4:08# "Please Come Home" – 3:53...
. The album features remixed versions of the 3 "You Should Have Listened" songs along with 8 other new songs. The album was tracked in 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...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
USA and mixed and mastered in Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
, Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. New Wave Blues
New Wave Blues
New Wave Blues is an album by the Wandas, independently released in 2009. It is the band's third full-length album.-Track listing:# "New Wave Blues" – 4:39# "Bending Over Backwards" – 4:07# "Thank You Note" – 4:08# "Please Come Home" – 3:53...
was both produced and mixed by Krief, and was mastered by Ryan Morey who has worked with The Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade
Wolf Parade
Wolf Parade is an indie rock band formed in 2003 from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The band is currently on an indefinite hiatus as of May 31, 2011.-History:...
and The Stills
The Stills
The Stills were a Canadian rock band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 2000. The band consists of Tim Fletcher , Dave Hamelin , Olivier Corbeil , and Liam O'Neil , Gregory Paquet .-History:The band members have known each other since the age of...
.
In 2009 New Wave Blues
New Wave Blues
New Wave Blues is an album by the Wandas, independently released in 2009. It is the band's third full-length album.-Track listing:# "New Wave Blues" – 4:39# "Bending Over Backwards" – 4:07# "Thank You Note" – 4:08# "Please Come Home" – 3:53...
was released independently and has garnered international acclaim from several media outlets. "[ New Wave Blues
New Wave Blues
New Wave Blues is an album by the Wandas, independently released in 2009. It is the band's third full-length album.-Track listing:# "New Wave Blues" – 4:39# "Bending Over Backwards" – 4:07# "Thank You Note" – 4:08# "Please Come Home" – 3:53...
is] full of sweet harmonies and music that is unburdened with extravagance" - indie.mp3.co.uk "[This is] some of the best pop I've heard this year" - Mary Leary; [San Diego Entertainer Magazine]."Both poppy and emotional, the [WANDAS] cut straight to the core with gorgeous harmonies, startling earnestness, and a sense of indie pop cool..."Telegram & Gazette
In February 2009, before heading out on tour to support the new release, the WANDAS replaced drummer McElholm with current drummer William Bierce. Since the change, the current lineup of Battey, Bierce, McEachern, and Lucivero have been touring the U.S. in support of New Wave Blues
New Wave Blues
New Wave Blues is an album by the Wandas, independently released in 2009. It is the band's third full-length album.-Track listing:# "New Wave Blues" – 4:39# "Bending Over Backwards" – 4:07# "Thank You Note" – 4:08# "Please Come Home" – 3:53...
independent of label backing.
From April 2009-Aug of 2010, the WANDAS spent most of their time touring the entire United States in their 1992 30 foot RV and building a grass roots fan base.
In 2010-2011 the WANDAS teamed up with producer Patrick Krief
Patrick Krief
Patrick Krief is a Canadian musician and singer-songwriter. Krief is known as the guitarist for The Dears since 2004.In 2004 he appeared on MTV Canada's Project Moose Catch. He was a guest on Jonathan Ross's show in 2005...
again to work on their latest (Self Titled) studio album. The bulk of the album was tracked live in 6 days at MixArt Studios in Montreal, Quebec. The album features guest appearances by members of The Dears
The Dears
-History:The band formed in 1995 and released their first album, End of a Hollywood Bedtime Story, in 2000. Their orchestral, dark pop sound and dramatic live shows cemented The Dears at the foundation of the then-emerging Canadian indie renaissance...
, The Stills
The Stills
The Stills were a Canadian rock band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 2000. The band consists of Tim Fletcher , Dave Hamelin , Olivier Corbeil , and Liam O'Neil , Gregory Paquet .-History:The band members have known each other since the age of...
and Stars (Canadian band). The album was mixed by Dave Schiffman who is famous for is work with Tom Petty
Tom Petty
Thomas Earl "Tom" Petty is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He has also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T...
, Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash
John R. "Johnny" Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...
, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Before its release the album was featured in USA TODAY
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
and was already named one of the "50 best albums of the first half of 2011" by Guitar World
Guitar World
Guitar World is a monthly music magazine devoted to guitarists. It contains original interviews, album and gear reviews and guitar and bass tablature of approximately five songs each month. The magazine is published 13 times per year...
Magazine.
Current members
- Brent Battey– Lead guitar, Backing vocals
- William Bierce — Drums, Backing vocals
- Ross Lucivero — Bass, Backing vocals
- Keith McEachern— Lead vocals, Guitar, Piano, Organ, Synth
Unofficial Releases
- 2004: …if the accident will
- 2006: Can't Say Danger on the Radio
- 2008: You Should Have Listened EP