Deaf Havana
Encyclopedia
Deaf Havana are an English alternative rock
band from King's Lynn
, Norfolk
in the UK. The band was formed in 2005 at the King's Lynn campus of The College of West Anglia. The band's early releases along with constant touring developed a strong fan base in the UK music scene.
and playing together in various local scene bands. At college, these members were joined by Tom Ogden and Sebastian Spitz. This early lineup saw James singing and Ryan taking guitar and vocal duties.
The band quickly got down to writing songs and an early demo, White Lines But No Camera, recorded in August 2006 at The Lodge, Northampton. The band toured this lineup until Pennells' replacing Spitz. Pennells was formerly a member of the band "Something About Dave". Around the same time, Mellor handed over guitar parts to Veck-Gilodi, and took on the lead role.
In late 2006, the band began writing songs for their debut EP, entitled "Evangeline". Two songs were roughly recorded, titled "The Smiles Were Forced" and "Where It Begins", which were uploaded on to the band's Myspace page. The EP was soon recorded, with "The Smiles Were Forced" being dropped from the EP's tracklisting, but seeing the light of day at the beginning of 2007. Its artwork is by Josh Brown who later had a song dedicated to him by the band called "Josh Brown, Don't Talk to Strangers", which was actually an early demo for the song "They Call It the Easy Life", featured on "It's Called the Easy Life". "For Stories Sake" was previously featured on the band's debut digital EP "White Lines But No Camera" with the slightly altered title "For the Stories Sake", and "Tell Me More Georgie Boy" is the only song from any previous release to make it onto Meet Me Halfway, At Least, and is now called "Another Day in This House".
and was mixed by Matt O'Grady (You Me at Six
, Architects
) and released in October 2008. The EP received strong reviews from various musical publications, following which the band begin to receive some recognition. January 2009 saw the band complete a UK wide tour with We Are the Ocean
and The Urgency, and the release for their first music video, "Oh Howard, You Crack Me Up".
There have so far been two singles taken from this album. "Friends Like These" was released, with B-side "Hey Baby, This Is Our Song", on 17 August 2009 exclusively for digital download. A video was also released for this single. Their second single, "Nicotine and Alcohol Saved My Life", was released on 15 March 2010, also via digital download. The single contains a remix of "Friends Like These" by Essex band Kenai. Its music video was first shown on music channels and online from 22 February 2010.
Before the release of the album, Deaf Havana embarked on the UK "Metal Hammer Introducing" Tour along with Young Guns and The Casino Brawl. A week after the final date for this tour, Deaf Havana played an album release party show in hometown King's Lynn, with support from Underline the Sky and All Forgotten.
2010 saw the band on several tours across the UK and Europe, including a headlining UK mini tour with All Forgotten and Francesqa
in March, a European tour with Emery from March through to April, as well as a support slot on Emarosa's UK tour in May. Just prior to the mini tour with All Forgotten, the band announced that Ryan would not be embarking on these tours with them due to personal circumstances, with Max d'Albiac from Brides replacing him.
10 May 2010 saw the band's announcement that Ryan would be leaving the band
due to the same personal problems that caused him to pull out of 2010 tours. Deaf Havana decided to continue as a four piece and a replacement for Ryan was not sought.
and Facebook
, entitled "My Life Is Average".
On 29 May and 30 May 2010, Deaf Havana played on the Kerrang! Introducing Stage at the Slam Dunk Fesitval at University of Hertfordshire
, Hatfield
and University of Leeds
, respectively. At these shows, the band opened with an untitled new song.
On 13 August 2010 the band released a new demo track through their Facebook page entitled "Home Sweet Home". The band's new single "Smiles All Round" was played on the BBC
Daniel P Carter rock show, on 21 September 2010. The band supported You Me at Six, along with Kids in Glass Houses and The Blackout, for a Halloween special at The Regal in Oxford.
The band played two new songs on their headline tour in the UK, titled "Pop" and "I Will Try", and also announced that they had been recording for their new album but have "no idea" when it is to be released, although a 2011 release was said to be likely.
At the band's December 17 show at the Liverpool Masque Loft a new song was played, tentatively named "Down Syndrome Pigs". They also played 3 songs at Maida Vale Studios, 2 of which are bore the names: "Pop" & "I Will Try". The album's artwork was reported to have been completed in spring 2011 and the album is set for an Autumn release. The band are set to support fellow British rockers You Me At Six
in October and British hardcore band Architects in December.
The band confirmed via Twitter on 19 February that the recording of their sophomore full length was underway and that the album was being recorded with producer/engineer Matt O'Grady (You Me At Six, ex of Fastlane
) in Woking
, Surrey. The album was completed in late summer 2011. The title, Fools and Worthless Liars
was made public on 23 September 2011. The album was released on the 6th November 2011.
On 20 May 2011, the band released the first song, called "The World or Nothing", from their untitled second album. The song is not a single, but the song is accompanied by a video made from footage Hit The Deck Festival, and is directed by Jon Stone.
On 30 August, the first single from the album was confirmed to be "I'm A Bore, Mostly", which was played on BBC Radio 1
by Zane Lowe
and the following week by Sara Cox
. Deaf Havana also released the video on 11 October 2011 racking up over 20,000 plays on day 1.
Throughout 2011, live videos of the band's new songs have appeared on various media sites, with the songs mainly carrying working titles including; "Vines", "Pop", "I Will Try" and "Youth in Retrospect" as well as already released material from the band such as; "The World or Nothing" "I'm A Bore, Mostly", "Home, Sweet Home", "My Life is Average" and "Smiles All Around", The latter three of which will not feature on Fools and Worthless Liars
.
Fools and Worthless Liars was released on the 7th November 2011, coinciding with London Barfly and Norwich Arts Centre release gigs. The album peaked at #1 on the BBC Rock Album Chart. They are currently touring Europe as direct support to Skindred
.
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...
band from King's Lynn
King's Lynn
King's Lynn is a sea port and market town in the ceremonial county of Norfolk in the East of England. It is situated north of London and west of Norwich. The population of the town is 42,800....
, Norfolk
Norfolk
Norfolk is a low-lying county in the East of England. It has borders with Lincolnshire to the west, Cambridgeshire to the west and southwest and Suffolk to the south. Its northern and eastern boundaries are the North Sea coast and to the north-west the county is bordered by The Wash. The county...
in the UK. The band was formed in 2005 at the King's Lynn campus of The College of West Anglia. The band's early releases along with constant touring developed a strong fan base in the UK music scene.
Early Days (2005-2008)
Deaf Havana was formed when the original members met at the King's Lynn campus of The College of West Anglia. The band's roots can, however, be traced back much further with Ryan Mellor, James Veck-Gilodi and Lee Wilson all attending Smithdon High SchoolSmithdon High School
Smithdon High School is a comprehensive school in Hunstanton, Norfolk. Designed by the controversial architects Peter and Alison Smithson and completed in 1954, the school was immediately acclaimed by the architectural critics...
and playing together in various local scene bands. At college, these members were joined by Tom Ogden and Sebastian Spitz. This early lineup saw James singing and Ryan taking guitar and vocal duties.
The band quickly got down to writing songs and an early demo, White Lines But No Camera, recorded in August 2006 at The Lodge, Northampton. The band toured this lineup until Pennells' replacing Spitz. Pennells was formerly a member of the band "Something About Dave". Around the same time, Mellor handed over guitar parts to Veck-Gilodi, and took on the lead role.
In late 2006, the band began writing songs for their debut EP, entitled "Evangeline". Two songs were roughly recorded, titled "The Smiles Were Forced" and "Where It Begins", which were uploaded on to the band's Myspace page. The EP was soon recorded, with "The Smiles Were Forced" being dropped from the EP's tracklisting, but seeing the light of day at the beginning of 2007. Its artwork is by Josh Brown who later had a song dedicated to him by the band called "Josh Brown, Don't Talk to Strangers", which was actually an early demo for the song "They Call It the Easy Life", featured on "It's Called the Easy Life". "For Stories Sake" was previously featured on the band's debut digital EP "White Lines But No Camera" with the slightly altered title "For the Stories Sake", and "Tell Me More Georgie Boy" is the only song from any previous release to make it onto Meet Me Halfway, At Least, and is now called "Another Day in This House".
It's Called the Easy Life
Beginning in October 2007, the band began work on new songs, which eventually saw the light of day on this release. On June 21, 2008, the band announced signing a deal consisting of one EP and two albums with Wolf at Your Door Records, as well as the recording date for said debut EP, now titled It's Called the Easy Life. The EP was eventually recorded by Jonny Renshaw from Devil Sold His SoulDevil Sold His Soul
Devil Sold His Soul are an ambient influenced progressive metal/post-hardcore band from the South of England signed to Century Media. Three of the band joined from Mahumodo, thought to be a pioneer of the British hardcore scene...
and was mixed by Matt O'Grady (You Me at Six
You Me At Six
You Me at Six is a British rock band from Weybridge, Surrey. Formed in 2004, the group rose to fame in 2008 with the success of their debut album, Take Off Your Colours, which included the singles "Save It for the Bedroom", "Finders Keepers" and "Kiss and Tell", with the latter two peaking at #33...
, Architects
Architects (British band)
Architects are an English Metalcore band from Brighton, England, formed in 2004. The band went through several name changes before they decided upon Architects. Their first name was Inharmonic, which was swiftly changed to Counting the Days...
) and released in October 2008. The EP received strong reviews from various musical publications, following which the band begin to receive some recognition. January 2009 saw the band complete a UK wide tour with We Are the Ocean
We Are the Ocean
We Are the Ocean is a 5 piece post-hardcore band from Loughton, Essex, England.The band has played hundreds of shows since their formation, including several festivals during 2008 such as Slam Dunk, Offset Festival, Middlesbrough Music Live, and Taste of Chaos...
and The Urgency, and the release for their first music video, "Oh Howard, You Crack Me Up".
Meet Me Halfway, At Least
On 25 May 2009 the band entered the studio to record their debut studio album, Meet Me Halfway, At Least with producer Matt O'Grady. The album was released for exclusive pre-order from Wolf at Your Door Records on 7 September and was released on iTunes and shops on October 5.There have so far been two singles taken from this album. "Friends Like These" was released, with B-side "Hey Baby, This Is Our Song", on 17 August 2009 exclusively for digital download. A video was also released for this single. Their second single, "Nicotine and Alcohol Saved My Life", was released on 15 March 2010, also via digital download. The single contains a remix of "Friends Like These" by Essex band Kenai. Its music video was first shown on music channels and online from 22 February 2010.
Before the release of the album, Deaf Havana embarked on the UK "Metal Hammer Introducing" Tour along with Young Guns and The Casino Brawl. A week after the final date for this tour, Deaf Havana played an album release party show in hometown King's Lynn, with support from Underline the Sky and All Forgotten.
2010 saw the band on several tours across the UK and Europe, including a headlining UK mini tour with All Forgotten and Francesqa
Francesqa
Francesqa are a British four piece rock band from Newbury, England. Francesqa formed in early 2009, and in its initial incarnation, consisted of just Ashley Wilkie and Ben Hordos. Both of which shared songwriting and performing duties...
in March, a European tour with Emery from March through to April, as well as a support slot on Emarosa's UK tour in May. Just prior to the mini tour with All Forgotten, the band announced that Ryan would not be embarking on these tours with them due to personal circumstances, with Max d'Albiac from Brides replacing him.
10 May 2010 saw the band's announcement that Ryan would be leaving the band
due to the same personal problems that caused him to pull out of 2010 tours. Deaf Havana decided to continue as a four piece and a replacement for Ryan was not sought.
Fools and Worthless Liars
The band began the follow-up to 2009's Meet Me Halfway, At Least in early 2010. They released a new demo track on MyspaceMyspace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
and Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
, entitled "My Life Is Average".
On 29 May and 30 May 2010, Deaf Havana played on the Kerrang! Introducing Stage at the Slam Dunk Fesitval at University of Hertfordshire
University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire is a new university based largely in Hatfield, in the county of Hertfordshire, England, from which the university takes its name. It has more than 27,500 students, over 2500 staff, with a turnover of over £181m...
, Hatfield
Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Hatfield is a town and civil parish in Hertfordshire, England in the borough of Welwyn Hatfield. It has a population of 29,616, and is of Saxon origin. Hatfield House, the home of the Marquess of Salisbury, is the nucleus of the old town...
and University of Leeds
University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is a British Redbrick university located in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England...
, respectively. At these shows, the band opened with an untitled new song.
On 13 August 2010 the band released a new demo track through their Facebook page entitled "Home Sweet Home". The band's new single "Smiles All Round" was played on the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
Daniel P Carter rock show, on 21 September 2010. The band supported You Me at Six, along with Kids in Glass Houses and The Blackout, for a Halloween special at The Regal in Oxford.
The band played two new songs on their headline tour in the UK, titled "Pop" and "I Will Try", and also announced that they had been recording for their new album but have "no idea" when it is to be released, although a 2011 release was said to be likely.
At the band's December 17 show at the Liverpool Masque Loft a new song was played, tentatively named "Down Syndrome Pigs". They also played 3 songs at Maida Vale Studios, 2 of which are bore the names: "Pop" & "I Will Try". The album's artwork was reported to have been completed in spring 2011 and the album is set for an Autumn release. The band are set to support fellow British rockers You Me At Six
You Me At Six
You Me at Six is a British rock band from Weybridge, Surrey. Formed in 2004, the group rose to fame in 2008 with the success of their debut album, Take Off Your Colours, which included the singles "Save It for the Bedroom", "Finders Keepers" and "Kiss and Tell", with the latter two peaking at #33...
in October and British hardcore band Architects in December.
The band confirmed via Twitter on 19 February that the recording of their sophomore full length was underway and that the album was being recorded with producer/engineer Matt O'Grady (You Me At Six, ex of Fastlane
Fastlane
Fastlane or fast lane may refer to:*Fast Lane, an electronic toll collection system used in Massachusetts*Fastlane , a Fox television series from 2002 to 2003...
) in Woking
Woking
Woking is a large town and civil parish that shares its name with the surrounding local government district, located in the west of Surrey, UK. It is part of the Greater London Urban Area and the London commuter belt, with frequent trains and a journey time of 24 minutes to Waterloo station....
, Surrey. The album was completed in late summer 2011. The title, Fools and Worthless Liars
Fools and Worthless Liars
Fools and Worthless Liars is the second album from English post-hardcore band Deaf Havana. Fools And Worthless Liars was produced by Matt O'Grady and was released on 6 November 2011....
was made public on 23 September 2011. The album was released on the 6th November 2011.
On 20 May 2011, the band released the first song, called "The World or Nothing", from their untitled second album. The song is not a single, but the song is accompanied by a video made from footage Hit The Deck Festival, and is directed by Jon Stone.
On 30 August, the first single from the album was confirmed to be "I'm A Bore, Mostly", which was played on BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
by Zane Lowe
Zane Lowe
Zane Lowe also known as 'Zipper', is a radio DJ and television presenter. He was born in New Zealand and grew up in Auckland, where he was a presenter on the local music station Max TV, before moving to England...
and the following week by Sara Cox
Sara Cox
Sara Cox , known as "Coxy", is an English TV presenter and radio DJ, most well known for presenting the breakfast show on BBC Radio 1 between 2000 and 2003...
. Deaf Havana also released the video on 11 October 2011 racking up over 20,000 plays on day 1.
Throughout 2011, live videos of the band's new songs have appeared on various media sites, with the songs mainly carrying working titles including; "Vines", "Pop", "I Will Try" and "Youth in Retrospect" as well as already released material from the band such as; "The World or Nothing" "I'm A Bore, Mostly", "Home, Sweet Home", "My Life is Average" and "Smiles All Around", The latter three of which will not feature on Fools and Worthless Liars
Fools and Worthless Liars
Fools and Worthless Liars is the second album from English post-hardcore band Deaf Havana. Fools And Worthless Liars was produced by Matt O'Grady and was released on 6 November 2011....
.
Fools and Worthless Liars was released on the 7th November 2011, coinciding with London Barfly and Norwich Arts Centre release gigs. The album peaked at #1 on the BBC Rock Album Chart. They are currently touring Europe as direct support to Skindred
Skindred
Skindred is a Welsh rock band from Newport. The band was formed in 1998 following the disbandment of vocalist Benji Webbe's previous band, Dub War. Skindred's musical style mixes alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock and reggae...
.
Discography
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Sweet Sunset | Self-Produced |
| 2005 | Ok, This Time We Mean It | |
| 2006 | White Lines, But No Camera EP | |
| 2007 | Where It Begins | |
| 2007 | Evangeline EP | |
| 2008 | Love by the Riverside EP | |
| 2008 | It's Called the Easy Life EP | Wolf at Your Door Records |
| 2009 | Meet Me Halfway, At Least Meet Me Halfway, At Least Meet Me Halfway, At Least is the debut album from English rock band Deaf Havana. It was produced by Matt O'Grady and was released on October 5, 2009, through Wolf At Your Door Records. It was their second release via Wolf At Your Door following the EP Its Called the Easy Life... |
|
| 2011 | Fools and Worthless Liars Fools and Worthless Liars Fools and Worthless Liars is the second album from English post-hardcore band Deaf Havana. Fools And Worthless Liars was produced by Matt O'Grady and was released on 6 November 2011.... |
BMG/Chrysalis |
Current
- James Amadeus Veck-Gilodi – guitar, lead vocals (2005–present)
- Chris Pennells - guitar (2006–present)
- Lee Wilson - bass (2005–present)
- Tom Ogden - drums, backing vocals (2005–present)