Hot Rod Circuit
Encyclopedia
Hot Rod Circuit is an American
emo
band from New Haven, Connecticut
established in 1997.
and released If I Knew Now What I Knew Then under their present moniker.
Hot Rod Circuit's first record, "If I Knew Now What I Knew Then" was released on September 21, 1999. The Band was composed of Andy Jackson on Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Casey Prestwood on Lead Guitar, Jason Russell on Bass and Vocals, and Wes Cross on drums. The disc featured songs such as "Weak Warm", "Remover", and "Irish Car Bomb". The band had done several shows that year in the New England area, along with tours with The Get Up Kids
, At the Drive-In
and Jazz June. The band's drummer, Wes Cross left the band by before their next release.
The next album released by HRC hit record stores in September 2000; it was entitled "If It's Cool With You, It's Cool With Me". The record included songs such as "The Power of the Vitamins", "This is Not the Time or Place", and "Flight 89". The record also featured the bands first taste of radio airplay when their single "Radio Song" came in at number two on the college radio charts. In addition drummer Michael Poorman became Wes Cross's replacement.In support of the release, Hot Rod Circuit did national tours with bands such as Jimmy Eat World
and Reggie and the Full Effect
, and eventually an acoustic tour with The New Amsterdams, known as "The Hot Amsterdams Tour."
, that were eager for the band to sign. By the fall of 2001, they had signed with Vagrant Records
. The band's third record, "Sorry About Tomorrow" was released on March 12, 2002. The record included the band's more popular tracks like, "The Pharmacist", "At Nature's Mercy" and "Safely". The album was recorded at Salad Days Studio in Maryland. Frontman Andy Jackson stated, "The record has a feel-good summertime vibe to it." During 2002, HRC played over 250 shows supporting national artists such as, Dashboard Confessional, Saves The Day, New Found Glory, Good Charlotte, Less Than Jake, MxPx, and More. HRC played the first Vagrant America Tour. With the record, came a music video for the single, "The Pharmacist." The video aired on MTV and MTV2 nationwide. In 2003, the band toured England for a period of time where they played The Reading Leeds Festival. "Sorry About Tomorrow" was Hot Rod Circuit's highest selling record released. During 2002, Triple Crown Records released a B-Sides entitled "Been There, Smoked That". The disc was composed of songs from HRC's original out-of-print EP. It also featured live songs and commentaries from "The Hot Amstradams Tour" in 2001 and a few covers by ACDC and FUDGE. In late 2003, shortly after their tour in England, drummer Mike Poorman left the band to pursue his engineering efforts.
In spring of 2005, bass player and original member Jason Russell left the band to pursue his own band, Diamond J and The Rough. Russell played his last show unplugged with Andy Jackson at Cafe Nine in New Haven, CT. As a result Hot Rod Circuit had to drop out of The Get Up Kids farewell tour. Hot Rod Circuit ventured out on the 2005 Warped Tour, when Hero Pattern bassist Rob Fitzgerald filled in. Soon after Warped, Brian Kiss exited the band, resulting in many fill-ins throughout the rest of the year. Hot Rod Circuit set out on a late summer and fall tour with Hit The Lights, Straylight Run, and Piebald, where many different musicians were included in Hot Rod's live line up. Jake and Jeff Turner of Say Anything filled in on bass and guitar for several of these dates. Jerry Morrison of Bleach, and Joe Ballaro played bass for several other dates.
, whom had removed them from their online roster. The band gave no information or comment on this, and did not report any set plans for a new record. Finally, around Thanksgiving of 2006, Hot Rod announced their departure from Vagrant Records. The band stated that they had signed with independent music label, Immortal Records. Joe Ballaro was now a permanent fixture to the band as their new bass player.
Andy Jackson released this statement: "Our contract was up with Vagrant. Vagrant's format changed a lot since we've been there, especially since Sorry About Tomorrow came out. They just added a whole lot of different bands and we pretty much became lost in the shuffle. The commodity bands were getting the attention we felt we deserved. With Immortal they contacted us, asked if we wanted to sign, and we told them: "look, we want to sign with a label that'll let us make our own record." They were hip with it and down with our demos and stuff like that. It was kind of a no-brainer on our part to have a label that's going to support and be into what we're doing."
The record was recorded and produced by Andy Jackson at his studio in Montgomery
, Alabama
. With the release of a new record, came a full US/Canada tour with The Forecast
& Limbeck
.
HRC shot a video for the single, "Stateside," winning FUSE's "Oven Fresh."
Thank you so much for coming to shows and buying our records for the past ten years. It has been a blast and we have made so many friends and fans and we will miss you all. Stay tuned for more info on what everyone from hrc is up to. I will be sure to keep you posted. Oh and thanks to everyone over in Australia for showing us a good time. Thank you so much Andy, Hot Rod Circuit
Please pass this along and come enjoy the farewell tour..." Hot Rod Circuit went on to play a small 8 date east coast farewell tour. Hot Rod Circuit played their last show to a sold out crowd at Toad's Place in New Haven, CT.
in Louisville, Kentucky
, with future plans uncertain. Following Jackson's departure from his other band Terrible Things
on April 20, 2011, speculation raised that the band's reunion might be full-time, with more shows to follow Krazy Fest. On September 1, 2011, it was announced that Hot Rod Circuit would embark on a short 8 date tour of the US in November, and will also release a new limited edition 7" vinyl EP with three songs - two originals entitled "Forgive Me" and "Into the Sun" and a cover of Superdrag
's "Sucked Out".
In February 2008, Hot Rod Circuit posted a bulletin on Myspace stating that they were working on a B-Sides Record that would feature unreleased material from previous records, and would also include a live DVD of their last show. It has not yet been released.
Death in the Park played a few tours and shows with bands such as Paramore
, Saosin
, Underoath
, The Forecast
, Saves The Day
, and Alkaline Trio
. The band released a 5 Track EP in the fall of 2008. The band announced plans to release their full length album in the spring of 2009. The self-titled record was digitally released through Austin indie label End Sounds on August 24, 2010, with a physical release following on September 14.
Andy Jackson played acoustic Hot Rod sets after Death in the Park on localized dates. The string of shows was limited to the New England Area. In summer of 2009, Andy Jackson played a few acoustic HRC sets with Anthony Raneri of Bayside. These dates were localized to Florida. Then in the fall of 09', Jackson played HRC sets for New England once again.
In late 2009, Andy Jackson announced his new project, Terrible Things
. He formed the band with Fred Mascherino
and Josh Eppard
. In early 2010 the band signed with Universal/Motown. The band is slated to do dates on Warped Tour 2010 and released their full-length debut on August 31, 2010.
Former Band Members=
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
emo
Emo
Emo is a style of rock music and its associated subcultureEmo may also refer to:- Businesses :* Emo , an Irish oil company and filling station chain* Emo Speedway, a racetrack in Emo, Ontario...
band from New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
established in 1997.
Early years
The band was originally known as Antidote under which they released the album Mr. Glenboski, which won the group the award of Best Unsigned Band of 1998 by Musician Magazine. The band subsequently moved to ConnecticutConnecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
and released If I Knew Now What I Knew Then under their present moniker.
Hot Rod Circuit's first record, "If I Knew Now What I Knew Then" was released on September 21, 1999. The Band was composed of Andy Jackson on Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Casey Prestwood on Lead Guitar, Jason Russell on Bass and Vocals, and Wes Cross on drums. The disc featured songs such as "Weak Warm", "Remover", and "Irish Car Bomb". The band had done several shows that year in the New England area, along with tours with The Get Up Kids
The Get Up Kids
The Get Up Kids are an American alternative rock band from Kansas City, Missouri. Formed in 1995, the band was a major player in the mid-90's emo scene, otherwise known as the "second wave" of emo music...
, At the Drive-In
At the Drive-In
At the Drive-In was an American rock band from El Paso, Texas, considered part of the post-hardcore genre and active from 1993 to 2001. They were known for their extremely energetic stage shows which hearkened back to the 1980s hardcore scene...
and Jazz June. The band's drummer, Wes Cross left the band by before their next release.
The next album released by HRC hit record stores in September 2000; it was entitled "If It's Cool With You, It's Cool With Me". The record included songs such as "The Power of the Vitamins", "This is Not the Time or Place", and "Flight 89". The record also featured the bands first taste of radio airplay when their single "Radio Song" came in at number two on the college radio charts. In addition drummer Michael Poorman became Wes Cross's replacement.In support of the release, Hot Rod Circuit did national tours with bands such as Jimmy Eat World
Jimmy Eat World
Jimmy Eat World is an American alternative rock band from Mesa, Arizona, that formed in 1993. The band is composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Jim Adkins, guitarist and backing vocalist Tom Linton, bassist Rick Burch and drummer Zach Lind....
and Reggie and the Full Effect
Reggie and the Full Effect
Reggie and the Full Effect was a Kansas City indie rock band, the solo project for The Get Up Kids keyboardist James Dewees.-Early years, Greatest Hits 1984-1987, Promotional Copy and Under the Tray :...
, and eventually an acoustic tour with The New Amsterdams, known as "The Hot Amsterdams Tour."
Sorry About Tomorrow
During 2001, Hot Rod Circuit was receiving several offers from different record labels such as Drive-Thru and MCAMCA 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...
, that were eager for the band to sign. By the fall of 2001, they had signed with Vagrant Records
Vagrant Records
Vagrant Records is an indie rock label based in Los Angeles, California and is home to such artists as The Hold Steady, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Active Child, PJ Harvey, Reptar, School of Seven Bells, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Thrice, James Vincent McMorrow, Placebo, and many...
. The band's third record, "Sorry About Tomorrow" was released on March 12, 2002. The record included the band's more popular tracks like, "The Pharmacist", "At Nature's Mercy" and "Safely". The album was recorded at Salad Days Studio in Maryland. Frontman Andy Jackson stated, "The record has a feel-good summertime vibe to it." During 2002, HRC played over 250 shows supporting national artists such as, Dashboard Confessional, Saves The Day, New Found Glory, Good Charlotte, Less Than Jake, MxPx, and More. HRC played the first Vagrant America Tour. With the record, came a music video for the single, "The Pharmacist." The video aired on MTV and MTV2 nationwide. In 2003, the band toured England for a period of time where they played The Reading Leeds Festival. "Sorry About Tomorrow" was Hot Rod Circuit's highest selling record released. During 2002, Triple Crown Records released a B-Sides entitled "Been There, Smoked That". The disc was composed of songs from HRC's original out-of-print EP. It also featured live songs and commentaries from "The Hot Amstradams Tour" in 2001 and a few covers by ACDC and FUDGE. In late 2003, shortly after their tour in England, drummer Mike Poorman left the band to pursue his engineering efforts.
Reality's Coming Through
During the early winter of 2004, Hot Rod Circuit hit the studio with producer Tim O' Hier to record their newest efforts. In August 2004, Hot Rod released Reality's Coming Through, their second for Vagrant Records. This record over all, proved to be less successful as Sorry About Tomorrow. Reality's Coming Through had a darker feel to it, and strayed far from the rough, stripped-down vibe Sorry About Tomorrow gave. The record featured songs like "Inhabit" and "The Best You Ever Knew". With the record came new drummer Dan Duggins. The band also added Brian Kiss on back up guitar and vocals. The band, now a five-piece, shot a music video for their new single, "Save You". The video appeared on MTV, FUSE, and MTV2. During 2004 and 2005, the band toured with bands like Say Anything, Brand New, Eisley, and more.In spring of 2005, bass player and original member Jason Russell left the band to pursue his own band, Diamond J and The Rough. Russell played his last show unplugged with Andy Jackson at Cafe Nine in New Haven, CT. As a result Hot Rod Circuit had to drop out of The Get Up Kids farewell tour. Hot Rod Circuit ventured out on the 2005 Warped Tour, when Hero Pattern bassist Rob Fitzgerald filled in. Soon after Warped, Brian Kiss exited the band, resulting in many fill-ins throughout the rest of the year. Hot Rod Circuit set out on a late summer and fall tour with Hit The Lights, Straylight Run, and Piebald, where many different musicians were included in Hot Rod's live line up. Jake and Jeff Turner of Say Anything filled in on bass and guitar for several of these dates. Jerry Morrison of Bleach, and Joe Ballaro played bass for several other dates.
Hiatus
After the Hit The Lights tour of 2005, Hot Rod Circuit began what was over a year long break. In early 2006, the band played a few college shows, but did not tour for an entire year. Hot Rod Circuit had announced plans to record and release a record in 2006, but no music was released other than a few demos. Rumors began circulating of their relationship with Vagrant RecordsVagrant Records
Vagrant Records is an indie rock label based in Los Angeles, California and is home to such artists as The Hold Steady, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Active Child, PJ Harvey, Reptar, School of Seven Bells, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Thrice, James Vincent McMorrow, Placebo, and many...
, whom had removed them from their online roster. The band gave no information or comment on this, and did not report any set plans for a new record. Finally, around Thanksgiving of 2006, Hot Rod announced their departure from Vagrant Records. The band stated that they had signed with independent music label, Immortal Records. Joe Ballaro was now a permanent fixture to the band as their new bass player.
Andy Jackson released this statement: "Our contract was up with Vagrant. Vagrant's format changed a lot since we've been there, especially since Sorry About Tomorrow came out. They just added a whole lot of different bands and we pretty much became lost in the shuffle. The commodity bands were getting the attention we felt we deserved. With Immortal they contacted us, asked if we wanted to sign, and we told them: "look, we want to sign with a label that'll let us make our own record." They were hip with it and down with our demos and stuff like that. It was kind of a no-brainer on our part to have a label that's going to support and be into what we're doing."
The Underground is a Dying Breed
In spring of 2007, after signing with Immortal Records, Hot Rod Circuit released The Underground is a Dying Breed. Andy Jackson stated, "There are parts of the CD that are going to make people say "wow." We recorded 16 songs and we haven't decided on which 11 are going to make the CD at this point, it's kind of up in the air. There are definitely your typical Hot Rod Circuit rockers and then there are like this kind of like Country songs we're really toying with. All the songs will come out. I don't know if they'll be on the CD, but they'll be out in some fashion."The record was recorded and produced by Andy Jackson at his studio in Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery is the capital of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is the county seat of Montgomery County. It is located on the Alabama River southeast of the center of the state, in the Gulf Coastal Plain. As of the 2010 census, Montgomery had a population of 205,764 making it the second-largest city...
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. With the release of a new record, came a full US/Canada tour with The Forecast
The Forecast
The Forecast is an American Western Indie Rock band from Peoria, Illinois. The Forecast's sound is most recognizable for containing strong two and three part harmonies performed by combinations of their multiple vocalists, as heard in tracks such as "Red as the Moon" and "One Hundred Percent". The...
& Limbeck
Limbeck
Limbeck was an alternative country band, with pop-punk roots, hailing from Orange County, California.-Background:Originating in Laguna Niguel, California, Limbeck featured Robb MacLean on lead vocals and guitar, Patrick Carrie guitar and backing vocals, Justin Entsminger on bass, and Jon Phillip,...
.
HRC shot a video for the single, "Stateside," winning FUSE's "Oven Fresh."
Breakup
On October 8, 2007, Hot Rod Circuit announced that they would be parting ways after ten years together. The band made this statement on Myspace, "Yes it is true this will be the last Hot Rod Circuit tour.Thank you so much for coming to shows and buying our records for the past ten years. It has been a blast and we have made so many friends and fans and we will miss you all. Stay tuned for more info on what everyone from hrc is up to. I will be sure to keep you posted. Oh and thanks to everyone over in Australia for showing us a good time. Thank you so much Andy, Hot Rod Circuit
Please pass this along and come enjoy the farewell tour..." Hot Rod Circuit went on to play a small 8 date east coast farewell tour. Hot Rod Circuit played their last show to a sold out crowd at Toad's Place in New Haven, CT.
Reunion
On February 10, 2011, it was confirmed that Hot Rod Circuit will be reuniting for a one-off performance at the Krazy FestKrazy Fest
Krazy Fest was the brain child of Initial Records President Andy Rich. It was a weekend long music and lifestyle festival that ran annually for six years from 1998 through 2003...
in Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
, with future plans uncertain. Following Jackson's departure from his other band Terrible Things
Terrible Things
Terrible Things is a pop rock supergroup composed of former members of the bands Hot Rod Circuit, Taking Back Sunday, and Coheed and Cambria. The group formed in 2009 and released its debut album on the 31st August, 2010....
on April 20, 2011, speculation raised that the band's reunion might be full-time, with more shows to follow Krazy Fest. On September 1, 2011, it was announced that Hot Rod Circuit would embark on a short 8 date tour of the US in November, and will also release a new limited edition 7" vinyl EP with three songs - two originals entitled "Forgive Me" and "Into the Sun" and a cover of Superdrag
Superdrag
Superdrag is an alternative rock band from Knoxville, Tennessee. The band had a hit with its 1996 single "Sucked Out" off their album Regretfully Yours, for which a video clip was broadcast regularly on MTV...
's "Sucked Out".
Post Break Up
Andy Jackson announced his new side project, Death in the Park in early 2008. Hot Rod Circuit bassist, Joe Ballaro played in the band and later went on to play with The Queen Killing Kings.In February 2008, Hot Rod Circuit posted a bulletin on Myspace stating that they were working on a B-Sides Record that would feature unreleased material from previous records, and would also include a live DVD of their last show. It has not yet been released.
Death in the Park played a few tours and shows with bands such as Paramore
Paramore
Paramore is an American rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band consists of lead vocalist Hayley Williams, bassist Jeremy Davis, and guitarist Taylor York...
, Saosin
Saosin
Saosin is an American rock band originally hailing from Newport Beach, California. The band was formed in 2003 and recorded its first EP, Translating the Name, that same year with original singer Anthony Green. Green left Saosin following the band's decision to sign with a commercial label,...
, Underoath
Underoath
Underoath is an American Christian metalcore band from Tampa, Florida. Founded by Dallas Taylor and Luke Morton on November 30, 1997 in Ocala, Florida, subsequently its additional members were from Tampa, Florida...
, The Forecast
The Forecast
The Forecast is an American Western Indie Rock band from Peoria, Illinois. The Forecast's sound is most recognizable for containing strong two and three part harmonies performed by combinations of their multiple vocalists, as heard in tracks such as "Red as the Moon" and "One Hundred Percent". The...
, Saves The Day
Saves the Day
Saves the Day is an American rock band from Princeton, New Jersey, formed in 1994. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist Arun Bali, bassist Rodrigo Palma, and drummer Claudio Rivera....
, and Alkaline Trio
Alkaline Trio
Alkaline Trio is an American punk rock band that formed in McHenry, Illinois, in 1996. The band's line-up consists of Matt Skiba , Dan Andriano , and Derek Grant...
. The band released a 5 Track EP in the fall of 2008. The band announced plans to release their full length album in the spring of 2009. The self-titled record was digitally released through Austin indie label End Sounds on August 24, 2010, with a physical release following on September 14.
Andy Jackson played acoustic Hot Rod sets after Death in the Park on localized dates. The string of shows was limited to the New England Area. In summer of 2009, Andy Jackson played a few acoustic HRC sets with Anthony Raneri of Bayside. These dates were localized to Florida. Then in the fall of 09', Jackson played HRC sets for New England once again.
In late 2009, Andy Jackson announced his new project, Terrible Things
Terrible Things
Terrible Things is a pop rock supergroup composed of former members of the bands Hot Rod Circuit, Taking Back Sunday, and Coheed and Cambria. The group formed in 2009 and released its debut album on the 31st August, 2010....
. He formed the band with Fred Mascherino
Fred Mascherino
Frederick Paul Mascherino is an American musician best known for his work as lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist in alternative rock band Taking Back Sunday...
and Josh Eppard
Josh Eppard
Josh Eppard is an American musician from Kingston New York and the drummer for progressive rock band Coheed and Cambria. He has worked as a solo rapper under the name Weerd Science and was the drummer for supergroup rock band Terrible Things...
. In early 2010 the band signed with Universal/Motown. The band is slated to do dates on Warped Tour 2010 and released their full-length debut on August 31, 2010.
Final group members
- Andy Jackson (vocals, rhythm guitar)
- Casey Prestwood (guitar, pedal steel)
- Joe Ballaro (bass, vocals)
- Dan Duggins (drums)
Former Band Members=
- Jason Russell (1999–2005)
- Mike Poorman (2001–2003)
- Brian Kiss (2004–2005)
- Wes Cross (1999)
- Jake Turner (Fill In - 2005)
- Jeff Turner (Fill In - 2005)
- Jerry Morrison (Fill In - 2005)
- Rob Fitzgerald (Fill In - 2005)
Albums
- Mr. Glenboski - (1998 - New World Records)
- If I Knew Now What I Knew Then (1999 - Triple Crown Records)
- If It's Cool With You, It's Cool With Me (2000 - Triple Crown Records)
- Sorry About Tomorrow (2002 - Vagrant Records)
- Reality's Coming Through (2004 - Vagrant Records)
- The Underground Is A Dying Breed (2007 - Immortal Records)
EPs, Singles & B-Sides
- Hot Rod Circuit - 1999
- Split w/ The Anniversary - 2000
- Split w/ thisyearsmodel - 2001
- Been There, Smoked That - 2002 (Triple Crown)
- Pharmacist - 2003
- The Underground Is A Dying Breed (iTunes Acoustic EP) - 2007
Compilations & Soundtracks
- Revelation-A-Pop-A-Lypse - 1999
- I ♥ Metal - 1999
- Y2K Proof - 2000
- Welcome To Triple Crown - 2000
- The Best Comp In The World - 2000
- Another Year On The Streets Volume 2 - 2001
- Been There, Smoked That - 2003
- Atticus ...Dragging The Lake II - 2003
- Beer: The Movie - 2003
- Last Nights Escape - 2003
- Outlaw Volleyball: Music From The Game - 2003
- Another Year On The Streets Vol. 3 - 2004
- A Santa Cause 2: Its A Punk Rock Christmas - 2006
- Yo! Indie Rock Raps (Warped Tour Edition) - 2007
- Punk Goes CrunkPunk Goes CrunkPunk Goes Crunk is the seventh compilation album in the Punk Goes... series released by Fearless Records. The album is composed of popular hip hop songs performed by various emo, pop punk and metalcore bands.-Track listing:...
- 2008
External links
- Official site
- Dan Duggins personal drumming site
- Profile on MySpaceMySpaceMyspace 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....