Sherwood (American band)
Encyclopedia
Sherwood is an indie rock
band from San Luis Obispo, California
, specializing in upbeat pop rock. After the release of their debut LP Sing, But Keep Going
, they signed to MySpace Records
in early 2006.
in San Luis Obispo, California
. The band first formed with Nate Henry
on vocals and bass, Dan Koch
on drums, and Chris Armstrong on guitar. The name Sherwood comes from an inside band joke about creating a concept album that synced with the 1973 Disney Robin Hood cartoon
in the same way that Pink Floyd
's The Dark Side of the Moon
is said to sync with The Wizard of Oz
. In April 2003, the lineup was changed with the addition of drummer Joe Greenetz. Koch became the band's second guitarist and principal songwriter. October of the same year saw the addition of keyboardist Chris Keene. Mike Leibovich joined to play keyboards months later after Keene left Sherwood to play for Number One Gun
. After years of touring with a "Do-it-yourself
" attitude, the band chose to sign with Militia Group
side-label Sidecho Records
, who would release their debut LP. Entitled Sing, But Keep Going
and produced at Sonikwire Studios in Irvine, CA by Michael Rosas (singer/guitarist for the band Satisfaction), it sold over 20,000 copies and helped stir up even more attention for the group.
In 2005 it was announced that founding guitarist Chris Armstrong was leaving the band. His role was filled on tour first by (former Terminal
, now Oh, Sleeper
bassist) Lucas Starr and later by their friend Gabe Dutton from Michigan in the summer of '06 and finally by Dave Provenzano (formerly of the band Fighting Jacks) in February 2007.
As Sing, But Keep Going
continued to gain traction, the band began receiving interest from other labels as they went on to play the Vans Warped Tour and sold-out shows across the country. Pushing the envelope even further was AbsolutePunk.net
, who released a free downloadable EP in early 2006 that has since been downloaded some 30,000 times. After holding out for the best possible deal, the band surprised its fans and announced that they had signed to the newly formed MySpace Records
. Following another summer stint on the Warped Tour, Sherwood spent six weeks in a beach house near Ensenada, Mexico writing for their next LP. The songs written during this time, along with the material they'd released on the Summer EP
, were compiled to form a new full-length album, later entitled A Different Light
, which was recorded in December 2006 at Motor Studios in San Francisco with producer Lou Giordano
and features his daughter Joanna as a violinist in "I'm Asking Her to Stay".
A Different Light
was released in March 2007, in the middle of the band's nationwide tour supporting Relient K
and Mae
. Sherwood spent the rest of the year supporting several other bands they had met on the Warped Tour including Motion City Soundtrack
and The Academy Is...
, and ended 2007's unrelenting schedule with a tour in England alongside Hellogoodbye
and Say Anything
.
Sherwood spent 2008 continuing their support of A Different Light
with two more European tours, a trip to Japan, and several headlining U.S. tours. In August the band moved to Oakland, CA to begin writing material for their third full-length album, which would be produced by Brad Wood
in Los Angeles.
On July 14, 2009, Sherwood announced that their upcoming album would be titled QU
and released on October 13. They also posted three new songs from the album to their myspace page.
Also in 2009, Sherwood's song "The Best In Me" was used as the theme to the new MTV
show College Life
.
Despite rumors of a breakup, in 2010 Sherwood announced at a show that the band would continue on and to expect a new album in the summer of 2011.
meets Mineral
meets Further Seems Forever
," the band's detailed list of influences for their current sound is a blend of old-fashioned rock and progressive alternative, with strong ties to standards set by the Beach Boys.
In the summer of 2005, guitarist Dan Koch and then-guitarist Chris Armstrong released a free online EP under the pseudonym "I'll Beat You Up" through a Myspace page. This farcical project consisted of "screamo" covers of children's melodies, such as the Itsy-Bitsy Spider and selections from Schoolhouse Rock. While it appears to have been a one-time deal, the EP remains available for download on the Myspace page.
A band from San Diego, California featuring Jonathan Jones
, the singer of Waking Ashland
, in addition to Dan Koch and Joe Greenetz, both from Sherwood.
On November 7, 2007 Sherwood released their first pilot episode of their new online show starring Nate Henry
, Dan Koch
, Joe Greenetz, Mike Leibovich, and Dave Provenzano. The pilot episode can be found on their MySpace
blog. They announced that they would be airing a new episode every Wednesday. According to the pilot episode lead singer and bassist Nate Henry
started the series.
Indie rock
Indie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with sub-genres that include lo-fi, post-rock, math rock, indie pop, dream pop, noise rock, space rock, sadcore, riot grrrl and emo, among others...
band from San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo is a city in California, located roughly midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Central Coast. Founded in 1772 by Spanish Fr. Junipero Serra, San Luis Obispo is one of California’s oldest communities...
, specializing in upbeat pop rock. After the release of their debut LP Sing, But Keep Going
Sing, But Keep Going
With a diverse selection of influences that include The Beach Boys and Jimmy Eat World, 'Sing, but Keep Going' offers sharp lyrics, indie charm and a nod to the great songwriters of decades past.-Track listing:#"We Do This to Ourselves" – 2:26...
, they signed to MySpace Records
MySpace Records
Myspace Records is a record label founded in 2005 to sign artists who appear on the social networking site MySpace. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of MySpace and parent News Corporation, operating as a joint-venture between MySpace and Interscope Records...
in early 2006.
History
The band began in late 2002 while several of its founding members were attending Cal PolyCalifornia Polytechnic State University
California Polytechnic State University, or Cal Poly, is a public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, United States. The university is one of two polytechnic campuses in the 23-member California State University system....
in San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo is a city in California, located roughly midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Central Coast. Founded in 1772 by Spanish Fr. Junipero Serra, San Luis Obispo is one of California’s oldest communities...
. The band first formed with Nate Henry
Nate Henry
Nathan "Nate" Henry is the lead singer and bassist for the indie rock band Sherwood. He, Dan Koch, and Chris Armstrong formed the band in 2002 while they were attending college in San Luis Obispo, California. He and Dan Koch compose all of Sherwood's songs, and Henry directed Sherwood's first...
on vocals and bass, Dan Koch
Dan Koch
Dan Koch is the lead guitarist and principal songwriter for the indie rock band Sherwood. He helped form the band with Nate Henry in 2002 while attending university at Cal Poly. Dan was originally Sherwood's drummer, but when drummer Joe Greenetz joined the band he switched from drums to guitar...
on drums, and Chris Armstrong on guitar. The name Sherwood comes from an inside band joke about creating a concept album that synced with the 1973 Disney Robin Hood cartoon
Robin Hood (1973 film)
Robin Hood is an 1973 American animated film produced by the Walt Disney Productions, first released in the United States on November 8, 1973...
in the same way that Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
's The Dark Side of the Moon
The Dark Side of the Moon
The Dark Side of the Moon is the eighth studio album by English progressive rock band Pink Floyd, released in March 1973. It built on ideas explored in the band's earlier recordings and live shows, but lacks the extended instrumental excursions that characterised their work following the departure...
is said to sync with The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)
The Wizard of Oz is a 1939 American musical fantasy film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was directed primarily by Victor Fleming. Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf received credit for the screenplay, but there were uncredited contributions by others. The lyrics for the songs...
. In April 2003, the lineup was changed with the addition of drummer Joe Greenetz. Koch became the band's second guitarist and principal songwriter. October of the same year saw the addition of keyboardist Chris Keene. Mike Leibovich joined to play keyboards months later after Keene left Sherwood to play for Number One Gun
Number One Gun
Number One Gun is a Christian rock band from Chico, California, that was most recently signed to Tooth & Nail Records. They self-released their debut EP Forever in 2002, before releasing their follow-up albums Celebrate Mistakes on Floodgate Records and Promises for the Imperfect on Tooth & Nail...
. After years of touring with a "Do-it-yourself
Do it yourself
Do it yourself is a term used to describe building, modifying, or repairing of something without the aid of experts or professionals...
" attitude, the band chose to sign with Militia Group
The Militia Group
-History:The Militia Group was founded in 1998 by Chad Pearson as a booking agency, booking for artists such as Slick Shoes, Craig's Brother, Dogwood, twothirtyeight, Acceptance, and Element 101. Rory Felton and Chad Pearson partnered in 2000 to turn the booking agency into a record company...
side-label Sidecho Records
SideCho Records
SideCho Records is an independent record label based in Long Beach, California. It has been around since at least 2003, but doesn't list a history on its website.-Artists:* Those Mockingbirds* Peachcake* Charlemagne* Neva Dinova* The Pale Pacific...
, who would release their debut LP. Entitled Sing, But Keep Going
Sing, But Keep Going
With a diverse selection of influences that include The Beach Boys and Jimmy Eat World, 'Sing, but Keep Going' offers sharp lyrics, indie charm and a nod to the great songwriters of decades past.-Track listing:#"We Do This to Ourselves" – 2:26...
and produced at Sonikwire Studios in Irvine, CA by Michael Rosas (singer/guitarist for the band Satisfaction), it sold over 20,000 copies and helped stir up even more attention for the group.
In 2005 it was announced that founding guitarist Chris Armstrong was leaving the band. His role was filled on tour first by (former Terminal
Terminal (band)
Terminal was an American rock band from Mansfield, Texas.-History:Formed in 1998 under the name Letter Twelve, the group signed to Tooth & Nail Records in 2004 and changed its name. The band's first, and only, release under this name was entitled How the Lonely Keep, and in 2005 they went on tour...
, now Oh, Sleeper
Oh, Sleeper
Oh, Sleeper is an American metalcore band from Fort Worth, Texas and is signed to Solid State Records. They have recorded three full-length albums to date, the most recent being their third album Children of Fire, released on September 6, 2011....
bassist) Lucas Starr and later by their friend Gabe Dutton from Michigan in the summer of '06 and finally by Dave Provenzano (formerly of the band Fighting Jacks) in February 2007.
As Sing, But Keep Going
Sing, But Keep Going
With a diverse selection of influences that include The Beach Boys and Jimmy Eat World, 'Sing, but Keep Going' offers sharp lyrics, indie charm and a nod to the great songwriters of decades past.-Track listing:#"We Do This to Ourselves" – 2:26...
continued to gain traction, the band began receiving interest from other labels as they went on to play the Vans Warped Tour and sold-out shows across the country. Pushing the envelope even further was AbsolutePunk.net
AbsolutePunk.net
AbsolutePunk is a website, online community, and alternative music news source founded by Jason Tate . The website mainly focuses on artists who are relatively unknown to mainstream audiences, but it has been known to feature artists who have eventually achieved crossover success, including Fall...
, who released a free downloadable EP in early 2006 that has since been downloaded some 30,000 times. After holding out for the best possible deal, the band surprised its fans and announced that they had signed to the newly formed MySpace Records
MySpace Records
Myspace Records is a record label founded in 2005 to sign artists who appear on the social networking site MySpace. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of MySpace and parent News Corporation, operating as a joint-venture between MySpace and Interscope Records...
. Following another summer stint on the Warped Tour, Sherwood spent six weeks in a beach house near Ensenada, Mexico writing for their next LP. The songs written during this time, along with the material they'd released on the Summer EP
Summer EP
Summer EP is a 2006 release by the indie rock band Sherwood. During the spring of 2006, AbsolutePunk.net offered a 5 song version of this album to download for free...
, were compiled to form a new full-length album, later entitled A Different Light
A Different Light
A Different Light is the second full-length album by Sherwood, and it continues the band's musical style. The album contains several re-recorded versions of tracks off their Summer EP , as well as new tracks that help the band drift into new musical territory...
, which was recorded in December 2006 at Motor Studios in San Francisco with producer Lou Giordano
Lou Giordano
Lou Giordano is a record producer and recording engineer who worked at Radiobeat Studios and Fort Apache Studios. He has produced a wide variety of bands, including Hüsker Dü, the Goo Goo Dolls, and many others....
and features his daughter Joanna as a violinist in "I'm Asking Her to Stay".
A Different Light
A Different Light
A Different Light is the second full-length album by Sherwood, and it continues the band's musical style. The album contains several re-recorded versions of tracks off their Summer EP , as well as new tracks that help the band drift into new musical territory...
was released in March 2007, in the middle of the band's nationwide tour supporting Relient K
Relient K
Relient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by Matt Thiessen, Brian Pittman, and Matt Hoopes during the band's junior year in high school and their time at Malone University...
and Mae
Mae
Mae was an American alternative/indie band that formed in Norfolk, Virginia in 2001. The band's name is an acronym for "Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience," based on a course taken by drummer Jacob Marshall while a student at Old Dominion University....
. Sherwood spent the rest of the year supporting several other bands they had met on the Warped Tour including Motion City Soundtrack
Motion City Soundtrack
Motion City Soundtrack is an American rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, formed in 1997. The band consists of founding members Justin Pierre and Joshua Cain , along with keyboardist and moog synthesist Jesse Johnson, bassist and backing vocalist Matthew Taylor, and drummer, percussionist and...
and The Academy Is...
The Academy Is...
The Academy Is... was an American rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 2003. Before dispersing, they were signed by the Decaydance imprint of the Fueled by Ramen label. They were originally known as "The Academy", but added the "Is..." in 2004 to avoid legal complications with other...
, and ended 2007's unrelenting schedule with a tour in England alongside Hellogoodbye
Hellogoodbye
Hellogoodbye is a power pop band that was formed in Huntington Beach, California in 2001 by singer Forrest Kline. They were signed to Drive-Thru Records and released their first full-length album Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! in 2006, in addition to their previously released EP Hellogoodbye...
and Say Anything
Say Anything (band)
Say Anything is an American indie-punk band from Los Angeles, California, fronted by Max Bemis. The band was formed in 2000 with Bemis and four of his friends. Within two years, they self-released two EPs, Junior Varsity and In Your Dreams, and the full-length Baseball: An Album by Sayanything.In...
.
Sherwood spent 2008 continuing their support of A Different Light
A Different Light
A Different Light is the second full-length album by Sherwood, and it continues the band's musical style. The album contains several re-recorded versions of tracks off their Summer EP , as well as new tracks that help the band drift into new musical territory...
with two more European tours, a trip to Japan, and several headlining U.S. tours. In August the band moved to Oakland, CA to begin writing material for their third full-length album, which would be produced by Brad Wood
Brad Wood
Brad Wood is a record producer from Rockford, Illinois. He served as a drummer for the band Shrimp Boat. Brad records, mixes and produces records and is based in Los Angeles, California. He began his career in earnest in 1988 with the construction of Idful Music Corporation- a recording studio in...
in Los Angeles.
On July 14, 2009, Sherwood announced that their upcoming album would be titled QU
QU (album)
QU is the third studio album by the American rock band Sherwood, released digitally and through Myspace Records to music stores on October 13, 2009. The album was released early in electronic format to some of those who pre-ordered due to shipping difficulties. The album was first announced on...
and released on October 13. They also posted three new songs from the album to their myspace page.
Also in 2009, Sherwood's song "The Best In Me" was used as the theme to the new MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
show College Life
College Life
College Life is a popular song, first published in 1905 and written by Hery Frantzen. Today the most well-known version is by Billy Murray, who recorded a 1906 version for Victor Records which has entered the public domain.-External links:* *...
.
Despite rumors of a breakup, in 2010 Sherwood announced at a show that the band would continue on and to expect a new album in the summer of 2011.
Current members
- Nate HenryNate HenryNathan "Nate" Henry is the lead singer and bassist for the indie rock band Sherwood. He, Dan Koch, and Chris Armstrong formed the band in 2002 while they were attending college in San Luis Obispo, California. He and Dan Koch compose all of Sherwood's songs, and Henry directed Sherwood's first...
– Lead vocals, bass guitar (2002–present) - Joe Greenetz – drums (2005–present)
- Dan KochDan KochDan Koch is the lead guitarist and principal songwriter for the indie rock band Sherwood. He helped form the band with Nate Henry in 2002 while attending university at Cal Poly. Dan was originally Sherwood's drummer, but when drummer Joe Greenetz joined the band he switched from drums to guitar...
– Lead GuitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
, Background vocals (2002–present) - Dave Provenzano – Rhythm GuitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
(2007–present) - Mike Leibovich – KeysKey (instrument)A key is a specific part of a musical instrument. The purpose and function of the part in question depends on the instrument.On instruments equipped with tuning machines, violins and guitars, for example, a key is part of a tuning machine. It is a worm gear with a key shaped end used to turn a cog,...
, percussionPercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
(2003–present)
Former members
- Chris Armstrong – guitar
- Chris Keene – keyboards
- Gabe Dutton – guitar
- Billy Dunaway – bass guitar
Crew Members
- Josh Jeter – Miscellaneous, Legal Counsel
- Luke Holton – Sound Engineer, Tour Manager
- Jon Havens – Lights, Merch
- Sarah Shotwell – Guitar Tech, Merch, Literary Advisor
Former Crew Members
- Ciara Carlson – Merch Mistress
- Paul McCullough – Friend, well-wisher, and former colleague
- Shane Haase – FOH Sound Engineer and Merch
- Will Kent – Lighting Designer and Visual Director
- Sean Porterhouse – Guitar Tech, Tour Manager
- Joshua Monaghan – Guitar Tech
Musical style
The band focuses on creating rock and roll music that can be danced to—upbeat, with nonaggressive passion and a strong nod to classic rock stylings. While the band's original sound has been admitted to be "The Get Up KidsThe 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...
meets Mineral
Mineral (band)
Mineral was a prominent mid-90s emo band originally from Houston, Texas, but soon relocated to Austin following their formation. All four members of Mineral were signed to Interscope Records on individual contracts...
meets Further Seems Forever
Further Seems Forever
Further Seems Forever is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Pompano Beach, Florida and disbanded in 2006. Over the course of their career the band experienced several lineup changes, resulting in a different lead vocalist performing on each of their three studio albums...
," the band's detailed list of influences for their current sound is a blend of old-fashioned rock and progressive alternative, with strong ties to standards set by the Beach Boys.
Other projects
- I'll Beat You Up
In the summer of 2005, guitarist Dan Koch and then-guitarist Chris Armstrong released a free online EP under the pseudonym "I'll Beat You Up" through a Myspace page. This farcical project consisted of "screamo" covers of children's melodies, such as the Itsy-Bitsy Spider and selections from Schoolhouse Rock. While it appears to have been a one-time deal, the EP remains available for download on the Myspace page.
- We Shot The MoonWe Shot the MoonWe Shot the Moon, formerly known as The Honor Roll, is a band from San Diego, California featuring Jonathan Jones the singer of Waking Ashland, and originally, Dan Koch, and Joe Greenetz both from the band Sherwood.- History :...
A band from San Diego, California featuring Jonathan Jones
Jonathan Jones (musician)
Jonathan Jones is the lead singer, pianist, song writer and co-founder of the alternative rock bands Waking Ashland and We Shot the Moon.-Personal life:Jonathan lives in Cardiff, CA...
, the singer of Waking Ashland
Waking Ashland
Waking Ashland was an American rock band from San Diego, California. Formed in 2003, they were signed to Tooth and Nail and Immortal Records. In all the group released two EPs and two full-length albums before their disestablishment in 2007...
, in addition to Dan Koch and Joe Greenetz, both from Sherwood.
- The Sherwood Show
On November 7, 2007 Sherwood released their first pilot episode of their new online show starring Nate Henry
Nate Henry
Nathan "Nate" Henry is the lead singer and bassist for the indie rock band Sherwood. He, Dan Koch, and Chris Armstrong formed the band in 2002 while they were attending college in San Luis Obispo, California. He and Dan Koch compose all of Sherwood's songs, and Henry directed Sherwood's first...
, Dan Koch
Dan Koch
Dan Koch is the lead guitarist and principal songwriter for the indie rock band Sherwood. He helped form the band with Nate Henry in 2002 while attending university at Cal Poly. Dan was originally Sherwood's drummer, but when drummer Joe Greenetz joined the band he switched from drums to guitar...
, Joe Greenetz, Mike Leibovich, and Dave Provenzano. The pilot episode can be found on their MySpace
MySpace
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....
blog. They announced that they would be airing a new episode every Wednesday. According to the pilot episode lead singer and bassist Nate Henry
Nate Henry
Nathan "Nate" Henry is the lead singer and bassist for the indie rock band Sherwood. He, Dan Koch, and Chris Armstrong formed the band in 2002 while they were attending college in San Luis Obispo, California. He and Dan Koch compose all of Sherwood's songs, and Henry directed Sherwood's first...
started the series.
Albums
- 2005: Sing, but Keep GoingSing, But Keep GoingWith a diverse selection of influences that include The Beach Boys and Jimmy Eat World, 'Sing, but Keep Going' offers sharp lyrics, indie charm and a nod to the great songwriters of decades past.-Track listing:#"We Do This to Ourselves" – 2:26...
- 2007: A Different LightA Different LightA Different Light is the second full-length album by Sherwood, and it continues the band's musical style. The album contains several re-recorded versions of tracks off their Summer EP , as well as new tracks that help the band drift into new musical territory...
U.S. Heatseekers #11, U.S. Independent Albums #30 - 2009: QUQU (album)QU is the third studio album by the American rock band Sherwood, released digitally and through Myspace Records to music stores on October 13, 2009. The album was released early in electronic format to some of those who pre-ordered due to shipping difficulties. The album was first announced on...
U.S. Billboard 200Billboard 200The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
debuted at #91, U.S. Independent Albums #9
EPs
- 2002: A Long Story Short EP
- 2003: These Ruins EP
- 2004: Sherwood EPSherwood (EP)-Track listing:#The Summer Sends Its Love – 3:40 #Please Wait Up For Me – 3:25 #The Push Game – 3:20 #Pray Forgive Me These Mistakes – 1:55#Under A Lamp – 3:51 # You Choose – 3:42 #I'll See That You Aren't Woken Up – 3:46 - Trivia :...
- 2006: Summer EPSummer EPSummer EP is a 2006 release by the indie rock band Sherwood. During the spring of 2006, AbsolutePunk.net offered a 5 song version of this album to download for free...
- 2009: Not Gonna Love EPNot Gonna Love EPThe Not Gonna Love EP is a four track EP by the American band Sherwood sold during live shows during the Summer of 2009 starting in mid-July. The EP also was included as part of the band's pre-sale for their upcoming CD, QU.-Track listing:...
Sites
- Official Website
- Official Purevolume site
- AbsolutePunk Profile
- Upcoming Tour Dates
- Zannel Sherwood Interview
- Live Video of "Song In My Head" – by Punkvideosrock