Moth (band)
Moth |
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MOTH is an American alternative rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio formed in 1989. The band has released five full length records including a major label release on Virgin Records. They have done live performances on The Late Late Show, AOL, and Mancow's Morning Madhouse, numerous national tours and a UK tour. They have recieved critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, Blender, Spin, Billboard, Alternative Press, Transworld, Stuff, CMJ, The New York Times and Los Angeles Times.
History
Formation and debut album (1989–2002)
MOTH recorded its debut album with producer Sean Beavan. During recording, Stenz and Gayol were joined by bassist Tommy Stinson and drummer Josh Freese. After the recording, Tommy Stinson and Josh Freese were replaced by Theodore Liscinski and Atom Willard. The band released Provisions, Fiction and Gear April 9, 2002. "I See Sound" was released as the first single. The music video was shot in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
EMI/Virgin decided to drop pop diva Mariah Carey, the resulting financial fallout from her hefty signing and $28 million dollar "severance" forced EMI to completely restructure. The company began letting go of employees and, according to Gayol, "everyone but the multi-platinum artists and artists who sold gold." Provisions, Fiction and Gear had just been released, selling only 10,000 to 15,000 units.
Drop Deaf (2003)
With Virgin Records behind them, the duo were resigned to start working on a new album, including assembling and rehearsing a locally-based rhythm section with Bill Buzek on bass and drummer Kevin Hogle. Initial tracking took place at local studio, Group Effort, with longtime band ally, Jeff Monroe, while the remainder of the tracks were recorded at Stenz's home-based Studio Red. Stenz assumed responsibility for Drop Deaf's production chores and confesses it was "extremely stressful."
Immune to Gravity (2004-2006)
Brad's friendship with former A&R exec Todd Sullivan became the catalyst for the next chapter of MOTH’s lifespan. Brad continued to send songs to Sullivan after the band's departure from Virgin Records and in spring of 2004, Sullivan headed out to Cincinnati for a look at the new MOTH lineup with Eli White on bass and Eric Diedrichs on guitar. Liking what he witnessed at a downtown festival, Sullivan asked MOTH to be the first band signed to his new label, Hey Domingo! The music video for the song "Revolution" was directed by Paul Grundy.
On hiatus (2007-present)
Brad Stenz currently plays bass in Cari Clara and The Turnbull AC's.
Members
Current members
- Brad Stenz - vocals, guitar
- Eric Diedrichs - guitar
- Ryan Malott - bass
- Kevin Hogle - drums
Former members
- Eli White - bass
- Evan Brass - guitar
- Bob Gayol - guitar
- Bill Buzeck - bass
- Ted Liscinski - bass
- Mel Dillon - bass
- Atom Willard - drums
Session musicians
- Tommy Stinson - bass (recorded bass tracks on Like a Butterfly 'cept Different and Provisions, Fiction and Gear)
- Josh Freese - drums (recorded drum tracks on Like a Butterfly 'cept Different and Provisions, Fiction and Gear)
Discography
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Label | US Chart Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | MOTH | ||
| 1994 | Big League Fantasy Camp | ||
| 2002 | Provisions, Fiction and Gear | Virgin Records | #42 (CMJ Radio 200) |
| 2003 | Drop Deaf | Vital Records | |
| 2006 | Immune to Gravity | Hey Domingo! |
EPs
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Like a Butterfly 'cept Different | Virgin Records |
Singles
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | I See Sound | Virgin Records |
Appearances on compilations
| Year | Album | Label | Song |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Emily the Strange: Strange Music for Strange People Vol. 1 | "Revolution" | |
| 2007 | Uncover the Rock | "Sticks and Stones" |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | "I See Sound" | Provisions, Fiction and Gear |
| 2006 | "Revolution" | Immune to Gravity |