Estradasphere
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Estradasphere is an indie band that originated in Santa Cruz, California during the late 1990s. Constructed around core members Tim Smolens (bassist), Timb Harris (violinist) and Jason Schimmel (guitarist), they are popular throughout the United States and have performed almost 300 shows at 156 venues.
Estradasphere are best known for their eclectic musical styling. They frequently draw inspiration from genres such as jazz, funk, techno, classical, pop, metal, New Age, Latin, Balkan, Greek and gypsy stylings. They are influenced by artists such as The Beach Boys and Sleepytime Gorilla Museum; and are often compared to the band Mr. Bungle. They also regularly play themes from television programs and video games such as Super Mario Bros.
As of 2005, Estradasphere have released four full length albums (including a split live CD/DVD), an EP, and a VHS that compiles early footage of live shows. The VHS product has since been rereleased on DVD with extra footage.
Estradasphere have received some critical success with the album Buck Fever, but they have yet to gain any substantial commercial success. It is apparent that the members of the band are content with this, however, and consider being less popular in the music world creates a more personal experience with their fans. Certain fans of Estradasphere have been known to show their appreciation for the band in eccentric ways, such as a fan who calls himself "Sheepman" and dresses up as a sheep when appearing at Estradasphere shows.
Estradasphere usually perform shows in California, where they are based, but they occasionally go on tour to areas all across the United States and sometimes southern parts of Canada. Their booking agent, Poco Marshall, booked many of their first shows at Palookaville in Santa Cruz.
Currently, Estradasphere has just finished working on a new LP called Palace of Mirrors to be released through The End Records on September 19, 2006. A North America tour is to accompany the release of the album.
Current band members include:
- Jason Schimmel - guitar, banjo
- Tim Smolens - bass guitar, double bass
- Timb Harris - violin, trumpet
- Kevin Kmetz - shamisen, guitar
- Adam Stacey - accordion, keyboards
- Lee Smith - drums
Booking agent:
- Poco Marshall
Previous members:
- David Murray - drums
- John Whooley - saxophone
Band history
Guitarist Jason Schimmel and bassist Tim Smolens met in 7th grade at Miraleste High School. In 1997, their band Don Salsa recorded its first album, "Koolaid Moustache In Jonestown." In 1998, Jason and Tim moved to Santa Cruz, California. Jason attended UC Santa Cruz, along with Timb Harris, John Whooley, and Dave Murray. At that time, John, Tim, Jason, Dave, and Jason Conception played downtown in the streets of Santa Cruz. Jason Conception left the band to pursue Netwerk:Electric, his other project. In December 1998, Timb Harris joined the band. The band continued to play the streets and at local coffee shops.On January 7, 2000, Estradasphere held its first concert at Kuumbwa Jazz Center. This was a pivotal show for the band, and they began to play clubs exclusively. Poco Marshall booked many more shows at the legendary Palookaville, as he was the venue talent buyer at the time. Later that year, they released their first album "It's Understood" on Trey Spruance's label, Mimicry Records. They went on their first North American tour, opening for Secret Chiefs 3.
In 2001, Estradasphere released their first EP, The Silent Elk Of Yesterday, which included a few new studio tracks, and some live performances. They also went on their second North American tour with the band Tub Ring.
The band released their second full length album, "Buck Fever" in Spring of 2002. Later that year, drummer Dave Murray decided to quit the band.
In 2003, they released their third full length album "Quadropus." Because they did not have a full time drummer, several guest drummers appeared on this album, including Dave Murray. In Spring of 2004, they released a DVD of live footage called "Passion for Life." It contained a full length DVD as well as a CD that included some live tracks and other material.
In early 2004, John Whooley left Estradasphere. Kevin Kmetz and Adam Stacey joined the band to replace him. They played their first show together as a new band with guest drummer Theo Mordey at 2004's SXSW Festival. After a few months of recruitment for a new drummer, Lee Smith moved from Atlanta to join Estradasphere as their permanent drummer.
Other Trivia
- The band named itself as a tribute to actor Erik Estrada who is most recognized from the television series "CHiPs".
- Estradasphere have recorded four full length albums and an EP, their newest being the CD/DVD entitled Passion for Life (2004).
- The majority of their songs consist of instrumentals, each ranging in variation from death metal, bitpop, jazz, and others.
- The band has a secret language of acronyms.
Discography
- It's Understood (LP) (2000)
- These Are The Days (VHS) (2000)
- The Silent Elk of Yesterday (EP) (2001)
- Buck Fever (LP) (2001)
- Quadropus (LP) (2003)
- Passion for Life (LP/DVD) (2004)
- These Are The Days (DVD Reissue) (2005)
- Palace of Mirrors (LP) (Sept 19 2006)
List of Songs
See List of Estradasphere songs (incomplete). See also [Estradasphere Show Archive].Related Bands/Side Projects
- Don Salsa - Tim Smolens and Jason Schimmel perform with others. Experimental group. [Official Website]
- Fishtank Ensemble - Tim Smolens, Kevin Kmetz and Adam Stacey perform with Doug (of Don Salsa), Aaron Seeman (who has recorded accordion for Estradasphere and Mr. Bungle). Also features Fabrice on fiddle and Ursula. Gypsy music. [Official Website]
- God of Shamisen - Kevin Kmetz and Lee Smith perform along with Dave McCoy and Mark Thornton. Shamisen rock. [Official Website]
- I.S.S. (Ideal Social Situation) - Tim Smolens performs with George the Reader, Joey Ryken (MonoMan), Joel Rainbow and Jesse Houts (MC Wheels). Pop. [Official Website]
- Netwerk: Electric - Former bandmate Jason Conception (1998) performs with others. Jazz.
- Santa Cruz Hemp Allstars - John Whooley performs with members of Sound Tribe Sector 9, Netwerk: Electric and Disco Biscuits. [Official Website].
- Santa Cruz White Album Ensemble - Jason Schimmel (and occasionally Timb Harris) perform with others. They perform Beatles albums such as the White Album, "Rubber Revolver" and "Sgt. Pepper's Mystery Tour" in full concerts. [Official Website]
- Secret Chiefs 3 - Timb Harris, Adam Stacey and Kevin Kmetz perform with Trey Spruance and others. Jason Schimmel, John Whooley, and Tim Smolens also make appearances. [Official Website]
External links
- [Estradasphere] - official Estradasphere website.
- [Web of Mimicry] - website for Estradasphere's record label.
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