Viva Machine
Viva Machine were a Welsh rock band, formed in 2003. Initially known as Ipsofacto, they adopted the name Viva Machine in 2006. In 2008 they added a second guitarist and synth player Justin Hendy. The band announced an indefinite hiatus in September 2009.[1]
Viva Machine | |
---|---|
Origin | Swansea, Wales |
Genres | Alternative rock Progressive rock Pop |
Years active | 2003 – September 2009 (On Hiatus) |
Labels | Rocklouder Records |
Associated acts | The Automatic |
Website | http://www.vivamachine.com |
Members | Chris Seacombe Tom Stephens Gareth Carter Dai Francis Justin Hendy |
History
The band released their first single, "My Jet Set Radio", on 4 December 2006, which had a small amount of airplay on BBC Radio 1, as well as being featured on ITV show The Guest List, where the band also performed.[2]
In 2007, working with producer Richard Jackson, the band wrote and recorded their debut album, recording 15 album tracks and around 20 b-sides.[3][4] They finished most of the album in mid-2008.[5] "Robotbodyrox" was the first single from the album, with "Go! Go! Go!" as the b-side. The music video for the single was released online on 21 October 2008.[6]
In September 2008 the band added another guitarist and synth player Justin Hendy.[7][8]
The band's debut album, Viva Machine, was released on 15 June 2009 by Rocklouder Records, after a break from live shows so bassist Tom Stephens could finish his degree. The track "Earthquakers & Loveshakers" was released as a free download on 8 June to promote the album's release.[7][9][10][11][12][5]
In September 2009 the band announced a lengthy, possibly indefinite hiatus, citing financial and educational commitments.
Influences
In an interview in 2007, the band cited influences including Clutch, Queens Of The Stone Age, Weezer, Jarcrew, Biffy Clyro, Radiohead and The Beach Boys.[5][13]
Band members
- Chris Seacombe (vocals, synth)
- Tom Stephens (bass, vocals)
- Gareth Carter (guitar, vocals)
- Dai "D.P. Francais" Francis (drums)
- Justin Hendy (guitar, synth)(2008–present)
Discography
Albums
- Viva Machine (2009)
Singles
- "My Jet Set Radio" (2006)
- "Robotbodyrox" (2008)
- "Earthquakers & Loveshakers" (2009)
References
- "Viva Machine bio". BBC. 2007. Archived from the original on 16 February 2007. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
- "My Jet Set Radio". BBC. 2007. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
- Tom Stephens (31 December 2008). "Happy 2008!". Myspace. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
- "Pop Factory Awards. Last minute free show. Album stuff". myspace blog (Tom Stephens)(30 November). 2008. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
- Phillip May (2007). "Rock Louder catches up with Viva Machine". Rock Louder. Retrieved 16 September 2007.
- "ROBOTBODYROX OUT 9th NOVEMBER". myspace blog. 2007. Retrieved 21 October 2008.
- Tom Stephens (2008). "New members. New songs. New tour". Myspace. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
- "Viva Machine biggest tour yet!". Rocklouder. 2008. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
- "Viva Machine Announce Debut Album". This Is Fake DIY. 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
- "Viva Machine Announce Debut Album". Rock Sound. 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
- "Viva Machine Debut Album Plans". Click music. 2009. Archived from the original on 23 July 2012. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
- "Rocklouder Announce Viva Machine Album Release!". Rocklouder. 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
- "Audio interview with Viva Machine". beartrappods.com. 2007. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2008.