The Whigs (band)

Last updated
The Whigs
Whigs in the dark press shot.jpg
Background information
Origin Athens, Georgia, United States
Genres Garage rock revival
Years active2002present
Labels ATO Records
MapleMusic Recordings (Canada)
Kartel (UK & )
New West Records (US)
Members Parker Gispert
Julian Dorio
Timothy Deaux
Past members Hank Sullivant
Website TheWhigs.com

The Whigs are an American garage rock band from Athens, Georgia, consisting of lead singer and guitarist Parker Gispert, drummer Julian Dorio and bassist Timothy Deaux.

Contents

Biography

Formed in Athens, Georgia in 2002, The Whigs have released five studio albums and have toured the world with acts such as Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Drive-By Truckers, The Hold Steady, Band of Skulls, Dead Confederate, and Wax Fang. They have become Late Night television regulars, having appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno twice, the Late Show with David Letterman four times, Late Night with Conan O'Brien , Late Night with Jimmy Fallon , and Jimmy Kimmel Live! twice. [1]

Early days (2002–2004)

The band was formed in 2002 by Parker Gispert, Julian Dorio, and original bass player Hank Sullivant. Gispert and Dorio both attended The Westminster Schools in Atlanta together, but didn't start playing together until they were both at the University of Georgia in Athens. After 6 months of playing and writing together, the pair hooked up with Sullivant whom they met through mutual friends. [2]

The trio played their first gig together at the DT's Down Under Club in Athens in May 2002 [3] and started setting up gigs in New York once a month. Soon the band were sharing stages with bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Drive By Truckers and The Killers. Following a negative experience during a "development deal" with major label RCA Records in 2004, [4] the Whigs opted to record and release their first album independently.

Give Em All a Big Fat Lip (2005–2006)

In July 2005, the band recorded their first album, Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip at Ross Crane House, a fraternity house in downtown Athens with engineer Billy Bennett. [5] They used equipment purchased on eBay, which they resold after recording was finished to help offset the cost of production. The album was released independently in December 2005 and in April 2006 saw the band described by Rolling Stone Magazine as "perhaps the best unsigned band in America." [6] Following this media exposure, in July 2006, The Whigs were signed to ATO Records by Jonathan Eshak who had earlier seen the band play at the Pianos venue on Ludlow Street in New York, [7] and Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip was re-released on September 19, 2006.

The band appeared at Summerfest and Voodoo Experience following the re-release of Fat Lip.

Founding member Hank Sullivant left the band in late 2006 to tour with MGMT and later pursue his solo project Kuroma. Both parties remain on good terms as Kuroma supported the band at a show in Athens in 2010 and Sullivant stepped in to play at a show in Memphis. [8]

Mission Control (2007–2008)

The band's second album Mission Control was recorded at Hollywood's Sunset Sound/Sound Factory during the summer of 2007 with producer Rob Schnapf and the temporary help of bassist Adam "Malicious Gardening" Saunders from local Athens band The Pendletons. In between the recording of the album and its release on January 22, 2008, the band recruited Timothy Deaux. [9] Following the album's release, the band toured the US with Kings of Leon, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Tokyo Police Club, Band of Skulls, Wax Fang, Tulsa, Dead Confederate, Jason Isbell, and the Dead Trees. They also appeared at several festivals including Sasquatch!, Bumbershoot and SXSW.

The summer of 2008 marked the band's first European tour, where they performed at Belgium's Rock Werchter Festival, England's 02 Wireless Festival, Scotland's T in the Park Festival and Ireland's Oxygen Festival. The tour also included a performance with Kings of Leon and MGMT at Le Zenith in Paris, France along with stops in Germany and Italy.

Towards the end of 2008 the band toured with Toadies, Tokyo Police Club, The Kooks and Kings of Leon, and ended the year with a New Year's Eve gig in their home state of Georgia with Band of Horses.

The band performed "Right Hand On My Heart" on both The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night With Conan O'Brien. "Already Young" and "Like A Vibration" were performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

In the Dark (2009–2011)

The band spent 2009 writing new songs for their next album whilst continuing to tour with Kings of Leon and undertaking several headline tours with support from bands such as Dead Confederate, The Features and Trances Arc, featuring Dorio's brother.

In The Dark was released March 16, 2010 in the US by ATO Records. It was recorded primarily at Chase Park Transduction in Athens in Summer 2009 by longtime friend and Athens native Ben H. Allen (Animal Collective, Gnarls Barkley). [10] "Someone's Daughter" and "So Lonely" were re-recorded in the fall of 2009 with producer Jay Joyce. First single "Kill Me Carolyne" and "Automatic" were written and recorded a few days later with Kings Of Leon producer Angelo Petraglia. Both additional sessions took place in Nashville, TN.

The band made their second appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman performing "Kill Me Carolyne" [11] and also appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon where they performed "Hundred / Million".

Later, the band made their first appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno performing "Black Lotus."

Upon the release of In The Dark, the band toured the US alongside Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Band of Skulls and The Hold Steady and at festivals including Mountain Jam in Woodstock and Outside Lands Festival. The band also undertook several large scale tours with Kings Of Leon in the US and the UK/Europe, including a sold out show in June at London's Hyde Park, with an estimated 65,000 attendance. [12]

In May 2010, the band embarked on a U.S.O tour, performing at military bases in Germany and the UK for soldiers and their families in an attempt to boost morale. The decision to undertake the tour was influenced by the fact the Deaux's father was in the airforce, and therefore lived in numerous countries around the world where his father was stationed.

In June, the Whigs toured England with We Are Scientists [13] and returned in February 2011 to co-headline a tour with Dead Confederate along with some dates in mainland Europe, with whom they share the same label in the UK and Europe, Kartel.

In May 2011, the Whigs returned to the U.K and to perform at Ireland's famed Slane Castle for their 30th anniversary. Here the Whigs opened for Kings of Leon and Thin Lizzy and performed to an estimated 75,000 people.

New Year's Eve 2011, The Whigs headlined the Fabulous 40 Watt Club in Athens, GA. with support from famed Elephant 6'ers Elf Power.

Enjoy The Company (2012–2013)

In the summer of 2012, The Whigs recorded their fourth album (and first for New West records). Enjoy The Company, was released on September 18, and was recorded in Woodstock, NY's Dreamland Studios with legendary rock producer John Agnello (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Kurt Vile). The album features and opens with live favorite "Staying Alive" which clocks in at over 8 minutes making it the longest Whigs track to date. The album spawned three U.S singles in "Waiting", "Staying Alive", and "Rock And Roll Forever."

A headlining tour of the U.S coincided with the release of "Enjoy The Company" and was opened by former Whig Hank Sullivant's band Kuroma. Also accompanying the album release was a music video for first single "Waiting" directed by legendary music videographer Danny Clinch. Music videos for "Staying Alive" and "Rock and Roll Forever" followed.

That September, The Whigs made their third appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman performing "Waiting."

In October, the band performed "Tiny Treasures" and "Waiting" on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

The Whigs also performed at the Austin City Limits Music Festival for the first time in October 2012.

In January 2013, the Whigs made their second appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno performing a television friendly version of "Staying Alive."

In the summer of 2013, the Whigs co-headlined a short U.S tour with veteran Georgia band Drivin' 'N Cryin' who the band credits as being an early inspiration. The Whigs also opened a short string of shows for Drive-By-Truckers.

Modern Creation (2014–Present)

In the fall of 2013, The Whigs recorded their 5th studio album in Valencia, California with recording veteran Jim Scott. Scott's illustrious career includes works with Wilco, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Tom Petty. The album was tracked and mixed in a 14-day recording session, making it the Whigs album with the shortest production time. It's also the quickest turnaround for the band in terms of release date with "Modern Creation" being released 18 months after "Enjoy The Company."

On April 22, 2014, The Whigs released their fifth album, Modern Creation to positive reviews. The album consists of ten songs, including the first single "Hit Me," and favors full-band live takes over typical studio effects. [14]

First single "Hit Me" is noted for its music video directed by frequent Whigs collaborator Scott Carney, which features a simulated performance of the band on the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test.

In May 2014, the Whigs performed "Hit Me" on The Late Show With David Letterman. This was the band's fourth appearance on the program.

The Whigs recently toured the United States and opened for Social Distortion in late 2016.

Lead singer Parker Gispert released a cover of Frank Sinatra's "That's Life" on the Normaltown Records label in October 2019.

Awards and accomplishments

In March 2006 Rolling Stone Magazine named the Whigs one of their 10 Artists to Watch. In September 2006, The Whigs were named "Artist of the Day" by Spin.com. [15] Dorio was awarded an Esky award in March 2007 as "Best Drummer" by Esquire magazine. [16]

It was announced in October 2007 that the band had finished their second album, entitled "Mission Control," which was released on January 22, 2008. The band appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman on January 28, in support of the album. [17] They also appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on February 20, 2008 to promote the album.

The song "Need You Need You", from Mission Control is featured in the video game Pure.

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sea Power</span> English rock band

Sea Power, previously known as British Sea Power and initially as British Air Powers, are an English alternative rock band. The group's original lineup consisted of Jan Scott Wilkinson, known as Yan; Martin Noble, known as Noble; and Alison Cotton. By the time the band had begun its recording career, Cotton had departed, and two new members had joined: Neil Hamilton Wilkinson, known as Hamilton, and Matthew Wood, known as Woody. Eamon Hamilton joined the band in autumn 2002. He left in 2006 and was replaced by Phil Sumner, with Abi Fry joining the band in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kings of Leon</span> American rock band

Kings of Leon is an American rock band formed in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, in 1999. The band includes brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill and their cousin Matthew Followill.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Okkervil River</span> American rock band

Okkervil River is an American rock band led by singer-songwriter Will Sheff. Formed in Austin, Texas, in 1998, the band takes its name from a short story by Russian author Tatyana Tolstaya set on the river Okkervil in Saint Petersburg. They began as a trio made up of Sheff and friends he had met in his native state of New Hampshire but, over time, have gone through many lineups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings</span> American funk/soul band

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings were an American funk and soul band signed to Daptone Records. They were part of a revival movement of mid-1960s to mid-1970s style funk and soul music. They released their debut album Dap Dippin' in 2002, the first of seven studio albums. Their 2014 album Give the People What They Want was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. Following Sharon Jones' death in 2016, the band released the posthumous album Soul of a Woman in 2017 and a compilation of cover songs in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Band of Horses</span> American rock band

Band of Horses is an American rock band formed in 2004 in Seattle, Washington. Led by singer-songwriter Ben Bridwell, who has been the band's sole constant member throughout numerous line-up changes, the band's current line-up also includes longtime members Creighton Barrett (drums) and Ryan Monroe, alongside Matt Gentling and Brett Nash.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parker Gispert</span> Musical artist

Parker Gispert is the lead singer of The Whigs. He is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, United States, a 2001 graduate of The Westminster Schools, and a 2006 graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in philosophy. Parker's first solo album Sunlight Tonight was released in November 2018.

<i>Give Em All a Big Fat Lip</i> 2005 studio album by The Whigs

Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip is the debut album from The Whigs. It was originally released independently and re-released by ATO Records after they signed the group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MGMT</span> American rock band

MGMT is an American rock band formed in 2002 in Middletown, Connecticut. It was founded by singers and multi-instrumentalists Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deerhunter</span> American rock band

Deerhunter is an American indie rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 2001. The band currently consists of Bradford Cox, Moses Archuleta, Lockett Pundt, Josh McKay (bass) and Javier Morales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julian Dorio</span> American drummer

Julian Dorio is an American drummer. He is a founding member of the rock band The Whigs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colour Revolt</span> American rock band

Colour Revolt is an American rock band from Oxford, Mississippi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White Lies (band)</span> English Indie rock] band

White Lies are an English Indie rock band from Ealing, London. Formerly known as Fear of Flying, the core band members are Harry McVeigh, Charles Cave, and Jack Lawrence-Brown (drums). The band performs live as a four-piece, when they are joined by Tommy Bowen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Heavy (band)</span> English rock band

The Heavy are an English rock band from Bath, Somerset, England, formed in 2007. They have released six albums as well as a wide array of singles. Their music has been widely used in the media, with their 2009 single "How You Like Me Now?" becoming their biggest hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cage the Elephant</span> American rock band from Kentucky

Cage the Elephant is an American rock band formed in 2006 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They moved to England and settled in London in 2008, shortly before their self-titled first album was released. The band currently consists of Matt Shultz (vocals), his older brother Brad Shultz, Nick Bockrath, Matthan Minster, Daniel Tichenor (bass), and Jared Champion (drums). The band's first album was released to much success, spawning several successful radio singles and gaining the band a large following in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It was influenced by classic rock, '90s alternative, blues, punk rock, and funk music. Lincoln Parish served as the band's lead guitarist from their formation in 2006 until 2013, when he left on good terms to pursue a career in producing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dead Confederate</span> American alternative rock band

Dead Confederate was an American alternative rock band, formed in Augusta, Georgia and based in Athens, Georgia. The band's sound was described as a mix of alternative country, psychedelic rock and grunge, and has drawn comparisons to Nirvana and My Morning Jacket.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moon Taxi</span> American rock band

Moon Taxi is an American indie-alternative rock band based in Nashville, Tennessee. The band was founded in 2006 by Trevor Terndrup, Tommy Putnam (bass), Spencer Thomson, Tyler Ritter (drums), and Wes Bailey (keys) while attending Belmont University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bobby Long (musician)</span> British singer-songwriter (born 1985)

Bobby Long is a British singer-songwriter, whose largely acoustic body of work has its roots in folk. Born in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England, he moved at the age of four to Calne, Wiltshire, where he grew up, though he still holds deep roots in Wigan. He currently resides in New York.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hank Sullivant</span>

Hank Sullivant is an American rock musician and record producer, who is known for his work as a co-founder of the Athens-based pop rock band The Whigs, his stint as touring guitarist for MGMT, and as leader of the rock band Kuroma.

<i>In the Dark</i> (The Whigs album) 2010 studio album by The Whigs

In the Dark is the third album from The Whigs. The album was released on March 16, 2010. Recording took place in band's hometown of Athens, Georgia. The band worked extensively with producer Ben Allen, notable for his production work on Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion, one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2009. The album marks the band's first record with new permanent bassist Tim Deaux, replacing bassist Hank Sullivant, who departed the group in 2006 and joined MGMT.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timothy Deaux</span> Musical artist

Timothy Deaux is an American songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Deaux plays bass guitar, guitar and keyboards with The Whigs, bass guitar with Grace Potter, and guitar and percussion with Kings Of Leon. He contributed to albums by Mikky Ekko, Spanish Gold, and Rumba Shaker.

References

  1. "The Whigs Music, News and Photos - AOL Music". Music.aol.com. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  2. Roberts, Michael (2008-03-05). "Q&A With Julian Dorio of the Whigs - Denver Music - Backbeat". Blogs.westword.com. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  3. Archived July 15, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  4. "Travel: Whigging Out". The Stool Pigeon. 2011-03-01. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  5. Yarm, Mark. "The Guide." Spin Mar. 2008: 103.
  6. "The Whigs: The next great band from R.E.M.'s hometown?" article from Rolling Stone, 2005.
  7. "Interview With Parker Gispert Of The Whigs – Rollo & Grady: Los Angeles Music Blog". Rollogrady.com. 2008-10-24. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  8. "News - The Whigs to Share the Stage with Former Member". Relix. 2010-07-13. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  9. "Review: The Whigs, Mission Control « Tuned In To Music". Tunedintomusic.wordpress.com. 2008-02-21. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  10. Records, Munich. "The Whigs - In The Dark". Munichrecords.com. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  11. Archived December 19, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  12. "The Whigs". Fused Magazine. 2010-12-06. Archived from the original on 2012-03-18. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  13. "UK dates with We Are Scientists and Chew Lips Announced". Archived from the original on November 9, 2010. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  14. "The Whigs Announce April Album 'Modern Creation' With Triumphant 'Hit Me'". Spin.
  15. "Artist of the Day: The Whigs" from Spin.com, 20 September 2006.
  16. "The 2007 Esky Music Awards: Best Drummer" Archived 2007-03-15 at the Wayback Machine , from Esquire Magazine, 26 June 2007.
  17. "Late Night Whigs" from AntiMusic.com, 11 January 2008.
  18. "The Whigs - Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2012-09-18.