To My Surprise
To My Surprise | |
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Background information | |
Also known as | The Ornge (2002–2003)[1] |
Origin | Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. |
Genres | |
Years active | 2002–2006 |
Labels | |
Past members |
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To My Surprise was an American experimental rock band formed in 2002 in Des Moines, Iowa. They are referred to as a side project of Shawn Crahan, a member/founder of heavy metal band Slipknot. In 2003 they released their debut album To My Surprise, however after losing frontman Brandon Darner in 2004 they parted ways with their record label. 2005 saw four new members join the band to begin work on a second album and in 2006 they began performing shows in the US. However, shortly after To My Surprise canceled several upcoming appearances and disbanded without releasing a second album.
History
In June 2002,
In 2005—after Slipknot had finished touring—Crahan and Robinson got back together to work on new material, enlisting the help of Dorothy Hecht, Jarrod Brom, Paul Thompson, Wade Thompson and Patrick McBride making the band twice its original size.
Musical style
To My Surprise found its name from people's reaction to their music, primarily based on peoples prejudice based on Crahan's most notable band Slipknot's musical style. Crahan went as far as saying "I'd have to put a gun in my mouth if it was metal," because he's already in "the best metal band in the world".[9] Their musical style has been noted to include; glam rock, new wave, pop, country rock, alternative rock and disco.[9][12][13] They have been compared to Cake, The Strokes, Faith No More, Weezer, Syd Barrett, They Might Be Giants, Hater, The Presidents of the United States of America and Harvey Danger, among others.[12][13]
Band members
- Dorothy Hecht – vocals, keyboards (2005–2006)
- Jarrod Brom – guitars, keyboards (2005–2006)
- Paul Thompson – guitars, vocals (2005–2006)
- Wade Thompson – bass, vocals (2005–2006)
- Shawn Crahan – drums, vocals, guitar (2002–2006)
- Stevan Robinson – guitars, vocals (2002–2006)
- Brandon Darner – guitars, vocals (2002–2004)
- Patrick McBride – vocals (2005–2006)
Discography
- To My Surprise (2003)
References
- ^ "To Everyone's Surprise". siN's metal news \m/. June 20, 2003. Archived from the original on June 21, 2003. Retrieved January 4, 2003.
- ^ a b D'Angelo, Joe (June 26, 2003). "Slipknot's Crahan Not Clowning Around With Side Project". MTV. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ "For The Record: Quick News On Da Band, John Mayer, Godsmack, X-ecutioners, Ronald Isley, Hanoi Rocks & More". MTV. September 9, 2003. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ "In The Mood". Roadrunner Records. November 21, 2003. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ "(Game) Nerds". Roadrunner Records. February 9, 2004. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ a b "Exclusive Podcast: Part 2 - Slipknot Percussionist Shawn Crahan Beats Himself, Takes Pictures For Art". MTV. November 14, 2008. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ "To My Surprise Part Ways With Roadrunner, Seek New Label Home". Blabbermouth.net. July 17, 2004. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ "South By Southwest Fesivals + Conferences". South by Southwest. March 16, 2006. Archived from the original on January 23, 2009. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ a b c Wiederhorn, Jon (October 3, 2005). "Slipknot Cap A Year Of Destruction With 9.0: Live; More Stone Sour On Tap". MTV. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ a b Gager, Ellen (April 2006). "Peeking behind Shawn "Clown" Crahan's mask". Midwest Excess. Archived from the original on November 30, 2008. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ "To My Surprise Featuring Slipknot Percussionist: New Song Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. March 10, 2006. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ a b Strauss, Neil (October 15, 2003). "The Pop Life; Hard-Rock Clown Finds His Inner Softie". The New York Times. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ a b Bell, Mike (November 11, 2003). "These Clowns are unhinged". Calgary Sun. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
External links
- Official MySpace profile
- To My Surprise at AllMusic