Common Heroes
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Common Heroes was a small band from Maple Valley, Washington about 20 miles South-East of Seattle.
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About
Unless you've been hiding under a rock the last fifteen years, you ought to know that rock groups sprout up in Seattle almost as often as a cup of Starbucks coffee is brewed. This is a town where rock music is made; where rock legends are born. After self-releasing two full-length albums, and three EPs - the latest of which was produced by the legendary Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Unearth, Zeke, Hot Hot Heat), Common Heroes have the edge of a mature rock band, nurtured in the tradition of Seattle's long and prolific history of music. Their latest EP was recently chosen by influential Seattle-area DJ John Richards (KEXP and 1077 The End) as number 5 on his Northwest Top Ten list.
Much like the sprouting buds of a new plant growth, Common Heroes' musical career has begun to seriously take root in the last two years. From their earlier beginnings in various local groups like Jimmy Miracle, Some Few Oracles, Pris, and The Buttermilk Five - the individual members of Common Heroes have become seasoned musicians bringing their own influences to the table. Ira Merrill, lead vocalist, lead guitarist and main songwriter, is finding musical symbiosis with his band members (Steve Gale on drums, Kyle Hokett on bass/vox, and Chris Bridges filling in on rhythm guitar/vox for the time being). "Common Heroes definitely has become more of an energetic rock outfit due to our experiences jamming with other musicians and gleaning from other artists' songwriting techniques."
Their musical convergence might convey tastes and influences like Guns 'n' Roses, Led Zeppelin, Ramones, Weezer, King's X, Filter, The Who, Elvis Costello, Motley Crue and Juliana Hatfield - but their sound is uniquely theirs, in tight guitar riffs, percussive elements, and emotive, melodic vocals.
The Puget Sound area has served as their proving grounds, in building up a devoted local fanbase. Common Heroes' dedicated and loyal fans make for an excellent volunteer brigade, setting up merch tables, putting up posters, helping the local buzz grow into a steady pitch. A live show that is electric, and fiery, along with their brand of tightly played rock-and-roll, is the ticket that keeps bringing the fans back, time and time again. "We are all pretty seasoned live performers, and I think onstage the passion we have for what we do shows through. The whole idea is to play every show as if it was your last, and I think we all strive to do just that. So many bands, at least so many bands I've seen - sometimes they just seem bored, or drunk, or like they'd rather be at home watching Baywatch reruns. We want to rise above that, and I hope we consistently do."
Common Heroes have worked steadily at infiltrating the Northwests' trendiest night spots, being hosted by such venues as The Showbox, Chop Suey, El Corazon, Ray's Golden Lion, EMP Liquid Lounge, Studio 7, and The Crocodile Café, sharing the stage with The Start, The Jealous Sound, Alien Crime Syndicate, Kane Hodder, The Pale Pacific, Post Stardom Depression, The Divorce, Gosling, Showbread, etc. Also, two of Seattle's most influential radio stations, KEXP 90.3 FM and 107.7 KNDD FM The End have played their music regularly.
The band is not content to sit around and wait for things to happen. A strong work ethic, and drive to succeed pushes them forward in their pursuits. It's in their blood to make rock music. "Music is a career choice, sure but, it is almost not a choice. Weve all tried to quit due to the frustration of the biz... However, it's like a disease, and we cant cure it. We are supposed to do this. We have to, and we all know it."
Source: Official MySpace Page
Band Members
- Ira Merrill - Lead Vocals/Rhythm & Lead Guitar
- Kyle Hokett - Bass/Backing Vocals
- Leif - Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals
- Steve Gale - Drums
Discography
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Other Artist
Similar Artist
Influences
External Links
Categories: Artist | Rock
