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Speakeasy Tiger is an American Pop band from Denver, Colorado.

Speakeasy Tiger was founded in 2008 by Kyle Simmons (vocals), Peter Schmidt (piano,synth,keytar) and Lauren Gale (bass). Shortly thereafter members Lucas Gordon (drums) and Tavis Alley (guitar) were recruited to finish the bands lineup.^[1]

In early 2010 vocalist Kyle Simmons left Speakeasy Tiger and was replaced by front woman Katrina Stone.^[2]

History

Formation and Debut Album (2008-2010)

In the summer of 2008 original vocalist Kyle Simmons took her solo folk project Girl Named Kyle in a different direction, pairing with Peter Schmidt and Lauren Gale to form a backing band for her improvised compositions. Soon after the Denver based group changed its name to Speakeasy Tiger after making the decision to change genres of music from Folk to Pop.^[3]

The name Speakeasy Tiger was derived as a satyrical play on the words Speakeasy and Blind Tiger, which individually are both slang for the reference of illegal establishments selling alcohol during the Prohibition period. Original vocalist Kyle Simmons is quoted saying:

"The name Speakeasy Tiger is a sort of passive aggressive term. I think of 'Tiger' as aggressive and 'Speakeasy' as more passive. The combination of words suits the members of this band perfectly and the kind of impact we're trying to create."

The group began looking for members to finish the line up in November of 2008. They found drummer Lucas Gordon hailing from Colorado Springs, Colorado having previously played in the Metalcore band The Murder Formula. Promptly after, guitarist Tavis Alley who attended Brigham Young University at the time, was recruited to the Mile High City to finish the line up after responding to a Facebook ad from the band looking for guitarists.^[4]

Lucas Gordon quotes:

"The change has been immense. We don’t recognize it all the time when we’re with each other most of each day, but when you step back to look at where Speakeasy Tiger started and the impact we’ve been able to make on the public in such a short time it’s one of the most fulfilling thoughts I can think of. That’s the reason why we make music- not only for our own lives but also to influence the lives of others."^[5]

Speakeasy Tiger released its debut album The Public on July 11, 2009.^[6] The album was an immediate success reaching the College Music Journal Billboard top 200 albums chart. It peaked at position 142 and was a top 20 add for the week of August 29, 2009.^[7]

In November of 2009, the group went back into the studio to remaster the single off The Public entitled Oil Rising at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado with producer Lee Miles. The single was released in April, 2010 shortly before the departure of vocalist Kyle Simmons.

Addition of Katrina Stone (2010-Present)

In May of 2010 after rumors of vocalist Kyle Simmons' struggles with other band mates the band revealed the vocalist's departure from the band.^[8] After canceling a string of tour dates, the group took a small hiatus to search for a new vocalist. In June of 2010 Speakeasy Tiger announced the addition of front woman Katrina Stone as an indefinite member while assuring they would not be canceling summer tour dates on The Vans Warped Tour.

Katrina Stone: Joining Speakeasy Tiger

Musical Style and Influences

Speakeasy Tiger blends a mix of several different genres together including American Rock, Pop, Post-Britpop, and Electro. Band members have stated various musical influences including Freddie Mercury^[9], Cyndi Lauper, BT, Coldplay, The Killers, and Jimmy Eat World.

Speakeasy Tiger has been hailed by its use of the Keytar, an instrument which was popular in the early 1980's.

Fans and critics have often compared the group to Muse^[10], The Killers^[11], Paramore^[12], No Doubt^[13], and Blondie^[14]

Music with a Voice

Speakeasy Tiger has decidedly added a purpose to their particular brand of music. Band members have stated that when writing music, they feel compelled to create music that manifests feelings love, compassion, and caring in listeners. The group has teamed with various non-profit organizations including Keep A Breast^[15] and online blogs including Vans Girls Blog^[16] to promote a national sense of community through music.

Drummer Lucas Gordon quotes:

"We make music we love.

With the people we love.

For the people we love."^[17]

Band Members

Current Members

Katrina Stone- Vocals (2010-Present)
Lucas Gordon- Drums (2008-Present)
Lauren Gale- Bass (2008-Present)
Tavis Alley- Guitar (2008-Present)
Peter Schmidt- Piano, Synth, Keytar (2008-Present)

Former Members

Kyle Simmons- Vocals (2008-2010)
Elliott Peters- Guitar (2008-2008)
Brett Peters- Drums (2008-2008)

Discography

The Sore Throat EP (2008)^[18]
The Public (2009)
Oil Rising- single version (2010)
*Pending* 2010 EP- due winter 2010 ^[19]

Compilations

Alter the Press 2009 Compilation^[20]
KKBB^[21] Summer 2010 Compilation^[22]

Tours and Festivals

Independently toured western United States September 2009^[23]
Independently toured the Southern United States October 2009
Independently toured the midwestern United States November 2009 ^[24]
Monolith Music Festival 2009^[25] *Monolith Festival 2009 Promo Video* ^[26]
Vans Warped Tour 2010 appearing on the Kia Kevin Says Stage^[27]

Interviews and Press

References

External Links

Category:american pop music groups Category:second wave synthpop acts Category:American rock music groups Category:Electronic music groups Category:Musical groups established in 2008 Category:Musical quintets Category:Musical groups from Colorado Category:Music of Denver

[1] ttp://www.coloradomusicbuzz.com/Index.asp?LinkTo=G534

[2] ttp://warped.speakeasytiger.com/features/news/

[3] ttp://www.denversyntax.com/issue17/music/speakeasy/speakeasy.html

[4] ttp://www.ucdadvocate.com/2.1864/speakeasy-tiger-1.121591

[5] ttp://doubledance.ca/?s=speakeasy+tiger

[6] ttp://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1185512

[7] ttp://www.coloradomusicbuzz.com/Index.asp?LinkTo=G534

[8] ttp://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1623742

[9] ttp://eventful.com/performers/speakeasy-tiger-/P0-001-000189063-0

[10] ttp://www.ucdadvocate.com/2.1864/speakeasy-tiger-1.121591

[11] ttp://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2009/02/speakeasy_tiger_and_at05_at_15.php

[12] ttp://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1170842

[13] ttp://youlistennow.tumblr.com/post/215990772/showtime-speakeasy-tiger-black-chariot

[14] ttp://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1185512

[15] ttp://www.keep-a-breast.org/archives/2412

[16] ttp://offthewallvansgirls.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/speakeasy-tiger/

[17] ttp://doubledance.ca/?s=speakeasy+tiger/

[18] ttp://racketmag.com/music/speakeasy-tiger-the-sore-throat-ep-cd-review/

[19] ttp://doubledance.ca/?s=speakeasy+tiger

[20] ttp://www.alterthepress.com/2009/08/free-download-alter-press-autumnwinter.html

[21] ttp://kkbbapparel.com/

[22] ttp://warped.speakeasytiger.com/features/news/page/2/

[23] ttp://www.coloradomusicbuzz.com/Index.asp?LinkTo=G534

[24] ttp://youlistennow.tumblr.com/post/215990772/showtime-speakeasy-tiger-black-chariot

[25] ttp://www.somelovemusic.com/2009/09/monolith-music-festival-2009-wrap-up_2893.html

[26] ttp://www.monolithfestival.com/

[27] ttp://www.vanswarpedtour.com

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