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TheStart (band)
TheStart (band)
from Wikipedia

theStart (stylized as theSTART)[3] is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Aimee Echo and Jamie Miller formed the band in 1998, originally named Hero. They changed it to theStart on October 31, 1999, because "Hero" was already being used by many other bands.[2][4] Their starting lineup included Echo on vocals, Miller on bass and synths, Scott Ellis (who played with Echo in Human Waste Project) on drums and Mike Smith on guitars. When Smith left the band in October 2000 to pursue other musical interests, Jamie switched over from bass to guitars, and Jeff Jaeger was hired as the band's new bassist.[5] Their debut album, Shakedown!, was released in July 2001 through The Label Records, a record label imprint of The Firm, Inc., with distribution from Geffen Records.[3][6]

Following a period of touring, they discovered that their record label was closing. The band decided to fund their next EP themselves, releasing The 1234 in April 2002 and selling it at their shows.[7] Shortly thereafter, they announced the departure of Scott Ellis.[8] While spending the summer touring with Scarling., they found a distributor in Small Stone Records for a self-titled EP.

Jaeger left the group some time after Ellis did. Over the next year, the group found replacements, bringing in Erick Sanger and Billy Brimblecon Jr. With their new lineup, the group was signed to Nitro Records in October 2003,[9] which re-released their self-titled EP as Death Via Satellite.[2][3] Over the next year they recorded a new album, and Initiation was released on August 24, 2004.[1][3]

Brimblecon left the group shortly before the release of Initiation, and the album's supporting tour featured a number of interim drummers, including Adrian Young (of No Doubt)[10] and Frank Zummo[11] (of Sum 41). Chelsea Davis was later selected as a permanent replacement. Later, in 2006, Sanger was let go from the group, replaced by Lance Webber. The group changed labels in 2007, moving from Nitro to their current label, Metropolis Records.[2] Later that year, they released Ciao, Baby.[2] After Lance Webber returned to college in 2009, Aimee, Jamie and Chelsea started a side project called Normandie, and toured as a trio.[12]

In 2015, Miller became the drummer for Bad Religion, replacing the band's longtime drummer, Brooks Wackerman.

In 2017, the band released a 7-inch single for "Yvonne DeCarlo" and "Magic Number".[13]

Band members

[edit]

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

Title Album details
Shakedown!
  • Released: July 24, 2001[17]
  • Label: The Label/Geffen
  • Format: CD
Initiation
  • Released: August 24, 2004[18]
  • Label: Nitro
  • Format: CD
Ciao, Baby

EPs

Title Album details
The 1234 EP
  • Released: April 10, 2002[7][20]
  • Label: Autonomy (self-released)
  • Format: CD
theSTART
(aka Death Via Satellite)

Singles

Title Year Album
"Gorgeous" 2001 Shakedown!
"The 1234" 2003 Death Via Satellite
"Blood on My Hands" 2007 Ciao, Baby
"Yvonne DeCarlo/Magic Number" 2017 non-album single

Music videos

Title Year Director(s) Album
"Gorgeous" 2001 Doug Friedman[23] Shakedown!
"The 1234" 2003 Heath and Dave Lowbrow
(The Lowbrow Bros.)[24][25]
Death Via Satellite
"Like Days" 2004 Initiation

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
theStart (stylized as theSTART) is an American band from , , formed in 1998 by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jamie Miller. Originally named , the band renamed itself theStart in 1999 after Echo and Miller, who met while touring with their prior groups and Snot, signed to 143 Records/Atlantic. The band's musical style blends eclectic new wave influences with hooks, positioning them as early pioneers of the new wave revival movement in the early 2000s. Their debut album, Shakedown!, was released in 2001 on The Label/, followed by the Death Via Satellite EP in 2003 on and full-length albums Initiation (2004, Nitro) and Ciao, Baby (2007, ). Over their career, theStart toured extensively, supporting acts such as and in 2001, AFI and in 2003, and in 2004, while playing portions of the in 2002. The band's lineup has evolved since its inception, with core members on vocals and Jamie Miller contributing on drums, guitar, and synths; current members include bassist/vocalist Lance Webber and drummer Chelsea Davis, while former members comprise bassist Erick Sanger and drummer Billy Brimblecom Jr. After a period of relative inactivity following their 2007 release, theStart reunited for select live performances, including a 2023 show at Alex's Bar in , demonstrating ongoing interest in their catalog among fans.

History

Formation and name change

The band theStart originated in 1998 in , , when vocalist , formerly of , and Jamie Miller, a who had previously played in Snot, met while their bands were touring together and decided to form a new group initially named . The initial lineup was rounded out with the addition of Mike Smith, drummer , and bassist Jeff Jaeger. On October 31, 1999, the band renamed itself theStart (stylized as theSTART) to signify a fresh beginning and to avoid confusion with other acts using the name . During and 1999, the group focused on early rehearsals and performed at local venues within the music scene.

Early releases and independent years

Following the band's formation as in and subsequent name change to theStart in 1999, the group focused on developing their sound through initial recordings and live performances. Their debut , Shakedown!, was recorded primarily at Sunset Sound, Stagg Street Studios, and Josh's Garage in , with mixing handled at Scream Studios, , and The Warehouse. Produced by , known for his work with acts like and , the featured a blend of tracks such as the title song "Shakedown!", "Gorgeous", and "Nemesis", emphasizing Echo's dynamic vocals and the band's energetic instrumentation. Released on July 24, 2001, through The Label Records—a subsidiary of —the marked their entry into the music industry but faced distribution hurdles due to the parent label's corporate shifts. In 2002, after the closure of The Label Records left the band without major support, theStart transitioned to independent operations by self-releasing their debut EP, The 1234. Limited to 500 copies on Autonomy Recordings, the EP was produced by Brian Virtue and included tracks like "The 1234" and "Season for Bed", which helped cultivate a following in the alternative scene. This release played a key role in building local buzz, as the band distributed it at shows and leveraged it to secure opening slots for established acts, fostering word-of-mouth promotion amid limited promotional resources. During this period, theStart conducted early tours centered in and nearby regions, including performances opening for , , and in late 2001, which exposed them to broader audiences while honing their live energy. By 2002, they headlined local shows with bands like Scarling. and participated in portions of the Vans Warped Tour, as well as a run supporting and , all self-funded to maintain momentum despite logistical strains. These outings solidified their reputation in the punk and alternative circuits but highlighted the challenges of independent touring, such as securing venues and managing travel without label backing. Lineup adjustments occurred amid these activities, with original guitarist Mike Smith departing in late 2000 during the Shakedown! recording sessions due to internal conflicts, prompting the band to proceed as a core trio of on vocals, Jamie Miller on guitar and keyboards, and drummer . Ellis contributed to the album and early tours but left in June 2002, citing frustrations with industry dynamics, further testing the band's resilience before their next phase. The independent years were marked by dealings with smaller labels and persistent obstacles in achieving wider recognition, including the fallout from their brief 1999 signing to 143 Records (an Atlantic imprint) that yielded a demo but no immediate album support, followed by Geffen's instability. Self-financing releases and tours strained resources, yet this era allowed creative control, enabling the band to refine their eclectic style and build a dedicated regional fanbase pre-2003.

Nitro Records era

In October 2003, theStart signed a recording contract with , an independent label founded by The Offspring's and known for supporting punk and acts in the early 2000s scene. The signing came shortly after the band had built momentum from opening slots on tours, including shows with AFI, which helped scout them for the label. Nitro Records reissued the band's self-released theSTART EP as Death Via Satellite on December 6, 2003, featuring updated artwork and the same six tracks: "Death Via Satellite," "Big Shot," "Los Angelos," "The 1234," "Hi Flyer," and "Trinity." The EP received mixed critical reception. Following the release, the band embarked on extensive U.S. and international touring, including opening for AFI, Vaux, The Used, Coheed and Cambria, and Alkaline Trio in 2003; a UK tour supporting The Offspring and a North American run with The (International) Noise Conspiracy and Auf der Maur in 2004; and further dates with Goldfinger, Head Automatica, Garbage, and Rancid through 2005-2006. To accommodate the increased touring demands, the band stabilized its lineup by adding drummer Billy Brimblecom Jr. and bassist Erick Sanger ahead of recording sessions for their next release. With this configuration—Aimee Echo on vocals, Jamie Miller on guitar, Brimblecom on , and Sanger on bass—the group issued their second full-length , Initiation, on August 24, 2004, via . The 12-track featured songs such as "Like Days," "Peacocks," "The Underwater Song," "All or Nothing," "Dead End Queen," "Christian, Christian," and "Jewel," blending with pop elements. Initiation garnered more positive notices than the EP, though some critics noted it struggled to fully recapture 1980s vibes amid punk influences. The did not achieve significant commercial chart success but supported the band's growing live presence in the circuit. By fall 2006, amid ongoing tours, theStart parted ways with due to a strained relationship with the label, influenced by shifts in its direction and the band's evolving artistic goals. This period marked a transitional phase, with internal adjustments including Sanger's departure for unclear reasons later that year.

Metropolis Records and later developments

In 2007, following challenges with their previous label, theStart signed with , an independent label specializing in electronic and alternative music. This move marked a shift toward a more polished production style, evident in their third studio album, Ciao, Baby, released on June 5, 2007. The album incorporated dancier and new wave elements, refining the band's sound into a more electronic-infused aesthetic while maintaining their signature hooks and Aimee Echo's dynamic vocals. Amid this period, core members and Jamie Miller launched a called Normandie in 2009, after Lance Webber departed to pursue college studies. Joined by drummer Chelsea Davis, Normandie explored a dreamy, brooding electro-pop style reminiscent of acts like and , distinguishing it from theStart's harder-edged rock foundation. The trio toured briefly that year and worked on a debut album, though it remained unreleased as members prioritized other endeavors. Post-2007, theStart's output slowed considerably due to external commitments, including sporadic live performances and limited releases. In 2017, they issued the double A-side single "Yvonne DeCarlo / Magic Number," a nod to their roots with new wave flair. Notable shows occurred on August 24, 2019, and May 21, 2023, both in , with the latter serving as a reunion fundraiser at Alex's Bar, highlighting the enduring chemistry between and . 's enlistment as Bad Religion's drummer in 2015 further constrained the band's schedule, as his touring obligations with the punk legends took precedence. As of 2025, theStart operates primarily as a core duo endeavor for and , with no new full-length albums or extensive tours announced. The band maintains a for their innovative blend of new wave and , positioning them as early trendsetters in the alternative scene of the . Reflections from band members emphasize the project's lasting personal significance, though future activity remains open-ended amid ongoing side pursuits.

Band members

Current members

Aimee Echo has served as the lead vocalist for theStart since the band's formation in 1998. Previously the frontwoman of the group from 1993 to 1998, she brings a distinctive vocal style shaped by that experience. Echo plays a central role as a primary songwriter and the key driver of the band's energetic live performances. Jamie Miller joined theStart at its inception in , handling guitar and synthesizer duties. A founding drummer for the band Snot since 1996, he shifted to multi-instrumental contributions in theStart while continuing with Snot. Since 2016, Miller has also drummed for punk veterans , yet remains the band's primary instrumentalist and co-producer. Lance Webber serves as bassist and backing vocalist, contributing to the band's live performances in recent years, including the 2023 reunion show. Chelsea Davis has been the band's drummer since 2007, providing rhythmic support for live shows during the era and subsequent reunions as of 2023. The enduring partnership between and , rooted in their shared founding of the band during a tour together in 1998, has anchored theStart amid shifting supporting lineups, allowing focus on songwriting and performance innovation.

Former members

The former members of theStart include several musicians who contributed to the band's early lineup and recordings during its independent and label-affiliated periods. Mike Smith served as the band's initial from its formation in 1998 until October 2000, when he departed amicably to pursue other musical projects; during his tenure, he helped shape the group's early rock sound alongside founders and Jamie Miller. Jeff Jaeger was the founding bassist, joining in 1998 and remaining through the early 2000s until around 2003, providing the rhythmic foundation for initial releases like Shakedown! and early tours. Scott Ellis acted as the original drummer from 1998 to June 2002, supporting the band's formative live performances and recordings before leaving due to frustrations with the music industry. Billy Brimblecom Jr. joined as drummer in 2003 during the era, contributing to the album recordings, and departed in 2004 amid the demands of touring. Erick Sanger played bass from 2003 to 2006, replacing Jaeger and participating in the late Nitro period, including live shows and the transition to .

Musical style and influences

Musical style

theStart's primary genre is , characterized by an eclectic blend of new wave ambience and hooks that positions the band as trendsetters in . This fusion creates a distinctive sound that merges atmospheric electronic elements with driving rock energy, often described as synth-punk due to its keyboard-driven textures overlaid on guitar riffs. A element is vocalist Aimee Echo's versatile delivery, which spans ethereal, polished pop tones to aggressive, dark-edged punk expressions, evoking a magnetic and sexually charged presence. Complementing Echo's range is Jamie Miller's contributions on guitar and synthesizers, which build atmospheric layers and immersive depth, anchoring the band's electronic-rock hybrid. This contributes to the group's ability to craft dense, dynamic arrangements that balance accessibility with experimental flair. The band's style evolved from the punk-influenced energy of their early album Shakedown!, featuring a raw mix of electronica, , and punk propulsion with digital soundscaping techniques, to the more mature edges in Ciao, Baby, where an energetic eighties club vibe incorporates electro and new wave elements for a sexier, more layered aesthetic. Production often employs layered instrumentation to enhance thematic lyrics centered on identity and interpersonal relationships, fostering emotional intensity through multifaceted sonic environments.

Influences

The vocal style of theStart's lead singer draws significant inspiration from new wave icons such as of . This influence is evident in the band's cover of ' "" on Ciao, Baby. The band's rhythm section, particularly drummer Jamie Miller from the hardcore punk outfit Snot and Echo from the group , infuses their music with punk and hardcore aggression rooted in these prior experiences. Broader influences from 1980s and 1990s are evident in theStart's hook-driven compositions, which merge eclectic new wave ambience with edges, positioning them within the new new wave revival alongside acts like and . Comparisons to pioneers such as and new wave/ influences from The English Beat further highlight how the band channels 1980s aesthetics into modern synth-punk. Emerging from the vibrant music scene, theStart's sound was shaped by exposure to the city's undercurrents, where touring with their former bands fostered a collective drive toward reinvention in both music and lyrics. These influences manifest variably across the band's career: the era (2004–2007) amplified punk and hardcore intensities for a rawer, harder edge reflective of members' roots, while the era (2007 onward) leaned into electronic and synth elements, evoking post-punk's experimental side.

Discography

Studio albums

theStart's debut studio album, Shakedown!, was released on July 24, 2001, through The Label Records, marking their entry into the independent music scene with a raw, energetic sound blending alternative rock and new wave elements. The album features 11 tracks, including "Shakedown!" (3:21), "Gorgeous" (3:29), "Communion" (4:08), "Melt" (3:21), "Hang on Me" (4:14), "Dirty Lion" (3:32), "Her Song" (3:58), "Glimmer Man" (2:38), "Kiss It Better" (3:28), "Nemesis" (3:30), and "Time" (3:48), totaling approximately 39:27 in length. Recorded at locations such as Sunset Sound, Stagg Street Studios, and Josh's Garage, the record captures themes of youthful rebellion and emotional intensity through Aimee Echo's dynamic vocals and the band's driving guitar riffs, earning local acclaim in Los Angeles for its vibrant, live-wire energy despite mixed critical responses, with Punknews.org rating it 5/10 for its uneven techno-punk fusion. AllMusic awarded it 7.5/10, praising its catchy hooks, while initial sales were modest, supported by grassroots promotion and early tours. In 2004, the band signed with and released on August 24, self-produced to emphasize their evolving pop-rock style with punk influences and subtle synth nods. Comprising 12 tracks—"Like Days" (3:59), "Life Is Sweet" (3:45), "Peacocks" (4:13), "The Underwater Song" (4:18), "All or Nothing" (3:27), "" (1:51), "A Thousand Years" (2:50), "" (4:19), "Dead End Queen" (3:50), "Christian, Christian" (3:13), "Jewel" (4:27), and "You, Me And A Knife" (6:06)—the album runs about 47:37 and explores themes of resilience and introspection following label challenges. Recorded at Sunset Sound and other studios, it received positive notices for its polished production and Echo's versatile delivery, with giving it 7.6/10 for its dynamic range from danceable tracks to explosive anthems; Punknews.org rated it 3/10, critiquing its lack of musical progression. The release tied into extensive touring, achieving moderate commercial entry on alternative charts and building a dedicated fanbase. Ciao, Baby, issued on June 5, 2007, via , represents a mature shift toward synth-heavy electro-pop and new wave, produced by the band at The Manor and other studios. The 10-track effort includes "Wartime (It's Time 2 Go Now)" (4:27), "Runaway" (3:52), "Just a Fantasy" (3:42), "Blood On My Hands" (2:59), "Millionaire" (3:22), "" (3:46), "Master Plan" (4:17), "Fix" (4:02), "Surrender" (3:28), and "Ciao Baby" (4:21), clocking in at around 38:52. Themes of and dominate, with infectious grooves and darker tones reflecting lineup changes and industry hardships, as highlighted in Alternative Press's 3.5/5 review for its evolution beyond rock roots. rated it 6.6/10, appreciating the synth-driven maturity, though sales remained niche within the industrial and alternative scenes. Across their studio discography, theStart progressed from the high-energy, guitar-focused rock of Shakedown! to the balanced of , culminating in the electronic-infused sophistication of Ciao, Baby, mirroring broader shifts in alternative music while maintaining Echo and Miller's core songwriting partnership; commercial performance stayed cult-level, with each release garnering stronger critical respect for artistic growth. No new studio albums have been released as of 2025.

Extended plays

The 1234 EP, self-released by theStart in January 2002 on Autonomy Recordings, served as an independent preview of the band's emerging alternative rock sound, featuring three tracks that captured their punk-infused energy and helped build an early fanbase through direct sales at live shows. Limited to 500 hand-numbered copies in a handmade card sleeve format, the EP was produced by Brian Virtue and the band themselves, with recording funded by just $800 scraped together from prior touring efforts. Its tracklist includes:
TrackTitleDuration
1The 12343:14
2Big Shot3:23
3Hi Flyer3:45
All songs were published by Worlds Fastest Dog Music / ASCAP, and the EP's grassroots distribution during the band's first headlining tour with . and portions of the played a key role in cultivating a dedicated audience ahead of their major label transition. Following their signing to , theStart reissued and expanded material from an earlier small-label version as the Death Via Satellite EP in December 2003, presenting experimental tracks with cosmic and space-themed elements that teased the stylistic evolution toward their full-length album . This six-track release, mastered by at Precision Sound and featuring enhanced artwork, incorporated selections from The 1234 EP alongside new compositions, bridging the band's independent roots with broader punk-rock accessibility; it was recorded in spring 2002 at Bill’s Place and Glenwood Place studios. The tracklist comprises:
TrackTitleDuration
1Death Via Satellite3:37
2Big Shot3:16
33:53
4The 12343:12
5Hi Flyer3:45
66:43
Mixed primarily by Brian Virtue (tracks 1–5) with drums handled by Jamie Miller on select cuts, the EP's title track and overall ethereal motifs influenced live performances, with songs like "Death Via Satellite" and "Trinity" becoming staples in setlists during tours supporting acts such as AFI and , thereby sustaining momentum into the Nitro era.

Singles

theStart's discography features a limited number of standalone singles, reflecting their preference for full-length album releases and EPs over frequent single promotions. Early efforts focused on tracks extracted from debut albums to build radio and video airplay, while later releases emphasized independent digital and vinyl formats amid periods of reduced activity. The band's first notable single, "Gorgeous," was released in 2001 as a promo blending , new wave, and punk elements. Featured on their debut album Shakedown!, it served as an early promotional vehicle for the group with a radio edit version. A for the song was produced, contributing to its visibility in alternative music circles. In 2007, "Blood On My Hands" emerged as a digital single, preceding the full album Ciao, Baby. Released through , it offered an exclusive mix and a remix by former collaborator , highlighting the band's electronic influences. The single format allowed for targeted streaming and download availability, underscoring its role in sustaining fan interest during a transitional phase. Marking a revival after years of sporadic output, the double A-side single "Yvonne DeCarlo" / "Magic Number" arrived in 2017 via independent label . Issued as a limited-edition 7" vinyl (45 RPM) and digital MP3 files, it featured and new wave styles without ties to a larger album. No B-sides were included, but the garnered streaming plays on platforms like and , signaling renewed band engagement and fan support. This scarcity of standalone singles—numbering fewer than five across over two decades—distinguishes theStart from contemporaries, with promotions often integrated into broader album cycles rather than isolated radio pushes. No extensive radio play or additional music videos beyond the early era are documented for these releases. No new singles have been released as of November 2025.

References

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