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My American Heart
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My American Heart is an American rock band from San Diego, California, formed in 2001. Originally named No Way Out, the band released two studio albums through Warcon Enterprises and toured the world before disbanding in late 2009. They reunited in 2017.
Key Information
History
[edit]My American Heart gained local fame from many local SoCal venues from which they played. Due to legal troubles concerning their name,[citation needed] the band changed their name from No Way Out to My American Heart to reflect the ethnic and national duality the original members identified with.[citation needed] The band made their first big break winning the Ernie Ball Battle Of The Bands. As popularity grew, the band was pressured to play at larger venues farther from home, causing Clint Delgado to leave the band to focus on his education. The band played the Taste of Chaos tour in 2005 with a four-piece. Shortly after the tour the band recorded the full-length album The Meaning in Makeup with producer Sal Villanueva released on Kevin Lyman's label, Warcon, in fall 2005. While on the Warped Tour, the band picked up bassist Dustin Hook.
During the summer of 2006, the band's original guitarist, Jeremy Mendez, left the band. My American Heart picked up guitarist Matt "Spud" VanGasbeck (formerly of Downtown Singapore) before heading out on their last tour before they went into the studio to record "Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather" with producer James Paul Wisner.
It was announced on the Soundwave (Australian music festival) tour[when?] that Steve Oira would leave the band after tour due to a mutual agreement.[citation needed] Jake Kalb (ex-The Fold/New Atlantic/The Suicide Pact) replaced him on drums.
My American Heart announced on a MySpace page[when?] that they were working on a new album.[citation needed] On April 14, 2008, Jesse Barrera announced on his website (jessebarrera.com) that they were no longer on Warcon Records, saying "The label that we were on for four years just folded and now we're currently in the most interesting legal situation ever, which I won't get into".
In early July 2009, Jesse Barrera announced on his website that he was leaving My American Heart. In October 2009, it was announced through members of the band that they would be disbanding following a few final shows. In early October 2009, Jesse Barrera made four demo tracks available on his website, entitled "Unravel", "Pain", "Lost Inside Of You", and "Circa". The songs had been intended for their third studio album that may never be released. Two more demos were later released, titled "Heart Attack" and "Shine Your Light", which may have also been intended for their third studio album.[citation needed]
My American Heart played two reunion shows on February 3 and 4, 2012, at The Epicentre in San Diego and Chain Reaction in Anaheim, respectively.[citation needed]
On August 1, 2017, it was announced that, in honor of the ten-year anniversary of Hiding Inside The Horrible Weather, My American Heart would be reuniting.[1]
Discography
[edit]No Way Out
[edit]- The Courtesy Of Stars (EP) – 2002
- Certainty Kills (EP) – 2003
My American Heart
[edit]- My American Heart (EP) – 2004
- The Meaning in Makeup – 2005
- Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather – 2007
- Alder Masters – 2009
Compilation appearances
[edit]- Punk the Clock Vol. 1 – 2004 – Contributed "The Ruins We Hold:
- Taste of Chaos – 2005 – Contributed "White Lines"
- Taste of Christmas – 2005 – Contributed "The First Noel"
- Punk Goes Crunk – 2008 – Contributed a cover of 2Pac's "California Love"
Former members
[edit]- Larry Soliman
- Jesse Barrera
- Dustin Hook
- Jake Kalb
- Nick Logan
- Matthew VanGasbeck
- Steven Oira
- Jeremy Mendez
- Brian Warren
- Clint Delgado
- Oscar Gomez
Side projects
[edit]After announcing his departure from the band, guitarist Jesse Barrera continued work on his eponymous acoustic pop project. On March 24, 2010, he independently released his debut solo album titled Love In Technicolor.
Dustin Hook is currently a full-time touring bassist for country act Dan + Shay, which also reunited with his former Transition bandmate Dan Smyers.
References
[edit]- https://www.thepunksite.com/reviews/my-american-heart-the-meaning-in-makeup/
- https://www.punknews.org/review/4868/my-american-heart-the-meaning-in-makeup
- https://consequence.net/2008/08/listen-my-american-heart/
- https://www.punknews.org/article/23597/streams-my-american-heart-boys-grab-your-guns
- https://themusic.com.au/reviews/punk-goes-crunk-various-artists/waXZ1dTX1tk/11-06-08
- https://idobi.com/news/tuesday-ten-reunions/
External links
[edit]| International | |
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| Artists | |
My American Heart
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History
Formation and early years (2001–2004)
My American Heart originated in San Diego, California, where it was founded in 2001 by a group of high school friends under the initial name No Way Out.[9] The band's early incarnation focused on developing their sound through local performances and songwriting, drawing from emo and alternative rock influences while the members balanced school commitments.[10] The original lineup included vocalist Larry Soliman, bassist Jesse Barrera, guitarists Clint Delgado and Jeremy Mendez, and drummer Steven Oira.[10] By November 2002, the group had coalesced into a more serious project, starting with cover songs of acts like Rufio and Fenix TX before transitioning to original material. Their debut performance occurred at a battle-of-the-bands event at Cane's in Mission Beach, where they emerged victorious among 30 competing acts, marking an early breakthrough in the local scene.[10] Subsequent shows, including opening slots for bands like Off By One and Larger Than Life, helped build their audience, with attendance growing from around 70 to over 120 fans per gig.[10] During this period, No Way Out self-released two EPs to gauge interest and refine their progressive, aggressive rock style: The Courtesy of Stars in 2002 and Certainty Kills in 2003.[11] These recordings, shared via platforms like PureVolume, attracted attention from independent labels, with the band fielding offers from seven to eight by early 2004.[10] In response to potential naming conflicts, the group rebranded as My American Heart that year, emphasizing their American identity despite the Filipino heritage of several members.[2] They followed with a self-titled EP in 2004 and secured a deal with the newly established Warcon Enterprises, setting the stage for wider exposure.[4]Breakthrough period (2005–2007)
In 2005, My American Heart achieved a significant milestone by releasing their debut full-length album, The Meaning in Makeup, on September 13 through Warcon Enterprises, a label founded by Warped Tour organizer Kevin Lyman.[4][12] The album marked the band's transition from independent releases under their original name, No Way Out, to a more polished emo-pop sound, earning them broader recognition within the alternative rock scene. It debuted at number 26 on Billboard's Independent Albums chart, reflecting growing fan interest driven by extensive touring.[12] That year, the band secured a spot on the Vans Warped Tour, performing across multiple dates including July 29 in Montreal, which helped solidify their presence among emerging punk and emo acts.[13] The band's momentum continued into 2006 with high-profile support slots, including tours alongside The Used, Senses Fail, and From First to Last, as well as opening for Panic! at the Disco.[12] These opportunities, combined with an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live, amplified their visibility and fanbase during the MySpace-driven era of mid-2000s rock music. Returning to the Vans Warped Tour on July 12 in Los Angeles further entrenched their status as a rising act in the festival circuit.[14] By this point, most members were still in their late teens, having signed to Warcon when they were 16 or 17, which underscored the rapid ascent fueled by relentless live performances.[12] In 2007, My American Heart released their second album, Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather, on June 26 via Warcon, produced by James Paul Wisner in St. Cloud, Florida. The record featured singles like "The Shake," "Tired and Uninspired," and "Boys! Grab Your Guns," which garnered international radio airplay and highlighted the band's evolving lyrical depth and melodic hooks.[15] Prior to recording, the lineup expanded with guitarist Matthew VanGasbeck, formerly of Downtown Singapore, adding fresh dynamics to their sound. Their MySpace profile boasted over 100,000 friends and four million song plays, signaling substantial online engagement. The year culminated in another Vans Warped Tour appearance on July 31 in Milwaukee, capping a period of peak activity before internal challenges emerged.[2][16]Disbandment and hiatus (2008–2016)
In 2008, My American Heart focused on developing material for their anticipated third studio album following the release of Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather in 2007. Guitarist Jesse Barrera described the creative process in an interview, highlighting tracks like "Dangerous," which drew from blues and rhythm influences inspired by artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, while emphasizing the band's desire to evolve their sound. The group maintained an active touring schedule that year, including performances at major events like the Soundwave Festival in Australia, alongside support for charitable causes such as the Keep a Breast Foundation and Invisible Children.[17] The band's momentum shifted in early 2009 amid ongoing tours, with documented shows including a February performance at Porter's Pub in San Diego alongside We Shot the Moon. However, challenges emerged when founding guitarist Jesse Barrera announced his departure in July 2009, citing a pursuit of other musical interests. This exit contributed to instability, as the group had been navigating the competitive emo and alternative rock landscape.[18][19] In 2009, the band released the digital EP Alder Masters, consisting of four tracks that included unfinished demos intended for the third album. My American Heart officially disbanded in late 2009, marking the end of their initial run after two full-length albums and extensive global touring under Warcon Enterprises. The split was attributed to a combination of lineup changes and industry pressures.[20] From 2010 to 2016, the band entered a prolonged hiatus with no recordings, tours, or official releases. Former members pursued individual paths in music; for example, Jesse Barrera advanced his solo career, releasing projects that built on his pop-rock style. This period reflected broader trends in the post-2000s emo scene, where many acts dissolved amid shifting label dynamics and fan tastes, though My American Heart's catalog retained a dedicated following through streaming and vinyl reissues.Reunions and recent activity (2017–present)
In 2017, My American Heart staged a one-off reunion performance on October 21 at Soma Mainstage in San Diego, California, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of their debut album Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather. The event featured the original lineup delivering a full set of the album's tracks, drawing a nostalgic crowd and highlighting the enduring fanbase for the band's early emo and pop-punk sound.[21][22] The band returned to the stage on May 25, 2019, for a multi-band bill at The Irenic in San Diego, joined by acts including Audio Karate, For the Win, and Forever Came Calling as part of a pop-punk event. This appearance marked their first live outing since the 2017 anniversary show, though it remained a limited engagement without broader touring commitments.[18] Following a period of dormancy, My American Heart's catalog saw renewed accessibility in 2024 when their two studio albums, Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather (2007) and The Meaning in Makeup (2005), were made available internationally on streaming platforms including Spotify under THE JB CAVE Records. This digital re-release updated the albums with contemporary distribution, allowing global listeners to access the band's discography for the first time in many regions and reflecting ongoing interest in their mid-2000s contributions to alternative rock.[23]Musical style
Genres and sound evolution
My American Heart's music is primarily classified within the emo and pop punk genres, incorporating elements of alternative rock and post-hardcore. Their sound features angsty, emotive vocals paired with driving guitar riffs, melodic hooks, and rhythmic percussion that emphasize emotional introspection and relational themes.[9][7] The band's early output, including their 2004 self-titled EP and 2005 debut album The Meaning in Makeup, exemplifies the raw, high-energy emo style prevalent in mid-2000s underground rock. Tracks on the EP showcase soaring melodies and whiny, angst-ridden vocals over sugary-sweet guitar lines, adhering closely to post-hardcore conventions without significant innovation.[24] Similarly, The Meaning in Makeup delivers crunchy, riff-heavy arrangements with punk and alternative rock influences, blending explosive drums and melodic choruses in a formulaic yet dynamic emo-pop framework that prioritizes catchiness over experimentation.[25][26] By their 2007 sophomore album Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather, My American Heart demonstrated a noticeable evolution toward a more mature and polished sound, shifting emphasis from raw emo intensity to broader alternative rock and pop-punk accessibility. Reviewers noted this as a musical step forward, with exhilarating dynamics, expansive song structures, and a refined production that highlighted thoughtful lyrics and universal themes, marking a departure from the genre's clichés toward greater emotional depth and versatility.[27][28] This maturation positioned the band more firmly in alternative rock territory while retaining pop-punk's anthemic hooks, though the core emo sensibilities persisted in their relational narratives.[29]Influences and production techniques
My American Heart drew from a diverse array of musical influences that shaped their emo and alternative rock sound, blending aggressive punk elements with more atmospheric and melodic components. In early interviews, vocalist Larry Soliman cited personal inspirations such as Sigur Rós, Refused, Radiohead, Björk, and Minus the Bear, reflecting a mix of post-rock experimentation, hardcore intensity, and intricate indie arrangements.[30] The band as a whole looked to local San Diego acts like Counterfit and Noise Ratchet for regional punk-rock energy, alongside broader influences including Coldplay's emotive anthems.[30] During their formative years, they covered tracks by Rufio and Fenix TX, incorporating fast-paced pop-punk rhythms and high-energy choruses that informed their aggressive rock style, which they described as "progressive / aggressive rock and roll" with mosh-pit appeal.[10] Guitarist Jesse Barrera also drew from bands like Copeland, The Appleseed Cast, and The Beatles for melodic depth and acoustic-driven songwriting foundations.[10] The band's production techniques evolved alongside their maturation as songwriters, transitioning from raw, self-recorded demos to polished studio efforts that emphasized structured verses, breakdowns, and soaring melodies. Their debut EP and early tracks, shared on platforms like Purevolume, featured DIY production with acoustic origins—Barrera often began compositions on guitar before layering band contributions for fuller arrangements.[10] For their 2005 full-length album The Meaning in Makeup, producer Sal Villanueva brought a crunchy, alternative edge to the sound, enhancing the high-pitched vocals and guitar-driven hooks while minimizing screamed elements to highlight melodic accessibility.[4] This approach allowed the band to refine their emo-pop leanings, focusing on emotional lyrics paired with dynamic builds rather than chaotic aggression.[9] By their 2007 sophomore album Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather, production techniques advanced under James Paul Wisner, known for work with Dashboard Confessional, resulting in a clean yet edgy polish that amplified the band's pop-punk and emo fusion. Wisner's methods emphasized precise instrumentation and vocal clarity, enabling intricate breakdowns and atmospheric textures influenced by the band's post-rock leanings, while maintaining high-energy rhythms for live performance impact.[31] Overall, My American Heart's production prioritized conceptual emotional delivery over experimental excess, using layered guitars and rhythmic drive to convey personal narratives effectively.[30]Band members
Current and reunion lineup
My American Heart does not maintain a permanent current lineup, as the band officially disbanded in 2009. However, the group has periodically reunited for live performances, primarily drawing from their original members formed under the band's initial moniker, No Way Out, in 2001. These reunions emphasize the core five-piece configuration that defined their early emo and pop-punk sound. The most recent documented reunion occurred on May 25, 2019, at The Irenic in San Diego as part of the "I Am Through Being Cool Fest," where the band performed their self-titled EP in its entirety using the original No Way Out lineup.[32][33][34] Earlier reunions, such as the two shows in February 2012 at The Epicentre in San Diego and Chain Reaction in Anaheim, also featured a similar original lineup configuration, though specific member confirmations for those dates are limited to core participants like Soliman and Barrera. During the band's active period from 2005 to 2009, the lineup evolved with the addition of bassist Dustin Hook, who joined ahead of their Warped Tour appearances and contributed to albums like The Meaning in Makeup (2005). Hook, who replaced or supplemented Barrera on bass, later became the full-time touring bassist for the country duo Dan + Shay. No further full-band reunions have been announced as of November 2025, though individual members remain active in music and related fields.[35]Former members and contributions
My American Heart underwent several lineup changes during its initial run from 2001 to 2009, with various members contributing to the band's evolution from its emo-punk roots to a more polished alternative rock sound. Jeremy Mendez served as an original guitarist and provided harsher, screaming vocals on early material, including the band's self-titled EP (2005) and debut album The Meaning in Makeup (2005), helping define their initial aggressive edge before his departure in summer 2006.[4] Clint Delgado, another founding guitarist, contributed to the original No Way Out incarnation and early demos, co-writing tracks like "This Won't Stop" that carried over to the band's initial releases under the new name. Dustin Hook joined as bassist in 2005 and remained through the band's 2009 disbandment, playing a key role in refining the rhythm section for Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather (2007) and subsequent demos, which featured a cleaner, more melodic production.[8][36] Steven Oira, the original drummer, anchored the band's rhythm from formation through the mid-2000s, performing on both the self-titled EP and The Meaning in Makeup, before leaving in March 2008 due to personal reasons.[37] Jake Kalb replaced Oira on drums in 2008, contributing to late-period studio demos in 2009 that showcased the band's experimental directions prior to hiatus.[37] Nick Logan briefly handled guitar duties during 2009 recording sessions, adding layered tracks to unfinished material that highlighted the group's transitional phase.[38] Jesse Barrera, an original member who played bass and guitar, announced his departure in July 2009, effectively ending the band.[39] Matthew VanGasbeck served as a guitarist during the mid-2000s, contributing to live performances and recordings around the debut album era.[2]Discography
Early releases as No Way Out
Prior to adopting the name My American Heart in 2004, the band operated as No Way Out and issued two independent EPs that captured their nascent emo and pop-punk style, drawing from influences like Rufio and Fenix TX.[10] The debut EP, The Courtesy of Stars, was self-released in 2002 when most members were still in high school, around age 16. This five- or six-track effort featured raw, energetic songwriting focused on youthful themes of relationships and self-discovery, helping the group gain initial traction through online platforms like PureVolume, where their demos attracted interest from several indie labels.[2][10] In 2003, No Way Out followed with Certainty Kills, another self-produced EP that refined their melodic hooks and angst-driven lyrics while experimenting with more dynamic arrangements. Tracks like the title song explored emotional turmoil and introspection, solidifying their local San Diego fanbase and paving the way for major-label attention. The EP's release coincided with the band's transition out of high school and early touring efforts.[30] These EPs were limited in distribution, primarily available at shows and through digital uploads, but they marked the foundational period of the band's career before legal issues with the name "No Way Out"—stemming from its commonality in music—prompted the rebranding to My American Heart.[30]EPs as My American Heart
The band released two EPs under the My American Heart name, bridging their early independent work and studio albums. Their self-titled debut EP, My American Heart, was released independently in 2004, featuring five tracks including "This Won't Stop," "Maps Around Texas," "Last Goodbye," "Miles Behind Us," and "Search and Rescue." Recorded during the name change transition, it showcased their evolving emo-pop sound with melodic guitars and introspective lyrics. The EP received limited physical distribution but was reissued digitally on platforms like Spotify in 2019, renewing accessibility for fans.[40][41][24] In 2009, during a period of hiatus, the band issued Alder Masters, a four-track digital EP approximately 14 minutes in length, including songs like "Circa" and "Lost Inside of You." This release experimented with more atmospheric elements and marked a brief creative output before full reunions.[42][20]Studio albums
My American Heart released two studio albums under their name, both issued by Warcon Records during the band's active period in the mid-2000s. These recordings captured the group's evolution within the emo-pop and alternative rock scenes, blending introspective lyrics with energetic instrumentation. The albums were produced by industry figures known for working with similar acts, contributing to their polished sound.[43] The band's debut full-length album, The Meaning in Makeup, was released on September 13, 2005. Produced by Sal Villanueva, who had previously collaborated with Taking Back Sunday, the record featured 11 tracks clocking in at approximately 39 minutes, including standout songs like "The Meaning in Makeup" and "How Dirty Boys Get Clean." Recorded in a period of transition following the band's name change from No Way Out, it showcased their early emo influences with driving guitars and melodic hooks. Critics noted its energetic yet raw emo-pop style, though some found it derivative of contemporaries; AllMusic awarded it a rating of 5 out of 10, praising its crunchy debut energy but critiquing its lack of originality.[25][4][44] Their sophomore effort, Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather, arrived on June 26, 2007, marking the band's final studio release before their initial disbandment. Produced and mixed by James Paul Wisner, known for his work with bands like Paramore and The Academy Is..., the 11-track album ran about 40 minutes and delved deeper into emotional themes of relationships and introspection, highlighted by tracks such as "The Shake (Awful Feeling)," "Tired & Uninspired," and "Boys! Grab Your Guns." The production emphasized layered vocals and dynamic shifts, evolving the band's sound toward a more mature alternative rock edge. Reception was generally positive within the genre, with AllMusic giving it 6.9 out of 10 based on 14 reviews for its musical progression, while user aggregates on sites like Ultimate Guitar rated it 7.1 out of 10 from 40 votes, appreciating its hooks and emotional depth.[27][45][46]Compilation appearances and singles
My American Heart contributed tracks to several notable punk and alternative rock compilations throughout their active years, often featuring exclusive or live versions of their songs to align with tour promotions and genre crossover projects. These appearances helped expand their visibility within the emo and post-hardcore scenes, particularly through high-profile series like Taste of Chaos and Vans Warped Tour.[47][48][49] Key compilation appearances include:- Punk the Clock Vol. 1 (2004, Fearless Records): The band contributed "The Ruins We Hold," an early track from their formative period as No Way Out, showcasing their raw emo-pop sound on this punk covers and originals collection.[50]
- Taste of Chaos (2005, Vagrant Records): Featured an exclusive live version of "White Lines," recorded during their tour supporting the album, highlighting their energetic stage presence.[47]
- Taste of Christmas (2005, Vagrant Records): Included a cover of "The First Noel," adding a holiday twist to their emo style.
- The Best of Taste of Chaos (2006, Warcon Entertainment): Included the album version of "The Process" from The Meaning in Makeup, serving as a retrospective highlight of their contributions to the annual tour series.[48]
- Vans Warped Tour 2007 Tour Compilation (2007, Side One Dummy Records): Contained "The Shake (Awful Feeling)," a lead single from Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather, tying into their summer festival performances.[49]
- Punk Goes Crunk (2008, Fearless Records): The band covered 2Pac's "California Love" (featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman), adapting the hip-hop classic into an emo-infused rock rendition that exemplified the compilation's genre-blending theme.[51]