Featured Shazzle Artist - The Lives of Famous Men
THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN | Shazzle Featured Artist
Name - The Lives of Famous Men
Band Members – Dan, Jason, Andrew, Ari, Dylan
Location – Portland, OR
Genre – Rock
Influences - Death Cab for Cutie, Dear and the Headlights, The Beatles, Circa Survive, The Shins
Song – Annie Taylor
About - The Lives of Famous Men are the authors of music with soul; five friends who tired of music that glorified image above substance, and who had a desire to do something different. Each hailing from a unique musical background, singer Daniel Hall says this was an opportunity for them to “strive for something more meaningful.” Hall continues, “over the past six years, the five of us have literally lived and breathed music, and have developed a camaraderie only music could shape.” The five, who include frontman Hall, guitarist Ari Katcher, drummer Dylan Mandel, bassist Andrew Totemoff, and keyboardist Jason Wahto, are passionate about what they do, but never take themselves too seriously.
In March of 2007, The Lives of Famous Men went into the studio with producer Stephan Hawkes to record their debut EP Rehearsal. Troy Glessner (Emery, As Tall as Lions) put the finishing touches on the record, delivering a punchy and powerful sound. The album’s leadoff track, the swinging, unpredictably addictive “You’re Everyone I Know Right Now,” sets a pulse for the album that keeps listeners on their feet. Director Kurt Nishimura (The Decemberists) shot a video for “You’re Everyone I Know Right Now” shortly after their time in the studio.
Following the release of Rehearsal, The Lives of Famous Men instantly garnered recognition as the #1 unsigned artist on purevolume.com and as one of Alternative Press Magazine’s top 8 unsigned bands. They also earned a spot on the 6-week Triple Crown Clothing tour with Youinseries and National Product, which took them across the country. During the tour, producer James Paul Wisner (Underoath, Dashboard Confessional) got his hands on a copy of Rehearsal and has since scheduled The Lives of Famous Men to record with him in November. A brief run with Shiny Toy Guns capped off their touring for the summer and they return to the road in October. With increasing press and strong momentum, their goal remains the same: to write the music they love and to reach as many listeners as possible.
