3 (band)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the 1980s progressive rock band, see 3 (1980s band). There was also a post hardcore band called 3, which was signed to Dischord Records. In addition, there is a black metal act called 3.
3
The End Is Begun Promotional Photo
The End Is Begun Promotional Photo
Background information
Also known as Three
Origin Woodstock, New York, USA
Genre(s) Progressive rock
Experimental rock
Years active 1994 – present
Label(s) Metal Blade Records
Planet Noise Records
Associated acts Joey Eppard, Billy Riker, MATH, Fire Deuce, PEACEBOMB, The Ciggs
Members
Joey Eppard
Billy Riker
Daniel Grimsland
Chris Gartmann
Joe Stote
Former members
Joe Cuchelo
Christopher John Bittner
Jason Foster
Josh Eppard

3, also known as Three, is an American experimental/progressive rock band formed in Woodstock, New York in the early 90s.

Contents

[edit] History

The band was founded as a three piece: Joey Eppard on Guitar and Lead Vocals, Josh Eppard on Drums and Chris Bittner on Bass. They came to the attention of Universal Records after well-received performances at the Woodstock festival in 1994, eventually getting signed in 1998, but following an unstable relationship with the label through its series of corporate mergers, the band was left with little prospect of releasing their album. Eventually, the band decided to release it on Planet Noise Records, a small indie label, and thenceforth managed themselves independently, until their 2005 signing with Metal Blade, on whose label they re-released Wake Pig in late 2005. Their career has been marked by several line-up changes, most notably Josh Eppard's departure to join Coheed and Cambria (of which he is no longer a member); the two bands are now regular touring partners. The band has toured nationally several times, and have appeared on radio stations throughout the United States. Joey Eppard also has an active solo career, and released a solo album, Been to the Future, in 2002.

When questioned about the band's name in an interview with Rock Something, Joey Eppard stated that they considered changing the name of the band several times, but always decided to keep the name 3. According to the same interview, the name of the band originally stems from Joey Eppard's own "fascination" with the number: "It is a reference to the construct of our reality as having predominantly 3 aspects. For example, we live in a 3 dimensional universe on the 3rd planet from the sun, experiencing time as past, present and future in a form that consists of mind, body and spirit." [1]

In May and again in October of 2007 the band toured with the British progressive rock group Porcupine Tree, on their Fear of a Blank Planet North American tour.

3 finished touring with 80's rock legends Scorpions, and later finished up the second leg of the Fear of a Blank Planet tour with Porcupine Tree on October 29th.

The music video for the song "All That Remains" was voted the Number 16 Video of 2007 on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball. It was directed, shot and animated by David Brodsky.

They are currently a part of "Progressive nation 08" with Dream Theater, Opeth, and Between the Buried and Me. [2]

[edit] Style

The band themselves describe their music as "dark yet uplifting, spiritual without any connection to religion". Their music is punctuated by dark, sometimes incomprehensible lyrics, often rather detached from the accompanying music. Joey Eppard is considered a highly competent guitarist, with a unique flamenco/slap hybrid guitar technique.

[edit] Personnel

[edit] Current

  • Joey Eppard - lead vocals, acoustic & electric guitars (1994 - present)
  • Billy Riker - guitars, effects (1999 - present)
  • Chris "Gartdrumm" Gartmann - drums, backing vocals (1999 - present)
  • Joe Stote - keyboards, percussion (2003 - present)
  • Daniel Grimsland - bass, backing vocals (2004 - present)

[edit] Former

  • Josh Eppard - drums, percussion, backing vocals(1994 - 1999)
  • Chris Bittner - bass (1994 - 2001)
  • Jason Foster - guitars (1999)
  • Joe Cuchelo - bass (2002 - 2003)

[edit] Discography

[edit] Studio Albums

[edit] EPs

[edit] Compilations

[edit] External links

[edit] References

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Rocksomething.com Interview with Joey Eppard. Retrieved on 2007-06-03.
  2. ^ PROGRESSIVE NATION '08 featuring DT, OPETH, 3 and BTBAM!!