The Ex-Kings

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The Ex-Kings
[[Image:‎\|220px\|The Ex-Kings perform at the Last Exit in Tempe, AZ on Sept 27, 2007. Right to left: Michael Bassett, Eric VanAusdal, Keith Walker, Gary Lairson]] The Ex-Kings perform at the Last Exit in Tempe, AZ on Sept 27, 2007. Right to left: Michael Bassett, Eric VanAusdal, Keith Walker, Gary Lairson
Background information
Origin	Phoenix Arizona United States
Genre(s)	Indie Rock Alternative Rock
Years active	2007 to 2008
Website	www.myspace.com/theexkings
Members
Keith Walker Michael Bassett Eric VanAusdal Gary Lairson

The Ex-Kings were a Phoenix, Arizona-based indie rock band formed in early 2007. The band was comprised of former Power of Dreams drummer and Paranoid Saints frontman Keith Walker, Gary Lairson (bass), Michael Bassett (guitar) and Eric VanAusdal (vocals and guitar). The Ex-Kings were heavily influenced by bands like The Beatles, The Pixies, and The Velvet Underground.

1 History
2 Break up and Solo Projects
3 Discography
- 3.1 EPs
4 External links

[edit] History

Coworkers and friends Keith Walker and Michael Bassett formed the Ex-Kings of February of 2007. In March of 2007, the Ex-Kings recorded a four track EP with a line-up that consisted only of Keith Walker on drums, Michael Bassett on guitars, and Eric VanAusdal on bass. Keith Walker took on the role of vocalist for these tracks, which consisted of "Unwavering", "It's OK", "Ironic Translator", and "Here Comes Everything". Although not officially a member of the band when the EP was recorded, Eric VanAusdal was officially added to the group as bassist and vocalist a few weeks after the EP was recorded. A month later, Gary Lairson was added as bassist, moving Eric VanAusdal to rhythm guitar and vocals and solidifying the bands lineup for the next year.

The Ex-Kings released a 4 track E.P. in late Fall 2007. Tracks on the self-titled E.P. are "I Don't Know", "Waiting on American Girls", "Sweet Disaster", and "Shine". The band originally planned on a full release for the Spring of 2008, but have since disbanded.

[edit] Break up and Solo Projects

On February 22nd, 2008 the Ex-Kings announced they would be breaking up. The break up of the band is amiable and each member plans on taking active roles in each other's solo material. Keith Walker will be working on his own Paranoid Saints project as well as "The Bollox" with Authority Zero's Jason DeVore. Michael Bassett plans on working on his folk-rock project, The Dirty Boots. Eric VanAusdal will continue with his self titled solo project. Gary Lairson plans on dedicating his time to completing sound egineering school at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences.