The Pawn Shoppe Boys

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The Pawn Shoppe Boys
Origin Auckland, New Zealand
Genre(s) Alternative rock
Indie rock
Post-punk revival
Years active 2007-present
Label(s) no label
Website www.myspace.com/thepawnshoppeboys
Members
Calum Salmond (Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard)
Daniel Barrett (Keyboard, Guitar, Bass)
Liam Mertens (Drums, Backup Vocals),
Jared Tobin (Bass)

The Pawn Shoppe Boys (commonly abbreviated to The PSBs) are a 4 piece band from West Auckland, New Zealand. The band consists of Calum Salmond, Daniel Barrett, Jared Tobin and Liam Mertens.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Formation

In essence, The Pawn Shoppe Boys began mid 2007 when guitarist Daniel Barrett composed a bass line as part of an NCEA composition assessment. Inspired and excited by his composition he asked classmate Calum Salmond if he would be interested in forming an Indie band (Daniel playing bass and Calum on guitar). On Calum's acceptance Daniel recruited Liam Mertens to play drums. At the groups first official band practice it was decided that Daniel would become a second guitarist as guitar is his primary instrument.

Within two weeks the band played at up market Grey Lynn cafe and bar "Craft" with a set list of only three instrumental songs, receiving such a great response from the crowd the band were encouraged to play all their songs again as an encore. One concert goer confused The Pawn Shoppe Boys for New Zealand chart topping band The Tutts[1].

The Pawn Shoppe Boys performing at "The Basment Bar" in New Plymouth.
The Pawn Shoppe Boys performing at "The Basment Bar" in New Plymouth.

The obvious need for a singer was filled by long time and close friend Isaac Sullivan (though reluctant at first, doubting his own ability)

A few weeks after their gig at Craft the band appeared on SKY Network Television channel 65, Alt TV (A channel dedicated to playing music videos 24/7). Two pre recorded songs were played and the band was interviewed live in the studio.

The role of bassist was offered to another close friend Andrew Wilson who quickly picked up the bands songs.

Though the original Pawn Shoppe Boys trio only formed mid 2007 by the end of the year they had played popular West Auckland music festival "Asphalt 07" alongside the likes of The Love Shakes, The DHDFDs, Badtown and Tahuna Breaks. The band (minus bassist Andrew Wilson) then continued to go on tour with Auckland Metal heavy weights In Dread Response and Wellington band Chesapeake.

The band then were scheduled to play with The Love Shakes at an Auckland bar 'The Thirsty Dog'. Upon the owner of the bar finding out they were all underage they were escorted from the premises. They apparently played a impromptu show in a different, more local location later that night.

In March 2008 The Pawn Shoppe Boys went through a line up change with bassist Andrew Wilson and vocalist Isaac Sullivan leaving the group. Only the original trio (Calum Salmond, Liam Mertens and Daniel Barrett) remained. The Pawn Shoppe Boys were scheduled to play another gig that month as part of Titirangi Festival of Music in which ex-vocalist Isaac performed with them for the last time. Friend Jared Tobin stood in as a replacement bassist for the show and is now performing with them on a regular basis.

[edit] Discography

[edit] The Pawn Shoppe Boys EP

The Pawn Shoppe Boys currently have no publicly realeased recordings of their music. A spokesperson for the band told Alt TV staff that they are eagar to begin recording but want to "rework" their songs to reach there "maximum potential before diving into a recording environment unprepared."

[edit] Members

[edit] Current members

  • Calum Salmond - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard
  • Daniel Barrett - Keyboard/Synth, Guitar, Bass, Backup Vocals
  • Liam Mertens - Drums, Backup Vocals
  • Jared Tobin - Bass

[edit] Former members

  • Isaac Sullivan - Lead Vocals
  • Andrew Wilson - Bass guitar

[edit] References

[edit] External links