Encyclopedia is a rock band band from Yeovil, Somerset UK. Benjamin Wood and Oliver Herdsman started Encyclopedia in 2004 and built up a reputation for a unique live set by both playing Electric Guitar to a backing track of sequences and drum beats pre programmed onto an mp3 player.
Encyclopedia released their debut album called 'So Hot Right Now' in 2006. It was released in the UK on T-Shirt Records (their own label) and in Japan on Littlebird Records. The album featured Benjamin on Guitar and Lead Vocals, and Oliver also on Guitar and Backing Vocals with both members sharing programming duties.
The album was toured extensively and received positive acclaim.
After the release of 'So Hot Right Now' and the proceeding tour, Encyclopedia added new members to the band as part of the live show. Adam Clements was brought in on Bass Guitar, Emily Grundon was brought in on Acoustic Guitar and Piano and Mike Frost was brought in on Drums. Jack Singleton was also drafted in to play Lap Steel and Saxophone, but rarely joined the band for live shows due to a busy schedule of his own.
In the summer of 2007, this line-up embarked on a summer tour with the band Tellison and solo musician Gavin Osborn. Benjamin became a member of the Tellison live band after playing Guitar, Synthesisers and various Percussion pieces on the summer tour. Due to touring commitments with Tellison and other issues, Benjamin and Oliver put Encyclopedia on hiatus. But at the start of 2008 Encyclopedia recorded new songs and played a home coming show in March at the new local music venue in Yeovil called The Orange Box. The show sold out and was a massive success. By this point, Mike Frost had left the band to further concentrate on his own band called Scholars. Jack Singleton also left the band and a new drummer named Sebastien Renaud was drafted in to play live Drum Set.
Following the homecoming show, Encyclopedia again went on an unplanned hiatus due to Oliver and Emily requiring time to complete educational courses and Benjamin again touring with Tellison. After Emily completed her course she opted not to return to play with Encyclopedia.
In the middle of 2008 Benjamin decided to stop playing in the Tellison live band to further concentrate on Encyclopedia. New songs were demoed and appeared online, and a mini tour was booked for October/November. Nick Jacobs was brought in to play Electric/Acoustic Guitar and Synthesisers.
Since the mini tour, the line-up of Benjamin Wood (Guitars, Lead Vocals) Oliver Herdsmen (Guitars, Synths and Vocals) Adam Clements (Bass Guitar, Vocals) Sebastien Renaud (Drum set, Percussion) and Nick Jacobs (Guitars, Synths and Vocals) has been cemented as the official line-up of Encyclopedia for both recording and live shows.
This line-up has been in the studio recording a new single and album which is pending release and should be out in late 2009. The Single is to be named 'Hilary' and is available online and on 7" Vinyl.