Hubcap City (From Belgium) is a band from Atlanta, Georgia that formed in 2000 after the end of Bill Taft and Will Fratesi's previous band, Smoke.
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The group played their first show at the Benjamin Smoke celebration, when Bill asked Will to play percussion on some of Bill's guitar and vocals-based songs.[1] These raucous, acoustic guitar-driven songs harkened back to the style of Bill's first band, The Chowder Shouters. They continued as a duo for several years under the name Hubcap City, releasing several homemade CDs.[2]
In 2003, they changed their name to Hubcap City (From Belgium), despite being Americans. The name hubcap city is taken from a Deacon Lunchbox poem. They integrated this concept into their concerts, with Bill claiming to be named Leopold, and Will claiming to be named Wilhelm. Bill also introduced original songs as "The Belgian National Anthem." [3].
Also in 2003, Matthew Proctor joined the band (playing additional percussio, second guitar often lead and also contributing songs. The song Sally on the Ponce 7 inch is a Proctor composition) while Will was playing drums on tour with Cat Power. When Will returned, Hubcap City (From Belgium) became a trio.[4][5]
In 2005, Kat Hairston and Terry Boling joined the band, playing violin (also vocals) and saw, respectively. Kat Hairston left the band in the spring of 2007.
In 2006, HC(FB) released its first 7", the Deerhunter/Hubcap City Split on Rob's House Records. Later that year, they released their first full 7", "Sally" b/w "Five More Minutes (recorded a benefit for Todd Butler a close friend of Mr. Taft who also started Smoke)" on Ponce de Leon Records.[6]
In 2007, Hubcap City (From Belgium) released their first nationally distributed CD, Superlocalhellfreakride.[7] They continue to perform as a five-piece. Their next release is through the Ashton Velvet Rock Club Recording Company. It will be a tape only release which is a split with Melissa Lonely. www.myspace.com/avrcrc
Tracks 1-8 recorded at WREK radio on 11/13/01.
Tracks 9 and 12 recorded outside at Railroad Earth Studios 5/19/01.
Track 10 recorded at Eyedrum 3/10/01.
Track 11 recorded 12/30/01 at The Earl.
Tracks 13-17 recorded 8/02/02 at Earthshaking Music.
NOTE: All of the above CDs are only available through trade. All of the following recordings are or were also available for sale.