Sheena is a dance electronica band that originated and resides in Santa Cruz, California. The core line-up is three members, but the band started initially with four players. Two additional members have played with the band since autumn 2006. They are currently signed to independent label Loves In Heat Records, and released one album with them, in 2006, Wah-ha Era. The band has made two music videos, "Bread & Water" and "Social Butterfly".
The band can be described as post punk dance electronica, with signs of other elements, including new wave.
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Sheena was formed around 2003 with Peter Wallner, Matt Wilson and Joe Weedall having experience together in a creative musical environment. Matt McClain was a member of the early band, as a drummer. He left in 2005. The remaining members decided to carry on with the Sheena name, and began writing material that represented their evolution towards electronica-inspired dance rock.
Early popular hits of this time included "Bread & Water" and "1019 Oh Yeah!", which was written about a frequent hangout of the band's that they have used for shows. The band signed to Santa Cruz independent label Loves In Heat Records and, in spring 2006, released their first album, Wah-Ha Era, recorded at Indigital Studios, also in Santa Cruz, California, during 2005.
Sheena then began a restless schedule of self-promotion, playing shows in locations from Santa Cruz to San Francisco and further north into Oregon. They also released, on the internet, their first music video, "Bread & Water", which is a mix of footage from both the Wah-Ha Era CD release concert and a house show at 1019.
In early fall 2006, the band gained two additional members: Nick O. on drums, percussion and backup vocals, and Charley For Days on sax, backup synth, and backup vocals. The band played a limited set of shows with Of Montreal in early 2007. Also in early 2007, the band released its second music video, also on the internet, this time for "Social Butterfly" from their first album, with cameos by a plethora of the band's close friends. Both music videos are available on the band's website.
In February 2011, the band had plans to tour again to promote Wah-Ha Era before they settle into a studio to record an EP with new songs, some of which have already been played live at concerts at the end of 2006 and in early 2007, including "Love Me At All". A joint project to produce a 12" vinyl split album with fellow label mates "Gira raffes!" was canceled.
Cover art by Brian Oliveira