Splender
| Splender | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New York, NY |
| Genres | Alternative rock, Post-grunge |
| Years active | 1997–2004 |
| Labels | J Records |
| Website | Splender on Myspace |
| Members |
Waymon Boone James Cruz Marc Slutsky Jonathan Svec |
Splender was a melodic rock band from New York.
Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Waymon Boone and bassist James Cruz formed the alternative pop/rock quartet Splender in 1997. The New York based group went through various incarnations, eventually choosing drummer Marc Slutsky after he responded to an advertisement in the Village Voice and lead guitarist Jonathan Svec.
Boone is the son of an R&B singer, and toured with his mother in his youth.
The group's first shows were on a European festival tour opening for nu-metal group Korn, as well as playing various shows around New York City.
The band was signed to Columbia Records after winning a Battle of bands. Todd Rundgren produced their 1999 debut album, Halfway Down the Sky. The album spawned two hits in "Yeah, Whatever" and "I Think God Can Explain." In 2001, the band signed to Clive Davis' J Records. A year later, To Whom it May Concern was released which spawned the single "Save It For Later."
Shortly following their second release, the group disbanded. Waymon Boone recently announced via Myspace that the band is starting to record its new album in and is going on a tour in 2009.
During a lengthy radio interview, Waymon Boone confirmed that while the band had discussed reforming, it never came together. Boone is currently operating a studio in Los Angeles, California called Boondock Films where he produces music videos and films. Boone worked on The Devil's in the Details starring Ray Liotta.
Members
- Waymon Boone – Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter
- James Cruz – Bassist
- Marc Slutsky – Drummer
- Jonathan Svec – Lead guitarist
Discography
- Halfway Down the Sky (1999)
- To Whom it May Concern (2002)
Singles
- "Yeah, Whatever" (1999) – No. 24 Modern Rock Tracks, # 38 US Top 40 Mainstream
- "I Think God Can Explain" (2000) – No. 62 Billboard Hot 100, No. 19 US Top 40 Mainstream
- "Save it for Later" (2002)
- "Loneliest Person I Know" (2002)
Other contributions
- Currently, Boone has formed a production company and label with mixer Mike Shipley (Maroon 5, Shania Twain, Nickelback, Greenday, Splender)
- Jonathan Svec is now playing with the New York based rock group, Edisun . The band has completed several USO tours including an extensive tour of Iraq in the summer of 2005. James Cruz joined Edisun in 2010.
- In 2000, Splender contributed "Yeah Whatever" to the live performance, charity album Live in the X Lounge III which was released to benefit the Birmingham, Alabama charity, United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham.
- Marc Slutsky is a studio session touring drummer in New York City. Some of the artists he's worked with include Gavin DeGraw, Pink, Ben Jelen and Lana Wolf. Currently, Marc is in the studio recording with Alexa Ray Joel. In 2007, he performed live at the Bonnaroo festival and the New Orleans Jazz festival with Ms. Joel.
- An Italian version of "I Think God Can Explain" written by songwriter Samuel J. Morris and titled "Si Tratta Di Noi",[1](translated "It's All About Us") has been released in 2010 on Samuel J. Morris debut album Mischievous.[2]