Silverstein (band)

Silverstein

Silverstein in 2014
Background information
Origin Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Years active 2000–present
Labels
Website www.silversteinmusic.com
Members Paul Koehler
Josh Bradford
Billy Hamilton
Shane Told
Paul Marc Rousseau
Past members Richard McWalter
Neil Boshart

Silverstein is a Canadian post-hardcore band from Burlington, Ontario that formed in 2000. Their band name is a reference to the famous children's author Shel Silverstein, whom the band had admired and read the stories of as children.[1] They have released a total of eight studio albums, three EPs, a compilation album and a live DVD/CD. Their lineup had remained unchanged for eleven years since December 2001, consisting of lead vocalist Shane Told, lead guitarist Neil Boshart, rhythm guitarist Josh Bradford, bassist Billy Hamilton, and drummer Paul Koehler. In September 2012, the band had announced that Neil Boshart had been fired and would be replaced by Paul Marc Rousseau, who also joined Billy Hamilton on backing vocals. The band achieved moderate success with their second studio album, Discovering the Waterfront, which was nominated for a Juno Award and reached No. 34 on the Billboard 200 charts, with the following two albums charting at similar positions.[2] Silverstein has sold over 1,000,000 albums worldwide.

The band left long-time record label, Victory Records, in 2010; and after a period with Hopeless Records [3][4] are currently signed to Rise Records. They released their 8th studio album, I Am Alive in Everything I Touch, in May 2015.[5]

History

Formation and early years (2000–2002)

Silverstein formed in February 2000.[6] They self-released their first EP, Summer's Stellar Gaze, in August that year.[7] After several lineup changes, the band acquired Billy Hamilton, a local fan who learned of the band's need for a bassist on the Internet message board "The 905 Board" (an Ontario area outreach board which used to be for local musicians). In December 2000, he joined the band after Told helped him learn the music for the songs. Following a rehearsal on Boxing Day (December 26) in 2000, he officially debuted with Silverstein. The next spring, original guitarist Richard McWalter left the band to move to Victoria, British Columbia to study engineering. He was then replaced by Neil Boshart, childhood friend of Shane Told. The new lineup recorded a second EP, When the Shadows Beam, in preparation for their first tour in Eastern Canada. The band signed to Victory Records in October 2002 with a complete lineup as Hamilton attempted to complete his secondary education one semester early.

When Broken Is Easily Fixed (2003–2004)

Drummer Paul Koehler in 2009 in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia

The following January the band went into the studio to record their first full-length debut album, When Broken Is Easily Fixed. It was recorded at Unity Gain and Mount Fairview studios, with producer Justin Koop and was released on May 20, 2003 through Victory Records.[8] Six songs were re-recorded versions from Silverstein's previous EP's; Summer's Stellar Gaze and When The Shadows Beam. When Broken Is Easily Fixed sold over 200,000 copies,[9][10] surpassing the expectations of the band.[11]

Silverstein's Victory debut is a jarring mixture of emo's earnest determination, elements of hardcore, and the heaviest of heavy metal. While vocalist Shane Told delivers lines like "How can I say I love you back, you never made me happy" in a cracked, soaring singing voice, When Broken Is Easily Fixed actually begins with a ragged scream that's as arresting as his singing is plaintive. Musically, the LP is dominated by the dynamic shifts and driving melodies of emo. But Silverstein's membership was derived from existing hardcore, metal, and punk squads, and these fragiles are never very far from view. "Last Days of Summer" begins as a June day ends, with shuffling percussion and gently strummed guitars. But just as the fragile strains of a violin drift in, Told's growling, scarred alter ego appears behind his singing self.[12]

Discovering the Waterfront (2005–2006)

In August 2005 the band's second studio album, Discovering the Waterfront, was released through Victory Records. It was the first album to be produced by Cameron Webb, and marked the beginning of a long relationship between the band and the American producer.[13][14] It also marked a shift in sound from When Broken Is Easily Fixed, with faster paced and more energetic songs, and with the band also incorporating more punk rock aspects into their music. Discovering The Waterfront opened the band up to a wider audience, with the music video for the first single "Smile in Your Sleep" receiving airplay on stations such as FUSE[15] and IMF.[16][17] The album sold 26,229 copies in its first week.[18]

In 2005, the band performed on the Never Sleep Again Tour with bands such as Aiden, Hawthorne Heights and Bayside—a tour during which Bayside's drummer John "Beatz" Holohan was then killed in a road accident. The song, Here Today, Gone Tomorrow, on their following album, Arrivals and Departures, was written about Holohan's death, and his relationship with the band.[19] In January–February 2006, they toured with fellow Canadians Simple Plan in Europe. They then toured Canada with the Taste of Chaos Tour, and also toured Europe, Japan, and Australia. They also performed at the Give It A Name festival at Earls Court & MEN Arena in Britain, opening the main stage.

The band also toured on the 2006 Vans Warped Tour, debuting on the main stage in support of Discovering the Waterfront and a compilation album, 18 Candles: The Early Years. The Early Years compiles the band's first two self-financed EPs along with various alternate versions of songs from their first two studio albums, including a dance remix of "Smile In Your Sleep" and an acoustic version of "My Heroine". Discovering the Waterfront was re-released in September 2006 with an extra song, the band's cover of Lifetime's "Rodeo Clown" and a DVD including music videos, a making of featurette and a live set from the Never Sleep Again Tour, in Chicago.

In 2006, Silverstein was nominated for a Juno Award in the "Best New Band" category, but lost to Bedouin Soundclash.[20]

In Fall 2006, they headlined the Never Shave Again Tour, along with Aiden, It Dies Today, and He Is Legend.[21]

Arrivals & Departures (2007–2008)

Told shown in 2009 performing in Melbourne.

The band's third full-length album, Arrivals And Departures, was released on July 3, 2007, and was designated by AP Magazine as one of the most eagerly anticipated CDs of 2007. Mark Trombino (Jimmy Eat World, Blink-182, Finch) produced the CD. The album sold 27,000 copies in its first week.[22] Silverstein also contributed a new acoustic version of their song "Red Light Pledge" to the Punk Goes Acoustic 2 compilation, released May 8, 2007 through Fearless Records.[23]

Upon completion of their third studio album, the band played a few shows in the spring, and then engaged in an all-summer tour with Rise Against. They also toured the United States in Fall 2007 with From Autumn to Ashes and then went on a month-long European tour with Blessthefall.

Following tours of Australia and Japan in January 2008, they played their first "Cross-Canada" headlining tour with Protest the Hero, Ill Scarlett and The Devil Wears Prada, which sold out across the country. In addition, they completed a U.S. tour with A Day to Remember, Protest the Hero and The Devil Wears Prada, during which Protest the Hero dropped off the tour and Pierce the Veil took over for them on a few show dates. After heavy touring for their album, Arrivals and Departures, in Canada, the US, the UK, and other areas in Europe during late 2007 and early 2008, which included the band's 1000th show in Paris, France, the band took the summer off. In a news post on their site, Silverstein's Paul Koehler said the band was "taking a bit of downtown time to write a new album!"

In October and November 2008, the band toured the United States (with a final show in Toronto) with Chiodos, Escape the Fate, Alesana, and A Skylit Drive, during which they performed the newly written song "Broken Stars", also made available as a demo on their Myspace page. The band played a South American tour in February followed by one show in Hawaii and festival dates in Australia.

A Shipwreck in the Sand (2009–2010)

Silverstein at a fan signing at FYE in Chicago, April 28, 2009

On December 14, 2008, the band announced by Myspace bulletin that their fourth album would be released by March 31, 2009. The name of the new album, A Shipwreck in the Sand, was announced on January 29, 2009, when the band concluded a viral marketing campaign by announcing the track listing via an album website, also revealing it would be a concept album. Along with the demo of "Broken Stars", which the band had been performing during their final U.S. tour in support of "Arrivals and Departures", short clips of the songs "Vices", "Born Dead" and "American Dream" were made available on MySpace[24][25] On March 17, the band filmed a music video for "Vices" with director Robby Starbuck. Later, on March 23, 2009, the band posted the full album to stream on their official MySpace page.

A Shipwreck in the Sand was released on March 31, 2009 and sold nearly 17,000 copies in its first week.[26] The iTunes version of the album includes four bonus cover songs, "Help!" (The Beatles cover), Go Your Own Way (Fleetwood Mac Cover), Three Miles Down (Saves The Day cover), and Total Bummer (NOFX cover).

Silverstein performing in San Francisco, in October 2008.

Silverstein contributed a cover version of "Apologize", originally recorded by OneRepublic, to the Punk Goes Pop 2 compilation album.[27]

After three shows in Ontario, the band embarked on a U.S. tour with Norma Jean, Before Their Eyes, and Blessthefall.[28] The band then played several shows on the continent of Europe, and completed a UK tour supporting the Welsh band The Blackout, along with We Are The Ocean, Hollywood Undead and The Urgency. The band completed a small-market tour in Ontario and the Midwestern United States, and played a brief stint on Warped Tour, followed by a show in Anchorage, Alaska and a cross-Canada tour with A Day To Remember, Ten Second Epic, I Am Committing A Sin and an appearance on some dates by Kingdoms . They played Europe supporting Billy Talent starting November 16 in Bielefeld, Germany through December 4, 2009 in Winterthur, Switzerland. They played four shows in Toronto from March 18–21, 2010, with each show featuring an album in full. They have also announced that they will be playing on the Toursick tour with A Day To Remember, August Burns Red, Enter Shikari, Veara, and Go Radio from March–May 2010.

On March 15, 2010, Silverstein announced through their official MySpace blog that they would be filming four exclusive Toronto shows, during which they would be playing their entire discography, to be released as a live DVD,[29] revealed on April 23 to be titled Decade (Live at the El Mocambo) and was released on June 8, 2010.[30][31]

The following summer Silverstein headlined the Scream It Like You Mean It tour, along with Emery, We Came As Romans, Dance Gavin Dance, I Set My Friends On Fire, Sky Eats Airplane, Ivoryline, and Close to Home. The first date of the tour also featured the bands The Devil Wears Prada, Miss May I, and Your Demise and took place at the Starland Ballroom.[32]

Transitions, Rescue and Short Songs (2011–2012)

A quote from Shane Told on July 11, 2010, "We have a new album coming out real soon. We wish we could release it tonight, but are scheduled to release early next year." Told also said that the band has written 16 songs so far for the new record, and that the album will be released at some time next year.[33]

On October 8, 2010, online rumors spread about their new album reportedly being titled Set This All Ablaze, and that it would again be released through Silverstein's long time label, Victory Records.[34] The band later rejected the rumor that the new album will be titled Set This All Ablaze, although they did confirm their departure from Victory.[35] However, as of the first week of October 2010, Silverstein's official website contained a banner stating Set This All Ablaze.[36] On September 17, 2010, Silverstein were confirmed to be playing in Australia, for Soundwave, in 2011.[37][38] This will be the band's second Soundwave Festival.

Former guitarist Neil Boshart (Glace Bay NS, October 3, 2009)

On November 15, Silverstein announced on Facebook that they have signed with Hopeless Records in the USA/Europe/Japan and with Universal Music in Canada. They also said that a new EP entitled Transitions will be released December 7 and will feature two songs from their new album coming out next year as well as three additional b-sides. In response to a fan on Tumblr, Shane Told described the new music as "a cross between Discovering the Waterfront and A Shipwreck in the Sand".[39] On December 3, 2010, the band posted the first single, Sacrifice, off of the new EP. On February 4, 2011, the band played a free show in Toronto, with Robby Starbuck filming the entire performance for a music video for a song on the upcoming album titled 'The Artist'.[40] A guest vocalist was also present for the filming, who was later revealed to be Brendan Murphy from Counterparts. It was also revealed in response to a question on the band's Formspring that he will feature in the yet to be released studio version of the track.[41] On February 9, 2011, Silverstein confirmed on their Facebook and Tumblr that their new album will be called Rescue.[42] Shane Told also confirmed via the band's Formspring that Martin Wittfooth, the artist and friend of the band responsible for all four of the band's album artwork, had once again painted the album artwork.[43] On February 15, 2011, the band posted the album artwork for Rescue on their official Facebook page.[44] On February 19, 2011, 89X Radio aired a new song from the band named "Burning Hearts". On February 22, 2011, in response to a fan on Facebook, the band stated that they were not releasing a traditional lead single from the new album, and that they had made three music videos so far. They then went on to state that the new record has "tons of screaming and breakdowns".[44] The album, Rescue, was released on April 26, 2011. Silverstein has also recorded a song featuring Ryan Key of Yellowcard called "Stay Posi" (Stay Positive) for the Take Action! Vol 10. Compilation.[45]

On October 17, 2011, the band posted a new video on their YouTube channel about an upcoming release.[46] They announced that are in process of recording a new album called Short Songs with producer Jordan Valeriote, scheduled for release on February 7, 2012. They also said that the EP will contain 22 songs under 90 seconds with half songs being covers of punk songs that influenced them. Silverstein contributed a cover version of "Runaway", originally recorded by Kanye West, to the Punk Goes Pop 4 compilation album, released in November 21, 2011. On December 1, 2011, the band streamed two songs off Short Songs, "SOS" and "Brookfield", as well as their covers of Green Day's "The Ballad of Wilhelm Fink" and NOFX's "It's My Job to Keep Punk Rock Elite" on PunkNews.

The band announced that they would be playing 10 shows in August in the United States and Canada supporting Short Songs during which they would play the album in its entirety as well as a greatest hits set. Called the "SHORT TOUR", it ran from August 16 to 26, 2012.

Boshart's departure and This Is How the Wind Shifts (2012–2014)

On the SHORT TOUR, the band began announcing that they would have a new album in 2013. On September 25, 2012, the band announced that Neil Boshart was no longer a member of the band, after 11 years together.[47] He was replaced by former I Am Committing A Sin guitarist Paul Marc Rousseau. The band posted this statement on their Facebook page regarding Boshart's departure:

“ Hi everyone!

So, as anyone who has seen us play in the last month has most likely noticed, Neil isn't in the band anymore. We have a new guitar player now who is absolutely awesome. His name is Paul Marc Rousseau. You may know him from his old projects I Am Committing A Sin as well as Burst & Bloom, and you've probably seen him on tour with us as he's worked for us over the last few years. It's great to have not only an amazing musician joining our band, but also one of our best friends who was already a part of the Silverstein touring family. We wish Neil all the best with his future endeavours, and stay tuned for some BIG Silverstein news over the next month or so!

Shane, Paul, Josh and Billy

 ”

Told later revealed that Boshart's replacement was due to many years of growing apart, stating there was very little contribution to Short Songs from Boshart.[48]

On November 26, 2012, the band announced that their seventh studio album would be titled This Is How the Wind Shifts and would be released on February 5, 2013. A few hours later they also released the first single, titled "Stand Amid The Roar".

On January 15, 2013 the band released the lyric video for the song "Massachusetts" from their seventh album.[49]

On March 8, 2013, the band announced they would be playing the entire Warped Tour 2013. On April 20, 2013, they released a split 7" EP with August Burns Red for Record Store Day, covering Coming Clean by The Get Up Kids. The release was limited to 500 vinyl copies. On May 20, 2013, they released a re-recorded version of "Smashed Into Pieces" for the 10-year anniversary of When Broken Is Easily Fixed.

On September 24, 2013, Silverstein announced This Is How The Wind Shifts: Addendum and released a new song entitled I Will Illuminate. The re-release was released on October 15, 2013 and brought the total track list of This Is How The Wind Shifts to 21. It contains two new songs, the acoustic songs from the deluxe version of the album, a "voice note" version of Arrivals and a mix of the two songs This Is How and The Wind Shifts.

Silverstein toured worldwide in 2014. They set out on a European tour in mid-2014, playing numerous festivals and headlining shows.

I Am Alive in Everything I Touch (2015–present)

Silverstein began 2015 with a 10th anniversary tour in celebration of their 2005 sophomore album Discovering the Waterfront. The tour will be 38-dates from January through February across North America.[50]

The band's eighth studio album I Am Alive In Everything I Touch was released on May 19, 2015.[51] Coinciding with the album's announcement, Silverstein released a music video for the track "A Midwestern State Of Emergency."[51] On March 4 the band released the second single from the album, Milestone, with a lyric video to accompany the release.

Style and influences

The band's style has been described as post-hardcore,[52][53][54] emo,[55][56][57][58][59][60][53][61] screamo,[62][63][64] indie rock[56][62] and hardcore punk.[59]

The band's influences include The Promise Ring, Orchid, Dead Kennedys, Green Day, Descendents, NOFX, Good Clean Fun, Chixdiggit and Gorilla Biscuits, who were all covered on their Short Songs record.[65][66]

Members

Current
Former
  • Richard McWalter – lead guitar (2000–2001)
  • Neil Boshart – lead guitar (2001–2012)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Concert Tours

References

  1. ↑ Silverstein Official Website Retrieved 14-11-10
  2. ↑ "Retrie". Billboard.com. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  3. ↑ Shane Told, Statement. Retrieved November 16, 2010
  4. ↑ Harper, Kate (June 21, 2010). "Silverstein no longer on Victory". Chart Attack. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  5. ↑ Kraus, Brian (9 September 2014). "Silverstein sign to Rise Records, new album in 2015". Altpress. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  6. ↑ "Silverstein". Silversteinmusic.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2007. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
  7. ↑ "Silverstein". silversteinmusic.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2002. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Silverstein - When Broken Is Easily Fixed CD Album". Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  9. ↑ "Silverstein: 'If You Could See Into My Soul' | News at". Ultimate-guitar.com. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  10. ↑ "Silverstein". Victory Records. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  11. ↑ "Decade (Live at the El Mocambo) DVD, Victory Records",
  12. ↑ "When Broken Is Easily Fixed by Silverstein at ARTISTdirect.com - Shop, Listen, Download". Artistdirect.com. May 27, 2003. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  13. ↑ "Retrieved 2010-10-08". Nettwerk.com. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  14. ↑ "The Making of A Shipwreck in the Sand" featurette from A Shipwreck in the Sand DVD. Released Victory Records, 2009. Retrieved October 8, 2010
  15. ↑ Silverstein on FuseTV Retrieved October 8, 2010
  16. ↑ markfive (August 2, 2006). "Retrieved 2010-10-08". Markfive.wordpress.com. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  17. ↑ "Retrieved 2010-10-08". Blogcritics.org. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Soundscan / Billboard Album Sales 08.31.05 - Duff No. 1, Mariah No. 3, MJ No. 200". Prince.org. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  19. ↑ "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow by Silverstein Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  20. ↑ "2005 Juno Awards". Metrolyrics.com. April 1, 2005. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  21. ↑ "Alternative Press". Altpress.com. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  22. ↑ "T.I. : T.I. Still Billboard King: T.I. Vs. T.I.P. Is MC's Second No. 1 Debut - Rhapsody Music Downloads". VH1.com. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  23. ↑ "Amazon.com: Punk Goes Acoustic 2 tracklist". Retrieved August 31, 2007.
  24. ↑ "Silverstein Song Clip - News Article". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  25. ↑ "New Silverstein Clip - News Article". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  26. ↑ "Silverstein on Victory Records News". Victory Records. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  27. ↑ "Punk Goes Pop 2 Track Listing - News Article". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  28. ↑ "Silverstein Headlining Tour - News Article". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  29. ↑ "Myspace". Blogs.myspace.com. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  30. ↑ "Niet compatibele browser". Facebook. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  31. ↑ "The Ultimate Punk Music Store!". Interpunk.com. June 8, 2010. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  32. ↑ "Home". Scream It Like You Mean It. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  33. ↑ "Silverstein Prepping Next Album". Dcathome.com. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  34. ↑ "Set Silverstein All Ablaze - News Article". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  35. ↑ Fowler, Aaron (October 8, 2010). "Silverstein no longer on Victory; new music on the horizon". Alternative Press. Retrieved October 8, 2010.
  36. ↑ Silverstein; Official Website (Entry Page) Retrieved October 11, 2010
  37. ↑ Soundwave Official Website; Retrieved October 8, 2010
  38. ↑ xpaulx@udrum.com (November 15, 2010). "Retrieved 2010-10-08". Silversteinmusic.com. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  39. ↑ "Silverstein". Slvrstn.tumblr.com. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  40. ↑ "Silverstein". Silverstein.tumblr.com. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  41. ↑ silverstein905. "Retrieved 8th February 2010". Formspring.me. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  42. ↑ "Niet compatibele browser". Facebook. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  43. ↑ "Silverstein (silverstein905) | Formspring". Formspring.me. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  44. 1 2 "Niet compatibele browser". Facebook. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
  45. ↑ "Various Artists - Volume 10 : Hopeless Records". Hopelessrecords.merchnow.com. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  46. ↑ "Silverstein - Short Songs!". YouTube. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  47. ↑ "Hi everyone! So,...". Facebook. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  48. ↑ http://howlroots.com/podcast/roots-silverstein-episode-4-of-4/
  49. ↑ "Alternative Press | News | Silverstein release lyric video for "Massachusetts"". Altpress.com. January 15, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  50. ↑ Sharp, Tyler (November 3, 2014). "Silverstein announce 'Discovering The Waterfront' 10th Anniversary Tour". Alternative Press. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  51. 1 2 Sharp, Tyler (January 13, 2015). "Watch Silverstein's music video for their new single, 'A Midwestern State Of Emergency'". Alternative Press. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  52. ↑ "Silverstein: Live at Postbahnhof (Berlin, Germany)". Stereo Fox. April 11, 2013.
  53. 1 2 "Silverstein". Allmusic.
  54. ↑ Karan, Tim. "Alternative Press | News | Silverstein stream new song "Sacrifice"". Alternative Press.
  55. ↑ "Silverstein @ Underworld, London, UK". Rockfreaks.net. November 28, 2013.
  56. 1 2 "Indie Rock is the New Emo". DetroitChic. June 14, 2010.
  57. ↑ "13 classic Canadian emo bands you might have forgotten about". Aux TV. September 13, 2013.
  58. ↑ "Silverstein This is How the Wind Shifts Review". Culture Tease. February 2013.
  59. 1 2 "SILVERSTEIN". MusicMight.
  60. ↑ The great unknown - Silverstein: the bestselling Canadian rock band you’ve never heard
  61. ↑ "When Broken is Easily Fixed - Silverstein". Allmusic.
  62. 1 2 "Silverstein - Arrivals & Departures". Punk News. July 17, 2007.
  63. ↑ Dee, Jonathan (2003-06-29). "The Summer of Screamo". The New York Times. pp. Section 6; Column 1; Magazine Desk; Pg. 26.
  64. ↑ Explore style: Screamo at Allmusic Music Guide
  65. ↑ "Short Songs". Hopeless Records.
  66. ↑ "Short Songs - Silverstein". Mind Equals Blown. February 12, 2012.

External links

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