House of Heroes is an alternative rock band from Columbus, Ohio. They are generally considered to be Christian rock, though their lyrics are not always transparently Christian.[1] They tend to be very passionate song writers, and will cover almost any subject for a song. They have released four albums: What You Want Is Now (2003), House of Heroes (2005), Say No More (2006), and The End Is Not the End (2008). The band consists of brothers Colin Rigsby and Jared Rigsby, Tim Skipper, and A.J. Babcock (who does not tour).
Band history
The band got started in 1996 at Hilliard Davidson High School (Hilliard, OH), originally as a punk band called Plan B, with Tim Skipper, A.J. Babcock, and Nate Rothacker on drums. In 1998, Colin Rigsby replaced Nate Rothacker on drums and they changed their name to No Tagbacks, then later to House of Heroes. The band recorded early demos at Chris Lundquist's home studio LundquistAudio (formerly Lunkhead Studio). In 2003 they released their first album What You Want Is Now under the name House of Heroes.[2]
Jared Rigsby replaced A.J. Babcock as the band's live bassist in December 2005, as Babcock had married and focused on a side project with his wife called "FlowerDagger". Babcock eventually rejoined the band as the live bassist and Jared Rigsby became an official member as the band's second guitarist. In 2009, Babcock stopped touring for the second time and has been replaced by a live guitarist whose name is (according to one of their Vlogs) Eric "Do The Dew" Newcomer (Eric Nuke) and Jared Rigsby plays bass once more. Babcock continues to be a part of the band, involved with songwriting and recording.
Influences
According to drummer, Colin Rigsby, some of House of Heroes influences are: The Beatles, Queen, Muse, Bruce Springsteen, and The Clash.[3] In his free time, Rigsby works on Art, and has his own website. [1]. He is currently working with Jon Schneck of Relient K on a graphic novel titled "En Carne." [4]
Albums and EPs
What You Want Is Now
Being their first album, House of Heroes released this debut in 2003 under the label Vanishing Point Records. It includes 13 tracks, two of which were later composed differently and released on their self-titled record. It was recorded in Columbus, Ohio.
After the release of this album, the band was signed to Gotee Records by its owner and founder, Toby McKeehan. They now release their albums on that label.
House of Heroes
This is their first album released under Gotee Records. It was released on April 26, 2005 and includes 11 tracks. During the same year, the group toured with several other bands such as Relient K, Rufio, and MxPx. The band made a music video around this time for their song "Serial Sleepers."
Say No More
Say No More, was released on May 2, 2006. It was a re-release of their self-titled debut album, and includes two bonus tracks ("The Invisible Hook," and "You Are the Judas of the Cheerleading Squad").[5]
"Serial Sleepers" became more known at this time. It was also released as an acoustic version through PasteMagazine. House of Heroes wrote this song with a very deep meaning. According to an interview with lead singer Tim Skipper, " In the context of the song we say, "Serial sleepers slay with words unsaid." That basically means if you can change someone's life for the better, like if someone you love is doing something that you know is destroying them and you have the power to speak into their life and love them and encourage them to get help. And you don't do it, you're more or less "killing" them. You're sleeping through that time and avoiding a difficult conversation that could potentially help someone, even save their life in a way." [6]
The End Is Not the End
In 2008, before the release of their next album, the band launched FreeHOH.com, a website where "In the Valley of the Dying Sun", "Sooner or Later", and "By Your Side" were offered as free downloads. The End Is Not the End was subsequently released on September 23, 2008.
The band said that this album was actually finished in 2007, but did not release in until September of '08. They also had distribution issues when the album was first released. It was only available at live shows and online, but not in stores. It is NOW available in most retailers, but it must be bought through the stores' website, still because of distribution issues.
"The End Is Not The End" is really considered the band's breakthrough album, and most epic so far. AbsolutePunk.net has given the band much credit and praise for the album. It charted on the Billboard at #19 for "Christian Albums" and #9 for "Heatseekers Albums." From this album, the song "In The Valley Of The Dying Sun" was turned into a music video, and was #10 on TVU's Most Wanted of 2008. The video was also nominated for a Dove Award in 2009 for SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO. It is a featured music video on YouTube. "In The Valley of The Dying Sun" (the song) was #1 on RadioU's "2008's Most Wanted."
In early June 2009, on Amazon.com, House of Heroes had the deal of the day. They made it to the second highest position (2nd place) on "Today's Top MP3 Artists" on June 17 with The End Is Not The End. Their ranking was higher then the Black Eyed Peas, Dave Matthews Band, Green Day and other famous musical names.
The Acoustic End EP
This digital EP was released on iTunes (and now AmazonMp3) on April 7, 2009. and includes the songs: "Ghost", "New Moon," and "If (Acoustic)." ("If" is also on the "The End Is Not The End.")
The title The Acoustic End EP refers to their album title The End Is Not the End.
The songs: "Ghost", and "New Moon" are bonus tracks on the physical release of "The End Is Not The End."
House of Heroes Meets The Beatles EP
During a show on March 20, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio, the band announced that they would be releasing a digital EP of The Beatles cover songs.
The three song EP, with the Beatle reference, House of Heroes Meets The Beatles, (referring to the Beatles album "Meet The Beatles!") which was released on June 9, 2009, features "Can't Buy Me Love", "It Won't Be Long" and "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da".[7]
The album artwork of this digital EP is set around The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night." House of Heroes are fans of the Beatles, and might have dropped a clue on their Myspace about this digital EP. They noted at the time they wrote a blog they were listening to "Meet The Beatles!, by The Beatles."
The Christmas Classics EP
On November 10th, 2009, House of Heroes digitally released a three song EP, for Christmas. The EP includes a cover of the Mariah Carey hit, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," and the classic Christmas hymns, "Silent Night," and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." The EP has been given a very positive review from Absolutepunk.net
Tours
House of Heroes have toured with many bands such as Silverchair, Filter, Stryper, Phantom Planet, Family Force 5, Luna Halo, Relient K, Ludo, This Providence,Wavorly, Abandon Kansas, The Wedding, and The Fold.
They did a tour titled "The Super Big Time All American Traveling Tour" from Fall-Winter of 2009.
The band plans to do a tour in late 2009 with Family Force 5 and Remedy Drive.
Members
Discography
Albums
An early version of the song "You Are the Judas of the Cheerleading Squad," was also featured on a compilation where 25 bands each had one hour to record and mix a song. The album was called 25 Hour Grand Prix.
Singles
- "Mercedes Baby" (from What You Want Is Now)
- "Kamikaze Baby" (from What You Want Is Now)
- "Serial Sleepers" (from House of Heroes and Say No More) – #9 on the Radio & Records Christian Rock Chart
- "Buckets for Bullet Wounds" (from House of Heroes and Say No More) – #6 on the Radio & Records Christian Rock Chart
- "The Invisible Hook" (from Say No More)
- "In the Valley of the Dying Sun" (from The End Is Not the End) - #1 on the Radio & Records Christian Rock Chart; #1 on CWR radio chart
- "Silent Night" (from the digital-only Silent Night single)
- "Lose Control" (from The End Is Not the End) - #2 on the Radio & Records Christian Rock Chart; #1 on CWR radio chart"
- "Code Name: Raven" (from "The End Is Not The End.")
- "Field Of Daggers" (from "The End Is Not The End." Announced on September 3, 2009, on lead singer's, Tim Skipper's Twitter[8])
Music videos
- "Ten Months" (2001) as No Tagbacks
- "Vital Signs" (2001) as No Tagbacks
- "Mercedes Baby" (2003)
- "Serial Sleepers" (2005)
- "In the Valley of the Dying Sun" (2008)
- The band is currently working on a new video. No date has been set for the premiere.
Compilation appearances
No Tagbacks
No Tagbacks is House of Heroes old name. During the time they were No Tagbacks, Jared Rigsby was not in the band, and their genre was more punk.
Members Tim Skipper - lead vocals, guitar AJ Babcock - bass guitar, backing vocals Colin Rigsby - drums, backing vocals
Discography Ten Months (2001)
Music Videos "Ten Months" (2001) "Vital Signs" (2001)
References
External links
