Houston Calls

Houston Calls was an American power pop/punk band, based in Rockaway, New Jersey. They formed in 2003 and were signed to Drive-Thru Records. On June 9, 2009 they announced their official breakup.^[1]

History

Formation (2002-2004)

Shortly after the New Jersey ska punk group Face First disbanded in 2002, singer/guitarist Tom "Chitty" Keiger, bassist Jarrett Selzer, trumpeter "Okie" Okamoto and drummer Tommie Clayton decided to reunite to play a poppier, more synthesized form of modern punk rock. Therefore, Okamoto switched from trumpet to keyboard, and Kenny Ryan, formerly of Hidden in Plain View, joined as a second guitarist. The name "Houston Calls", according to the band, is a combination of chapter titles from the Apollo 13 DVD. Other choices included "Zoltar Madness" (from Big), "Giant Green Insanity" (from The Toxic Avenger), and "Deeds in NY" (from Mr. Deeds).^[2]

They released a 2 song demo CD in 2003 at the Skate and Surf festival (Asbury Park), even though they did not play at the event. It included the tracks "One More Won't Hurt" and "A Line in the Sand." "One More Won't Hurt" and "A Line in the Sand" were both Face First's final songs, and were re released without the horn parts for the demo CD. While they began performing live in June 2003, they soon released their 4 Song Sampler, produced by Hidden in Plain View's Rob Freeman, to help spread the word. After only one national tour Clayton and the band parted ways and he later joined the band Spoiler NYC. Through mutual friends, Josh Grigsby was introduced to the band and became their drummer on May 15, 2004. Due to various national tours with bands such as Hidden in Plain View and Hellogoodbye, Houston Calls' fanbase grew steadily. The newly manned five-piece went into the studio with producer Jesse Cannon, to record their Sampler Volume 2 (2004). A few months after its release in August 2004 and a national tour sponsored by PureVolume and Absolutepunk.net, Houston Calls became the second band to sign with Rushmore Records, a subsidiary record label of Drive-Thru Records, who the band had been friends with ever since their formation.

A Collection of Short Stories (2005-2007)

On August 2, 2005, the band's official debut album, A Collection of Short Stories, was released. Produced by Ed Rose, the CD contained eleven songs, three of which had previously been released on their two samplers.

On November 25, 2006, Ryan announced he was leaving the band due to personal financial problems. No hard feelings were felt by the band members and Ryan is still a close friend with the band. His last show was played at the Hamilton St. Cafe in New Jersey on December 15, 2006. Jose Lopez temporarily filled in on guitar duties while the band finished up the writing for their second full length album. Lopez was announced a permanent member in February 2007. 2007 touring plans consist of a U.K. trip with hellogoodbye and Plain White T's and an Australian trip with MxPx and Hit the Lights.

The End of an Error (2008-present)

On August 10, 2007, Houston Calls posted the demo for the song "Modest Manifesto" on their MySpace page.

In April 2008, the band entered the studio with producer Mark Weinberg to record their follow up to A Collection of Short Stories, The End of an Error and was released on October 14, 2008, along with the single "Life Won't Wait".^[3] The album was made available to stream via AOL on the day of release.^[4] The band went on a UK Tour as main support newcomers You Me At Six. Farewell were the openers.^[5]

At the end of December 2008, founding member Jarrett Seltzer left after no longer wishing to tour as a musician. Two weeks later, it was announced that Jose Lopez would no longer be in the band due to personal reasons. The band has announced that Dan Diaz of Red Light Green Light will be filling Jose's spot. Jason Jaksetic of The Pilot will be filling in on bass. The tour will go on as planned. ^[6]

The band went out on tour in May 2009 with Amber Pacific, Farewell, and Fight Fair welcoming friend Josh Starry as a fill in on the bass. Plans to record an EP in June and tour all of July and August were in the works.

On June 9, 2009, the band officially announced that they are disbanding. They played their last show on August 29, 2009, at School of Rock in their hometown.

Members

Members at Disbanding

• Tom "Chitty" Keiger - Lead Vocals, Guitar (Founding Member-August 2009)
• Ryohei Rich "Okie" Okamoto - Keyboards, Backing Vocals (Founding Member-August 2009)
• Josh Grigsby - Drums (May 2004-August 2009)

2009 Touring Members

• Dan Diaz - Guitar/Bass (January 2009-August 2009)
• Josh Starry - Bass (April 2009-June 2009)
• Jason Jaksetic - Bass (January 2009-March 2009)

Former Members

• Kenny Ryan - Guitar (Founding Member-December 2006, August 2009)
• Tommie Clayton - Drums (Founding Member-March 2004)
• Jarrett Seltzer - Bass (Founding Member-December 2008, August 2009)
• Jose Lopez - Guitar, Backing Vocals (January 2007-January 2009, August 2009)

Discography

References

External links

• Houston Calls' profile at MySpace
• Houston Calls' profile at PureVolume