Biography
The Ernies originated in Richmond, Virginia, launching their career as a ska-focused outfit in January 1994 after guitarist and frontman Will Hummel joined drummer Matt Goves in abandoning cover material for original ideas. Baritone saxophonist Hayes Smith and bassist David Warren soon completed the initial roster. A full year of performances preceded the release of their self-titled debut on Bob Records, an effort that remained their sole pure ska recording yet already hinted at the genre-blending experiments that would later define them.
Lineup growth continued when Mike Hughes transitioned from guitar to bass in 1996, followed in 1997 by the addition of turntablist Chris Bondi, a longtime friend of Smith’s from childhood whose presence swiftly altered the group’s direction. The resulting Dropping Science, also issued by Bob Records that same year, captured this shift through an eclectic blend of their ska foundation with hip-hop and metal textures. The band retained strong ties to the skate and snowboard community, mounting a winter 1997 tour across Colorado ski resorts. During that trip they accepted an invitation to appear at the Opium Den in Hollywood; the cross-country trek led to a discovery by a Mojo Records scout and, ultimately, a contract offer.
Meson Ray arrived in 1999 as their first release under the new deal. Produced by Howard Benson in Los Angeles, the album channeled the Ernies’ distinctive energy across an assortment of stylistically varied tracks.
Lineup growth continued when Mike Hughes transitioned from guitar to bass in 1996, followed in 1997 by the addition of turntablist Chris Bondi, a longtime friend of Smith’s from childhood whose presence swiftly altered the group’s direction. The resulting Dropping Science, also issued by Bob Records that same year, captured this shift through an eclectic blend of their ska foundation with hip-hop and metal textures. The band retained strong ties to the skate and snowboard community, mounting a winter 1997 tour across Colorado ski resorts. During that trip they accepted an invitation to appear at the Opium Den in Hollywood; the cross-country trek led to a discovery by a Mojo Records scout and, ultimately, a contract offer.
Meson Ray arrived in 1999 as their first release under the new deal. Produced by Howard Benson in Los Angeles, the album channeled the Ernies’ distinctive energy across an assortment of stylistically varied tracks.
Albums