Biography
Los Angeles outfit theSTART fused eclectic new wave textures with punchy hard-rock riffs, establishing themselves among the new millennium’s most forward-thinking modern-rock acts. Formed by veteran Southern California players, the group first coalesced around vocalist Aimee Echo and drummer Scott Ellis, both of whom had already gained attention in Human Waste Project throughout the mid- and late-1990s. While supporting Snot on tour, Echo and Ellis connected with keyboardist Jamie Miller, bonding over shared admiration for Depeche Mode, U2, and Jane’s Addiction. At that point each musician found themselves at a personal and professional turning point, weary of the aggressive metal circuit they had endured for nearly five years. In 1998 the trio launched a fresh project they named Hero; bassist Jeff Jaeger, formerly of Sacramento’s Smirch, soon joined, and a deal with 143/Atlantic materialized the next year. Contractual disputes and legal entanglements forced the band to adopt the name theSTART, an experience that left them disillusioned with major-label machinery until Geffen offered a more agreeable partnership. Under that arrangement Echo and her bandmates tracked their debut album Shakedown!, produced by Josh Abraham, whose résumé already included Orgy and Deadsy. Abraham highlighted the group’s infectious synth-driven energy alongside Echo’s polished vocals, allowing lead single “Gorgeous” to climb both college-radio playlists and MTV2 rotation. Late-2001 touring alongside Sugar Ray, Weezer, and Incubus kept momentum building. By 2002 theSTART were determined to expand their audience on their own terms. After parting ways with Interscope they financed an independent trek with Moth and Finch that March and issued the self-released the1234 EP in April. In June they announced Scott Ellis’s exit; Brian Ferrero took over behind the kit in time for West Coast appearances on the Vans Warped Tour and a headline run with Scarling. July brought a self-titled EP via Detroit’s Small Stone Records. The following summer bassist Erick Sanger, known for his work with Sparta and Kissing Chaos, replaced departing founding member Jeff Jaeger, while Billy Brimblecom Jr. of the Creature Comforts assumed drumming duties. Nitro Records inked the band in October 2003 just as they joined Brassy, Lillix, and Northern State on the Girlz Garage tour. Initiation arrived in August 2004; shortly afterward Brimblecom departed and Frank Zummo stepped in.
Albums
