8889

Bio:

Founded by five young men from Madison, Wisconsin, 8889 began with a simple goal: to create songs for people who love music, and to reach as many of these people as possible. Since then 8889 has created a sound all its own. Whether you think its retro, beautiful, sad, sweet, bitter, passionate, or joyful, its honest, and there's something in it for everyone.

Check out 8889's debut LP release 'My Music Plan,' whether or not you're impressed that it garnered 8889 four MAMA nominations for best pop album, best pop band, best pop song, and best new artist in Madison, our home town. Not only will we love you for it, but we think you'll find at least 8 original songs to put on the soundtrack of your life.

We'd also recommend keeping an eye out for 8889's second LP, 'Zoology,' which will be released on May 10, 2008 at a star-studded CD Release Party at Madison's own High Noon Saloon. Be there or be [ ].

"8889 exude all the sincerity and innocent charm of the proverbial boy next door: It comes through in their songs - polished pop rock statements draped in the classic hues of the Beatles, Beach Boys and Motown, and it comes through in their lyrics, which feature candid reflections on loving and living in a world that sometimes moves too fast...Behind the tireless drive of the band's talented songwriting tandem, Benbow and Teteak, and the astute guidance of co-producer Lucas Jorgensen, 8889 have authored a document in 'My Music Plan' of passionate delivery and meticulous craftsmanship. A terrific debut - the very definition of genuine." -The Isthmus

"A Precious Pop Gem - 'My Music Plan' is near-perfect guitar pop, a Midwestern spin on a grand British tradition. The melodies are gorgeous and infectious...Like Coldplay for people who cant stand Coldplay, 8889 are capable of turning relatively simple melodies into giant, sweeping epic moments, and have produced an album that is slick and radio-friendly without being excessive or lifeless. If you're weary of both lazy songwriting posing as underground, and bland, formulaic radio tunes, you'll want to check out 'Dandelions,' 'Two-Way Dream,' and, well, pretty much the whole damn CD." -John Payne, Rick's Cafe

"Madison's 8889 play smooth, earnest, and accessible jangle-rock with luxuriant harmonies. Mid-tempo jaunts are flavored with keyboards and layered guitars, and singer Ross Benbow provides a strong sway factor as the songs roll and flow." -The Onion

"8889 are clearly one of the best new bands of the year. They have all the essential components for a top-notch pop band: hummable, instantly memorable melodies, dead-on vocal harmonies that rival the Beatles, and chord progressions that hook you in and won't let go...This is a welcome breath of light, sweet fresh air in a world that grows increasingly dark, heavy and stinky in each passing day." -Rick Tvedt, Rick's Cafe

"Thank you! Our prayers have been answered! Back in May of 2005 we pleaded for a full-length from this Wisconsin five-some after their most excellent debut EP and they've delivered! Furthering the Brit-pop vibe that permeated their debut, this one again features hook-filled songs propelled by jangly guitars and the vocals of Ross Benbow and Jason Teteak. 'My Music Plan' will appeal immediately to fans of 80's/90's Brit-pop-sters...EXCELLENT!!!" -Kool Kat Musik

"Laid-back rock that hits some nice harmonies, especially on the Beach Boys-esque 'If I Run'...These guys can hear great melodies." -Maximum Ink

"With a Brit-pop sensibility that hearkens back to the late '90s and channels Blur with a dash of Oasis, local Madison band 8889's first full length album 'My Music Plan' shows a healthy disregard for all trends indie and moves decidedly into the genre of smooth guitar pop. 8889 clearly demonstrates potential and the possession of songcraft building blocks necessary to become lasting musicians..." -The Daily Cardinal

"This is a full length CD that delivers on the promise of 8889's EP...richly-textured pop with a surprising maturity for a new band and always linked by gentle acoustic strumming, a deft melodic sensibility, and concise, sweet song structures." -Not Lame Records

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Member Since:

March 20, 2005

Members:

Jason, Ross, Mark, Casey, Chad

Influences:

The Beatles, The Strokes, Radiohead, Coldplay, Beulah, Elliot Smith, U2, Oasis, The Smiths, Bob Marley, The Black Crowes, Lenny Kravitz, The Flaming Lips, Doves, R.E.M., Marvin Gaye, Jamiroquai, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, My Bloody Valentine, The Allman Brothers, The Temptations, Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, Paxico, The Doors, Credence Clearwater Revival, Death Cab for Cutie, Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains, Jimmy Cliff, Chris Masino, Guided by Voices, Bill Withers, Guns N' Roses, The Grateful Dead, The Bee Gees, Wilco, Dave Matthews Band

Sounds Like:

The Beatles, Radiohead, Oasis, Coldplay, The Smiths

Record Label:

INDEPENDENT