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Check out the Wannabe's "official" MySpace page at www.myspace.com/wannabehasbeens!
Purchase our debut EP, Former Trans Future Volume 1, from CD Baby today!
Purchase our debut EP, Former Trans Future Volume 1, from iTunes!
Bio:
"Dumb rock for smart people, that's usually descriptive enough." Hesitant to be pegged into some generic category or sub-genre specification, The Wannabe Hasbeens developed their own lingo to wrap words around the music they create. Their self-penned description usually evokes a response with listeners unfamiliar with their material. "It instantly separates those who 'get-it' and those who won't," quips frontman Chris Heille, "people usually laugh or get that mystified look in their faces, we know right away what we're dealing with."
Former Trans Future Volume 1, their debut EP released in March of '07, was completed after nearly 18 months of live shows in and around their hometown of Minneapolis. "We do nearly everything backwards from general practice" admits bass player Derek Ritchison, "we played this stuff live for what felt like forever before we seriously recorded it." The seemingly backwards nature of the process is evident in the fact that The Wannabe Hasbeens were featured at some of the Twin Cities' biggest live music events before their CD was even tracked. They've done Clear Channel's Cities 97 Basilica Block Party (opening for Mike Doughty, The Fray, and Guster), and opened for Ike Reilly, Flickerstick, and others in their brief history.
The dues-paying time racked up on stages trimmed the fat from anything that didn't contribute to the songs. Layers of straight forward rock riffs, pop sensibilities, and honest to experience lyrics make Former Trans Future Volume 1 a no-nonsense listen. The EP charted at 30 CMJ reporting stations the summer following its' release, and was picking up spins all over North America. They've also collected positive reviews in print and online in their hometown.
Frontman/guitarist Chris Heille and drummer Gary Spencer started The Wannabe Hasbeens to escape the shadows of being musical bridesmaids - "sidemen." Their former efforts helped to create a string of "private successes" for others, but no lasting interests for themselves. Derek Ritchison, on bass, confesses to responding to an online classified post for a spot in the band roster. The most recent addition to the band is guitarist/one-man-three-ring-circus, Mo. (No last name necessary, just "Mo" will do.) Together the four crank out a high volume, high energy dose of dumb ambition.
Booking:
We'd love to crash your party, or spoil your otherwise-perfect evening. After all, we've got nothing better to do! You can contact us at booking@wannabehasbeens.com, or just drop us a message here.
Noteables:
1st Place: Pillar To Post Battle of the Bands, October 2006
1st Place: Drive 105 Battle of the Bands, September 2006
Cities 97/Basilica Block Party, July 2006
2nd Place: Cities 97/Basilica Block Party Minnesota Band Competition, June 2006
1st Place, Rock Category: Club 3 Degrees Music Tournament, May 2006
3rd Place, Best Band Name: CityPages "Best of 2006" Issue, April 2006
Tied for 1st Place: Minnesota State University, Mankato - Battle of the Bands, February 2006
Quotables:
"Their new record, Former Trans Future, Vol. I, is glossy and bombastic - rich with distortion, double-tracked vocals, and angst-rock lyrical pathos." -CityPages
"...the tracks stretch from syrupy power ballads to heavy rock anthems that beg to be cranked up and enjoyed with a PBR and a fist pumping in the air." - The Pulse of the Twin Cities
"The group's new album, Former Trans Future, Vol. I, is a pop production masterpiece..." -Perfect Porridge
"People are still talking about your show. Thanks again for coming and
layin' it down for us!" -Tom; The Blind Munchies; University of Wisconsin, Stout
"You guys are great! Anyone who may be reading this, go see these boys!
They rock!" -Chris Vos; Freshwater Collins
"The wife and I loved the performance... and believe me, she is a tougher critic than I am. You guys sound great!" -Kenny; Third Coast Showcase
"Really, a very hot show. I really enjoyed it." -Kerry Liebelt; KTIS FM
"Needless to say, I think your band has a bright future. Your music is well written, properly performed, and you have great stage presence. I want to hear your stuff on the radio... soon." -Tom Shaw; Sound Knowledge Records
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