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Carnival Season formed in Birmingham, AL, sometime around 1984 or 85, featuring two guys fresh out of high school, Tim Boykin and Brad Quinn, and two guys who had already done a little recording, Mark Reynolds and Ed Reynolds (no relation). In 1985 they self-released a 7” EP, the music having strong psychedelic, garage, folk rock, and punk overtones. At that point their name was spelled Karnival Season. The band did a lot of regional touring and eventually landed a demo/’development’ deal with MCA records. Demos were recorded at Terminal Studio in Jackson, Mississippi, with the Windbreakers’ Tim Lee producing. The resulting demos did not lead to an MCA signing but did lead ultimately to the band signing with the UK Indie label What Goes On. Ed left the band around this time, which saw the band carrying on as a trio, and opting to spell their name correctly, much to the horror of some hardcore hometown fans.
In 1986 the band recorded a 12” EP, again at Terminal Studio in Jackson Mississippi, produced by fellow Birminghamian Mats Roden, whose band the Primitons were also signed to What Goes On. Engineer was Randy Everett. At this point, the music had gotten a little more muscular, with elements of glitter rock and 70s power pop coming into the fray. Swaggering, sonic mayhem and kicking over of amps. More touring ensued, with several notable trips to NYC. The band then set about recording their debut full-length LP (it was still all vinyl back then, and gas lamps and steam trains), at Hit And Run studios in Rockville Maryland, with producer and cult power pop guy Tommy Keene, and engineer Steve Carr. The sessions were stormy and eventful, but eventually yielded a finished album, titled Waiting For No One, which saw release in 1987.
The release of this album was followed by lots more touring, and the addition of rhythm guitarist Chuck Quinn (Brad‘s Brother). Carnival Season called it quits in 1989, all former members continuing with various musical pursuits, those crazy kids.
