Band: Ditchwater
Location: Chicago, IL
Formed: 1993
Genre: Metal - Rock
Started by guitarist Mark Anderson in February of 1993 at the age of 17. A demo was released, very raw style showing the beginnings of a long musical journey. In 1996 the group began to take a more serious form. A follow up demo was recorded in September of that year and local shows followed in the early part of 1997. Member changes were frequent as the band struggled to find it's identity and true purpose. A third demo followed in the summer of 1999 but without a consistent line up shows were few and proper promotion was nearly non-existent.
In 2000 a stable line up was finally gathered and constant touring of the Midwest region of the USA followed. The band released songs at a rapid pace throughout 2000 and 2001 gaining recognition with their intense live show and tireless work ethic. Once again line up changes hindered the groups progress. In 2002 vocalist Mike Meadows was recruited into the fold. A new, more professional sound started to emerge. With the release of the song "It's Over" in the summer of 2003 a buzz in the local and national markets became clear.
After a short break in 2004 the band returned in 2005 with tour dates opening for bands such as Soil, Otep, Brand New Sin, Powerman 5000, and many others. 2006 saw the release of the debut full length album "Going Forward Looking Back" containing the single and video for "It's Over". The video received airplay on CBS TV and the track was put into full rotation on XM Radio. The bands music was exposed to a wider national audience for the first time. Unfortunately Mike Meadows decided to leave the group due to personal reasons. "At first the plan was to start with a new project and not continue with the DW name" says Anderson but with the album gaining momentum a decision was to be made.
Determined to carry on vocalist Mike Loomis took over as front man in 2007. Releasing 2 tracks "This Spell" and "Nothing To Lose" mixed by national producer Jason Suecof. Touring continued and a follow up album was in the works. But in late 2007 due to extenuating circumstances vocalist Mike Loomis was forced to take a hiatus from the group. The band has been on a well deserved break since then while waiting for the chance to return...
In January of 2009 vocalist Mike Meadows and guitarist Mark Anderson began writing for the next Ditchwater album. Recording will take place this spring which should see an early summer release with tour dates to follow.
