Dave Tsui - vocals & guitar Trevor Wencl - drums Karl Tupper - bass
HIJK was formed by Dave Tsui, Trevor Wencl, and Mike Mahony in 2007 in Oakland, CA (formerly Hijack The Disco). In August of that year they released their debut full-length album, "The Pen And The Letter" which was met with positive reviews in the press and blogosphere.
In early 2008 they created a campy DIY live action stop-animation video for the song "Paper Boat" with their friend, producer, engineer, and film buff, Enrique Gonzalez Muller. Shortly thereafter, the video won the SF Bay Guardian independent film maker's contest and was put in rotation at the De Young Museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. This paved the way for Enrique being asked to present the video and speak about independent filmmaking on a small budget at the Lago Film Festival in Italy. In July of 2008, Mike put the brakes on HIJK when he announced he was leaving the band. We wish him the best.
Over the next year Dave and Trevor took a breather to focus on other projects but slowly continued writing and experimenting with drums and guitar. With the down time, Trevor formed a company (FourFour.com) that allows independent musicians and bands to easily create feature rich official band websites.
In early 2009, Dave and Trevor received an email from Karl Tupper (formerly of Golden Birds) saying that he was going through withdrawals from not playing bass, asking if anyone knew of a band looking for a bass player. The 3 got together and everything quickly fell into place. With a new lineup, the band has a new batch of songs being recorded with Nate Heller from Wendy Darling later this summer.
Folks we've shared the stage with: Straylight Run, Cloud Cult, Cold War Kids, Heavenly States, Birdmonster, Hard-Fi, Diamond Nights, White Rose Movement, Scissors For Lefty, The Velvet Teen, Sabrosa Purr, Cex, and Rainer Maria amongst others.
“The songs on HIJK’s full-length debut, The Pen and the Letter, seem to flow effortlessly together like a well-planned symphony” - West Coast Performer
“It's rare for an independent rock band to put half as much time into an album” - East Bay Express
“Their easygoing, effortlessly upbeat sound smacks of radio play and heavy MTV2 rotation” - Albondigas
“110% into making unabashedly shiny, emotionally driven pop music” - The Bay Bridged
“The Pen and the Letter is made up of dark, yet poppy indie rock. It's melodic and catchy… full of sudden twists and turns that make the listening experience somewhat addictive” - Nascent
“Word of mouth is spreading about HIJK's live show” - SFist
“…they thrive on what we’ll call the three D’s — discipline, diligence, and attention to detail” - West Coast Performer
“The perky pop of [HIJK] is like the potato chips, lightly salted, and with a hint of vinegary dance-synth“ - Flavorpill
“highly varied and engrossing songs” - Super Seven
“Hell, if sleighbells are involved, can it not be wonderful?” - Birdmonster
“[HIJK] will be stirring the Bay Area for some time no doubt” - Smother Magazine
"Here is a great band that I would expect to hit it big, at least in the indie world” - Punk Rock Parents
“Silly name, promising band” - Devil In The Woods Magazine
"Tastefully delicate art pop" - SF Bay Guardian (Ezra Provost)
"Unexpected and expertly wielded... Fans of weirdo pop of all kinds, including art-, math-, indie-, and -punk, won't miss this one." - SF Weekly (Hiya Swanhuyser)
"Many of the songs evolve significantly as they go... layered with complex melodic passages that unfold over repeated listens." - The Bay Bridged
Hello HIJK. Just letting you know that we're headlining The Independent tomorrow night with Built for the Sea and The Maldives from Seattle. Hope to see you there! XO- Or, the Whale
Thank you for your friendship. I am currently in the studio working on my record titled "Tribute". While that is still in the recording stages, please feel free to visit my page and listen to some of my earlier trax. Also visit: jameslewismusicshop.com Thank you again! James
I have a graphic novel that I'm working on, which I would love to have your feedback on (it's located in my pictures; comments welcome). I'm also looking for models for the book (use their likeness as characters in the book)
Sick shit guys! Thanks for the request... Check out the website if you get a chance! Support the good music from the BayArea! www. thebayarearocks. com
"An artist is someone who produces things that people don't need to have but that he - for some reason - thinks it would be a good idea to give them."
Andy Warhol ------------------------------------ so on that note , here is a reminder to all U U's out there in myspaceland ..........incase you didnt know or receive the cordial invitation ............. our new little debut EP "Phazes" is out and available to U
for a limited time free dowload ! ! !
it is 4 your listening Pleasuah
:> VV
PS if you already have downloaded or have a copy, then thanks a gazillion, and thanks for being a power animal
Online Now!
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