Additional Players, and Alumni:
Stefanie Kohn- Vocals, Percussion (2004-2006)
Scott Gibson- Drums (2005-2008)
Ben Summers- Bass (2005-2009)
Steph Davies- Artwork (2005-present)
Adam Ball- Bass (2006-2007)
Tim Ilg- Harmonica, Vocals (2007-present)
Justin Birchard- Vocals (2008)
Brent Toland- Banjo (2008)
Bile Greene- Guitar (2008)
Michael Schroeder- Drums (2009)
Ty Maxon- Guitar, Vocals (2009)
Ryan Suzuka- Harmonica, Vocals (2009)
Rob Reid- Percussion (2009)
Julius Otto- Guitar (2009-present)
Influences
Eric Nassau, Adam Faucett, Sam Lowry, William Blackart, Stefanie Kohn, Nathaniel Seer, Steph Davies, Andru Bemis, Brent Toland, Facing Winter, Rob Reid, Boy Name Thor, John Bellows, Heartbreak, Loneliness, and the Open Road
Sounds Like
These are all people we have been told we sound like: Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Simon and Garfunkel, Elliott Smith, Ben Harper, Phil Ochs, Bright Eyes, Pearls before Swine, Ritchie Havens, Donovan, Kings of Convienence, Dead Kennedys, Jethro Tull, The Pogues, Ronnie Milsap, James Taylor, The Mountain Goats, and that guy who sings the theme song to the hobbit.
Chris Darby and Rolland Gairroes met in January of 2000, while attending theological formation for the Roman Catholic priesthood, at a small college in rural northwestern Missouri. Upon entering their final year in the seminary, they joined musically to form the now disbanded Formation Issue. Formation Issue played one concert before its certain demise.
A year later the paths of this duo again converged in La Grange Park, IL where many songs were resurrected. Upon this foundation, the grid work for Them Damn Kids was built. After a brief six month hiatus, the living quarters were relocated to the city of Chicago, IL in late 2003.
The band traveled as much as their jobs allowed, traversing throughout Illinois and surrounding states. In 2004 they managed to play an impressive 125 shows. The simple desire to play as much as possible and bring joy to as many as possible were the primary motivations which fueled them.
In 2005, three other people were convinced to join the duo and form a rhythm section. They recorded an album, titled '...the day has just begun'. The album, comprised of twelve songs, was released on March 1st, 2006. The five piece band played it's final show at Cal's Bar in downtown Chicago on December 15th, 2006
In April of 2007, Chris took to the woods to hike the Appalachian Trail. He completed this monumental journey in October of that same year. Tdk picked up a record label while he was gone, and will release all new music on this label until further notice.
Chris and Rolland have just finished nine new songs. These were started in a cabin in Missouri, in July of 2008. The new album, entitled 'arm yourself with perspicacity', is now available at www.chestnuttreerecords.com.
Contact us via myspace, or themdamnkids@gmail.com
Hey kids! Muddy Mudskipper here... just a note to let you know that my cd "High Authority" is (finally) mixed and mastered... I think. I want some of my musician friends to listen and comment before I "officially" release it. Any feedback on song order, what works or doesn't, etc. would be appreciated. It's quite schizo in that there's some very quiet little tunes mixed together with some pretty raucous ones... I refuse to be pigeon-holed! Hope you like. -Mark High Authority: come listen...
I love the new stuff. Wish I could be more specific--its sweet. I'll give it another listen or three to narrow down what I like about it! Thanks for the music friends!
love the new tune. thanks so much for writing this. looking forward to seeing you soon. cross digits for maine show! peace and love from the northeast...
