User:Blackelk7

= Surrounded By Lions = Surrounded By Lions (SBL) is an American indie rock band from Bellevue, Washington that was active from 2003 to 2005. SBL released one extended play (EP) referred to as the “Pink EP”, one long play album (LP) entitled Evolution Vol. 1, and one double LP entitled Evolution Vol. 2, which consisted of a third bonus “B-side” untiled acoustic EP.

Origins
The members of Surrounded by Lions; James Hill (Vocals), Cameron Parkins (Guitar), Andy Lum (Drums), Kyle O’Quin (Keys/Guitar), and Chris Grundberg (Bass), began their music ventures under the band name Rookie Alliance in 2002 as sophomores in high school. Rookie Alliance released a full-length album titled “7 Day Weekend” which was recorded with the assistance of local musician Kyle Coberly in Bellevue, WA. The band gained recognition in the early Seattle indie scene with the song Changing Now which was featured several times of the 107.7 The End’s Young & the Restless radio show. Rookie Alliance further developed their fan base by playing shows at local Seattle area venues to include the Graceland, the Vera Project, Ground Zero, the Redmond Firehouse, and the Paradox.

The Pink EP
In early 2003, James Hill invited Gatsbys American Dream guitarist Bobby Darling to a Rookie Alliance show at the old Vera Project in Seattle, WA. Bobby Darling was impressed by the performance and expressed interest in producing the band’s next release with his longtime friend Casey Bates of Johnny Cab Studios. Shortly after this meeting, Rookie Alliance changed their name to Surrounded By Lions as a reaction to the band’s quickly changing sound and musical maturity. Cameron Parkins created the name as a reflection upon music scenes in general and the competitive nature amongst other bands.

Surrounded by Lions recorded the five track EP in the attic of Casey Bates’ then residence in Seattle, WA. The EP was very much influenced by the sound of Gatsbys American Dream, a band which the members of Surrounded by Lions respected greatly. The completion of the EP led to a lifelong friendship between both bands and their members.

Evolution Vol. 1 and Rocketstar Recordings
Surrounded by Lions continued to play shows in the greater Seattle area. They shared the stage with several local bands such as Gatsbys American Dream, The Fall of Troy, Blane, and Danger Radio; gaining further recognition in the region. During this time, they were writing the songs for their first full length LP entitled Evolution Vol. 1. The LP was planned as a concept album which was written to show the evolution of their song writing and musical styles.

The instrumentation and vocals of Evolution Vol. 1 was self-recorded by the members of Surrounded by Lions at the childhood home of guitarist Cameron Parkins. The drums was recorded again with Casey Bates of Johnny Cab Studios. The album was produced by Bobby Darling once again and mixed and mastered by Casey Bates. Surrounded by Lions then released the album for free to their listeners and fans.

Evolution Vol. 1 tested the limits of the Seattle indie scene by incorporating the sounds of Jazz, psychedelic rock, and classic rock and was a clear indicator that Surrounded By Lions was pulling away from the pop-punk/indie sound that they initially started with. The album also had a “triade” style song series entitled Person + Person = Evolution. A continuous song which outlined the life of John Lennon.

Shortly after the album release, Surrounded by Lions was approached by Darrick Bourgeois of local Seattle recording company Rocketstar Recordings. At this time, the local label comprised of Seattle bands Acceptance and Gatsbys American Dream amongst others. Surrounded by Lions entered into a contract to release the album on iTunes through Rocketstar Recordings to further build awareness of their music.

Split Album Concept with Gatsbys American Dream and LLR Recordings
In early 2004, singer James Hill established contact with Chicago based record company LLR Recordings after Surrounded by Lions completed an interview on the internet based musical news platform Absolutepunk.net. Discussions began with LLR Recordings around a split album release with Surrounded by Lions and Gatsbys American Dream on which both bands would record a number of songs and release the album together in preparation for a tour together.

During this time, the members of Surrounded by Lions were approaching graduation from high school. With a potential national tour in the works with their friends Gatsbys American Dream and the hopes of a split album release, talks of postponing college attendance began. At the same time, Surrounded By Lions began writing material for the split album.

With graduation around the corner, the members of Surrounded by Lions felt eager to continue their education and begin college life. It was decided prior to the summer of 2004, that they would not take part in the split album with Gatsbys American Dream and a national tour and instead, attend college in the fall of 2004. With that decided, the members of Surrounded by Lions continued their song writing with the intent to release one final recording before disbanding. Gatsbys American Dream continued their discussions with LLR Recordings and shortly their after entered into contract and released their Land of Lost Monsters EP. Surrounded by Lions singer James Hill had the privilege of singing backup vocals on the Land of Lost Monsters.

Evolution Vol. 2 and the Final Show
During the summer of 2004, Surrounded by Lions began self-recording their last LP entitled Evolution Vol. 2. Knowing that the band’s end was near, the members decided to record all the songs they had written since the release of Evolution Vol. 2. Evolution Vol. 2 turned into a double LP with a total of 18 songs with a hidden bonus track entitled “Star Power”. The album was mixed and mastered again by Casey Bates and was self-produced by the members of Surrounded by Lions.

Evolution Vol. 2 consisted of several songs which again tested the sound of the Seattle music scene. The song “Pirates” told of the life and experiences which would be expected on a pirate ship. The song Rain, featured singer Nic Newsham of Gatsbys American Dream on the chorus.

During summer break in 2005, while the members of Surrounded by Lions were back home from college their final concert was performed at Ground Zero in Bellevue, WA. The sold-out show was accompanied by several musical acts that Surrounded by Lions considered close friends they had developed over the years. The Fall of Troy opened the show as a secret guest and Surrounded by Lions closed playing a vast array of their songs from Evolution Vol. 1 and Evolution Vol. 2. This show marked the official end of Surrounded By Lions.

Evolution Vol. 1 is available for stream on Spotify. All of Surrounded by Lions music can be listened to and downloaded for free at surroundedbylions.bandcamp.com.

Members

 * James Hill – vocals, guitar
 * Cameron Parkins – guitar, vocals
 * Kyle O'Quin – guitar, keys, bass, vocals
 * Andy Lum – drums and percussion
 * Chris Grundberg – bass