User:Charlesdegallmeyer/Simien the Whale

Simien the Whale is an indie break-beat rock trio from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Together, Zach Guy (bass), Tory Peterson (guitar), and Jeff Ervine (drums) combine rock, funk, reggae, occasionally some hip-hop and folk into their eclectic blend of music.

The innovative song-writing duo of Peterson and Guy goes back to the birth of the new millennia and has brought attention to themselves, first with The Jim Crawford Band, and now as Simien the Whale. Media from across the state of Michigan have garnered the band as one of the premiere bands of West Michigan as they spread their music one town at a time.

The band's debut album, "1982" and its single, "Re-energized in a Man's Life," have received substantial airplay on Grand Rapids 88.1 WYCE, Grand Rapids/Holland 96.1 MAXFM, and East Lansing 88.9 The Impact, as well as several nominations for 2009 WYCE Jammie Awards, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, New Artist, and two listener choice categories.

Simien the Whale uses a unique marketing strategy rarely seen in bands, by way of a mascot. Simien Whale is described as "a loveable loser," and is almost completely separate from the band.

Members
Zach Guy- Bass Guitar, Vocals

Tory Peterson- Guitar, Vocals

Jeff Ervine - Drums Former Members

Peter Muszkiewicz- Temporary, Fill in Drummer

Andrew Hare- Drums

Name Origin
As documented in the Grand Rapids' press blog Sound Check:

"West Michigan's Simien the Whale, which has a new CD coming out next month, has an interesting story about how it got its band name. This comes from band member Tory Peterson:

"Simien the Whale comes from my nephew's favorite song when he was 4 years old. The only reason he liked the song was because he thought it was about a whale named Simien. The song is actually called 'Send Me on My Way' by the band Rusted Root. The singer says "send me on my way' really fast slurred and makes it sound like 'Simien the whale, Simien my whale.' We thought it was a cool name because it seemed somewhat obscure, yet there will always be that group of people who first heard that song without knowing the title. We actually do get plenty of people coming up to us or sending us messages asking if that's where the name comes from.

Then we came up with the idea of making Simien (the whale) a character/ mascot for the band -- a lovable loser that everyone can look down to. People seem to really enjoy this oddity in the music world."

Other Reviews
"First up, Simien the Whale -- aka Zachary Guy and Tory Peterson -- have just released "1982," which accurately reflects the band's eclectic approach to music, from rock to funk to folk. Take a listen to the clever track "Re-Energized in a Man's Life," and explore more about the band at www.myspace.com/ simienthewhale." John Sinkevics, Grand Rapids Press

"But there are tough choices. The bracing rock strains of Simien the Whale or the orchestral pop of The Mighty Narwhale, both exceptional bands and both playing late Friday afternoon?," Asian Center Newsletter

CDBaby.com Editors choice for those who like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Cake

"If you ever get a chance to these guys live, DO IT. They are high-energy, lots of fun, and damn fine musicians. They put on a fabulouso show. This six-track album shows Simien's versatility, sensability and rockability, which had me listening to over and over again." -LaRae, 88.1 WYCE (June 12, 2008)

"Festival 2008 Top Pick" Why: Zach Guy and Tory Peterson are taking this indie-folk-rock in interesting directions and likely will perform music from their new six-song EP, "1982." -Tricia Woolfenden, Grand Rapids Press (June 05, 2008)

"The Best of 2008: Dirty, Simien the Whale,"

Simien Whale
The bands mascot is summed up simply as:

"Suppose you were to see Simien (the Whale) walking down the street. Would you stop to say "hi" or would you put your cell phone up to your ear and act like you were busy? Chances are Simien wouldn't mind, he would still say "hi" to you.

An ode to the lovable losers and journeyman socio-philes in this world, Tory Peterson and Zach Guy have encouraged the inclusion of wallflowers and would-be prom kings and queens through their mix of indie/alternative and break-beat rock. With a do-it-yourself attitude, lo-fi aesthetic, and lyrics built around the headlines you normally once-over, the duo gives the little guy a chance to show his best moves in the middle of the floor.

Be sure to get to know Simien (the Whale). Read his diary entries, see his pictures, write to him, friend him and get your friends to be his friends. Once you see past his scruffy, unkempt appearance, his enormous dorsal fin, and his pile of Transformers collectibles, you'll find a kind-hearted individual with a heart that truly is the largest in the animal kingdom; the kind you don't come across everyday."

Kris Kross Cover
The band has been gaining a large following, which may have a lot to do with their quirky cover of Kris Kross' "Jump." Once a DJ from a major Grand Rapids radio station had heard the version live, he asked them to record the song and has been giving it substantial airplay since.