User:Rockmimosa/The Waking Hours

The Waking Hours, a band originally hailing from Richmond VA. Were founded In April of 1991 by seminal pop songwriter/guitarist Tom Richards along with David Moore on bass, and Rob Clark on drums. The bands early sound was inspired by an amalgamation of Shoegaze, Manchester, and Brittish invasion rock and roll. One would be remiss not to mention the well distilled nod to 80’s pop phenoms Orange Juice, and Aztec Camera. The bands first two albums, "Hope Springs Eternal" and "December Sun" were released on bassist David Moore's own indie label "Brilliant Records", which enjoyed a successful, but relatively short, existence during which time championed many fine regional pop/rock groups including: The Technical Jed, Small Factory, Fudge, Schwa, Aurora Paralysis, Tree Fort Angst, The Ultra Cindy, and The Petals. The band also released several 7’ singles between 1991 and ’94 on various labels such as Elephant (Spain) and Imperial (UK). After a European tour in1993, David Moore left the band to devote more time to running Brilliant Records. Replacing David Moore on bass was Tom’s brother Scott Richards. In the summer of 1994 the band released “the Bedroom EP” on Elephant. This release marks the final entry in what could be considered “The Early Years” era of The Waking Hours. In 1996 the band brought guitarist Ricky Tubb into the fold to further bolster their sound. Shortly thereafter the “Black & White” EP was released on the bands own label “No Deal” Records. On the strength of this EP, and through the support of local raido program directors and DJ’s, The Waking Hours were noticed by several record labels. Eventually signing to Time Bomb Records, a subsidiary of Arista in 1998. The band made a full length LP in Berkeley, CA. at Fantasy Studios with producer Neil King. Unfortunately the self titled record failed to get the push and backing it needed. Coupled with the inability of the label to partner the band with other more successful artists on tour, and lackluster promotion, The Waking Hours were dropped from Time Bomb in 1999.

In 2000 the band moved to Los Angeles from their hometown of Richmond, VA. In search of a new record deal. The band encountered many line up changes in the following decade and continued to play actively in the LA music scene, participating notably in the “Kiss or Kill Club” era. The Waking Hours remain today in Los Angeles, writing, recording and occasionally playing live shows.

New article name is The Waking Hours