Choke the Word is a Denver-based alt-prog band formed in 2008. They are distinguished by their use of a violin and cello in addition to the standard guitar, bass, and drums. In 2011, they released their first album, Enjoy the Parade, and were voted best gothic band in the Westword Music Showcase.

Formation and Early Years

In 2008, founding members Cameron Hays, Melati Olivia, and Sarah Forsythe were in a fledgling band called Traverse. Hays and Forsythe had played together previously in The December Question. When the other members of Traverse fired Olivia over the objections of Hays and Forsythe, the three decided to form a new band. They brought on Mike Miller (guitar), Andrew Gantt (drums) and Bevin Foley (violin).

Over the next two years, the band’s roster changed several times. In 2009, the band lost two members. Foley quit to focus on another project and was replaced by Gracie Stean. Forsythe moved away to start a family and was replaced by Allison Allain, who had to use a rebuilt student cello. In 2010, Gantt returned to his military career and was replaced by James Crutchfield, who had also been in The December Question. After a falling out with the rest of the band the same year, Crutchfield left and was succeeded by Chris Ortega.

Enjoy the Parade

Choke the Word is the first Colorado band to produce an album using crowdfunding. Their Kickstarter

Kickstarter

Kickstarter is an online threshold pledge system for funding creative projects. Kickstarter has funded a diverse array of endeavors, ranging from indie film and music to journalism, solar energy technology and food-related projects.-Model:...

 campaign ended in April 2010. They recorded the album at Evergroove Studio, a solar powered studio in Evergreen, Colorado

Evergreen, Colorado

Evergreen is a census-designated place and a U.S. Post Office in Jefferson County, Colorado, United States. Evergreen is roughly west of Denver. The population was 9,038 at the 2010 census...

. The album’s cover was painted by parapalegic Greek artist Vaggelis Ntousakis.

In June 2011, Choke the Word was voted the best gothic band in Westword

Westword

Westword is a free alternative weekly newspaper based in Denver, Colorado.Westword was established independently in 1977. In 1983 it was bought by New Times Media. In 2005, New Times acquired Village Voice Media, and changed its name to Village Voice Media...

 newspaper’s Westword Music Showcase.

Influences and Songwriting

Collectively, the band is influenced by Tool

Tool

A tool is a device that can be used to produce an item or achieve a task, but that is not consumed in the process. Informally the word is also used to describe a procedure or process with a specific purpose. Tools that are used in particular fields or activities may have different designations such...

 and A Perfect Circle

A Perfect Circle

A Perfect Circle is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The original incarnation of the band also included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums...

. Their songwriting is a collaborative effort, with all members having a say in the process. Olivia writes lyrics, while Hays takes the lead in composing the music. He constructs a song’s melodies and writes the bass, cello, and violin parts. Miller and Ortega usually write parts for their own instruments.

Members

Current Members

• Allison “Ali” Allain - cello (2009–present)
• Cameron Hays - live electronics, bass (2008–present)
• Mike Miller - guitar (2008–present)
• Melati Olivia - vocals (2008–present)
• Chris Ortega - drums (2010–present)
• Gracie Stean - violin (2009–present)

Former Members

• James "Buz" Crutchfield - drums (2010)
• Bevin Foley - violin (2009)
• Sarah Forsythe - cello (2008–2009)
• Andrew Gantt - drums (2009–2010)