Pretty Balanced
Encyclopedia
Pretty Balanced were an American
"piano chamber rock" band based in Columbus, Ohio
. Its unique sound is the result of a fusion of instruments often associated with chamber music
, such as violin, cello, and piano, playing rock compositions, and often employing electronic production. Its members are Judith Shimer (also of The Sneaky Mister) on piano and cello, Forest Christenson (of Solarist, formerly The Liberty Tax, and Starving Goliath) on drums and violin, and Parker Ross (of El Jewbacabra) on bass.
. The original lineup included John Siddall on bass, but he was replaced by Ross after leaving Columbus for college.
In 2005, the Pretty Balanced song "Simon's Sleeping" was featured on Projekt Records
' compilation A Dark Cabaret
, which sold nationally in Hot Topic
stores.
In 2006, the band won second place in the Columbus Dispatch Battle of the Bands
3, winning $300 and five hours of recording time at John Schwab Recording.
After the members graduated from high school in 2006, the band went on a partial-hiatus, but still plays shows throughout the Eastern and Midwest United States every several months.
In early 2009 they changed their name to "The Alphabet", and in 2010 member Judith mentioned a breakup in her blog.
Other releases:
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
"piano chamber rock" band based in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
. Its unique sound is the result of a fusion of instruments often associated with chamber music
Chamber music
Chamber music is a form of classical music, written for a small group of instruments which traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber. Most broadly, it includes any art music that is performed by a small number of performers with one performer to a part...
, such as violin, cello, and piano, playing rock compositions, and often employing electronic production. Its members are Judith Shimer (also of The Sneaky Mister) on piano and cello, Forest Christenson (of Solarist, formerly The Liberty Tax, and Starving Goliath) on drums and violin, and Parker Ross (of El Jewbacabra) on bass.
History
The band formed in 2004, while the members were attending Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education CenterFort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center
Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center is a public magnet school located near downtown Columbus, Ohio. It is a part of Columbus City Schools...
. The original lineup included John Siddall on bass, but he was replaced by Ross after leaving Columbus for college.
In 2005, the Pretty Balanced song "Simon's Sleeping" was featured on Projekt Records
Projekt Records
This is the article for the record label. You might be looking for Pro-jekt, ProjeKct, Project Pitchfork, or Projekt RevolutionProjekt is a Brooklyn, New York-based independent record label specializing in gothic rock, ambient, ethereal, darkwave, shoegaze, dream-pop, and dark cabaret created by...
' compilation A Dark Cabaret
A Dark Cabaret
-Track listing:#The Dresden Dolls – "Coin-Operated Boy" – 4:46#Revue Noir – "Sometimes, Sunshine" – 3:54#Jill Tracy – "Evil Night Together" – 4:33#Katzenjammer Kabarett – "Gemini Girly Song" – 4:28...
, which sold nationally in Hot Topic
Hot Topic
Hot Topic is an American retail chain specializing in music and pop culture-related clothing and accessories, as well as licensed music on CD. The majority of the stores are located in regional shopping malls. The first Hot Topic store was opened in 1988 by Orv Madden, who retired as CEO in 2000...
stores.
In 2006, the band won second place in the Columbus Dispatch Battle of the Bands
Battle of the Bands
Battle of Bands is a contest in which two or more bands compete for the title of "best band". The winner is determined by a panel of judges, the general response of the audience, or a combination. The winning band usually receives a prize in addition to bragging rights. Traditionally, battles of...
3, winning $300 and five hours of recording time at John Schwab Recording.
After the members graduated from high school in 2006, the band went on a partial-hiatus, but still plays shows throughout the Eastern and Midwest United States every several months.
In early 2009 they changed their name to "The Alphabet", and in 2010 member Judith mentioned a breakup in her blog.
Discography
Studio albums:- Icicle BicycleIcicle BicycleIcicle Bicycle is the debut studio album by chamber-rock band Pretty Balanced. It was released in 2006.-Track listing:#Miriam#Cheap Drunk#Mel and Colin#Concertgoing# *#Simon's Sleeping#Permanent Guest#Couch#Euros and Pounds#Floating#Hyphen...
, 2006 - Conical Monocle, 2008
- Scarlet Starlet, 2009 (as The Alphabet)
Other releases:
- Free Public ConsumptionFree Public ConsumptionFree Public Consumption is the first recording and original demo album of the piano chamber rock band Pretty Balanced. It was released in 2005, and was, at one time, available as a free download at Pretty Balanced's website.-Track listing:...
, 2005 (Demo) - Re-mix-a Spektor, 2005 (EP)
- The Tape DustThe Tape DustThe Tape Dust is an EP released by Pretty Balanced in 2005. It's a raw, acoustic set, that varies greatly from Pretty Balanced's usually more produced, electronic sound. The first two tracks feature Judith Shimer on piano and vocals, and Forest Christenson on violin...
, 2005 (EP) - i.B. ReLease, 2006 (Live concert recording)