Strung Out
Encyclopedia
Strung Out is a Californian punk rock band from Simi Valley
, California
, formed in 1992. They are known mainly for their musical style, which fuses aspects of punk rock and heavy metal
to form their primary sound. They have released seven albums on Fat Wreck Chords
and appeared on numerous compilations and skate/surf videos. They have played on the Warped Tour
and continue to tour internationally.
, California
. The original lineup consisted of vocalist Jason Cruz
, guitarists Jake Kiley and Rob Ramos, bassist Jim Cherry
and drummer Adam Austin. After releasing a self-titled 7" record, they became one of the first bands to be signed to Fat Wreck Chords
, the record label owned and operated by Fat Mike of the band NOFX
. Austin left the band in 1992 and was replaced by Brad Morrison who also left the band and was replaced on drums by Jordan Burns, formerly of fellow Simi Valley natives Ten Foot Pole
. Their first album, Another Day in Paradise
, was released in May 1994. Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues
followed in 1996. In 1998 they released The Skinny Years...Before We Got Fat
, a compilation album of their pre-Fat Wreck Chords
material.
The band showed notable musical growth on their 1998 album Twisted by Design
, which was both speedy and technical but also with darker overtones. The album established a mixture of the fast, poppy sound the band had established with Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues but mixed it with more atonality and more abstract song structures.
Bassist Jim Cherry left the band in 1999 and went on to play in Pulley
and Zero Down
, but died of heart failure in 2002. He was replaced by Chris Aiken, whose musical background had a strong impact on the 2000 album The Element of Sonic Defiance
.
In 2002 the band released their fourth full-length album An American Paradox
, their first release to appear in the Billboard 200
. The initial production run contained a bonus song entitled "Don't Look Back". A video was filmed for the song "Cemetery" and was included on several punk rock video compilations. In 2003 they recorded and released a live album as part of the Fat Wreck Chords
Live in a Dive series. Exile in Oblivion
, was released in 2004, with a video filmed for the song "Analog." Strung Out released their sixth full-length album, Blackhawks Over Los Angeles
on June 12, 2007.
While on tour with Evergreen Terrace in the fall of 2007 in Philadelphia PA, the band's van was stolen, which contained their equipment, merchandise, and personal belongings. The band continued the tour, traveling and playing with instruments provided by supporting acts I Am Ghost and Evergreen Terrace. Notably, this happened to ska/punk act Suburban Legends at the same hotel.
When they are not touring or making music, Jason Cruz
enjoys life as an artist, Jordan is a co-owner of Moto XXX along with NOFX
drummer Erik Sandin
. Rob Ramos works in the film industry, and Jake gives occasional musical lessons.
In March 2009, Strung Out released a collection of rarities & b-sides entitled Prototypes and Painkillers. The album will be the second such compilation from the band who previously compiled material on The Skinny Years: Before We Got Fat in 1998.
On September 29, 2009, Strung Out released their 7th studio album titled Agents of the Underground
. This has a less political tone to it than their previous one, and it also combines more of the old fast sound with heavy metal influences.
July 19, they are releasing a compilation album named "Top Contenders: The Best Of Strung Out". In it are remastered versions of 23 songs, and 3 new songs; "City Lights", "Saturday Night", and "Here We Are".
Simi Valley, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Simi Valley had a population of 124,237. The population density was 2,940.8 people per square mile...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, formed in 1992. They are known mainly for their musical style, which fuses aspects of punk rock and heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
to form their primary sound. They have released seven albums on Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
and appeared on numerous compilations and skate/surf videos. They have played on the Warped Tour
Warped Tour
The Warped Tour is a touring music and extreme sports festival. The tour is held in venues such as parking lots or fields upon which the stages and other structures are erected. The BMX/skateboarding shoe manufacturer Vans, among others, has sponsored the tour every year since 1995, and it is...
and continue to tour internationally.
Biography
The band formed in 1992 in Simi ValleySimi Valley, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Simi Valley had a population of 124,237. The population density was 2,940.8 people per square mile...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. The original lineup consisted of vocalist Jason Cruz
Jason Cruz
Jason Alexander Cruz is the lead singer and lyricist of punk band, Strung Out. He is also an artist, and a poet responsible for all of the artwork and design of Strung Out's album covers...
, guitarists Jake Kiley and Rob Ramos, bassist Jim Cherry
Jim Cherry
Jim Cherry was an American musician, most famous for being the bassist in the punk rock band Strung Out. His other musical credits include the guitar player in the band Pulley, and bassist/vocalist in the band Zero Down....
and drummer Adam Austin. After releasing a self-titled 7" record, they became one of the first bands to be signed to Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, the record label owned and operated by Fat Mike of the band NOFX
NOFX
NOFX is an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California .The band was formed in 1983 by vocalist/bassist Fat Mike and guitarist Eric Melvin. Drummer Erik Sandin joined NOFX shortly after. In 1991 El Hefe joined to play lead guitar and trumpet, rounding out the current line-up...
. Austin left the band in 1992 and was replaced by Brad Morrison who also left the band and was replaced on drums by Jordan Burns, formerly of fellow Simi Valley natives Ten Foot Pole
Ten Foot Pole
Ten Foot Pole is an American punk rock band, formerly on Epitaph Records.-History:Ten Foot Pole was founded in 1983 as Scared Straight.Scared Straight was a Nardcore Punk band from Simi Valley, California...
. Their first album, Another Day in Paradise
Another Day in Paradise (Strung Out album)
Another Day in Paradise is Strung Out's debut album with Fat Wreck Chords. The album was released on June 20, 1994.-Track listing:All lyrics by Jason Cruz except ** by Jim CherryAll leads by Rob Ramos except * by Jake Kiley...
, was released in May 1994. Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues
Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues
Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues is the second album by the punk band, Strung Out with Fat Wreck Chords. The album was released on April 23, 1996...
followed in 1996. In 1998 they released The Skinny Years...Before We Got Fat
The Skinny Years...Before We Got Fat
The Skinny Years...Before We Got Fat is a compilation by the punk band, Strung Out released by Fat Wreck Chords. The album is a compilation of songs recorded by Strung Out before Jordan and Jake joined the band. "...Before We Got Fat" refers to music recorded/produced prior to joining up with Fat...
, a compilation album of their pre-Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
material.
The band showed notable musical growth on their 1998 album Twisted by Design
Twisted by Design
Twisted by Design is Strung Out's third album with Fat Wreck Chords. The album was released on May 5, 1998. The album was the last with former bassist Jim Cherry, who later died of a heart problem.-Track listing:...
, which was both speedy and technical but also with darker overtones. The album established a mixture of the fast, poppy sound the band had established with Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues but mixed it with more atonality and more abstract song structures.
Bassist Jim Cherry left the band in 1999 and went on to play in Pulley
Pulley
A pulley, also called a sheave or a drum, is a mechanism composed of a wheel on an axle or shaft that may have a groove between two flanges around its circumference. A rope, cable, belt, or chain usually runs over the wheel and inside the groove, if present...
and Zero Down
Zero Down
Zero Down was a punk rock trio formed by former Strung Out bassist Jim Cherry, former Down by Law drummer Milo Todesco and former War Called Peace guitarist John McCree...
, but died of heart failure in 2002. He was replaced by Chris Aiken, whose musical background had a strong impact on the 2000 album The Element of Sonic Defiance
The Element of Sonic Defiance
The Element of Sonic Defiance is an EP by Strung Out, released on Fat Wreck Chords.-Track listing:#"Mission To Mars" – 2:37 #"Scarecrow" – 2:14 #"Savant" – 3:21 #"Blew" – 4:33 #"Everyday" – 2:22...
.
In 2002 the band released their fourth full-length album An American Paradox
An American Paradox
An American Paradox is the fourth album by punk band, Strung Out, released by Fat Wreck Chords. The album was the band's first to debut on the Billboard 200.-Track listing:All lyrics by Jason CruzAll leads by Rob Ramos except * by Jake Kiley...
, their first release to appear in the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
. The initial production run contained a bonus song entitled "Don't Look Back". A video was filmed for the song "Cemetery" and was included on several punk rock video compilations. In 2003 they recorded and released a live album as part of the Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
Live in a Dive series. Exile in Oblivion
Exile in Oblivion
Exile In Oblivion is an album by Strung Out released by Fat Wreck Chords in 2004.-Track listing:# "Analog" – 2:55# "Blueprint of the Fall" – 3:05# "Katatonia" – 2:46# "Her Name in Blood" – 3:20# "Angeldust" – 3:39# "Lucifermotorcade" – 2:43...
, was released in 2004, with a video filmed for the song "Analog." Strung Out released their sixth full-length album, Blackhawks Over Los Angeles
Blackhawks Over Los Angeles
Blackhawks Over Los Angeles is an album by Strung Out, released by Fat Wreck Chords on June 12, 2007. The band filmed a music video for the song "Calling" for the album....
on June 12, 2007.
While on tour with Evergreen Terrace in the fall of 2007 in Philadelphia PA, the band's van was stolen, which contained their equipment, merchandise, and personal belongings. The band continued the tour, traveling and playing with instruments provided by supporting acts I Am Ghost and Evergreen Terrace. Notably, this happened to ska/punk act Suburban Legends at the same hotel.
When they are not touring or making music, Jason Cruz
Jason Cruz
Jason Alexander Cruz is the lead singer and lyricist of punk band, Strung Out. He is also an artist, and a poet responsible for all of the artwork and design of Strung Out's album covers...
enjoys life as an artist, Jordan is a co-owner of Moto XXX along with NOFX
NOFX
NOFX is an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California .The band was formed in 1983 by vocalist/bassist Fat Mike and guitarist Eric Melvin. Drummer Erik Sandin joined NOFX shortly after. In 1991 El Hefe joined to play lead guitar and trumpet, rounding out the current line-up...
drummer Erik Sandin
Erik Sandin
Erik Sandin , is an American musician and the drummer of the popular California punk band, NOFX. He was a founding member of the band when they formed in Hollywood, California, in 1983, but moved to Santa Barbara two years later, leaving the band.In just one year without Sandin, the band had...
. Rob Ramos works in the film industry, and Jake gives occasional musical lessons.
In March 2009, Strung Out released a collection of rarities & b-sides entitled Prototypes and Painkillers. The album will be the second such compilation from the band who previously compiled material on The Skinny Years: Before We Got Fat in 1998.
On September 29, 2009, Strung Out released their 7th studio album titled Agents of the Underground
Agents of the Underground
Agents of the Underground is the 7th studio album from American punk band, Strung Out. This album celebrates the 20th anniversary of the band, and was released on September 29, 2009 through Fat Wreck Chords.- Track listing :# "Black Crosses"...
. This has a less political tone to it than their previous one, and it also combines more of the old fast sound with heavy metal influences.
July 19, they are releasing a compilation album named "Top Contenders: The Best Of Strung Out". In it are remastered versions of 23 songs, and 3 new songs; "City Lights", "Saturday Night", and "Here We Are".
Current members
- Jason Alexander Cruz - vocals
- Jake Ira Kiley - guitar
- Rob Ramos - guitar
- Chris Aiken - bass
- Jordan Burns - drums
Past members
- Brad Morrison - drums (1992–1993)
- Jim CherryJim CherryJim Cherry was an American musician, most famous for being the bassist in the punk rock band Strung Out. His other musical credits include the guitar player in the band Pulley, and bassist/vocalist in the band Zero Down....
- bass (1992–1999) (d. 2002) - Adam Austin - drums (1990–1992)
Albums
- Another Day in ParadiseAnother Day in Paradise (Strung Out album)Another Day in Paradise is Strung Out's debut album with Fat Wreck Chords. The album was released on June 20, 1994.-Track listing:All lyrics by Jason Cruz except ** by Jim CherryAll leads by Rob Ramos except * by Jake Kiley...
(1994) - Suburban Teenage Wasteland BluesSuburban Teenage Wasteland BluesSuburban Teenage Wasteland Blues is the second album by the punk band, Strung Out with Fat Wreck Chords. The album was released on April 23, 1996...
(1996) - Twisted by DesignTwisted by DesignTwisted by Design is Strung Out's third album with Fat Wreck Chords. The album was released on May 5, 1998. The album was the last with former bassist Jim Cherry, who later died of a heart problem.-Track listing:...
(1998) - An American ParadoxAn American ParadoxAn American Paradox is the fourth album by punk band, Strung Out, released by Fat Wreck Chords. The album was the band's first to debut on the Billboard 200.-Track listing:All lyrics by Jason CruzAll leads by Rob Ramos except * by Jake Kiley...
(2002) - Exile In OblivionExile in OblivionExile In Oblivion is an album by Strung Out released by Fat Wreck Chords in 2004.-Track listing:# "Analog" – 2:55# "Blueprint of the Fall" – 3:05# "Katatonia" – 2:46# "Her Name in Blood" – 3:20# "Angeldust" – 3:39# "Lucifermotorcade" – 2:43...
(2004) - Blackhawks Over Los AngelesBlackhawks Over Los AngelesBlackhawks Over Los Angeles is an album by Strung Out, released by Fat Wreck Chords on June 12, 2007. The band filmed a music video for the song "Calling" for the album....
(2007) - Agents of the UndergroundAgents of the UndergroundAgents of the Underground is the 7th studio album from American punk band, Strung Out. This album celebrates the 20th anniversary of the band, and was released on September 29, 2009 through Fat Wreck Chords.- Track listing :# "Black Crosses"...
(2009)
7"s and EPs
- "Somnombulance" 7" first ever recorded
- Strung Out 7"
- split 7" with Jughead's Revenge
- split 7" with Blount (1995)
- Crossroads and IllusionsCrossroads and IllusionsCrossroads & Illusions is a 5 song CD EP/3 song 7" vinyl EP by the punk band, Strung Out with Fat Wreck Chords. The album was released on April 7, 1998 as a pre release for eager fans who were waiting for the full length version, Twisted by Design. The songs "Barfly", "Ghost Town", and "Open Mic"...
(1998) CD-EPExtended playAn EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact... - The Element of Sonic DefianceThe Element of Sonic DefianceThe Element of Sonic Defiance is an EP by Strung Out, released on Fat Wreck Chords.-Track listing:#"Mission To Mars" – 2:37 #"Scarecrow" – 2:14 #"Savant" – 3:21 #"Blew" – 4:33 #"Everyday" – 2:22...
(2000) CD-EPExtended playAn EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact... - Fat ClubFat ClubThe Fat Club is a series of twelve 7-inch singles released monthly by Fat Wreck Chords from February 2001 to January 2002. Limited numbers of each single were pressed; They were not available for sale individually, but were distributed by postal service to those who purchased a subscription to the...
7" (2001)
Compilations, Soundtracks, and Live Albums
- The Skinny Years...Before We Got FatThe Skinny Years...Before We Got FatThe Skinny Years...Before We Got Fat is a compilation by the punk band, Strung Out released by Fat Wreck Chords. The album is a compilation of songs recorded by Strung Out before Jordan and Jake joined the band. "...Before We Got Fat" refers to music recorded/produced prior to joining up with Fat...
(1998) - Live In A Dive: Strung OutLive in a Dive (Strung Out album)Live In A Dive is the eighth album by punk band Strung Out, released by Fat Wreck Chords. The album was recorded in 2002 and released on June 3, 2003...
(2003) - Prototypes and Painkillers (2009)
- Top Contenders - The Best of Strung Out (2011)
Non-album tracks and B-sides
- Punk Sucks compilation (1995) - "Support Your Troops"
- Split 7" with Blount (1995) - "Somnombulance" (demo version)
- Punk Bites compilation (1996) - "Wrong Side Of The Tracks" (demo version)
- The Fearless Flush Sampler compilation (1997) - "Jacqueline" (Jackie O demo version), "Season Of The Witch"
- Punk Bites Vol. 2 compilation (1997) - "Just Like Me" (demo version)
- Fat Music Vol. III: Physical Fatness compilation (1998) - "Ultimate Devotion" (demo version)
- The Show soundtrack (1998) - "Betrayal"(old version)
- As a Matter of Fact compilation (1998) - "Jacqueline" (Jackie O demo version), "American Lie," "Through Your Fingers"
- Before You Were Punk 2 compilation (1999) - "Every Breath You Take" (originally performed by The PoliceThe PoliceThe Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting , Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland...
) - Short Music for Short People compilation (1999) - "Klawsterfobia"
- Fat Music Vol. V: Live Fat, Die Young compilation (2000) - "Novacain"
- Punk Goes Metal compilation (2000) - "Bark at the Moon" (originally performed by Ozzy OsbourneOzzy OsbourneJohn Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
) - Beyond Cyberpunk compilation (2001) - "Betrayal" (new version)
- Fat Music Vol. VI: Uncontrollable Fatulence compilation (2001) - "Your Worst Mistake"
- Punk Goes Acoustic compilation (2003) - "Velvet Alley" (acoustic version)
- Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1 compilation (2004) - "No Voice of Mine" (demo version)
- Crusty Demons of Dirt: the Soundtrack (2004)
- Punk Rock Mixtape 2006 compilation (2006) - "Analog" punkradiocast.com
- Edge 103.9 (Acoustic Live & Rare Compilation) (2006) - "Angeldust" (acoustic version)
- Kingrock Entertainment, Listen Up, Vol. #1 - "All the Nations" http://www.interpunk.com/item.cfm?Item=69240&
Music videos
- "Bring Out Your Dead" from Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues - appears on Peepshow VHS (Fat Wreck Chords 1997)
- "Mind Of My Own" from Twisted By Design - appears on Peepshow Vol. 2 VHS (Fat Wreck Chords 1998)
- "Cemetery" from An American Paradox - appears on Peepshow Vol. 3 DVD (Fat Wreck Chords 2003) and Cinema Beer Buddy DVD (Hopeless Records 2002)
- "Analog" from Exile In Oblivion
- "Calling" from Blackhawks Over Los Angeles
- "Carcrashradio" from Agents Of The Underground
Charts
Album - Billboard (North America)- Peak Position: The Billboard 200 #185 in 2002]
Year Album Chart Positions Billboard 200 Billboard 200The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...Independent Albums Independent AlbumsThe Billboard Independent Albums is a chart of the highest-selling independent music albums and extended plays in the United States, compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is used to list artists who are not signed to major labels...Top Heatseekers Top HeatseekersTop Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical...2002 An American Paradox An American ParadoxAn American Paradox is the fourth album by punk band, Strung Out, released by Fat Wreck Chords. The album was the band's first to debut on the Billboard 200.-Track listing:All lyrics by Jason CruzAll leads by Rob Ramos except * by Jake Kiley...185 11 9 2004 Exile in Oblivion Exile in OblivionExile In Oblivion is an album by Strung Out released by Fat Wreck Chords in 2004.-Track listing:# "Analog" – 2:55# "Blueprint of the Fall" – 3:05# "Katatonia" – 2:46# "Her Name in Blood" – 3:20# "Angeldust" – 3:39# "Lucifermotorcade" – 2:43...- 22 15 2007 Blackhawks Over Los Angeles Blackhawks Over Los AngelesBlackhawks Over Los Angeles is an album by Strung Out, released by Fat Wreck Chords on June 12, 2007. The band filmed a music video for the song "Calling" for the album....- 33 5
External links
- Official website
- Review on Prototypes And Painkillers / source: www.Punk76.com
- Interview and arm wrestle with Jason and Jordan
- Fat Wreck Chords – Strung Out's record label
- Strung Out cover feature (Distorted online punkrock magazine)
- Interview with Strung Out (audio format only
- Our second interview with Strung Out
- Strung Out interview May 2009
- Skratch Magazine: article
- Concert live wire: interview
- Interview at The Land Salmon
- Interview with Chris Aiken
- Interview With Jake Kiley