Isaac James is an American rock band, with roots based in both Kansas City, Missouri and Des Moines, Iowa, United States.
History
Isaac James was formed in the summer of 2008 by members Blackie Starks, Gil Cole, Joel Ekman (formerly of Grammy-nominated Stone Sour), and John Lillard.[1] Joel Ekman had originally parted ways with Stone Sour in 2006 to take care of his son, Isaac James Ekman who had been diagnosed with cancer.[3] Isaac soon died, and Joel suggested using Isaac James as the band's name in memory of their son. The band agreed, and in January 2009 the band officially took on the name Isaac James.[4]
Too Much Horsepower (2008-2009)
After writing heavily in the fall of 2008, Blackie had contacted major label producer and long time friend, Scott Spelbring (The Speaks, Plunge (band), SR-71 (band), Field of Grey to produce their debut record, Too Much Horsepower. The 5 song EP was recorded in both Scott's studio in Virginia and in Kansas City studio, Cypher Sound with major label producer Aaron Connor (Black Diamond) engineering. Before the EP's release, the buzz about the new band featuring an ex Stone Sour member, started circling the globe[5][6] and soon after the band would be doing local and international radio and print interviews[7] and secure distribution in major media outlets including media moguls Best Buy and iTunes[8]
With the help of Protocol Entertainment,[9] Too Much Horsepower yielded three singles in regular FM and Satellite radio rotation. Home, Hey, and Satisfied.
Shut Up And Listen (2011)
The band's first full-length record titled 'Shut Up And Listen' was written by Isaac James and produced by Larry Gann.[10] The album released in April 2011, pushed three singles to Fm and Satellite radio carrying on its momentum previously gained from Too Much Horsepower. The Rain, The Real Me, and Save My Tomorrow are currently still in rotation on several stations both in the United States and abroad. The whole album is available for download on the Isaac James website.[11]
Return
After a hiatus that lasted over a year, the band returned to the stage on 3 October 2015 at Wooly's in Des Moines, Iowa. The reincarnation of Isaac James came with two new well-known and respected Iowa musicians, Rich Cantrell and Mike Ruby and now call Des Moines, Iowa home. The band is also currently writing new material.
Endorsements
The band was recently picked up by Jesse James American Outlaw Bourbon as an American Outlaw band and has been performing under the American Outlaw Bourbon umbrella across the country[12][13][14][15]
Band members
- Current
- Blackie Starks - lead vocals, occasional guitar (2008–present)
- Mike Ruby - guitar, backing vocals (2015–present)
- Rich Cantrell - bass guitar (2015–present)
- Joel Ekman - drums, percussion (2008–present)
- Former
- Brian Wayne Strawn - drums, percussion (2013)
- Gil Cole - guitar, backing vocals (2008–2013)
- John Lillard - bass guitar (2008–2015)
References
- ^ a b "Isaac James Featuring Ex Stone Sour Drummer: New Song Posted Online - Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. 2009-03-16. Archived from the original on 2009-03-18. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
- ^ "Isaac James | Too Much Horsepower | CD Baby Music Store". Cdbaby.com. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
- ^ "Intervju med Joel Ekman (Isaac James, ex-Stone Sour) | MickeyMike.se - Intervjublogg". Mickeymike.wordpress.com. 10 May 2009. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
- ^ "Untitled Document". Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
- ^ Harper, Jason (2009-03-17). "Former Stone Sour Drummer forms band, plays musician benefit. | The Fast Pitch | The Pitch". Blogs.pitch.com. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
- ^ [1] Archived December 22, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Welcome wflmradio.com - Hostmonster.com". Wflmradio.com. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - Too Much Horsepower by Isaac James". Itunes.apple.com. 2009-06-24. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
- ^ "Isaac James Stream New Song | tunelab™". Tunelab.com. 2009-03-15. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
- ^ "::: Awe Struck Studios :::". Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
- ^ [2] Archived February 4, 2005, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Zvents". Zvents.com. 2014-10-31. Archived from the original on 2013-02-10. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
- ^ "Des Moines and Kansas City Unleash ISAAC JAMES". Metalholic.com. 2011-07-02. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
- ^ "Jesse James Outlaw Whiskey Model Search feat. Isaac James Band | Rawkus | Rock/Pop | Colorado Springs Independent". Csindy.com. 2012-11-25. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
- ^ "Rawkus » Jesse James Outlaw Whiskey Model Search feat: Isaac James Band – Tickets – Rawkus – Colorado Springs, CO – November 24, 2012". Rawkusnation.com. Retrieved 2015-06-03.