Stimulator
| Stimulator | |
|---|---|
 Stimulator live at the Viper Room in West Hollywood, California, August 31, 2010. |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California |
| Genres | New wave, disco, dark wave |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Labels | Genepool/Universal Records |
| Website | www.stimulatortheband.com |
| Members | |
| Susan Hyatt Geoff Tyson Chad Stewart Sean Tichenor Michael Brent Birnholz |
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Stimulator is an alternative rock band based in Los Angeles, California. The band was founded in 2002 by singer/songwriter Susan Hyatt (formerly of Pillbox) and guitarist Geoff Tyson (formerly of T-Ride and Snake River Conspiracy). The band’s songs have been featured in the Walt Disney film Ella Enchanted, MTV's The Real World and episodes of the E! Network's 50 Hottest Hollywood Hookups. Stimulator has toured the world supporting Duran Duran, The Go-Go's, and were featured performers on the Van's Warped Tour.[1]
From 2010 to 2011, the band’s cover of Olivia Newton John’s "Magic" was featured in Macy’s nationwide television and radio "Find Your Magic" commercials.[2]
Contents |
[edit] History
In 2002, Hyatt and Tyson founded the band in Los Angeles. Joined by drummer Chad Stewart (Faster Pussycat, Gilby Clarke, Motochrist, LA Guns) and bassist Sean Tichenor (formerly of King Black Acid and James Angell), Stimulator’s early electronic sound, with its emphasis on 1980s-style new wave keyboards, was reminiscent of the band Garbage.[3]
In October 2003, the band recorded its debut self-titled album in Tyson’s bedroom. This DIY approach won the band many accolades. The album was licensed to the LAB/Universal Records in 2005, with cover art conceptualized and designed by Duran Duran's John Taylor and designer Patty Palazzo.[4]
In 2004, music promoter Kevin Lyman handpicked the band to play the Warped Tour after hearing that their song "On Top of the World" had won Best Rock Song in the 2004 John Lennon Songwriting Contest.[3]
In 2004, Stimulator toured in support of Missing Persons and, in 2005, in support of Berlin.[5]
In 2005, the band was picked as the opening act on Duran Duran’s Astronaut world tour.
In 2006, Stimulator toured internationally as the opening act on The Go-Go's celebrated reunion tour.[1]
In 2007, Tyson left the band and the new sound for Stimulator emerged: a mix of classic disco, easy listening California melodies, and Europop. This was the sound for Stimulator’s second album, Stimulator 2.[6]
In 2010, Tyson and Stimulator reunited when Stimulator's cover of "Magic" became the theme song for Macy's national television and radio commercials. The commercial ran for almost two years.[2]
Also in 2010, Stimulator released its third CD, Lovelier in Black, which took a more dark wave musical direction. For this album, Michael Birnholz (formerly of Phantasm) replaced Tichenor on bass.[7]
The band’s songs have been licensed to television shows such as NBC’s Las Vegas, MTV's The Real World, ABC's Body of Proof, and The Walt Disney Company Film Ella Enchanted. Stimulator’s song "Let’s Hook Up" was the theme song for E! Entertainment’s 101 Juiciest Hollywood Hook-ups. The band’s songs have also been used in trailers for the television show 90210.
The band has covered songs such as Rush’s "Tom Sawyer" for Canadian release and Olivia Newton-John’s "Magic" for special Australian release. Stimulator’s animated/live action video for "Magic" featured a cameo by singer Cherie Currie from the classic all girl rock group The Runaways.[8]
[edit] Discography
[edit] Studio albums
- Stimulator - (2003) Stimulator Records
- Stimulator Official Debut - (2006) Stimulator Records
- Stimulator 2 - (2009) Dead Famous/MGM Records
- Lovelier in Black - (2010) Genepool/Universal Records
[edit] EPs
- 78 Stimulator - (2003) Org Singles Club, Org Records
[edit] Compilations
- Teenacide Pajama Party - (2004) Teenacide Records
- Rockgirl: Discoveries 2005/Cool Women, Cool Times - (2005)
[edit] Soundtracks
- Ella Enchanted - (2004) Hollywood Records
[edit] Singles
- "Magic" - (2004) Lincoln Road/MGM Records
- "78 Stimulator" - (2005) The Lab/Universal Records
- "Mad World" - (2011) with Syndicate 17, Stimulator Records
[edit] References
- ^ a b Stimulator - Punk Globe
- ^ a b Macy’s Magic Song - Spin Rides, Reality Shows…& Other Stuff
- ^ a b Interview: Stimulator – Melodic Net
- ^ Susan Hyatt of Stimulator – Cutting Edge Voices
- ^ Stimulator - Classic Rock Magazine
- ^ Stimulator 2 - Ocean View Press
- ^ Stimulator - Rock United
- ^ What We’re Listening To - MusicPlayers
