Third Eye Blind

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Third Eye Blind
Third Eye Blind performs at SUNY Geneseo on November 17, 2007
Third Eye Blind performs at SUNY Geneseo on November 17, 2007
Background information
OriginSan Francisco, California, United States
GenresAlternative rock, pop rock,[1] post-grunge[2]
Years active1993–present
LabelsWarner, Elektra, Sony RED Distribution
MembersStephan Jenkins
Brad Hargreaves
Kryz Reid
Alex Kopp
Alex LeCavalier
Past membersFormer members
Websitethirdeyeblind.com

Third Eye Blind is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1993. The songwriting duo of Stephan Jenkins and Kevin Cadogan signed the band's first major label recording contract with Elektra records in 1996, which was later reported as the largest publishing deal ever for an unsigned artist.[3] The band released their self-titled album, Third Eye Blind, in 1997, with the band largely consisting of Jenkins (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Cadogan (lead guitar), Arion Salazar (bass guitar), and Brad Hargreaves (drums). Shortly after the release of the band's second album in 1999, Blue, with the same line-up, Cadogan was released from the band under controversial circumstances.[4]

The band would continue on, but with many line-up changes and gaps between album releases. The band released Out of the Vein in 2003 and Ursa Major in 2009, with only Jenkins and Hargreaves as the remaining core members. The band is currently working on a fifth studio album, without a title or prospective release date, and tours frequently, currently with Kryz Reid (lead guitar), Alex Kopp (keyboards), and Alex LeCavalier (bass guitar).

The band found commercial success in the late 1990s, with Third Eye Blind and Blue going six times and single platinum in the United States respectively.[5] Several songs were a commercial success as well, with "Semi-Charmed Life," "Jumper," and "How's It Going to Be," all reaching the Top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100, and "Never Let You Go" reaching the Top 20. Third Eye Blind has sold around 12 million records worldwide.[6]

History

Beginnings (1993–1996)

Third Eye Blind recorded their first demo in 1993 with engineer/producer Mark Hensley. In 1994, the band recorded its second demo with band members: Stephan Jenkins (vocals), Kevin Cadogan (guitar), Arion Salazar (bass), and Steve Bowman/Tim "Curveball" Wright (drums), with Mark Hensley and later with David Gleeson. From late 1995 through early 1996, the band recorded its third demo with funds from RCA records to record with producer engineer Eric Valentine, which resulted in the band gaining major label attention, including that of Clive Davis, who invited the band to perform a showcase for Arista Records in New York City.[7] During Third Eye Blind concerts at the time, it was customary for the band to have a piñata release candy above their mosh pits, yet at the showcase for the record executives, lead singer Stephan Jenkins released live crickets from the piñata instead.[7]

In April 1996, after Jenkins had challenged Epic Records executive Dave Massey in a meeting, the band landed an opening gig for Oasis at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium.[7] In an unlikely scenario for an opening act, the band was invited back for an encore after playing their initial set[8] and was paid double by the concert promoter.[9] In addition, Stephan Jenkins' production of The Braids' cover of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" gained major-label attention.[10] Afterwards, the band found themselves in a bidding war among record labels, and after a showcase in Los Angeles, Kevin Cadogan and Stephan Jenkins signed as artists professionally known as Third Eye Blind with Sylvia Rhone of Elektra Records because they believed it offered the most artistic freedom.[9]

Self-titled and Blue (1997–2000)

Third Eye Blind's first album, Third Eye Blind, was released in 1997. The album had five singles: "Semi-Charmed Life," "Graduate," "How's It Going to Be," "Losing a Whole Year," and "Jumper." "Semi-Charmed Life" peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was number 1 on the Modern Rock Tracks for 8 weeks. It also earned Third Eye Blind a Billboard Music Award for modern rock track of the year.[11] The band performed "How's It Going to Be" on Saturday Night Live. To date, their eponymous debut has been the group's most successful album, reaching number 25 on the US Hot 100[12] and selling 6 million copies in the U.S. alone.[13] Smash Mouth drummer Michael Urbano played drums on four songs on the album. During this period they also opened a number of shows on U2's PopMart Tour.

In 1999, the band released their second album, Blue. Although not received as well as Third Eye Blind, the album sold 75,000 copies the first week of release, and by 2003, had sold 1.25 million in the U.S.[14] Four singles were released from the album: "Anything," "Never Let You Go," "10 Days Late," and "Deep Inside of You." In early 2000, shortly after the release of the album, Kevin Cadogan was released from the band. Cadogan filed suit, alleging wrongful termination, adding that his production, recording, and songwriter royalties were withheld since being kicked out of the band.[15] The lawsuit was settled out of court in June 2002, with the terms of the settlement undisclosed.[16]

Out of the Vein (2001–2006)

After extensive international touring, the band took a break from performing, appearing only at charity events. They put on shows for the Tiger Woods Foundation and the Breathe Benefit Concert in Los Angeles after Jenkins' mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.[17] During the four-year gap between albums, the band also built a recording studio in anticipation of their next album.

In 2003, the band released Out of the Vein. Two singles were released from the album: "Blinded," and "Crystal Baller." Out of the Vein did not sell as well as its predecessors, with numbers estimated around 500,000 copies as of March 2007.[18] Elektra Records was being absorbed into Atlantic Records at the time,[19] and the only music video created from the album was for the single "Blinded." Due to the merger, the band found themselves without label support; as Jenkins said, "Our record company ceased to exist. The month the record was released, Elektra Records imploded."[18] In May 2004, Warner Music cut Third Eye Blind, along with over 80 other acts, from its roster.[19] While no specific reason was given for Third Eye Blind being cut, Atlantic co-chairman Craig Kallman said the cuts were made to get Atlantic's roster down to an appropriate size where "we can give each of our acts top priority."[19]

It would be over six years after the release of Out of the Vein until the band would release another full-length album. In the meantime, the band did release A Collection in 2006. This album was a collection of songs from the first three albums. Jude Gold, associate editor of Guitar Player Magazine, recognized that the liner notes falsely credited guitarist Tony Fredianelli with the creative work of former guitarist Kevin Cadogan, who was completely omitted from the band's biography included in the liner notes, which state: "As always, the band profited from the musical interplay between Tony Fredianelli, Stephan Jenkins, Arion Salazar and Brad Hargreaves." In regards to this, Gold stated, "It's like saying Gun's N Roses music always profited from the interplay between Axl Rose and guitarist Bucket Head."[20]

Red Star and Ursa Major (2007–2010)

A single, "Non-Dairy Creamer," was released in November 2008 and was part of the internet exclusive digital EP Red Star.

Third Eye Blind's fourth studio album Ursa Major was released on August 18, 2009.[21] The album had been anticipated since mid-2007 and was previously expected to be named The Hideous Strength.[22] The album was released under their own label, Mega Collider Records.[23]

Third Eye Blind topped the Billboard Rock Albums chart, Top Alternative Albums chart, and Top Digital Albums chart with Ursa Major.[5] The band released two singles, "Don't Believe a Word" and "Bonfire" as well, but neither charted on any radio formats.

The band toured in support of the album throughout the end of 2009. However, longtime guitarist Tony Fredianelli was fired from the band in early 2010.[24] According to an article which quotes a lengthy letter of his, Fredianelli "... is suing the band for apparently being denied songwriting credits and benefits that he allegedly was entitled to."[25][26] On February 23, 2011, it was revealed that Fredianelli had filed a federal lawsuit against Jenkins for over $8 million in damages for not giving him credit for past work with the band.[27] On October 21, 2013, a California jury awarded Fredianelli more than $438,000. According to an article by The Hollywood Reporter, the jury also asked to award royalties to the guitarist, but the judge had previously ruled against it.[28] Irish musician Kryz Reid replaced Fredianelli on guitar, while Third Eye Blind continued to tour in support the album in 2010, most notably co-headlining The Bamboozle Roadshow between May and June 2010.[29]

Fifth album (2011—present)

File:Third Eye Blind 2012.jpg
Third Eye Blind performing in 2012

The band entered the studio as early as 2010 to start work on a fifth album.[30] Around the timeframe of Ursa Major's release, the band spoke of a Ursa Minor album, that would have contained songs that were recorded over Ursa Major's recording sessions, but ultimately were left off the album.[31] While the band spoke of releasing them in close succession to each other, in a similar fashion to a double album, Ursa Minor remains unreleased, with no plans for future release.[31]

The band continued to focus on touring through 2011, although the band did release one studio recording in November, the track "If There Ever Was a Time," in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement, for free download.[32]

On December 17, 2012, Stephan Jenkins announced via his Twitter page that the fifth studio album would be the band's final record.[33] On April 25, 2013, Jenkins announced via his Twitter page that recording on the fifth album would begin in June. On January 5, 2014, Jenkins tweeted "My New Years resolution is album five by summer..." The next day he then tweeted "We are in fact at the East West Studios in Hollywood recording album 5. So there".[34] On July 8, 2014, Jenkins responded to a fan asking if a single off of album 5 would be out by the end of summer, and he confirmed, stating, "Magic 8 ball says yes."[35] However, Third Eye Blind did not release either the album or a single in 2014.

Members

Timeline

Awards

  • 1997 – The band won a Billboard Music Award for Best Modern Rock Track ("Semi-Charmed Life").[5]
  • 1998 – At the California Music Awards, known as the Bammies and formerly the Bay Area Music Awards, Third Eye Blind won 3 awards (including Best Album, Best Songwriting, and Best Debut Work).[5]
  • 1998 – Jenkins and Cadogan won a California Music Award for Outstanding Songwriters.[5]
  • 1999 – Third Eye Blind were nominated for 2 American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock New Artist and Favorite Alternative Artist.[5]
  • 1999 – Third Eye Blind won 3 California Music Awards for Outstanding Group, Outstanding Single ("Jumper") and Outstanding Artist of the Year (Stephan Jenkins).[5]
  • 2000 – Third Eye Blind were nominated for 7 California Music Awards.[5]
  • 2000 – Jenkins and Cadogan won a California Music Award for Outstanding Songwriters.[5]

Discography

Main article: Third Eye Blind discography

References

  1. ^ http://www.allmusic.com/artist/third-eye-blind-mn0000926237
  2. ^ http://www.allmusic.com/album/blue-mw0000670991
  3. ^ "iTunes - Music - Third Eye Blind". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 2014-04-23.
  4. ^ Guthrie, Julian. "He can see clearly now", San Francisco Chronicle, 20 April 2003.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Third Eye Blind". Rock On The Net. Retrieved 2014-04-23.
  6. ^ "Third Eye Blind - Chart history". Billboard. 2009-08-26. Retrieved 2014-04-23.
  7. ^ a b c Whiting, Sam. Third Eye Blind Spots a Big Gig. San Francisco Chronicle, 13 April 1996. Retrieved 2008-03-29.
  8. ^ Ganahl, Jane. Blind Faith. San Francisco Examiner, November 9, 1997. Retrieved 2008-03-28.
  9. ^ a b Condon, Nadine. (2003) Hot Hits, Cheap Demos: The Real-World Guide to Music Business Success, pp. 148-149. San Francisco: Backbeat Books. ISBN 0-87930-762-5
  10. ^ Vaziri, Aidin. "Rappers The Braids Get A Big Break." San Francisco Chronicle, October 27, 1996. Retrieved 2008-03-29.
  11. ^ "8th Annual Billboard Music Awards Draws a Record Crowd". Billboard. December 27, 1997 - January 3, 1998. p. 50.
  12. ^ ["Third Eye Blind." Encyclopedia of Popular Music, 4th ed. Ed. Colin Larkin. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press.]
  13. ^ "Gold and Platinum Database Search". Retrieved 2012-06-18.
  14. ^ Hasty, Katey. "Marilyn Manson Posts 'Grotesque' At No. 1." Billboard.com. May 21, 2003.
  15. ^ Martens, Todd. "Ex-Third Eye Blind Guitarist's Suit Heads to Trial." Billboard. June 13, 2002.
  16. ^ Martens, Todd. "Ex-Guitarist Settles with Third Eye Blind". Billboard. June 19, 2002.
  17. ^ Moss, Corey. "Third Eye Blind, Lil' Kim, Nikka Costa, Sugar Ray Do Breathe For Breast Cancer." MTV.com. October 29, 2001.
  18. ^ a b Uhelszki, Jaan. "Third Eye Blind's Second Coming". San Francisco Chronicle. March 11, 2007.
  19. ^ a b c Furman, Phyllis. (14 May 2004). "Warner Music Axing Artists". Daily News. New York. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  20. ^ Gold, Jude. "Third Eye Blind; A collection album review," Guitar Player Magazine, August 2006.
  21. ^ "Ursa Major - Third Eye Blind". allmusic.com. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  22. ^ [1][dead link]
  23. ^ "Third Eye Blind's Stephan Jenkins Talks Ursa Major, Fierce Fans | Rolling Stone Music". Rollingstone.com. 2009-08-11. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  24. ^ Cox, Jason. "Semi-Charmed, not Cursed: An Interview with Third Eye Blind". Washington City Paper, 9 April 2010.
  25. ^ "Third Eye Blind Guitarist Sues Rest of Band". Kill Your Stereo. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  26. ^ Lavery, Philippa (2010-02-24). "Music News & Interviews: Third Eye Blind sued by own guitarist". Thrash It Out Online. Retrieved 2011-07-21.[dead link]
  27. ^ "Newman Du Wors LLP Announces Lawsuit Against Third Eye Blind". Red Orbit. PRNewswire. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  28. ^ Gardner, Eriq. "Third Eye Blind Ordered to Pay $448K to Former Guitarist". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  29. ^ "Spring Tour". Third Eye Blind. Retrieved 2011-07-21.[dead link]
  30. ^ http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/third_eye_blind_enter_studio
  31. ^ a b Benson, John. "Third Eye Blind Finds Second Life of Success". billboard.com. May 7, 2009.
  32. ^ "Third Eye Blind Releases Occupy Wall Street Anthem". ARTISTdirect. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  33. ^ "oh it's real. Working on it now. Going to be the last one so I'd like to get it right". Twitter.com/stephanjenkins. Retrieved 2012-12-23.
  34. ^ "Twitter / stephanjenkins: Yes. We are in fact at east". Twitter.com. 2014-01-06. Retrieved 2014-04-23.
  35. ^ "Twitter / stephanjenkins: Magic 8 ball says yes". Twitter.com. 2014-07-08. Retrieved 2014-07-17.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Third_Eye_Blind&oldid=651815640"