Stafford (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Stafford


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Origin = Wanaque, New Jersey, United States
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Genre = Rock
Emo
Post-hardcore
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Years_active = 2002–2006
Associated_acts = The Thief
Honesty Eyes
First Against the Wall
Speedball

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Current_members = Erik Perrella
Scott Harris
Eric Mendelson
Tom Suhey
Steve Martin
Past_members = Mike Ponsica
Chris O'Hanlon
Teddy Agelis
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Stafford was a five-piece Rock/Post-hardcore band hailing from Wanaque, NJ that formed in 2002 and disbanded in 2006. [ [http://www.last.fm/music/Stafford "Stafford on Last.FM"] ] In their four year run they proved to be a notable and prolific band throughout the New Jersey music scene, playing several shows with national acts such as Saosin, [ [http://farm1.static.flickr.com/111/307056739_b6a57a42ef.jpg?v=0 "Stafford Opening for Saosin"] ] the Early November, Tokyo Rose, and The Sleeping, [ [http://www.absolutepunk.net/artists/showlink.php?l=2079 "Stafford on Absolutepunk.net"] ] and having influenced several bands in the New Jersey post-hardcore scene.

History

During their run as a band, Stafford released 2 EP's, entitled "The Underlying Scent of Skin" and "The View From This Bridge " and one full length album, entitled "Correction: I'm Not Running".

Their debut EP, The Underlying Scent of Skin, kicked off their career with a pop-punk sound. This EP, and their energetic live performance earned them a loyal following of fans in northern New Jersey. [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPm5rG3ulxw "Stafford Live at Archer Hall"] ]

After having played a countless number of shows on the east coast over the course of a few years, the band started to record demos for their new album, which was to be titled "Correction: I'm Not Running". There was great anticipation leading up to this new album, which gave the band even more fans as they wrote their new songs. Unfortunately the album was delayed in its release for almost 6 months due to various financial/label issues which eventually led the band to release the CD independently.

Right before their summer tour in 2005, guitarist Mike Ponsica left the band to attend college in the Philippines, shortly after the release of their debut full length "Correction: I'm Not Running". The band soon after recruited singer/guitarist Eric Mendelshon formerly of The Murder and the Harlot to fill his posistion. [ [http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=67676 "Stafford Update and News"] ] In June of 2005, The band went on their first full U.S. Tour in support of the new album and shot a music video for their song "They Keep Underestimating You" off of "Correction: I'm Not Running". [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj51DeJmnLc "Music Video for They Keep Underestimating You"] ] . After returning from their summer US tour, the band narrowed down 9 pre-tour demos and headed back to Portrait Recording Studios and record what they felt were 3 of their strongest tracks, titled: "Roadside, Bedside", "Elektra: Part 2", and their heaviest track to date, "An Epic". These new tracks shortly led to a showcase in Philadelphia for indie-label Lobster Records. [ [http://media.www.mcquadrangle.org/media/storage/paper663/news/2005/02/16/News/Bluebook.Records-866542.shtml "Bluebook Records"] ] Shortly after, Stafford disbanded due to personal conflicts.

On May 5th 2006, Stafford reunited for a final farewell show, which took place in front of 300 fans in Oakland, NJ. The band decided it was the right time, for one final last show and included Mike Ponsica on guitar with all 5 other members.

Current Projects

Former members of Stafford current projects include:

[http://www.myspace.com/thethiefnj The Thief] : Tom Suhey - Drums, Eric Mendelsohn - guitar/vocals, Steven Martin - guitar

[http://www.myspace.com/honestyeyes Honesty Eyes] : Scott Harris - guitar/vocals

[http://www.myspace.com/imightbeking I Might Be King] : Erik Perrella - vocals/keys

References