Jonny 5

Infobox musical artist |
Name = Jonny 5


Img_capt = Jonny 5 (third right) performing with Flobots at KFMA Day in Tucson, Arizona on May 16th, 2008.
Img_size = 250
Landscape = Yes
Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = James Laurie
Alias =
Born = birth date and age|1977|10|6
Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Died =
Instrument = Vocals, Guitar, drums, Keyboard
Genre = Alternative hip hop
Alternative rock
Indie
Occupation = Vocalist, Songwriter, Rapper, Musician
Years_active = 2000 - present
Label = Universal Republic
Associated_acts = Flobots
URL = [http://www.flobots.com/ www.flobots.com]
Notable_instruments =

James Laurie (born October 6, 1977 [The website [http://musicbrainz.org/show/artist/?artistid=546612 Musicbrainz.org] reveals his date of birth.] ), better known by his stage name Jonny 5, is the singer and founder of the American alternative rock/alternative hip hop group Flobots, who are best known for their hit single "Handlebars". His name should not be confused with former Marilyn Manson guitarist John 5 or Californian rapper Johnny Five.

History

Career with Flobots

Jonny 5 formed Flobots in 2000 while teaming up with producer Farhad Ebrahimi a.k.a. Yahktoe. Together they released the independently released album "Onomatopoeia" in 2001, and the title track ended up in a compilation by the MIT Songwriting Club (Yahktoe's alma mater). The title track featured guitar player David Gralow, cello player Terrence Favors, and bass player Jaymz Haynes.

After the release of the "Onomatopoeia" album, the Flobots went on an extended hiatus. It was 2005 that Jonny 5 decided to form a new band with with another lead MC, Brer Rabbit. Instead, he (along with Brer Rabbit) decided to keep the Flobots name, adding five new members Mackenzie Roberts on viola, Jesse Walker on bass, Andy Guerrero (from funk band Bop Skizzum) on guitar, Joe Ferrone (also from Bop Skizzum) on trumpet, and Kenny Ortiz on drums. In October 2005, the revamped Flobots released their second album, "Flobots Present...Platypus", which went on to sell over 3000 copies over the next two years.

In 2006, Flobots signed to Universal Republic and released their third album, "Fight with Tools", in October 2007. The album sold very well, due to the success of its lead single "Handlebars", which became a popular hit on Modern Rock radio in the spring of 2008. In the week of June 7, 2008, the album jumped on the Billboard 200 chart 168 places and peaked at #15, proving to be the band's most successful album to date.

According to [http://www.dajuroka.com/index.php?title=Flobots%2C_The Dajuroka.com] , the Flobots expect to record their fourth album for a 2009 release.

References