Sheena, Santa Cruz

Sheena is a dance electronica band that originated and resides in Santa Cruz, California. The core line up is comprised of three members, but the band started initially with four players. Two additional members have played with the band since fall of 2006. They are currently signed to independent label Loves In Heat Records, and have released one album with them: 2006's "Wah-ha Era". The band has made two music videos, "Bread & Water" and "Social Butterfly".

The band can be described as post punk dance electronica, with signs of other elements, including New Wave.

History

Sheena formed together around 2003 with Peter, Matt, and Joe all having experience together in a creative musical environment. Matt McClain was a member of the early band, as a drummer. He parted ways in 2005. The remaining members decided to carry on with the "Sheena" moniker, and began writing material that represented their evolution towards electronica inspired dance rock.

Early popular hits of this time included "Bread & Water" and "1019 Oh Yeah!", which was written about a frequent hangout of the band's that they have used for shows. The band signed to Santa Cruz independent label Loves In Heat Records, and in spring 2006, the band released their debut album, "Wah-Ha Era", recorded at Indigital Studios, also in Santa Cruz, California, during 2005.

Sheena then began a restless schedule of self-promotion, playing multiple shows in locations stretching from their home of Santa Cruz, to San Francisco, and further north into Oregon. They also released, on the internet, their first music video, "Bread & Water", which is a mix of footage from both the "Wah-Ha Era" CD release concert, and a house show at 1019.

Through early fall of 2006, the band gained two additional members: Nick on drums, percussion and backup vocals, and Charley on sax, backup synth, and backup vocals. The band played a limited set of shows with Of Montreal in early 2007. Also in early 2007, the band released its second music video, also on the internet, this time for "Social Butterfly", from their debut album. Footage included the three core members in various outfits, with cameos by a plethora of the band's close friends. Both music videos are available on the bands website.

As of March 2007, the band has plans on hitting the road again to promote "Wah-Ha Era" before they settle into a studio to record an EP with new songs, some of which have already been played live at various concerts over the end of 2006 and early 2007, including "Love Me At All". A joint project to produce a 12" vinyl split album with fellow label mates "Giraffes? Giraffes!", was canceled.

Members

Original

*Matt. (Synth, bass, vocals)
*Joe E. (Guitar, piano, vocals)
*Peter (Bass, synth, drums)

2007

*Nick O. (Drums, percussion, synth, vocals)
*Charley (Sax, synth)

Former members

*Matt McClain (Drums)
*Sheena Leech (Turntables and Magoo)

Albums

"Wah-Ha Era"

1. GalactaWHAT!
2. Out of Place
3. Bread & Water
4. Pick Me ^Up^
5. the only Colour is Yellow
6. Dear Mr. Birdman
7. 1019OHYEAH!
8. A Day in the Life of...
9. Social Butterfly
10. Dial 0
11. Satan's Pet Duck
12. A Good Time For Talking
13. Lost in Outer 9
14. Galactica
15. !(?Galactic!#$Adventure!@#
16. Joey Does Not Like to Have Fun?

Cover art by Brian Oliveira

External links

* [http://www.myspace.com/sheenaisgay Sheena on Myspace]
* [http://www.lovesinheatrecords.com Lovesinheatrecords.com]
* [http://www.pacificnoise.com/movies/august5.mp4 Sheena interview video on Pacific Noise]