The Natural History (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = The Natural History


Img_capt = Derek Vockins, Julian Tepper, Max Tepper (from left)
Img_size =
Landscape =
Background = group_or_band
Origin =
Genre = Indie rock
Years_active = 2001 – 2005
Label = Startime International
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.myspace.com/thenaturalhistoryband Official MySpace page]
Current_members = Max Tepper: Guitar, Vocals Julian Tepper: Bass Derek Vockins: Drums After 2004 Brad Swiniarski: Guitar Joachim Kerns: Drums
Past_members =

The Natural History was a band comprised of Tepper brothers singer–guitarist Max and bassist Julian, along with drummer Derek Vockins. After playing locally in the New York area and self-recording their own three-song EP, The Natural History caught the ear of local NYC label Startime International, whose roster includes Brendan Benson, The Walkmen, The French Kicks, among others.Biography page, [http://www.startimerecords.com/naturalhistory.html "The Natural History"] , Startime International, retrieved February 8, 2008] Recording with Greg Talenfeld at Stonehouse studio in Nyack, New York, the band released the finished product as a self-titled EP in July 2002. The EP was promoted with a year-full of touring with Enon and Spoon, whereupon the band also found time to record their debut full-length effort "Beat Beat Heartbeat", which was released in May 2003.

In 2004, The Natural History recorded a second album called "People That I Meet", which was due in the spring of 2005; however, the band soon split from their record label Startime International, and the record's release was postponed indefinitely. [Megan Gerrity, [http://www.supmag.com/checkit/archives/2005/12/natural_history_1.html "Natural History"] , "Sup Magazine", August 26, 2004] Finally, after nearly two years of fishing for a new record label, the record was self-released by the band in November 2007. One of the songs that ended up on the album, "Don't You Ever", was covered by Spoon on their sixth studio album "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga". Spoon also included The Natural History's original version of "Don't You Ever" on their EP, "Don't You Evah" which was released on April 8, 2008. [Dave Maher, [http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/48770-ted-leo-matthew-dear-remix-spoon-on-new-single "Ted Leo, Matthew Dear Remix Spoon on New Single"] , "Pitchfork Media", February 18, 2008.]

After "People That I Meet" was completed in 2004, Derek Vockins left the band to raise a family. He was replaced with Ohio native Brad Swiniarski (Townsmen, The Means, Bob City).Columbus, Ohio Music News and Resources, [http://www.cringe.com/current/index.php?name=News&startnum=1001&POSTNUKESID=b52d9ab7962b459949d1ef5b7e28106c "Familiar Faces"] , Cringe.com, September 14, 2004.] The band also added a second guitarist and childhood friend, Joachim Kearns (Bob City, Porn on the Cob). The new line-up never took wings, and the band dissolved shortly after. As of November 2007, there are no plans for the band to get back together.

Discography

Albums

Other appearances

Trivia

* Max and Julian Tepper are both sons of 1980s songwriter Robert Tepper, who is most notably known for his 1980 hit "Into the Night" (which reached no. 11 on the Billboard charts and earned Robert a Grammy Awards nomination), and also for his 1986 hit "No Easy Way Out" (which found its way on the "Rocky IV" soundtrack).

References

External links

* [http://www.myspace.com/thenaturalhistoryband Official MySpace page]
* [http://www.myspace.com/thenaturalhistory Unofficial MySpace page]
* [http://www.startimerecords.com/naturalhistory.html Startime International page]