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And so for the history lesson.the MERKINS, born from a vision of a sound, if that makes any damn sense at all. Drummer Jason "NOS" Hammer, and guitarist Bill Cook found themselves in the late 90's reuniting after short sints apart. They had been in bands together since 1988. When the ultragrunge group comprised of Bill, Nos, and high school buds Bill and John Jarrett "Harness" (split) in '95, it only took a few months in separate projects, for their friendship, and undeniable musical chemistry to pull them back together. Bassist friend, Scott Harris was sought out and the three began writing immediately. Leaning on the foundation of Heavy Drums, Bass, and Guitar, "Otis" as they referred to themelves at the time, played a fistfull of gigs. Friend and former bandmate Bill Jarett joined as the groups vocalist, and named the band "the merKins." A few gigs and a 4 song demo later, Bill was forced to leave the band when his career moved him out of state. Nos, Scott, and Bill rolled on. A few months later, after an evening rehearsal, Bill and Nos stopped for a beer at one of their local haunts, only to find Bill's sister Jen shooting pool, and taking all the local bloakes' money. Jen had always been a great singer, and had even written the lyrics to the Harness song "Escape" a few years before. Although to this day, it is still in debate wether Jen asked or was asked to tryout for the band, the audition of sorts took place. Change was in the air and a renewed sense of confidence bolstered the band to book some shows. The reaction from everone around the band was unanimous, the new sound was good, real good. Dead End was recorded, and the MERKINS hit the scene. Instantly, the MERKINS gained praise and recognition from local heavy hitters, LOC, the Goodyear Pimps, Suite Oblivion, Agent Zero, 420, and others. Scott Harris left the band and was replaced by long time friend and multi-zen guitarist Travis Ashlin. Travis jumped in on Bass and the band didn't cancel a single show, but right from the beginning the merkins knew they had to add Travis's wizardry of guitar talent to the band's sound, for good. Bassist Phil Schrader crashed a jam party one night, and was invited to join the onstage lineup. 2004 saw the band play shows in Milwaukee, Madison, DeKalb, Rockford, LaSalle, Dixon, pretty much anywhere a killer opening band that could actually draw was needed, the MERKINS got the call, including a Sevendust preshow, and a spot in front of 7mary3. Dead End went on to be nominated for record of the year by the RAMI committe and the first cut off of the record "Superglue" won the song of the year award. The band suffered a blow when Phil announced he was leaving the band for personal reasons. After a few tough months, the band gathered steam and recruited local bassist Mike Griffin who played a few shows, including an opening spot for east coast phenoms Ra. Ultimately Mike decided to focus on more tangeable means of getting his kicks, and left the band. Bill, Nos, Jen, and Travis, licked their wounds and forged forward. At a late night poker game Bill was introduced to Bassist B.J. Stafford, 4 shitty cards led to a conversation, and an audition a week later. After a single session with "Beej" the MERKINS knew they had found their Bassist.
The MERKINS areexactly what they want to be, a rock band. A rock band as forward thinking as they are reflective. Never afraid to pull from or combine together any of their numerous influences. Metal, Punk, Blues, Grunge, Funk, Alternative Rock, any and all suit them just fine. The soul-crunched dynamics laid down by the band demonstrate not only their diversity, but their passion for creating sonic delight. The supertight, fury powered, pulsating, drums, bass and guitars are the perfect platform for Jen Ashlin's powerful yet, silky smooth voice. With soothing vocal harmonies and instantly reconizable hooks the MERKINS live, deliver the sensation of hearing new music for the fist time, you'll swear you've heard before, but can't place and can't get out of your head.
