The Ponys (band)
The Ponys are an American indie rock/garage rock band from Chicago, Illinois.
| The Ponys | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Genres | Indie rock, garage rock |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Labels | |
| Website |
theponys |
| Members |
Jered Gummere Melissa Elias Brian Case Nathan Jerde |
| Past members | Ian Adams |
Career
Early days
The Ponys was formed by singer/guitarist Jered Gummere, in early 2001. Gummere was concurrently in the punk band, Guilty Pleasures, at the time of The Ponys’ formation. He eventually left to devote himself entirely to The Ponys. Gummere recruited members of the band, his first choice being girlfriend Melissa Elias whom he met while she was attending Illinois State University in his hometown. Together they experimented with indie/post-punk styles.
The two began to write songs, and were joined by ex-Mushuganas drummer, Nathan Jerde. The Ponys began touring the Chicago club circuit and would then record their first singles on Contaminated and Big Neck records. Concerned their sound was lacking, Gummere asked Ian Adams, a member of Happy Supply to join the band. After releasing a few more singles, the Ponys signed with In the Red Records (based in Los Angeles), due to widespread circulation. The band was set to record their first album, Laced with Romance, in Detroit with producer Jim Diamond.
Laced with Romance
Their initial release, Laced With Romance, met with moderate critical success . The album reached media from local indie-zines such as Horizontal Action, to mainstream-America music publications like Rolling Stone and Spin.
The Ponys toured to support their album, with bands like The Unicorns, The Fall, and The Fiery Furnaces.
Celebration Castle
Despite some members wanting to leave due mostly to exhaustion, The Ponys continued and began to record their second album. Wanting to record locally they met with Chicago-based producer Steve Albini, who had previously worked with artists such as PJ Harvey, The Pixies, and Nirvana.
The Ponys began recording in late 2004 and were finished in four days. The album held a much cleaner tone than the first, but still retained the recognizable live sound that they were known for. Later that year, Ian Adams left the band, tired of touring and was replaced by Brian Case of 90 Day Men. Celebration Castle was released in early 2005 and the band continued touring.
Turn the Lights Out
Since recording Celebration Castle, the Ponys have left In the Red Records and signed with the New York-based indie label Matador Records. They recorded their third album, titled Turn The Lights Out, in the fall of 2006. The album was released March 20, 2007.
Guitarist Brian Case currently plays in Disappears.
Discography
Studio albums
- 2004: Laced with Romance (In the Red Records)
- 2005: Celebration Castle (In the Red Records)
- 2007: Turn the Lights Out (Matador Records)
Other
- Wicked City (2002, Big Neck Records, 7")
- Pop Culture (2004, Maybe Chicago?, Criminal IQ Records, CD)
- Another Wound (2005, Sweet Nothing, EP)
- Deathbed +4 (2010, Matador Records, EP)
TV appearances
Band members
Current members
- Jered Gummere - guitar, vocals
- Melissa Elias - bass, vocals
- Brian Case - guitar
- Nathan Jerde - percussion
Past members
- Ian Adams - guitar