Artist Information
Biography
Out of the clutches of complacency and gravity of disbelief, The Stunned is born. It did at least seem that dramatic. The band began as Jason Stivers(bassist, lead vocalist) and Dan James(drummer, vocalist) of an almost noteworthy Cincinnati, Ohio, punk band lost their guitarist. This split occurred in September of 2002. Dan and Jason had been playing together since the previous April and had resolved to find another guitarist and carry onward. The miracle of the Musicians Wanted ads brought Eric Woodruff to the fold in December. In stark contrast to other try-outs, he had learned the material, knew something about his instrument, was willing to tune it, and was a genuinely good soul. Eric was quickly put through the works, not frightened by the maddening paces of Dan's drumming, the in-your-face vocals of Jason, the expectations of solid play and dedication, or the offer of $15 services made to him by a suspect female outside of the practice space on the afternoon of his first tryout. Eric had the magic Dan and Jason were looking for.
The matter of songs would come easy. Jason, being a songwriter for many years, brought the first round to the table. Dan and Eric added their touches and they began to pick up a signature. Everyone contributed their own solid input. The alchemy began to perfect itself when Eric offered
riffs to compliment Jason's lyrics and vocals and vice-versa. Dan's arranging instinct and drumming power took the songs to places undreamed. Collaboration was the key.
Gigging began in March of 2003. The Stunned helped organize a series of charity concerts for
diabetes research. They continued into the summer supporting many local and touring acts. Touring bands as diverse as The Independents, The Story Changes, New Transit Directions, Form of Rocket, and Legbone, to name a few, would rely on The Stunned to see to a successful show in Cincinnati or Dayton. The band even scored a supporting slot for classic punk rockers, The Vibrators. On another occasion, The Stunned supported former Lookout! Records all-stars, Pansy Division.
Recording became a must. The band endeavored to put together a 10-song release that would take up every ounce of spare time and cash in the winter of 2003/2004. April 1, 2004 brought the release of ~We Forgot To Say Goodbye~, and fruition to their dedicated labors.
August of 2004 brought another dimension to the lineup. Jasen Manka was added to the band as a second guitarist. His style intensified the band's sound. The songwriting of Jason and Jasen juxtaposed the slickest and catchiest of pop and the heaviest and fastest of riffing. His entrance to the band was none-too-soon, as Eric had to step down his duties due to family commitments.
With a new band member and a renewed drive to write, perform, and promote, The Stunned were accepted to The Midpoint Music Festival in Cincinnati, OH. Further success for their recording was realized as "Nikki" from ~We Forgot To Say Goodbye~, was included in the Basement Records' release, ~Radio Disasters, Vol 8~.
The next step is a no-rest-for-the-wicked charge to the West Coast and back in December and January of 2004/2005. As the band cuts its teeth outside of the Midwest, the foot taps nervously, but indulgently to future of The Stunned.
Summer, 2005: Ben joins the ranks on the drums. The band picks up a harder and faster edge. The South and East will bend to the will of an August tour.
Fall, 2005: Blake takes over on guitar...long story short...the everything gets better. The band released a new LP, "Lucky" in June of 2006 and recently completed a third regional/semi-national tour through the midwest, south, and southeast regions of the US.
The band is currently tearing up the Cincinnati/Middletown/Dayton All Ages Scene, getting hugely positive responses. The band is also recording a long EP that will include 2 tracks recorded at Cincinnati's own Ultrasuede Studios.
Instrumentation
Jason sings lead vocals and plays bass
Ben plays drums and sings backup
Blake plays guitar and sings backup
Discography
"We Forgot To Say Goodbye" - 10 Song CD released April 1, 2004
"Go Quietly" - 3 Song EP released August 1, 2005
"Lucky" - 11 song full length, June 10, 2006
Video
Press
Setlist
We rip through 8 to 12songs in a typical set of 30 to 45 minutes. We do our own songs, with an occasional cover if the crowd's mood is right.
