Tickertape Parade

Tickertape Parade was formed in June 2003 after Aaron Wendt recorded five songs and successfully convinced former Seven Story Mountain bandmate Jesse Everhart to move back to Arizona from Wyoming (why did he go there anyway??). Although they had the foundations of a kick-ass rock band, Aaron and Jesse were lacking a few keys ingredients necessary for it’s completion; a drummer and a bassist. After hearing and consequently loving the demos, Sean McCall was added to rock the drums. Following the string of former band members, Sean then recruited former Bionic Situp bandmate Topher Bradshaw to play bass. The combination of these four musicians culminated in the thriving band that came to be known as (drumroll please) Tickertape Parade.

Within the first six months of it’s launch, the fledgling TTP recorded an EP entitled “You’re Causing A Scene” with Bob Hoag at Flying Blanket Studios. Hoag, having recorded bands such as The Format, Recover, and Scary Kids Scaring Kids, helped the band to realize their dream of having an impressive, if not awesome, EP. Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World fame even lent a hand...or voice, rather, with vocals on one track. Pretty sweet. But what does a band do after they have an awesome EP? That’s right folks, TOUR! TTP began to tour both coasts in their van affectionately referred to as Floyd, even tackling large-venue shows such as Lollapalooza and Edgefest. Holy cow! They even found the time to get arrested for undisclosed reasons (....Sean, I’m looking in your direction...) in Mexico while with their buddies Five Speed. Apparently, that is not highly recommended. Who knew??

As a result of their blood, sweat, and yes, tears, “You’re Causing A Scene” sold upwards of 3000 copies and even had their single “Sore Eyes” spun regularly on the only two alternative stations in the greater Phoenix area. Due to the success of their EP and the fact that they had shared the stage with such greats as The Format, Taking Back Sunday, and The Stereo, this humble band gained some well-deserved attention and even received several awards (duh!). Because they are so mind-blowing, TTP was one of the headliners for the 2004 Phoenix New Times Showcase and coincidentally won the Phoenix New Times Best Band of 2004 as well as nailing the AIM Awards Best Male Group the same year. Spectacular!

If you’re not impressed yet (come on, how could you not be?), it may shock you to discover that TTP has already recorded fourteen new songs for a prospective full length album. They continually record in their own studio, the Kenneth Room, and are currently in the process of recording even more songs. YowzA! These accomplished musicians have also hosted several bands in the Kenneth Room, such as Ruebens Accomplice, The Format, and Jimmy Eat World. Additionally, TTP was most recently featured on a Royal Crest Records compilation which also featured Underoath and the Julianna Theory. TTP also recently had their single “Breathe Repeat” featured in a short film at the Sundance Film Festival. Incredible!

Through the dedication and drive constantly displayed by Tickertape Parade, it is clear that Aaron Wendt, Jesse Everhart, Sean McCall, and Topher Bradshaw have solidified their positions as leaders among local musicians. Their fast-paced, nonkitchy rock music also adds not only to the charm but to the enduring quality of the band. For the future, TTP has a variety goals, not excluding conquering the known world in a very Napoleonesque fashion. But for now, expect them at least dominate your stereo.