Biography
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Years Active
1987 – present (37 years)
The Hanks are a Hollywood based band consisting of Josh Grondin (lead vocals, guitar), Bryan Harris (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Shane Mayo (drums). They carry a light, alternative rock sound with many effects on the guitar and keyboard. Some of the older songs can be considered ska because of the use of a trombone and upstroke guitar rhythm.
History
Josh and Bryan met at an Oregon boarding school. Josh and Bryan met Phil and Shane in upon moving down to LA in 2000. Shortly after this, Josh's childhood friend Ben Welch (rhythm guitar, backup vocals) joined the band. Josh also played in Ben's band named Darci Cash, Ben's main project. As The Hanks and Darci Cash became busier and began to tour more, Josh and Ben had to leave each other's bands and stick to their main projects.
The naming of the Hanks supposedly came about from an original band member that is not with the band anymore. During sometime in 1998 when the Oscars were on and Tom Hanks was nominated for something.
Their first full length record, Your New Attraction was first released March 2005, on Caffeine Teen Records, a label co-founded by The Hanks, along with LA-based bands Darci Cash and The Absentee. It was re-released September 26th, 2006 on Cobra Music. All songs on this album were written by Josh Grondin. The band also released two out of print EPs before moving to LA.
Former band member Philip Katz (keyboard, horns, backing vocals) left the band in mid 2008, and they are currently seeking a new member for keyboard and backing vocals.
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