Guide Note: Halifax is a Category:Rock band from Thousand Oaks, California. They originally started as a boredom killer for Mike Hunau and Chris Brandt. They would sit around and write songs at Chris's parents house when there was nothing else to do. After recruiting Justin Chlowitz and brothers Dan and Matt Locascio, they started to tour the local club and bar circuit. They recorded their self funded and self produced album Start Back at Start in March of 2003. It was later licensed and released by the independent label ECA Records.
It soon became apparent that the members of the band did not get along so Hunau and Brandt, being the core members decided to get a few new members. They picked up Adam Charles, Kevin Donlon and Drive-Thru Records intern Tommy Guindon. With this new line up they again recorded a self funded, self produced EP titled A Writers Reference. It was released January 25, 2004 on No Milk Records.
The band started touring with many of Drive-Thru's bands including Taking Back Sunday and The Starting Line, which eventually led to the band being signed by the California record label. 2004 also saw Kevin Donlon quit the band to pursue an undergraduate degree in civil engineering at California State University. Though it was rumored that he would return, he was eventually replaced by Doug Peyton in late 2005. A Writers Reference was re-released by Drive-Thru with new artwork and an additional track and international tours followed. The band played on the "Dead To Dawn" tour with From First To Last, Emanuel, and He Is Legend. During this time Halifax also appeared on MTV's The Real World:Austin alongside Hellogoodbye. Though they were unhappy with their portrayal on the show, it did help them gain popularity.
In May 2006, Halifax released their third album The Inevitability of a Strange World. This album had a much rawer, more intense sound. It also gives recognition to various heavy metal band, most notably Motley Crue on the song "Our Revolution." The album sold close to 7,000 units its first week. It also debuted at #130 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top Heatseekers chart. Shortly after the release, Halifax shot a video for the song "Our Revloution," toured extensively and appeared on Last Call with Carson Daly.
In December 2006, Halifax won the MTV2 Dew Circuit Breakout, which was sponsored by Mountain Dew. They beat out the bands Fallen From The Sky and Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer. Through all of this Doug Payton was having knee problems and was forced to quit the band in 2007. He was replaced with Eric Ivener.
Halifax has just finished up a tour in Australia and are planning on releasing a new album in late summer 2008.
Fast Facts:
- Origin: Thousand Oaks, California
- Years Active: 2002-Present
- Members: Mike Hunau, Chris Brandt, Adam Charles, Eric Ivener, Tommy Guindon
- Appeared on Fearless Music September 23, 2006
- Record Label: Drive-Thru Records
- Discography
