84 Nash

Formed originally in Dayton, OH, high-school mates Kevin Elliot and J.P. Herrmann got together to start a rock & roll band. Originally performing and rehearsing at home and in garages, the band added guitarist Andy Hampel and then drummer Dan Bandman. With grandiose ideas and a do-it-yourself attitude similar to Guided by Voices and Robert Pollard, 84 Nash recorded a 28-song debut album and shopped it around to labels, but there was no success. Still, the group continued performing and was signed to Rockathon shortly thereafter. 84 Nash also relocated to nearby Columbus, OH. Mixing an explosive and bombastic live show recalling the MC5 and the Who, the band released The Kings of Yeah in 1997. The group changed its lineup slightly also, adding another guitarist in Ben Schetek and replacing Bandman with new drummer James Brent. 84 Nash released its second album, Band for Hire, in 1999 and the album received tremendous praise for its style and substance. The band has been compared to other Ohio based bands such as Gaunt and the Breeders with a lo-fi quality mixed with the traits of Neutral Milk Hotel. 84 Nash has toured across North America and performed at various musical showcases, including the North by Northwest Festival in 2002.