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With a voice that rings reminiscent of Bill Janovitz or Elvis Costello, and at times Bruce Springsteeen, Mark Bates is a growing beacon of hope on the Boston music scene. Mark creates a unique blend of melodic power pop and alt-country to bring a fresh sound to a sometimes stale music scene.
In 1999, Mark launched into the Boston music scene with his very well received solo album, 'Cheaper Than Disappointment'. The record, which boasts such classic tracks as '43 Seconds' (which entered the top 10 on Mp3.com) and 'Suppose I', caught the interest of local musicians Karl Haas and Erick Ellison, and Catapult was formed.
During the short course of Catapult's life span, the band released the 'Broken Nursery Rhymes' E.P. and the critically acclaimed album, '42'. Catapult brought their raucous live performances to all parts of New England, and in November of 2003 the band played to extremely enthusiastic crowds across the United Kingdom.
In April of 2004 the band played its last show together in Burlington, Vermont.
Since Catapult's breakup Mark has been hard at work finishing up his new solo album, "Wish I Was There", which will be released in May of 2006. The album, produced by Mark, has been mixed by industry heavy weight, Tom Polce (Mappari, Scamper, Crown Victoria, just to name a few). The album also features guest appearances by such Boston legends as Chris Toppin (Fuzzy), Scamper, and Bill Janovitz (Buffalo Tom, Crown Victoria).
"All I've ever wanted to do was play music, and that's what I'm doing. Sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's fun, but it's always worthwhile, and that's why I'm here."
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Catapult, a melodic power pop and alt-rock band, puts on a fun show of original work inspired by the likes of Elvis Costello, Cracker, The Counting Crows, The Black Crowes and U2.
Originally formed in the Summer of 2002, Catapult has taken a foothold in the Boston/Cambridge/Somerville music scene by delivering memorable performances at the area's notable local rock clubs including T.T. The Bear's Place, The Abbey Lounge and Harper's Ferry.
Mark Bates (guitar & vocals), Catapult's front man, is an audience-engaging performer, often filling the time between songs with comedic banter. Mark's energetic singing and edgy songwriting have earned him the title of "Elvis Costello of Somerville."
Erick Ellison (bass) is the band's steady, straight-man. Erick, a veteran of the Boston music scene, has been performing in regional rock bands since 1993 including Blanket Party (1994 Paint Chip Records - Albany, NY "Compilation Album"), Yukon Death Drop and prior to joining Catapult, Ultra Jones (2001 "Three Minute Window").
Karl Haas (percussion & rhythm) taught himself to play the drums at age 15 and uses his training from the Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music to create unique rhythms for Catapult that weave together rock, the folk music of Latin America and Africa and the classical traditions of India and the Middle East.
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This influential indie band from the 1990's first broke onto the world stage with their debut album, Hindu Ringo. With songs ranging from the beautiful acoustic song "Piccadilly" to the raging "Animal Lust" to the dark world of "Striptease Dancer" Hindu Ringo propelled the listener in its dark and twisted world.
In the summer of 1994 the band began record their sophmore album the now legendary, Such An Englishman. The songs became even more twisted and dark, and their songwriting became more prolific. The song writing became so profilic in fact that in October of 1994 the band took a detour during the recording of Such An Englishman to record another record, Crackpipes and Fisherman. The band ultimately decided against releasing Crackpipes and Fisherman, and instead pushed forward with recording what was becoming now a double album, Such An Englishman.
When released in March of 1995 the album disturbed listeners with its dark tales of death, pain, and loss. From the eternally creepy "Sins By A Red Light" to the hateful tale of murder on "Honeymoon" the album should that Hindu Ringo had the power to make listeners lock up their houses and hide in their closests with a flash light.
Unfortunately shortly after the release of Such An Englishman Hindu Ringo decided to call it a day. Since 1995 rumors of a new Hindu Ringo record have become the stuff of legends, but alas, one has never materialized.
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Well we can't say he's a morning person but, he does get a lot more done than the average person before the sun comes up. (Aron is not associated with Miller's Angels)
The Liverpool trio, fronted by Mark Bates, that shook up the U.K. between 1997 and 1999. The group was forced to disband in 1999 when Mark Bates was denied a visa to remain in the U.K. (Miller's Angels are not associated with Aron Miller)
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