Hey Mercedes

Hey Mercedes was born of an undying need to make music. In October of 1999, a mere month after the final shows of Braid, Todd Bell, Damon Atkinson, and Robert Nanna were already sick to death of pawning records, baking biscuits, and soliciting money from banks. It was always known that after 6 long years of recording, playing shows, and crisscrossing the US, Canada, Europe, and Japan that they could not stay silent and still for long. So, they gathered later that month at one of Braid’s high tech state-of-the-art practice studios, otherwise known as Bob’s parents’ basement and began playing.

With Damon in Milwaukee, Todd in Champaign, and Bob in Chicago, the practices were sparse, but fulfilling. Then came the grueling search for a second guitar player. Mark Dawursk, lovingly known to friends as Farm, was already sick to death shelling out "expressos" and "cups of chinos" up in Milwaukee. He too had journeyed across country many times with the rock band Alligator Gun, and then as a roadie/guitar tech for The Promise Ring and Jets to Brazil. After learning a few rough songs, it was clear that he was the man for the job. So Todd picked up and left Champaign for the bright lights of Milwaukee.

In April 2000, Hey Mercedes as we now know it was born.

They recorded 4 songs at Smart Studios and their old pal, Matt Lunsford at Polyvinyl Records, agreed to help out and release it. Sure, there are unmistakable reminders of Braid. The personal vocals, the angular guitar work, the syncopated drumming style, all were trademarks of Braid’s style of songwriting. However, the addition of Mark’s amazing guitarwork, the new relaxed, patient approach to the songs, and the infiltration of new influences creates an entity all its own, completely independent and emotionally powerful.

Hey Mercedes played its first show on August 26, 2000 at Braid’s old kicking ground, Fireside Bowl. In early 2001 Hey Mercedes signed with Vagrant Records and headed promptly into the studio. In April of 2001, Hey Mercedes' Vagrant debut Everynight Fire Works was recorded at the legendary Pachyderm Studios (Nirvana, Superchunk) with their favorite producer/engineer, J. Robbins (Burning Airlines). In 2 weeks, the 11 song album was grinded out with powerful precision. It was mixed at Smart Studios (Nirvana, Garbage) by the talented Mark Haines (Rainer Maria, Sun Volt).

Hey Mercedes was proud to be part of this summers sold out Vagrant America tour which took them to the west coast, across the south, and back east. Upon return, they promptly hit the road with Jimmy Eat World for shows in the midwest and east coast. In November they continued to tour the US with label mates Saves The Day, and by the summer of 2002 will hit Europe, Japan, and Australia.