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 six long years of recording, playing shows, and crisscrossing the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Japan, 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 studio – otherwise known as Bob’s parents’ basement – and began playing.

In April 2000, Hey Mercedes, as we now know it was born. They recorded four 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, The Fireside Bowl. After a whole year of work and patience, it was an altogether invigorating experience. Shows were played every weekend until October, when they hit the road with the wonderful Jets to Brazil for nine days, Chicago to New York City. In December, they trekked out to L.A. to play four shows for the crazy kids on the West Coast. HM will be recording a full-length in April that will be released on Vagrant Records in late summer, and then they plan on touring until 2010 or perhaps when the cows come home. Whatever happens first.