Superjaded

Biography

In the '90s and 2000s, the Seattle-based Superjaded has represented the power pop side of alternative rock. The band's material -- aggressive yet melodic, driving yet poppy, and hook-minded -- has the sort of angst and dark, cynical lyrics one generally associates with post-'80s alterna-rock. But it also has the basic power pop ingredients -- that is, hard-rocking, guitar-powered exuberance combined with a love of pop melody. Superjaded has brought a variety of influences to their work. Smashing Pumpkins are a definite influence, and their sound also contains elements of artists ranging from Cheap Trick to the seminal Nirvana; one of Superjaded's press releases cited the Guess Who and Ronnie James Dio as influences. Punk has obviously affected Superjaded's sound, and like so many of the alterna-rockers who emerged in the '90s, Superjaded has a healthy appreciation of hip-hop. It should be noted that Superjaded is also the name of the first album by the Los Angeles-based alterna-rock combo Liars Inc., which Foodchain Records released in 1998; however, there is no connection between the two bands. Superjaded was formed in the late '90s after the breakup of the obscure Seattle band Dazed. Two former Dazed members -- singer Ed Shebani and drummer Jovan Vutovich -- knew that they wanted to continue working together and decided to put together a new band. One person who was instrumental in the formation of Superjaded was Jon Plum, a Seattle-based alternative rock producer/engineer who has worked with Blind Melon, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Candlebox, Brother Cane, and Hammerbox, among others. Shebani and Vutovich both knew Plum from their years with Dazed, and when Plum learned that the two of them wanted to start a new band, he introduced them to guitarist Dave Diamond and recruited bassist Jeff Hoheisel. In 2000, Plum produced Superjaded's debut album, An Inch Below E, which was released independently on their own Superjaded label. An Inch Below E and Superjaded's second album, The Dizzy Project, had limited distribution in most parts of the United States, but the albums enjoyed better distribution in the Pacific Northwest (especially around Seattle and Tacoma, WA). Along the way, the Emerald City outfit has had its share of lineup changes. In 2003, Shebani (who started calling himself Ed Weed) remained on lead vocals, but Diamond, Hoheisel, and Vutovich had long since left the band. When Superjaded recorded their third album, Big Since I Was Little, Shebani was joined by newcomers Jim Black (guitar), Ryan Smith (bass), and Tim Proznick (drums). Big Since I Was Little was released on the band's Superjaded label in March 2003. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide