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Vanattica Biography


Vanattica formed when four longtime friends; Travis Leonard, Cal Joslin, Tom Miebach, and Drake Gravely (all from the small town of Mahomet, Illinois) united in late 2004. Cal, Tom, and Drake have played together since they were twelve years old. Travis Leonard started collaborating with the three on music during 2004. During the fall semester, while Travis was attending college in California, and Cal in Tennessee, they began writing songs together using the internet to share ideas. Back home during holiday break, Cal and Travis were joined by Tom and Drake, who both attended college in Illinois, for their first rehearsal as a new band. Songs and recording ideas were initiated and developed during the second semester, and the four came back home in June to get started on the project. After a few rehearsals, the group chose the name Vanattica in tribute to their friend, classmate, and former bandmate, Tyler Van Atkins, who tragically lost his life during their freshman year of high school. Recording of Saturday Night Staredown began the following summer of 2005, with completion in just over one month. All fourteen songs were written, recorded, and produced by Vanattica, using their own equipment in their own studio. The boys continued to write new material and collaborate via the internet as they all attended college in different states, yet they came together once again in the summer of 2006. With new songs and ample dedication Vanattica took to the road, playing shows throughout Illinois and Indiana. The productive summer of 2006 ended with a music video shoot, produced by Shatterglass Studios and filmed at The High Dive in Champaign, for their song "Hear Me Out." In order to spend more time with the band, lead singer Travis decided to transfer to the University of Illinois in the fall of 2006, allowing three members to regularly collaborate. Although Cal Joslin, the bassist, continued to study music at Belmont College in Nashville, throughout the fall of 2006 Travis and lead guitarist Tom frequently performed acoustic sets around Champaign-Urbana to hone their skills. Also, during this fall semester members of the band were interviewed on radio station WPGU 107.1, and the band was chosen to be included in the 2007 edition of the Green St. Records compilation album, which showcases the best in local music of the Champaign-Urbana area. Upon the winter break of late 2006, Vanattica performed brand-new material at several shows to enthusiastic audiences. During the early months of 2007, bass player Cal Joslin separated from the band to pursue other goals. Bassist Jaron Lancaster replaced him quickly in the lineup. Vanattica played multiple shows during the summer of '07 and also completed a new album entitled Poetic Justice at Apocalypse Cow Recording Studio in Chicago IL during the month of August. The album was released in early January and Features 11 Original tracks of catchy Alt/Rock material. All artwork and photography for the album was created by the drummer, Drake, of the band. During March '08 Brendan Summers became a permanent addition to the band as a guitarist. The band traveled to Philadelphia during May '08 and recorded two new tracks (Outside Amboy, Situation Sudan) with Playwork Productions (The Starting Line, Four Year Strong). The band has been booked solid almost every weekend and several week days during '07 up through '08.

Drake Gravely (22): Drums, Backup Vocals
Travis Leonard (22): Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Jaron Lancaster (19): Bass Guitar
Brendan Summers (19): Lead Guitar, Backup Vocals
Tom Miebach (22): Guitar