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Viva Machine

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Viva Machine
OriginSwansea, Wales
GenresAlternative rock
Progressive rock
Pop
Years active2003 – September 2009 (On Hiatus)
LabelsRocklouder Records
MembersChris Seacombe
Tom Stephens
Gareth Carter
Dai Francis
Justin Hendy
Websitehttp://www.vivamachine.com

Viva Machine were a Welsh rock band, formed in 2003. Initially known as Ipsofacto, they adopted the name Viva Machine in 2006. In 2008 they added a second guitarist and synth player Justin Hendy. The band announced an indefinite hiatus in September 2009.[1]

History

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The band released their first single, "My Jet Set Radio", on 4 December 2006, which had a small amount of airplay on BBC Radio 1, as well as being featured on ITV show The Guest List, where the band also performed.[2]

In 2007, working with producer Richard Jackson, the band wrote and recorded their debut album, recording 15 album tracks and around 20 b-sides.[3][4] They finished most of the album in mid-2008.[5] "Robotbodyrox" was the first single from the album, with "Go! Go! Go!" as the b-side. The music video for the single was released online on 21 October 2008.[6]

In September 2008 the band added another guitarist and synth player Justin Hendy.[7][8]

The band's debut album, Viva Machine, was released on 15 June 2009 by Rocklouder Records, after a break from live shows so bassist Tom Stephens could finish his degree. The track "Earthquakers & Loveshakers" was released as a free download on 8 June to promote the album's release.[7][9][10][11][12][5]

In September 2009 the band announced a lengthy, possibly indefinite hiatus, citing financial and educational commitments.

Influences

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In an interview in 2007, the band cited influences including Clutch, Queens of the Stone Age, Weezer, Jarcrew, Biffy Clyro, Radiohead and The Beach Boys.[5][13]

Band members

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  • Chris Seacombe (vocals, synth)
  • Tom Stephens (bass, vocals)
  • Gareth Carter (guitar, vocals)
  • Dai "D.P. Francais" Francis (drums)
  • Justin Hendy (guitar, synth)(2008–present)

Discography

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Albums

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Singles

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  • "My Jet Set Radio" (2006)
  • "Robotbodyrox" (2008)
  • "Earthquakers & Loveshakers" (2009)

References

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  1. ^ "Viva Machine bio". BBC. 2007. Archived from the original on 16 February 2007. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
  2. ^ "My Jet Set Radio". BBC. 2007. Retrieved 16 September 2008. [dead link]
  3. ^ Tom Stephens (31 December 2008). "Happy 2008!". Myspace. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
  4. ^ "Pop Factory Awards. Last minute free show. Album stuff". myspace blog (Tom Stephens)(30 November). 2008. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
  5. ^ a b c Phillip May (2007). "Rock Louder catches up with Viva Machine". Rock Louder. Archived from the original on 15 October 2007. Retrieved 16 September 2007.
  6. ^ "ROBOTBODYROX OUT 9th NOVEMBER". myspace blog. 2007. Retrieved 21 October 2008.
  7. ^ a b Tom Stephens (2008). "New members. New songs. New tour". Myspace. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
  8. ^ "Viva Machine biggest tour yet!". Rocklouder. 2008. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
  9. ^ "Viva Machine Announce Debut Album". This Is Fake DIY. 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
  10. ^ "Viva Machine Announce Debut Album". Rock Sound. 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
  11. ^ "Viva Machine Debut Album Plans". Click music. 2009. Archived from the original on 23 July 2012. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
  12. ^ "Rocklouder Announce Viva Machine Album Release!". Rocklouder. 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
  13. ^ "Audio interview with Viva Machine". beartrappods.com. 2007. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
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