The Higher
| The Higher | |
|---|---|
 The Higher stops by KCSCradio.com in Chico, CA. 10/2005 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Genres | Power pop, pop rock |
| Years active | 2002-2012 |
| Labels | Epitaph Records |
| Members |
Seth Trotter Robert Gene Ragan II Jason "Face" Centeno |
| Past members |
Pat Harter (drummer) Doug "Duug Fresh" McCarthy Tom Oakes (Guitar / Vocals) Adam Odenthal "Stiletto" (Vocals / Bass) Mattison (Guitar) Andrew "The Kidd" Evans (Guitar) |
The Higher were an American pop rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada. They were originally known as "September Star". They have released two full-length albums named On Fire, Histrionics[1] and EPs named "Pace Yourself" and "Star is Dead." [2]
Their music video for "Insurance?" from On Fire has received moderate rotation on college-oriented video programming, such as MTVu. The video was shot in Las Vegas and features the band performing and playing casino games with dancers.
They signed with Epitaph Records and began making pop records, including a cover of Ne-Yo's "Closer". Some believe that since then, they have lost their older punk sound heard on Histrionics and Star is Dead.
In 2002, performing under their previous name September Star, The Higher defeated other local bands including Januarys Last Call, Local 15, Absent Minded, Jr. Anti Sex League, and Halfway to win video recording time with VH1 in the first annual Las Vegas Bike Rack Battles. They frequently performed at local venues like the Huntridge and Smoothie King.
In February 2008, the band announced that founding member Tom Oakes had left the band.
Official band statement: "The Higher regrets to inform everyone that due to personal and creative issues, Tom Oakes has decided to take leave from the band. We wish him the best in his future projects. The Higher will continue on and will perform at all dates posted. The Higher wishes to thank all their fans for their understanding, support and love during this time and hopes to see you on tour."
Tom Oakes: "To all of you, I want to thank all of you for what you have done for this band. I am personally shaken about this, but not destroyed. The band is very adamant about continuing on and I have nothing but the most faith in the world that they will not only continue, but succeed. If any of you have any questions, I am available to speak further. Thank you all again and look forward to a successful 2008!".[3]
In April 2008, The Higher completed their first ever UK tour, supporting Elliot Minor for 8 dates alongside openers Furthest Drive Home.
Since Tom Oakes departure from the band in February 2008, The Higher's former guitar tech and merchandiser Andrew "The Kid" Evans filled in on guitar before the band made him an official member in 2009.
In November 2009 McCarthy left the band for personal issues and in October 2010 Evans left The Higher to pursue his own musical interests.
In December 2011 Seth Trotter formed his new band The Glass Elevator (https://www.facebook.com/TheGlassElevator, http://www.reverbnation.com/theglasselevator)
On the 28th of January 2012, The Higher announced on their Facebook that they were calling it quits, with a farewell show planned for later in the year in Las Vegas.
Discography
| Date of Release | Title | Label | U.S. Heatseekers Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 28, 2003 | Star Is Dead | Fiddler | - |
| May 3, 2005 | Histrionics | - | |
| March 6, 2007 | On Fire | Epitaph | 38[4] |
| June 23, 2009 | It's Only Natural |
Album appearances
| Year | Song | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | "Rock My Body" | Music from Degrassi: The Next Generation |
Interviews
- Up up and away: The Higher completes "the record" they've been aiming for October 2008
- It's All About the Music interview July 2008