Speakeasy Tiger

Formation and debut album (2008–2010)

In the summer of 2008 original vocalist Kyle Simmons took her solo folk project Girl Named Kyle in a different direction, pairing with Peter Schmidt and Lauren Gale to form a backing band for her improvised compositions. Soon after the Denver-based group changed its name to Speakeasy Tiger after making the decision to change genres of music from folk to pop.

The name Speakeasy Tiger was derived as a satirical play on the words speakeasy and blind tiger, which individually are both slang for the reference of illegal establishments selling alcohol during Prohibition. Original vocalist Kyle Simmons is quoted saying:

The name Speakeasy Tiger is a sort of passive aggressive term. I think of 'Tiger' as aggressive and 'Speakeasy' as more passive. The combination of words suits the members of this band perfectly and the kind of impact we're trying to create.

The group began looking for members to finish the line up in November 2008. They found drummer Lucas Gordon hailing from Colorado Springs, Colorado, having previously played in the metalcore band The Murder Formula. Promptly after, guitarist Tavis Alley, who attended Brigham Young University at the time, was recruited to the Mile High City to finish the line up after responding to a Facebook ad from the band looking for guitarists.

Lucas Gordon comments on the change:

The change has been immense. We don’t recognize it all the time when we’re with each other most of each day, but when you step back to look at where Speakeasy Tiger started and the impact we’ve been able to make on the public in such a short time it’s one of the most fulfilling thoughts I can think of. That’s the reason why we make music- not only for our own lives but also to influence the lives of others.

Speakeasy Tiger released its debut album The Public on July 11, 2009. The album was an immediate success reaching the College Music Journal Billboard top 200 albums chart. It peaked at position 142 and was a top 20 add for the week of August 29, 2009.

In November 2009, the group went back into the studio to remaster the single off The Public entitled "Oil Rising" at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado, with producer Lee Miles. The single was released in April 2010 shortly before the departure of vocalist Kyle Simmons.

Addition & Departure of Katrina Stone (2010)

In May 2010 after rumors of vocalist Kyle Simmons' struggles with other band mates the band revealed the vocalist's departure from the band. After canceling a string of tour dates, the group took a small hiatus to search for a new vocalist. In June 2010 Speakeasy Tiger announced the addition of frontwoman Katrina Stone as an indefinite member while assuring they would not be canceling summer tour dates on The Vans Warped Tour.

Not long after the tour, however, Schmidt and Stone announced to the band that they were quitting, providing little explanation why. The band was in pre-production on a new EP at the time, but the project has since been abandoned.

Speakeasy Tiger has since been on hiatus.

Musical style and influences

Music with a voice

Band members have stated that when writing music, they feel compelled to create music that manifests feelings of love, compassion, and caring in listeners. The group has teamed with various non-profit organizations including Keep A Breast and online blogs including Vans Girls Blog to promote a national sense of community through music.

Drummer Lucas Gordon quotes:

We make music we love.

With the people we love.

Current members

Former members

Discography

Compilations

Tours and festivals

Interviews and press