Origin Auckland, New Zealand Labels Unsigned Record label The Psychs | Years active 2010–present Genre Alternative/Indie Albums Roaches - EP | |
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Genres Surf Pop Soul Space Bubblegum Members Jaisi Sheehan
Sam Beca
Tom Jennings
Lukas Starkey | ||
The Psychs are a 60s/Surf/Pop band formed in 2010 in Auckland, New Zealand. The band consists of Jaisi Sheehan (Lead Vocals/Keys/Guitar), Sam Beca (Bass Guitar), Tom Jennings (Drums) and Lukas Starkey (Guitar/Vocals). The Psychs' blend of 60s influences mixed with the renowned song-writing talents of Sheehan made them an instant hit with crowds and critics.
Contents
Formation
The band formed in mid-2010 after Sheehan quit The Electric Confectionaires, following a number of line-up changes and an extended break from the public eye. Whilst playing in The Electric Confectionaires, Sheehan met bassist Simon Davenport. Davenport and Sheehan auditioned for other members of the band. following a long stint of auditions, current guitarist Lukas Starkey was given the role. Along with Luke Scott on drums. The Current Line up is Jaisi Sheehan, Lukas Starkey (Hanson), Sam Beca and Tom Jennings.
Early Success
After having played only a couple of live shows, Auckland student radio station 95bFM received and playlisted what was planned as a demo of the band's debut single "Roaches". The track received significant airplay and was the highest played track on the station by some margin for a number of weeks. Roaches was made free to download online soon after. Having gained listener's attention with "Roaches", the band promptly recorded and released another single, "Gee I". This track was also a success and along with "Roaches" sat at the top of the 95bFM top-ten charts for over a month.
Following a string of headline shows the band toured New Zealand with The Checks and The Earlybirds in December 2010. In January 2011 the band were named in the line-up for the bFM Summer Series alongside Die Die Die and The Naked and Famous.
Roaches EP
The Psychs' debut EP Roaches was released on 9 March 2011. A limited-edition run of 250 self-released physical copies were made available for sale. It is also available for sale digitally via iTunes. The band opted for a lo-fi, 60s sound, experimenting with early Motown recording techniques. The EP includes rerecorded versions of "Roaches" and "Gee I". It was recorded and mixed by Andrew Brereton who also recorded the earlier demo versions of "Roaches" and "Gee I".
Debut Album Supa Color
The Psychs recorded their first album Supa Color over Christmas and New Years of 2012/2013 with NZ Producer Kody Nielson.
Discography
Songs
Gee IRoaches - EP · 2011
This Dance2011
RoachesRoaches - EP · 2011