Tin Star Orphans

History

In 2004, Zachary Bennett approached Dean Marino, an engineer and budding producer, to record some demos of his band, Yonder (band). Given a small budget, Marino suggested that the band make the recordings at guitarist Adam Evan’s cottage rather than in a recording studio. The result of this three-day session was the Yonder EP, which included early versions of the songs “If Only” and “Jesus Freaks.” The EP allowed Bennett to book some gigs in and around Toronto, eventually establishing a monthly showcase Bennett named, “Dusty’s Conundrum,” at Clinton’s Tavern. During this period (2004–2006), Bennett was able to test his songs on an audience as he established a semi-stable line-up for the band and a devoted following. This line-up included Allison Porter on fiddle, Adam Evans on guitar and Travis Ferris on bass.

In 2006 Bennett approached Marino again with the intent of making a “proper album” at Marino’s studio, Chemical Sound. Bennett and Marino took on complementary roles during the making of the album (they are both credited as producer), which eventually morphed into a collaborative musical partnership, with Marino playing several guitar tracks on the finished album (alongside Adam Evans and Mike Daley who also contributed guitar tracks). The album, Skywalk to Crescent Town, was self-released in 2007 and garnered positive reviews. In late 2007, Dean Marino officially joined Yonder as lead guitarist. The band continued to play steadily in and around Toronto adding Todd Harrison (keyboards) and Johnny Rowe (drums) to the line-up.

In December 2008, Yonder were signed to Sparks Music, a label known for releasing such acts as Spiral Beach and The Priddle Concern. Sparks' first move was to re-release, Skywalk, but the band decided to change their name to Tin Star Orphans and so the album was renamed “Yonder,” as a homage to the band’s former moniker.

In August 2009, Todd Harrison left the band to “focus on other interests.” He was replaced by Steve Savage.

In December 2009, the band began work on their sophomore effort titled, The Days of Blinding Fear. In February, 2010 the album was made available for streaming at thedaysofblindingfear.com. The band sold hand-printed limited editions of the album starting on May 15, 2010. The album was then re-released on Sept 21, 2010 by Sparks Music.

Albums

Singles

Promotional Videos

Television

The song, "Let You Down," was featured on the television show One Tree Hill, episode 122(16), "Screenwriter's Blues."

Film

The song, "Let You Down," was featured in the motion picture Suck.