STATE OF THE NATION -HISTORY
www.stateofthenation.cjb.net
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Here is a short account of the history of State of the Nation so far, please read on.
Guitarist Ediz Sohoglu and Vocalist Ashley West-Mullen had been making music together at school for quite a while although nothing had really been serious until late in 2000. When their school required musicians to record a track for a nationwide competition. The two put their names forward and were joined by drummer Andy Charrington, they recorded 'Touch' at a studio in Telford and decided that at some point in the future a band would be formed.
After the hiatus of Ashleys band 'Formula 7', due to university commitments, and the brake up of Ed's band 'Once More' the path was clear for this new band to be formed. The three were joined by Once More vocalist/guitarist Matt Clarkson on bass.
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Andy - Ex Drummer
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The bands started to reherse in April 2001 but it was soon clear after only four (admittidly productive) rehersals, things were not working with Andy playing drums. After a (very) long brake looking for a drummer Simon Lee took Andy's place in the band in September 2001 and things started to take off.
The band had originally been called 'Debry' but the name was changed to 'State Of The Nation' when God came to Matt in a dream and told him to change the name of the band. Well, thats not quite true, State Of The Nation had been a cafe (RIP) outside Oasis Market in Birmingham and it seemed like a good bandname.
State Of The Nation have many influences and are musically hard to classify, but all of them (apart from Si, who is wierd) are indie kids at heart.