Decibully
| Company type | Indie rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | William J. Seidel |
| Defunct | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Milwaukee, Wisconsin , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Decibully was an indie rock group originating from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, active between 2001 and 2011.
History
Since 1992, vocalist and guitarist William Seidel along with guitarist Ryan Weber collaborated in several bands, most notably Camden, which released the album Reel Time Canvas (2000) through Grand Theft Autumn. Seidel had a brief stint as a keyboard player for the Promise Ring, who toured alongside Camden in 2001. Subsequently, Weber became a member of the Promise Ring for their UK-recorded album Wood/Water. Around late 2001, Seidel established Decibully with guitarist W. Kenneth Siebert and keyboardist Nick Westfahl. Shortly after their debut performance, Weber and Jason Gnewikow, the Promise Ring’s drummer, joined on lap steel guitar and drums respectively.
Bass player Justin Klug joined soon after, and between 2001 and 2002 they independently released You Might Be a Winner. You Might Be a Loser, which was exclusively sold at live shows. Following the dissolution of the Promise Ring in late 2002, Gnewikow departed and Aaron Vold (formerly of Teacups) took over on drums. Banjo player Eric Holliday also became part of the lineup. Early in 2003, the band toured the Southern United States and began work on their next album. Westfahl left the group and was succeeded by Nicholas Sanborn on keyboards.
Chris Rosenau from Pele facilitated Decibully’s introduction to Polyvinyl Records, resulting in a contract signed in July 2003. Their album City of Festivals was released by Polyvinyl in October that year, preceded by a sampler in September. The band embarked on extensive tours throughout the US during late 2003 and into 2004, covering the Midwest, West Coast, and East Coast alongside artists such as Onelinedrawing, Cardia, Roy, Kepler, and Shearwater. During this timeframe, they premiered new songs while continuing recording sessions.
Their sophomore studio release, Sing Out America!, came out on March 8, 2005, supported by tours across Europe and North America with Snake the Cross the Crown and Codeseven. Subsequent tours featured Lucero and Blackpool Lights.
Decibully’s final two albums—World Travels Fast and "Self Titled" (Ta Da, Booyah, Chainsaw, Us)—were released via Listening Party Records. They conducted multiple successful tours across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Both records were self-produced and recorded by Ryan Weber.
Discography
- You Might Be a Winner. You Might Be a Loser — January 2002
- Decibully (3 Song EP) — September 2003
- City of Festivals — Polyvinyl Records, October 2003
- Sing Out America! — Polyvinyl Records, March 2005
- "Tour EP '06" — August 2006
- World Travels Fast — Listening Party Records, December 2009
- Self-Titled (Ta Da, Booyah, Chainsaw, Us) — Listening Party Records, April 2011
Final line-up
- William J. Seidel (vocals, guitar, percussion, Rhodes) - Founder (formerly Camden, New Sense, The Promise Ring)
- W. Kenneth Siebert (guitarist, pan flute) - Founding Member (formerly Since By Man; currently No Future)
- Ryan Weber (lap steel guitar, synthesizers, guitar, percussion) (formerly Camden, New Sense, The Promise Ring; currently Eric & Magill)
- Nicholas Sanborn (keyboardist, accordion, Rhodes piano) (formerly Headlights; currently Megafaun and Sylvan Esso)
- Aaron Vold (drums, percussion) (formerly Teacups and Por Avion)
- Andy Menchal (bass) (formerly Temper Temper)
Previous Members
- Jason Gnewikow (drums), previously part of The Promise Ring
- Nick Westfahl (keyboards) - Founding Member
- Eric "Doc" Holliday (banjo, electric guitar, backing vocals, harmonica)
- Justin Klug (bass guitar)
- Jim Neumyer (guitar, percussion instruments)