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Green Apple Quick Step

From Alfawiki
Green Apple Quick Step
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1992 in Seattle, Washington, United States
FounderTyler Willman, Daniel Kempthorne, Steve Ross, Mari Ann Braeden, Bob Martin
Headquarters
Seattle
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, live performances

Green Apple Quick Step (GAQS) is a rock group originating from Seattle, recognized for their gritty, post-grunge musical style. The band initially formed under the name Inspector Luv and the Ride Me Babys in Tacoma, Washington, before adopting the Green Apple Quick Step name upon relocating to Seattle in 1992. The founding members included lead singer Tyler Willman, guitarists Daniel Kempthorne and Steve Ross, bassist and vocalist Mari Ann Braeden, along with drummer Bob 'Mink' Martin.

This original ensemble produced two studio albums: Wonderful Virus released in 1993 and Reloaded in 1995. Their third project, New Disaster, recorded in 1998 with new additions Dana Turner on guitar and Dain Hudson on drums, has yet to be officially released. Tracks by the band featured on soundtracks for films such as The Basketball Diaries, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Homegrown.

Following their breakup in 1998, GAQS reunited in 2010 for live performances. This lineup included Willman, Turner, drummer Geoff Reading, guitarist Mike Squires, and vocalist Christa Wells. Willman has indicated a desire to finally release their previously shelved third album.

Formation as Inspector Luv and the Ride Me Babys (1989–1992)

The band that would become Green Apple Quick Step began as Inspector Luv and the Ride Me Babys, based in Tacoma, with Tyler Willman leading vocals, Steve Ross and Dan Kempthorne on guitars, Bob Martin on drums, and Eric Munday handling bass duties. They played local gigs and in 1989 issued a limited purple vinyl EP titled Another World through Aroma Records. Recorded at Tombstone Records, this EP contained four songs: Soul Step, Seamonkeys, Another World, and Eleventeen. Bassist Munday left the group in 1992. Of note, the early incarnation of Pearl Jam opened their first live show for Inspector Luv and the Ride Me Babys on October 22, 1990, at Seattle’s Off Ramp Cafe.

Rebranding and release of Wonderful Virus (1992–1994)

By late 1992, the band had reassembled in Seattle under the new name Green Apple Quick Step, now featuring bassist Mari Ann Braeden. They performed alongside local acts such as Sweet Water and Best Kissers in the World before entering Bad Animals Studio to record their debut album, Wonderful Virus. Produced by Daniel Rey, it was released in 1993 on The Medicine Label; initially supported by Reprise Records before transitioning to Giant Records. The promotional video for "Dirty Water Ocean" showcased the band performing within a garbage chute.

To promote the album, they toured rigorously with bands including The Pleasure Elite, Gruntruck, and Sister Psychic. Interestingly, a Pearl Jam concert at Seattle’s Off Ramp was secretly advertised as a Green Apple Quick Step show to maintain confidentiality; however, GAQS was touring Eastern Washington during that period. During their fourth nationwide tour, their van along with all their equipment was stolen. After this incident, they returned to Seattle to begin recording their sophomore album.

Reloaded (1994–1996)

In October 1994, Green Apple Quick Step began work on their sophomore album, with production handled by Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard and Nick DiDia.[1] The band had previously established a connection with Gossard, who produced the record at his personal studio without requesting royalties.[2][3] Distinct from their debut, Reloaded showcased vocal harmonies shared between Willman and Braeden.[4] Released on May 23, 1995, via The Medicine Label and distributed by WEA, the album was aimed at alternative rock audiences.[3]

The lead single "Dizzy" gained additional exposure by being featured on the soundtrack of The Basketball Diaries. [4] The follow-up single "Los Vargos" reached number 23 on Canada's RPM Alternative 30 chart in June 1995,[5] while a promotional sampler targeted metal and hard rock radio formats. Although the album saw modest chart performance domestically, these promotional efforts helped expand their presence internationally.

To support Reloaded, Green Apple Quick Step embarked on residency tours across major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Phoenix, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.[4] They also appeared at the Bumbershoot festival alongside notable acts like The Presidents of the United States of America and opened for Candlebox during a prominent New Year's Eve concert.[6]

Further broadening their industry involvement, Willman and Braeden lent vocals to Mike McCready's side project $10,000 Gold Chain for the soundtrack of the 1996 movie The Cable Guy.[7] Additionally, Willman provided lead vocals on Devilhead's track "Buying Milk" from their 1996 album Pest Control, released through Loosegroove Records.[8]

New Disaster and lineup changes (1996–1998)

After signing with Columbia Records, Green Apple Quick Step dedicated over a year to composing material for their third album. Before entering the studio, guitarist Ross departed to form The Briefs with Kempthorne under stage names. Ross was replaced by guitarist Dana Turner. Recording sessions took place at Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles with producer Matt Wallace. Drummer Bob Martin was succeeded by Dain Hudson for studio recordings; live performances featured Geoff Reading, who officially joined in June 1997 following a successful audition.

A music video was produced for the track "Kid," which received airplay on MTV and appeared on the soundtrack for the 1997 film I Know What You Did Last Summer. The band also performed at the movie’s premiere event. Their music gained radio rotation on stations including Seattle’s KNDD, KISW, Cleveland’s WENZ, and Boston’s WBCN. Another song from the album, "Stars," was included on the soundtrack of the 1998 film Homegrown.

Willman created a side project called Calm Down Juanita alongside drummer Kevin Guess, bassist Cole Peterson, engineer Steve Wilmans, with contributions from Braeden who also played bass on the track "Girlfriend." This collaboration resulted in a five-song EP recorded during summer 1997.

Green Apple Quick Step maintained live performances in Seattle and played a show with 10 Minute Warning in Portland. Although New Disaster was slated for release on March 3, 1998, dissatisfaction with Columbia's promotional efforts led management to withdraw the album in pursuit of a new record deal. The group disbanded soon thereafter.

Post-breakup endeavors (1998–2009)

In 1998, Calm Down Juanita issued their initial EP, followed by the full-length album Undertown in 2002. Braeden went on to establish the all-female group Celebrity Damage. Willman provided both lead and backing vocals on Stone Gossard's 2001 solo project, Bayleaf, notably featuring on the track "Unhand Me". Additionally, he took part in other musical ventures such as Hula Bess in 1999, collaborating with Phil Hurley from Gigolo Aunts, and later joined Mass Sugar during 2007–2008.

Reading became a member of New American Shame in 1999 before joining Loaded alongside former Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan in 2000. Following Loaded’s hiatus in 2002, Reading co-founded The Disciples, which evolved into The Chelsea Smiles, with Christian Martucci, Todd Youth, and Howie Pyro. Loaded regrouped in 2008.

Tribute performances (2009–2010)

Green Apple Quick Step reunited for a performance at Seattle’s Showbox at the Market on December 20, 2009. After coordinating with Ken Connell at Tacoma's Hell's Kitchen, they returned there on March 26, 2010. This lineup included Willman, Turner, Reading, guitarist Mike Squires (formerly of Loaded), and vocalist Christa Wells. Willman indicated plans to release a third album. The band also appeared at Seattle’s Crocodile Café on May 20.

Reunion (2018)

The original members Ty, MariAnn, Steve, Dan, and Geoff reunited for two sold-out concerts alongside Candlebox at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre on July 21 and 22, 2018. This formation represented the founding group with the exception of Bob Martin, with Geoff Reading handling drums. They also performed at the Crocodile on December 23, 2018.

Musical style

Green Apple Quick Step’s sound is often described as encompassing post-grunge, alternative rock, pop rock, and psychedelic rock elements. Their style has drawn comparisons to bands such as Jane's Addiction and Porno for Pyros. In his review of Reloaded, Stephen Thomas Erlewine observed that the band expanded beyond straightforward grunge by integrating psychedelic influences and pop melodies, creating a more assured musical identity. Concerning the unreleased album New Disaster, he characterized their sound as a sharper form of post-grunge rock—more disciplined than prior work but still lacking standout hooks and memorable tunes.

Band members

  • Tyler Willman – lead vocals (1991–1998, 2009–present)
  • Mari Ann Braeden – bass guitar, vocals (1991–1998, 2018–present)
  • Daniel Kempthorne – guitar, backing vocals (1991–1998, 2018–present)
  • Geoff Reading – drums (1997–1998, 2009–present)
  • Steve Ross – guitar (1991–1997, 2018–present)
Former members
  • Bob Martin – drums (1991–1997)
  • Dana Turner – guitar (1996–1998, 2009)

Discography

Further reading

  • Ira A. Robbins, The Trouser Press Guide to '90s Rock, Simon & Schuster, 1997
  • Eddy Cilia, Grunge, Giunti Editore, 1999

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Reloaded AMG
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Seattle Post-Intelligencer Two
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Billboard 1995
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Billboard 1995 two
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named RPMChart
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Seattle Post-Intelligencer Six
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named The Cable Guy
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named DiscogsDevilheadPC
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