Houston Calls
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Defunct | June 9, 2009 |
| Headquarters | Rockaway, New Jersey , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Houston Calls was a rock group originating from Rockaway, New Jersey in the United States, established in 2003. They were signed under Rushmore Records, which operates as a branch of Drive-Thru Records. The band declared their dissolution on June 9, 2009.
Formation (2002–2004)
Following the breakup of the New Jersey-based ska punk ensemble Face First in 2002, vocalist and guitarist Tom "Chitty" Keiger, bassist Jarrett Selzer, keyboardist Rich "Okie" Okamoto (who previously played trumpet), and drummer Tommie Clayton regrouped to develop a sound that leaned more toward pop-infused, synth-driven punk rock. Kenny Ryan, formerly with Hidden in Plain View, joined as an additional guitarist. The band's name, "Houston Calls," was inspired by chapter titles featured on the Apollo 13 DVD.
In 2003, they issued a demo CD containing two tracks: "One More Won't Hurt" and "A Line in the Sand," both reimagined versions of Face First's last songs without horn sections. Their live performances commenced in June 2003, followed by the release of the 4 Song Sampler, produced by Rob Freeman of Hidden in Plain View. After drummer Clayton left post a national tour, Josh Grigsby took over drumming duties in May 2004.
By touring across the country alongside bands such as Hidden in Plain View and Hellogoodbye, Houston Calls grew their audience significantly. They recorded Sampler Volume 2 in 2004 with producer Jesse Cannon. After releasing it that August and completing a nationwide tour sponsored by PureVolume and Absolutepunk.net with Hidden in Plain View, Hellogoodbye, Madison, and Action Action, they became Rushmore Records' second signed act.
Prior to launching their debut album, Houston Calls toured the United States with Self Against City and Adelphi. During this period, their van and trailer were stolen in Smyrna, Georgia.
A Collection of Short Stories (2005–2007)
In July 2005, Houston Calls supported the Rocket Summer on a brief two-week West Coast tour. Their official debut album, A Collection of Short Stories, was released on August 2, 2005. It was produced by Ed Rose at Black Lodge Studios located in Eudora, Kansas. The record included eleven songs, three of which had appeared previously on their sampler releases.
Between October and December 2005, they served as support for Fenix TX during the latter's farewell tour across the US. In mid-2006—July and August—they toured nationally with Quietdrive, featuring support from Self Against City, Dave Melillo, the Summer Obsession, and Let Go on select dates. They also performed at Dirt Fest. Subsequent tours involved collaborations with The Rocket Summer, JamisonParker, Just Surrender, Sherwood, and Amber Pacific. Additionally, they toured Australia with Yellowcard and appeared at Japan’s Independence-D festival.
On November 26, 2006, guitarist Ryan departed due to personal financial challenges; his final concert took place on December 15, 2006, in New Jersey. Jose Lopez initially substituted for Ryan before being officially added to the lineup in February 2007. In May of that year, Houston Calls performed at The Bamboozle festival. Their itinerary for 2007 included a UK tour alongside hellogoodbye and Plain White T's, participation in the @united tour across Japan, and an Australian Soundwave Festival run featuring acts like MxPx and Hit the Lights.
The End of an Error (2008–2009)
On August 10, 2007, Houston Calls shared the demo for "Modest Manifesto" via their MySpace page.
In April 2008, the group entered the studio in Los Angeles with producer Mark Weinberg to work on their follow-up album to A Collection of Short Stories, which they titled The End of an Error. The album, along with the lead single "Life Won't Wait," was released on October 14, 2008, and was made available for streaming on AOL. Following this, Houston Calls toured the UK supporting the emerging band You Me at Six, with Farewell as the opening act.
By December 2008, Jarrett Seltzer, one of the original members, departed from the band. The following month, January 2009, saw Lopez being removed due to personal disagreements. Dan Diaz from Red Light Green Light joined as a guitarist, while Jason Jaksetic stepped in on bass duties. The band maintained their touring schedule alongside Valencia, including performances at Soundwave 2009 in Australia and shows supporting New Found Glory, hellogoodbye, and Ace Enders.
In May 2009, Houston Calls embarked on a tour with Amber Pacific, Farewell, and Fight Fair, with Josh Starry substituting on bass. They also planned to record an EP in June and set out for a summer tour.
On June 11, 2009, Houston Calls announced their official breakup. Their farewell show took place on August 29, 2009, at School of Rock in South Hackensack, New Jersey, featuring guest appearances by friends’ bands including Paulson, Red Light Green Light, The Tonight Life, and Hoover Flags (formerly Folly).
Reunion (2023)
In January 2023, Houston Calls revealed plans to reunite in celebration of their 20th anniversary and issued their album A Collection of Short Stories on vinyl for the first time. Nearly 14 years after their last performance, they played shows on June 23 and 24, 2023, at House of Independents in Asbury Park, NJ, sharing the stage with The Junior Varsity and Dead Bars.
Additionally, the demo track "Drive Time Radio" from sessions during The End of an Error was released to streaming services on May 26, 2023.
2023 reunion lineup
- Tom Keiger – lead vocals, guitar
- Kenny Ryan – guitar, vocals
- Jose Lopez – guitar, vocals
- Rich Okamoto – keyboards, vocals
- Jarrett Seltzer – bass
- Josh Grigsby – drums
Lineup at disbandment
- Tom Keiger – lead vocals, guitar (2003–2009)
- Rich "Okie" Okamoto – keyboards, backing vocals (2003–2009)
- Josh Grigsby – drums (2004–2009)
Touring members during 2009
- Dan Diaz – guitar, bass
- Josh Starry – bass
- Jason Jaksetic – bass
Former members
- Kenny Ryan – guitar (2003–2006)
- Tommie Clayton – drums (2003–2004)
- Jarrett Seltzer – bass (2003–2008)
- Jose Lopez – guitar, backing vocals (2006–2009)
External links
- Houston Calls on MySpace
- Houston Calls profile at PureVolume