I Am Ghost
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Steven Juliano |
| Defunct | July 2010 |
| Fate | Disbanded; briefly reunited in 2016 |
| Headquarters | Long Beach, California , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, live albums |
I Am Ghost was a post-hardcore group originating from Long Beach, California, formed by Steven Juliano in 2004. They were under contract with Epitaph Records between 2005 and 2010, disbanding in July 2010 before briefly reuniting on April 28, 2016.
History
Steven Juliano utilized MySpace as a platform to gather the initial members: lead guitarist Timoteo Rosales III; rhythm guitarist Gabe Iraheta; violinist Kerith Telestai; bassist and keyboardist Brian Telestai; and drummer Victor Camarena, who was soon succeeded by Ryan Seaman.
Following their agreement with Epitaph Records, their self-produced EP We Are Always Searching was remastered and reissued. Their first full-length album, Lovers' Requiem, released on October 10, 2006, was characterized by Juliano as a rock opera aimed at fans of hardcore and gothic music.
The band embarked on extensive tours, opening for groups such as Biffy Clyro, TheAUDITION, and The Bronx during the 2007 Kerrang! Tour. They also took part in the Epitaph Tour of 2007 and performed at the Warped Tour in both 2006 and 2007.
In mid-2007, violinist and vocalist Kerith Telestai exited due to health complications; soon thereafter, bassist Brian Telestai left following internal conflicts related to touring commitments. Ron Ficarro stepped in to replace Brian during the 2007 Warped Tour.
Their sophomore album, Those We Leave Behind (released October 7, 2008), garnered mixed reactions. The band shifted toward a heavier style that polarized fans who missed the distinctive violin and choral arrangements. Critics highlighted the absence of Kerith’s contributions and noted alterations in musical dynamics following lineup changes. Juliano is said to have written "Smile of A Jesus Freak" inspired by Kerith. Despite varied opinions, the band preserved key features such as memorable choruses and impactful breakdowns.
I Am Ghost toured across Europe and the United States, including supporting The Birthday Massacre. On July 17, 2010, Juliano declared the group’s dissolution, attributing it to their evolution and personal growth.
Members
- Final line-up
- Steven Juliano – lead vocals, programming (2004–2010, 2016)
- Tim Rosales III – lead guitar (2004–2010, 2016)
- Chad Kulengosky – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2007–2010, 2016)
- Justin McCarthy – drums, percussion (2007–2010, 2016)
- Ron Ficarro – bass, backing vocals (2007–2010, 2016)
- Former members
- Brian Telestai – bass, guitars, keyboard, programming, backing vocals (2004–2007)
- Kerith Telestai – violin, strings, backing vocals (2004–2007)
- Victor Angel Camarena – drums (2004–2005)
- Ryan Seaman – drums (2005–2007)
- Gabe Iraheta – rhythm guitar, programming (2004–2007)
Discography
- Studio albums
- Lovers' Requiem (2006)
- Those We Leave Behind (2008)
- EPs
- We Are Always Searching (2005)
- Live albums
- Live in Orange County (2009)
Videography
- "Civil War and Isolation Thirst" (2005)
- "Our Friend Lazarus Sleeps" (2006)
- "Saddest Story Never Told" (2009)
Activities Following the Band's Disbandment
By September 2010, Steve Juliano (vocals) established a new project named "Requiem for the Dead," which debuted their album Always and Forever on September 2, 2011. The group later shortened its name to "Requiem" in 2014.
In April 2011, guitarist Tim Rosales III initiated "GHZT:DGTL," a collaboration involving international musicians such as Ace Midas and Soy Suspenso.
Victor Angel Camarena, the original drummer, became part of the djent ensemble Emissary, contributing to their 2012 EP titled Sentinels.
Ryan Seaman served as the drummer for Falling In Reverse from 2011 until early 2017, after which he co-founded I Dont Know How but They Found Me alongside former Panic! At the Disco member Dallon Weeks.
Bassist Ron Ficarro joined Falling In Reverse in 2012 and subsequently departed to perform with Camryn.
By 2013, Kerith Telestai shifted focus toward education and, together with Brian Telestai, co-established Idaho Rising Stars Performing Arts Camps in 2010, dedicated to training in the performing arts.
Currently, Justin McCarthy holds the position of drummer for XO Stereo.