Margret Heater
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Baltimore , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Margret Heater was a nu metal group originating from Baltimore, Maryland, active between 1997 and 2003.
History
Established in 1997 in Fayetteville, North Carolina before relocating to Baltimore, Margret Heater experimented with diverse metal subgenres. In 2000, the band independently organized extensive tours along both the East and West Coasts, performing alongside East Coast act Jepetto and sharing venues with prominent label artists such as Green Day, Snapcase, Suicide Machines, Papa Roach, Sev, Good Charlotte, 6Gig, Liquid Gang, and Nothingface.
The group’s foundation rested on drummer Stephen Baucom and guitarist Jasan Stepp, both former military paratroopers, who named the band after a character from an earlier narrative. Initially, Duke Aipa was recruited as the lead vocalist. Greg Plummer later joined, having previously collaborated with Stepp in their high school ensemble "Uncle Lumpy," which released the album Chicken A La King. After a vocalist exchange involving Baltimore’s "20 on the Hype," Brandon Fogle assumed the role of frontman.
Following Stephen Baucom’s exit, Alex Crowley—formerly of Downpour—took over drumming duties, helping sustain the band’s drive; during this era, they were featured on the cover of Unsung Hero magazine. After Crowley suffered a broken arm during a performance at Washington D.C.'s 9:30 Club, Mike Sipple, ex-member of Jimmie's Chicken Shack and Crowley’s roommate, stepped in as the permanent drummer.
In the summer of 2002, Margret Heater appeared in the independent film Kiwahkwe: Curse of the Lobster, portraying members of a fictional band facing an on-screen demise. Songs including "Double Rock Park" and "Victory Garden" were featured within the film, while "Say What You Want" was introduced on its soundtrack. The low-budget project remains unfinished.
The band concluded their activities following a final show on New Year's Eve 2002 at Fletchers Bar in Baltimore. After disbanding, Brandon relocated to California to join Bleed the Dream, Jasan remained in Baltimore joining Dog Fashion Disco and subsequently Polkadot Cadaver, Greg returned to Maine, Mike left the music industry, and Alex became part of Annapolis-based Vote Quimby.
Notable performances
- Artisan Pictures' Blair Witch II Release Party
- WHFS Fells' Point Festival 2000
- July 4 Smoke-In at the White House
- US Naval Academy
- HFStival
Members
- Stephen Baucom – Drums, Percussion (1997–2001; died 2024)
- Duke Aipa – Vocals (1997–1998)
- Brandon Fogle – Vocals (1998–2003), also known as Brandon Thomas; later joined Bleed the Dream
- Jasan Stepp – Guitar, Cello, Vocals (1997–2003); moved on to Dog Fashion Disco; currently with Polkadot Cadaver and Knives Out!
- Greg Plummer – Bass Guitar, Screams (1997–2003)
- Alex Crowley – Drums, Percussion (2001–2002)
- Mike Sipple – Drums, Percussion (2002–2003); previously part of Jimmie's Chicken Shack
Albums
- The Blue Album
- Manifest – Features a rendition of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence"
- Destiny – Produced by Dave Bilbrough; includes remixes and Techno/House adaptations of Manifest, delivering 70 minutes of dynamic experimental tracks
- The Frankenrecord
EPs
- Pre-Manifest
- Manifest-Destiny Sampler
- Kentucky Fried Chicken Album
- Live and Raw Mix
- 2002 Sampler (issued before Frankenrecord)
Accomplishments
- Awarded 'Best Rhythm Section' by Music Monthly Magazine
- Received honorable mentions in 'Best Metal' and 'Best Hardcore' categories from Music Monthly Magazine
- Maintained a Top 5 position on Fowl.com's sales rankings for four months in a row