My American Heart
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 in San Diego, California, United States |
| Defunct | 2009 (initial disbandment) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2009; reunited in 2017 |
| Headquarters | San Diego , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
My American Heart is a rock ensemble originating from San Diego, California, established in 2001. Initially performing under the name No Way Out, the group produced two studio albums via Warcon Enterprises and embarked on international tours before disbanding in 2009. They reunited in 2017.
History
My American Heart gained prominence by performing extensively at venues across Southern California. Legal complications concerning their original moniker led them to adopt the name My American Heart, which better represented the cultural and national backgrounds of its members. Their significant breakthrough occurred when they won the Ernie Ball Battle Of The Bands competition. As their fan base expanded, the demand to play in larger venues increased, resulting in Clint Delgado's exit to prioritize his education. In 2005, the band participated in the Taste of Chaos tour as a quartet and soon after collaborated with producer Sal Villanueva to record their debut album The Meaning in Makeup, released that autumn under Kevin Lyman's Warcon label. During their stint on the Warped Tour, Dustin Hook joined as bassist.
In mid-2006, original guitarist Jeremy Mendez departed and was succeeded by Matt "Spud" VanGasbeck, formerly of Downtown Singapore. The band then worked with producer James Paul Wisner on their album Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather.
During the Australian Soundwave festival tour, drummer Steve Oira left through mutual agreement, with Jake Kalb (previously of The Fold, New Atlantic, and The Suicide Pact) stepping in as his replacement.
My American Heart communicated via MySpace that they were developing a new album. On April 14, 2008, Jesse Barrera disclosed on his personal website that Warcon Records had ceased operations and that the band was entangled in a complex legal dispute.
In July 2009, Barrera exited the group; by October, it was confirmed they would dissolve following a series of final performances. Barrera subsequently released several demos online intended for an unfinished third studio album.
The band reunited for performances in February 2012 at The Epicentre in San Diego and Chain Reaction in Anaheim.
On August 1, 2017, My American Heart announced their return to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Hiding Inside The Horrible Weather.
No Way Out
- The Courtesy Of Stars (EP) – 2002
- Certainty Kills (EP) – 2003
My American Heart
- My American Heart (EP) – 2004
- The Meaning in Makeup – 2005
- Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather – 2007
- Alder Masters – 2009
Compilation appearances
- Punk the Clock Vol. 1 – 2004 – Featured "The Ruins We Hold"
- Taste of Chaos – 2005 – Featured "White Lines"
- Taste of Christmas – 2005 – Featured "The First Noel"
- Punk Goes Crunk – 2008 – Performed a cover of 2Pac's "California Love"
Former members
- Larry Soliman
- Jesse Barrera
- Dustin Hook
- Jake Kalb
- Nick Logan
- Matthew VanGasbeck
- Steven Oira
- Jeremy Mendez
- Brian Warren
- Clint Delgado
- Oscar Gomez
Side projects
Following his departure from the band, guitarist Jesse Barrera launched an acoustic pop solo endeavor, independently releasing his debut album Love In Technicolor on March 24, 2010.
Bassist Dustin Hook has become a permanent touring musician for country duo Dan + Shay, reuniting professionally with former bandmate Dan Smyers.