The Honorary Title
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
The Honorary Title was an American alternative indie rock ensemble originating from Brooklyn, New York. Their initial release was the self-titled EP, The Honorary Title, which debuted in 2003. This was succeeded by their first full-length album, Anything Else but the Truth (2004), later reissued with five extra tracks and two bonus videos. In 2007, they introduced the EP Untouched and Intact, featuring four songs, three of which were included on their album Scream & Light Up the Sky, released on August 28, 2007.
Biography
Established in 2003, the group centered around Jarrod Gorbel’s vocal talents and Aaron Kamstra’s versatility on multiple instruments. Initially affiliated with an independent label, they eventually signed with Doghouse Records. After launching Anything Else but the Truth in 2004, the lineup expanded to include Adam Boyd (formerly of Greeley Estates) and Jonathan Wiley. Following extensive touring, their second album, Scream and Light Up the Sky, was released in 2007. Later that year, Kamstra left due to the rigors of touring, while Wiley departed to join Adam Green’s touring band. Gorbel cited creative differences with Kamstra but expressed gratitude toward both musicians for their contributions.
During his 2009 acoustic tour alongside Dustin Dobernig, Gorbel released a solo EP titled Ten Years Older, hinting at a potential conclusion for The Honorary Title. He also revealed plans to produce a solo LP. The band performed their final concert on November 20, 2009.
On August 31, 2010, Gorbel unveiled his debut solo LP, Devil's Made a New Friend, through Burning House Records. That year, he supported Hanson during their Shout It Out tour.
In 2012, Gorbel co-founded Night Terrors of 1927 with Blake Sennett (formerly of Rilo Kiley). After issuing two EPs and one full-length album, the group disbanded in May 2017. On the same day, Gorbel announced involvement in new ventures: a band named Mourners and a side project called Numblife.
On April 3, 2018, The Honorary Title revealed plans for a reunion show commemorating the 15th anniversary of their debut EP. The event took place on June 1 at Los Angeles’ Troubadour and featured a complete performance of Anything Else but the Truth alongside opening act Limbeck. Additional reunion concerts were held in Chicago, Brooklyn, and San Francisco.
Members
- Jarrod Gorbel – lead vocals, guitar
- Aaron Kamstra – bass, keyboards
- Adam Boyd – drums, backing vocals
- Mike Schey – guitar
- Nate Harold – bass
- Dustin Dobernig – keyboards
Studio albums
- 2004: Anything Else but the Truth
- 2007: Scream & Light Up the Sky
EPs
- 2003: The Honorary Title
- 2007: Untouched and Intact [EP]
- 2008: The City On Christmas [EP]
- 2009: Tour [EP]
Solo releases
- 2009: Ten Years Older [EP]
- 2010: Devil's Made a New Friend
- 2011: Bruises From Your Bad Dreams [EP]
Compilations
- Doghouse 100 – "Snow Day"
- Paupers, Peasants, Princes & Kings: The Songs of Bob Dylan – "Simple Twist of Fate"
- The Road Mix: Music from the Television Series One Tree Hill, Volume 3 – "Stay Away"
- Take Action Volume 6 – "Untouched and Intact"
- True Crime: New York City (video game) – "Bridge and Tunnel"
Other information
Actors Dominic Monaghan and Daniel Dae Kim, known for their roles in the TV show Lost, are avid admirers of the band; Monaghan was responsible for introducing Kim to their music during the show's production.
The Honorary Title contributed tracks to the soundtrack of The CW drama One Tree Hill, specifically on The Road Mix: Music from the Television Series One Tree Hill, Vol. 3, and made a guest appearance in season 5, episode 7 ("In Da Club").
Their song "Accident Prone" was included in the 2007 movie Good Luck Chuck, while "Bridge and Tunnel" was featured in the 2005 video game True Crime New York City. Additionally, multiple tracks have appeared on ABC Family's (now Freeform) television series Greek.