Therefore I Am
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | May 2004 |
| Defunct | November 20, 2010 |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Therefore I Am was a post-hardcore group originating from Boston in May 2004. Following the release of two self-produced extended plays, they secured a contract with Epitaph Records in 2005 and later joined Equal Vision Records in 2008, where they produced one full-length studio album. The band officially dissolved on November 20, 2010.
History
The ensemble came together in May 2004, featuring bassist Jim Creighton, guitarist Brandon Davis, drummer Chris Fernandes, and guitarist Dan Sullivan. By early summer, vocalist Alex Correia became part of the group after submitting a vocal demo layered over their instrumental track. This recording evolved into their debut song, "In Chelsea," named after Alex’s neighborhood.
2004
In October 2004, Dan Sullivan departed to pursue academic goals, and shortly thereafter, Aleksander Kmiec (known as "Aleks with a K") joined as guitarist. The band resumed live performances but maintained a limited schedule before unveiling their initial EP.
2005
The band’s momentum increased in February 2005 with the launch of their debut EP, The Modern World, A Battlefield. They supported this release through local gigs and continued developing new songs as their audience grew. Their second independent project, The Summer EP, appeared in fall 2005, showcasing the band’s evolving sound.
During summer 2005, Brandon Davis briefly played drums for the band Vanna. After Vanna signed with Epitaph Records, Brandon left Therefore I Am to dedicate himself fully to Vanna; his last performance with Therefore I Am was in winter 2006.
In fall 2005, they recorded "I Get Nervous in Cars," which was later featured on the Therefore I Am/Vanna Split 7-inch and the You Are Connected EP. The split 7-inch made its debut at the Robotica Records release event on March 10, 2006.
2006
Early in 2006, Brian Marquis—brother of Shawn Marquis from Vanna—joined as guitarist. The band temporarily halted booking shows to concentrate on songwriting but experienced another lineup shift when Aleks exited in March to explore other interests. Temporary guitarists covered scheduled performances until Travis Alexander officially joined by June, stabilizing the lineup.
Throughout 2006, Therefore I Am released a split 7-inch record and the "You Are Connected" EP while embarking on their first nationwide U.S. tour along with two tours along the East Coast. They also performed on the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands stage at Boston’s Warped Tour and recorded a demo with producer Matt Squire (known for work with People In Planes, Panic! at the Disco, The Used).
2007/2008
In 2007, the band opened for Rockstar's Taste of Chaos event in Boston and earned recognition from Alternative Press as "Best Unsigned Band of the Month" as well as being listed among DailyChorus.com’s "Top Unsigned Bands in the U.S." In August, they recorded the "Escape" EP under producer Mike Poorman (Piebald, Tsunami Bomb).
To promote "Escape," Therefore I Am toured alongside Vanna, As Tall As Lions, and The Receiving End of Sirens. Their touring continued into 2008 with performances including The Receiving End of Sirens’ farewell shows together with Envy on the Coast and Hit The Lights. On August 20, 2008, they announced their signing with Equal Vision Records.
2009
In early 2009, the band finalized the recording of their debut album under Equal Vision Records and confirmed their full involvement in the Warped Tour, performing on the Skullcandy Stage. Following this, they embarked on a month-long tour across the Pacific Northwest alongside Confide, Oceana, and To Speak of Wolves. During March, the Warped Tour website featured them as a highlighted band in the "Kevin Wants You to Know" segment, curated by tour founder Kevin Lyman.
Their Equal Vision Records debut album, The Sound Of Human Lives, was officially released on June 23, 2009. Prior to the release, songs such as "Splinters" and "I Am Only An Island" were accessible on their Myspace page, with "I Am Only An Island" also included on a sampler distributed by Equal Vision Records.
On December 9, 2009, Therefore I Am premiered a music video for "I Am Only An Island," which later debuted on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball on February 2, 2010.
Break-up
On September 22, 2010, Therefore I Am publicly announced their disbandment due to personal reasons without providing additional details. Their farewell performance took place on November 20, 2010.
Their official message reflected on five years of creative partnership, development, and touring:
In 2006, I met Alex, Brian, Chris, and Jim in Allston, MA. Joining forces with them began a new chapter. We quickly became close friends and like family, sharing life-altering experiences and extensive tours. Despite obstacles along the way, our bond remained strong and we continue to be friends. This choice was tough but necessary as our lives evolve. Over five years, we toured internationally and cultivated a dedicated fan base. We deeply appreciate everyone who supported us throughout this journey. We invite you to join us for our final shows on November 19 at the Derry Opera House and November 20 at Lupo’s in Providence.
– Travis Alexander and Therefore I Am
Their concluding concert at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island was sold out.
2012 reunion concert
Therefore I Am came together once more for two sold-out shows held on December 21 and 22, 2012, at "The Sinclair" venue in Cambridge, MA.
2016 reunion concerts
The group organized another set of reunion performances during December 2016.
Members
Final line-up
- Travis Alexander – guitar
- Alex Correia – vocals
- Jim Creighton – bass guitar
- Chris Fernandes – drums
- Brian Marquis – guitar and vocals
Discography
- Summer 05 Demo (Self-released, 2005)
- The Modern World, A Battle Field (Self-released, 2005)
- Therefore I Am/Vanna Split 7-inch (Robotica Records, 2006)
- You Are Connected (Self-released, 2006)
- Escape (Self-released, 2007)
- "45 Miles" 7-inch Single (Equal Vision Records, 2009)
- The Sound of Human Lives (Equal Vision Records, 2009)