Van Atta High
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Defunct | May 14, 2010 |
| Headquarters | New Jersey , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, EPs |
Van Atta High (commonly abbreviated as VAH) was an American band rooted in the emo and screamo genres, originating from New Jersey. The group was established in 2006 and officially dissolved on May 14, 2010.
History
In June 2006, vocalist Steve Kellner initiated the formation of Van Atta High, recruiting Santino Loconte on drums, Socrates Moutsakis and Kyle Brazier on guitars, and Jarret Gallipoli handling bass duties. That same year saw the release of their debut EP titled We Are The Captivated. The following year, 2007, brought lineup changes with Stephen Jasko (guitar) and Clark Starace (bass) joining the band, replacing Brazier and Gallipoli respectively. This revamped lineup, alongside their initial EP, helped Van Atta High quickly establish a presence within New Jersey’s music circuit. Their notable songs include "Call Me Jersey," "Birthday Girl," as well as a pop rock rendition of the 1970s classic "Afternoon Delight," which was officially licensed through S1 Songs.
After welcoming Jasko and Starace, Van Atta High released the Run Like Hell EP in the autumn of 2007. Building a dedicated local following, they earned opportunities to participate in prominent tours such as Taste of Chaos 2007, Vans Warped Tour during both 2007 and 2008, along with appearances at The Bamboozle festivals in 2008 and 2009. These engagements elevated their profile and garnered national media attention, including recognition as Alternative Press Magazine’s "Unsigned Band of the Month" in August 2008. Their performances spanned venues like Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ; Webster Hall and the Knitting Factory in New York City. Additionally, Van Atta High shared stages with well-known bands such as The Used, Senses Fail, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Billy Talent, and Pierce the Veil.
The band secured a licensing agreement for one EP with indie label Thriving/Tragic Hero Records, which represents artists including Sky Eats Airplane and Emarosa. On March 10, 2009, they released Doin' Somethin' Right, their first EP to receive national distribution. Their last offering was the Love Blitz:United EP, which came out in January 2010.
Death of Jarret Gallipoli
Jarret Gallipoli, who served as bassist and was an original member of VAH, tragically passed away in a car accident on Interstate 68 on April 11, 2010. He had been visiting West Virginia University for an exploratory trip at the time. As a Bergen Community College student recently admitted to both Pace University and West Virginia University, his vehicle lost control, crossing into the median before colliding with a guard rail—resulting in his immediate death.
A second passenger was ejected during the crash and also died at the scene near Keysers Ridge, while a female occupant seated in the front survived.
The End of VAH
On May 13, 2010, Van Atta High announced their disbandment via MySpace, confirming their final performance would take place at School of Rock in South Hackensack, NJ, scheduled for August 2010. Although they enjoyed considerable acclaim within New Jersey’s underground music community, VAH did not reach the commercial heights achieved by peers such as My Chemical Romance or Senses Fail. Since then, former members have moved on to other professional endeavors.
Reunion Show
On August 24, 2012, Van Atta High reunited for a one-night-only event at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, NJ. The concert was sold out.
Past members
Steve Kellner: vocals/guitar (2006–2010) Stephen Jasko: guitar (2007–2010) Clark Starace: bass guitar (2007–2010) Glenn Petnel: drums (2009–2010)
Past members
Santino LeCunt: drums (2006–2008) Socrates Moutsakis: guitar (2006–2008) Kyle Brazier: guitar (2006–2007) Justin Maikisch: guitar, bagpipes (2008–2009) Jarret Gallipoli: bass (2006–2007)
Guest musicians: Mike Costello: guitar (2007–2009)
Discography
We Are the Captivated EP (2006, Independent release) Run Like Hell EP (2007, Independent release) Doin' Somethin' Right EP (2009, Thriving/Tragic Hero Records) Love Blitz: United EP (2010, Independent release)
Videography
"Call Me Jersey" (2008) "Afternoon Delight" (2009) "Birthday Girl" (2009) "Little Fingers" (2010)