Versa (band)
| Company type | Independent |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Port St. Lucie, Florida , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Versa (presented as VERSA) originated as an American rock duo from Port St. Lucie, Florida, established in 2006 under the name VersaEmerge. The group featured Blake Harnage handling guitar, vocals, and programming, alongside lead vocalist Sierra Kay. Their lineup was most consistent between 2007 and 2011 with bassist Devin Ingelido.
Following independent releases, the band secured a deal with Fueled by Ramen toward the end of 2008, subsequently issuing the VersaEmerge EP and their initial full-length album Fixed at Zero in 2010, which garnered favorable reviews within alternative music circles. Although the album did not chart on the Billboard 200, it achieved a peak position of number three on the Billboard Top Heatseekers list. After rebranding as Versa, the duo independently released the Neon EP on January 21, 2014.
While commonly linked to the emo pop genre and frequently compared to other female-fronted emo groups, Versa's sound blended elements of experimental rock, space rock, and electronic rock, drawing inspiration from artists such as Björk and Muse.
In a 2015 podcast appearance, Sierra Kay disclosed that she and Blake were working on a new musical endeavor under a different moniker to prevent confusion with Versa; however, this project did not come to fruition. Subsequently, Kay went on to establish the shoegaze outfit Neaux.
2006–2009: Formation and initial output
The Florida-based band VersaEmerge was formed in 2006 by Blake Harnage (guitar, backing vocals), Anthony Martone (drums), Anthony Doan (backing vocals, programming, keys), Josh Center (rhythm guitar), and Nick Osborne (bass) after their previous band's vocalist exited. The name VersaEmerge was coined by Harnage as a fusion of "vice versa" and "emerge". Their first EP, Cities Built On Sand, was recorded in 2007 featuring new frontman Spencer Pearson.
After four original members departed, bassist Devin Ingelido was brought in from Bury the Ashes. Sierra Kusterbeck joined as lead vocalist in 2007 following an audition tape submitted online; although some members initially hesitated, Harnage strongly supported her addition. Kusterbeck later clarified misconceptions regarding her age during the audition process. The band performed locally and toured alongside groups like Kiros, Our Last Night, There for Tomorrow, and Craig Owens. Their first EP with Kusterbeck, Perceptions, was released in May 2008. When rhythm guitarist James Lano left the group, Jerry Pierce stepped in to fill the role.
VersaEmerge signed with Fueled by Ramen and recorded a self-titled EP produced by James Paul Wisner, which was released on February 3, 2009. A music video for "in Pursuing Design" surfaced unofficially in late 2011 without formal acknowledgment. Following this release, they joined "The Secret Valentine Tour" alongside We the Kings, The Maine, The Cab, and There for Tomorrow to grow their audience. The band also appeared at the 2009 Give It a Name festival in the UK with notable acts such as Taking Back Sunday and Underoath before participating in Bamboozle and Warped Tour that year. They recorded their debut album in Malibu prior to joining the OP tour headlined by Boys Like Girls, accompanied by co-headliners Cobra Starship, The Maine, and A Rocket to the Moon.
On September 19, 2009, drummer and co-founder Anthony Martone announced his departure via Twitter citing personal reasons without further elaboration. Spencer Peterson temporarily filled drum duties during the OP tour before Ian Brown joined based on recommendations from Fueled by Ramen due to his prior experience touring with other bands. On November 22, 2009, guitarist Jerry Pierce declared his exit from VersaEmerge because of family obligations but maintained positive relations with his former bandmates; his final performance took place on November 28. Pierce did not contribute to recording sessions for their debut album released prior to the 2010 Vans Warped Tour.
2010–2011: Fixed at Zero
In March 2010, VersaEmerge earned a spot on Shred News' list of "10 Artists to Watch in 2010". During SXSW Purevolume, the group introduced four tracks from their forthcoming album, including "Fixed at Zero" and "Mind Reader". Sierra Kusterbeck was highlighted in Alternative Press' feature "Front and Center: The New Class of 2010". Chris Pollock, previously with Oh, The Story!, temporarily took over drumming duties.
The band contributed a rendition of The Rolling Stones' "Paint it Black" for the compilation Punk Goes Classic Rock. On April 26, 2010, they revealed their debut album would be titled Fixed at Zero, scheduled for release on June 22. To promote the album, they performed at The Bamboozle alongside labelmates Paramore and Weezer and co-headlined a spring tour with I See Stars.
Starting June 25, 2010, VersaEmerge embarked on their second full Vans Warped Tour stint, playing on the Glamour Kills Stage. Sierra engaged fans through the promotional campaign Where the Fuck is Sierra?. The music video for "Fixed at Zero" was released on July 27. In September, the band announced the Vultures Unite Tour, headlining intimate venues across the US and Canada with Anarbor, The Dangerous Summer, and Conditions; however, The Dangerous Summer withdrew due to internal disputes.
Their appearance on MTV's World of Jenks in October 2010 helped broaden their audience. In December, Alternative Press included them in its lineup for the 2011 Spring Tour alongside Black Veil Brides, Conditions, D.R.U.G.S., and I See Stars. Former drummer Anthony Martone disclosed his exit stemmed from disagreements with Kusterbeck, which resulted in Ian Brown taking on a more significant role. On April 26, 2011, bassist Devin Ingelido departed to prioritize family commitments; Nick Osborne returned as bassist for the UK/Euro Invasion tour and subsequent dates.
VersaEmerge released the Live Acoustic EP on August 23, 2011. They supported Fueled By Ramen’s 15th Anniversary show on September 9, marking their final scheduled performance that year. On November 29, they streamed a cover of "Santa Baby," which was officially released on iTunes on December 20; its music video premiered via PureVolume on December 6. From February 25 to March 5, 2012, the band played at Australia's Soundwave Festival.
2011–2015: Departure from Fueled By Ramen, name change and Neon
Following their return to the United States, VersaEmerge worked with producer Shaun Lopez and completed their album by May 5, 2012. They previewed "Another Atmosphere" on the Fueled By Ramen Bamboozle sampler and shared several tracks on SoundCloud such as "No Consequences," "Bones," and "Domesticated." Despite this activity, the album’s release was postponed until early 2013. In September 2012, they uploaded the track "Burn" to SoundCloud and iTunes; later in December, they unveiled the music video for "Bones."
In July 2013, VersaEmerge ended their relationship with Fueled By Ramen. On October 29 of that year, they announced that "No Consequences" would serve as their last release under the VersaEmerge name and disclosed intentions to issue new material as Versa before year’s end.
The EP Neon, featuring previously unreleased songs from Another Atmosphere, was announced by Versa in November 2013 and released on January 21, 2014. The debut single under the name Versa, titled "Neon," premiered on November 22, 2013.
By June 2015, Sierra confirmed plans to develop fresh material under an entirely new identity, moving away from VERSA altogether. She also revealed that the full-length album Another Atmosphere, recorded during the VersaEmerge era, had never received approval from Fueled By Ramen and remains unreleased.
Influences
The group has acknowledged Björk, Muse, Imogen Heap, and Guy Sigsworth as significant sources of artistic inspiration. Notably, Sigsworth lent his talents to the song "Up There" featured on Fixed at Zero. Additionally, Blake Harnage blends influences from cinematic scores and film soundtracks into their compositions, showcasing a creative palette that extends beyond conventional band influences.
Band members
Final lineup
- Sierra Kay – lead vocals (2007–2015)
- Blake Harnage – lead guitar, vocals, programming (2006–2015); rhythm guitar (2006, 2006–2007, 2009–2015); bass (2006, 2011–2015); drums, percussion (2009–2015)
Former members
- Anthony James – keyboards, programming, unclean vocals (2005–2007)
- Josh Center – rhythm guitar (2005–2007), bass (2006)
- Spencer Pearson – lead vocals (2005–2007)
- Nick Osborne – bass (2005–2006)
- James Lano – rhythm guitar (2007–2008)
- Anthony Martone – drums, percussion (2005–2009)
- Jerry Pierce – rhythm guitar (2008–2009)
- Devin Ingelido – bass (2006–2011)
- Ian Brown – drums, percussion (2010–2012)
Touring musicians
- Chris Kamrada – drums, percussion (2012)
- Ian Brown – drums, percussion (2010–2012)
- Chris Pollock – drums, percussion (2010–2011)
- Spencer Peterson – drums, percussion (2009)
- Nick Osborne – bass (2011–2012)
Timeline
Studio albums
| Year | Album | Chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| Top Heatseekers | ||
| 2010 | Fixed at Zero
|
3 |
EPs
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Cities Built on Sand
|
| 2008 | Perceptions
|
| 2009 | VersaEmerge
|
| 2011 | Live Acoustic
|
| 2012 | Another Atmosphere Preview
|
| 2014 | Neon
|
Singles
- "In Pursuing Design" (2007)
- "Past Praying For" (2009)
- "Whisperer" (2009)
- "Fixed at Zero" (2010)
- "Your Own Love" (2011)
- "Figure It Out" (2011)
- "Lost Tree" (2011)
- "Santa Baby" (2012)
- "No Consequences" (2012)
- "Neon" (2013)