Gothic Theatre
Last Years Losers
The story of Last Years Losers begins where most dreams of rock stardom originate: Littleton, Colorado. The year was 2001. Brandon Gishwiller, a down on his luck songwriter/guitarist, discovered that good friend Chad Gilbert, drummer/drinking buddy, shared a passion for edgy punk music. “We decided to start a band because we had played before, and music was our life,” Brandon explains. After a couple of casual practices, Chad found that it was easier to look cool while playing the bass, and with that the twosome began their online search for a new drummer, a lead singer and a second guitarist.
Enter Jason Reale, a goofy kid with years of drumming experience and a roomy basement. Jason’s passion for music was evident from the start. “I play music to get away from everything else,” he says. “It’s like a vacation every Tuesday and Saturday we practice.” With a drummer locked down, the guys set out to find a lead singer. After being acoustically assailed by a dozen lead singers, the guys decided Brandon’s vocals were more bearable than auditioning potential lead singers. “One guy said he was classically trained, but it sounded as if he were singing backwards. It was the weirdest thing I’ve ever heard,” Chad recalls. With the final addition of Jason Beckham, the band, then known as Five Against One, came into being. However, in December 2002, Tony Bennett replaced Beckham and Last Years Losers was born.
During this time, the band produced and recorded a four-song demo entitled Losing Hope and Loving It, which they distributed with their unique marketing campaign of fortune cookies, conversation hearts, and bumper stickers. As their stage act developed, LYL began generating an obvious buzz amidst local venues and promoters. However, just as they were building momentum, Tony decided to focus his energies on another musical venture and left the band in December 2003.
Fortunately, Tony’s departure allowed the band to recruit one of Denver’s most impressive guitarists and a valuable addition to the band: Chris “Max” Yakacki. Chris explains, “I joined because these guys were more sick and perverted than me. I realized that I had a lot to learn.” With Chris on lead guitar, the band honed a sound they refer to as Evo-Punk: a seamless blend of punk riffs, pop melodies and rock solos that convey intense experiences through powerful and at times playful lyrics. With songs tackling anything from people who have unrealistic expectations about their perfect mate to songs about girls who want songs written about them, LYL has fused the power of their experiences into emotive verses and compelling compositions. “Our music is spiffy because it makes people happy with who they are because they’re not us,” laughs Brandon.
Recently, LYL has recorded their Lack of Interest EP at Globalsound Studios, which will be available starting May 4, 2004. In the meantime, the band continues to impress audiences throughout the Denver Metro Area with their fresh and inventive tunes. “The group finally feels right the way it is now,” Chad says, “Next stop Lillith Fair.”
Band Members:
Brandon Gishiller Lead Vocals/Rhythmn Guitar. Chad Gilbert Bass. Jason Reale Drums. Chris “Max” Yakacki Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals.
