Gothic Theatre
The Shape
David Brown-Bass
Nathan Fortenberry-Guitar
Stephen Gaskell- Guitar/Vocals
Travis Kammeyer-Drums/Vocals
Biography:
After taking part in several years of playing with many defunct local bands, the members of The Shape have joined together with a whole new outlook on music and where they are willing to take it. The group formed in Johnson City, TN in August 2002 in an effort to take a more serious and career oriented approach toward the music the members had been playing for so many years. The Shape immediately spent long days and nights working on material to use for demo purposes. The result was a highly rock driven sound with dueling vocals between Gaskell and Kammeyer. After long practice sessions and shortly after writting a good amount of songs, the group was ready to start playing to a crowd.
The Shape started out with every intention of touring, so the guys did just that. The band began booking for a week long stint across the midwest less than two months after coming together. The week proved to be everything that was expected of it and more, and soon after, the group took on the responsibility of becoming a full time touring band. Three days after the first trip, the band started booking for a winter tour which evolved into six successful weeks across the eastern and midwestern United States, as well as several dates in southern California performing with national acts such as Over It, The Remedy Session, Mock Orange, Benton Falls and more.
In March 2003, The Shape recorded its debut full length album entitled “Breakin in’ the Schoolhouse” with Roger Camero (No Motiv/Hymn for Her) and released it in May on southern CA indie label Missing Words Records. The record immediately started selling copies as well as gaining some good exposure and impressive reviews. Following the release of the album, the band decided to relocate to Iowa as a means of cheaper living and more time spent as a unit working on new material and constantly booking for another tour. The Shape ventured out in late June 2003 on a summer tour, only this time joined by Ben Driscoll of All Rattle and Dust (Eyeball Records). The end of the tour brought the death of the 15 passenger van the group had become so fond of touring in. It also brought the replacement of first guitarist Adam Boelts, who decided to stay in Iowa and pursue a family, while the rest of the band moved back to TN. The Shape took a short break August-November 2003 to save money for a new van, new equipment, and search for a new guitarist. December brought another tour with friend Tyler Chen filling in on guitar before finally adding long-time friend Nathan Fortenberry to the lineup. And yet again…another deceased van.
The Shape currently resides in Knoxville, TN and are writing new material for their next album to be released on a label yet to be determined. The band is also preparing for a two-month long national tour with many more to follow. If there are roads to travel and shows to be played, you might want to keep your eyes peeled. The Shape will most likely be there.
