Tickertape Parade (band)

Tickertape Parade was formed in June 2002 after Aaron Wendt recorded a few demos, and then recruited his friend Jesse Everhart to play guitar.[1] The band would thereafter be completed when Sean McCall joined on drums and Topher on bass[1] and Dan Hargest, formerly of Pollen, would join to fill in gaps by playing keys, guitar, and singing backup vocals.[2] By the beginning of 2003, Tickertape parade found itself playing to crowds of 500 or more,[2] opening for acts such as The Ataris, Sugarcult, Jimmy Eat World, The Promise Ring, and touring with The Stereo and The Format.[2]

In 2003, things were looking very positive for Tickertape Parade. That year, the band released an EP titled You're Causing a Scene, on Sunset Alliance which attracted positive reviews. At Adequacy.net, although the reviewer felt that the album lacked in originality, he could not help by note "that these fellas appear to have grander ambitions than the average melodic rock or emo troupe," and that they were truly on the verge of something special.[3] Matt Shimmer at Indieville.com also positively reviewed this record and expressly recommended it to emo lovers.[4] By the end of the year, Tickertape Parade was named Phoenix's Best local band by The Phoenix New Times.[5]

Tickertape Parade gained the addition of Scot McCracken with Lakeside Entertainment as management and Mike McCoy (Fallout Boy, Gym Class Heroes) from Serling Rooks Ferrera McCoy Law Group. Tickertape Parade showcased for a few major record labels, however, could not ink a deal. After 2003, the band released a self-titled LP, featuring Nate Ruess from The Format, on Jim Adkin's (of Jimmy Eat World) short-lived label, Western Tread Recordings.[6] Although the band was being shopped by numerous major and indie labels, the band could not seem to ink a deal, other than a lucrative Australian record deal that fell through. It seems the band's attorney, Mike McCoy (Fueled by Ramen, Fallout Boy), and Managers, Mike G and Scott McCracken (Lakeview Entertainment) seemed to lose interest in the band and jumped ship. Although the band had heavyweights such as Nate Rouse and Jim Adkins helping them succeed, they just could not make it happen. This, however, appears to be the last that anyone would hear from the band. In addition, although they were a top seller, they were essentially "excommunicated" from the Sunset Alliance Catalog, as its original catalog number, ALLY020, has been replaced by two other Sunset Alliance releases, and the label's website makes no mention of the band.[7]

• Tickertape Parade on MySpace (inactive)
• Sunset Alliance Records