HEADBOARD - THE END IS NEAR

Headboard - The End Is Near

 

 In many ways, this is what started it all... 

 

After years of working in the concert promotion industry, Glenn Rubenstein decided to form

his own band, Headboard, in December of 1995 in Petaluma, CA. The group originated as a rap duo, consisting of Glenn Rubenstein, assuming the rap name "G-man," derived from his early 1990s BBS handle, and Jeff Gerstmann,

who went by the moniker "US Pipe," after a sign he had passed weekly on the 880 freeway. The two were joined on-stage by Brendan Ducousso, who went by "Gotti," contributing to the between song banter, commenting on what the duo rapped about.

The group added a live band and began touring around California in July of 1996, connecting musical styles mixed with elements of rap, ska, funk, alternative pop/rock, and punk. Female vocals were added to the group to compliment Gerstmann and Rubenstein's rapping. At one point the band expanded to a total of 11 people–including Christine Alexander of Little Tin Frog (vocals), Josh Gooch (guitar), Nate Meier (drums) and Dominic Davi (bass), who would later go on to form Tsunami Bomb, both of whom played on Headboard's first self-released CD, "Brendan Goes to College." The complete unit started running the California club scene, performing numerous shows and ultimately being the opening band for acts such as Run-D.M.C., Less Than Jake, or Bloodhound Gang. 

In early 1998, the band recorded their second self-released CD. "The End Is Near," leaving behind most traces of ska and funk in their new line-up and sound. Both Ducousso & Gerstmann had left the band the previous year to start their own rap group, the Suburban All-Stars, which featured a musical style more in line with Headboard's origins.  This was also around the time Dominic Davi left the band to start Tsunami Bomb, taking with him Kristin McRory (who had inherited Headboard's female vocal duties only months earlier). McRory became Tsunami Bomb's original female singer. 

Headboard's main breakthrough came during the rise of the MP3 format.  Headboard soon became one of the most requested bands in a series of Internet MP3 websites.   In 1999 Headboard was one of the first acts to achieve popularity on MP3.com where they reached the Top 40.  They also released "Crushing Blows", an EP containing some of their most requested themes.

Headboard's biggest break came in early 2000, when they were asked to appear on the first episode of Universal Music Group's television show Farmclub.com. Headboard performed its song "See You Around" live, followed shortly after Dr. Dre and Eminem's rendition of "Forgot About Dre". They also shared a bill with Xzibit and 98 Degrees. "It's really cool to be a part of something that is giving new and undiscovered talent a break," Drew Lachey of 98 Degrees said. The group performed its hit "I Do (Cherish You)" during the premiere for Farmclub's first episode, which was taped at Universal Studios in Universal City, CA. The show was co-hosted by Matt Pinfield and Ali Landry. Rubenstein said he received a call from the folks at Farmclub.com shortly after uploading his band's music to the site. "And the next thing you know, Matt Pinfield is showing up at my doorstep," the singer said, referring to the former MTV VJ who hosted the show.   The show featured a four-minute segment about Headboard, traveling to

Petaluma, CA and filmed in their hometown to film on-location segments chronicling Headboard's history and Matt Pinfield interviewed extensively with Glenn Rubenstein about the band. "It beats playing your local teen center," Headboard singer Glenn Rubenstein said. "I think going back to playing pizza places and coffee houses may be a little [bit] of a letdown after this." The episode was broadcast on January 31, 2000. This proved to be yet another important event in Headboard's career. 

 

Headboard's third CD, "Nothing is Static" was released in late 2000 on MDFL Records and Headboard's final show was on February 21, 2002, in Vacaville, CA.

Jeff Gerstmann continues with the Suburban All-Stars and his most recent project, Midnight Brown, in addition to writing for the popular video games website GameSpot (alongside former Headboard drummer Alex Navarro). In 2003, former bassist Dominic Davi launched his band, Love Equals Death.

The 90's brought out bands like Sublime, Deftones and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.  Coming from that same era and mindset, Headboard proves both unique and still very, very a product of the 90's. This album will either take you back to the 90's or give you a little sample of how music was done in that decade if you're new to discovering the 90s' genre of music.  There isn't a weak track on this album; it's a party from start to finish, so if you like what you've heard, it's a good bet you'll like the whole album.

 

Discography

* Zip! Plop! EP (1995)
* Stalkerz4Life (1996)
* Brendan Goes to College (1996)
* Happy Donuts (1997)
* The End Is Near (1997)
* Grab Bag EP (1998)
* Crushing Blows EP (1999)
* Nothing is Static (2000)
* (We Are) The Same EP (2002)

Headboard reunion live at Nostalgia Fest 2012 held at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, CA.   

 

Five local artists to watch (excerpt from The Bohemian)

By Patrick Sullivan 

Aug 19, 1999

Headboard
Pop Band

ANYBODY WHO thinks the Unabomber had a point about computer technology will not find a receptive audience in the members of Headboard.

Founded in 1994, the Petaluma-based pop/rap/ska band--which counts everyone from the Beach boys to Public Enemy among its influences--has engaged in serious flirtations with major label success at least twice in its tumultuous history. But now, the five-member outfit is riding to national exposure on the cresting wave of MP3 online music technology, which permits Internet users to download music to their computer.

According to Headboard's Glen Rubinstein, the band regularly places in MP3's top 40 lists and has had over a million downloads of their music since they first went online last December. That kind of exposure allowed the band to take a summer break from its usual heavy-duty touring schedule (the musicians played 150 shows last year). Instead of driving across the country, Headboard has been at Grizzly Studios in Petaluma recording a single for a small European label.

But the MP3 exposure does more than sell music: it also puts Headboard's name in the mouths of recording industry executives.

Headboard begins playing live shows again this fall, and the 23-year-old Rubenstein thinks a major label deal may again be in the works when they play a showcase gig next month at L.A.'s notorious Viper Room. Still, grim experience has taught Rubenstein not to pin his hopes on the mercurial music industry.

"That's not my primary goal--to get a record deal," he says. "If it happens, that's a thrill. If not, we know what we're doing." 

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• "5.0 out of 5 stars All the best of the 90's West Coast scene." -- Some Human
• "Solid effort from a constantly evolving alternative ensemble.  Headboard is an alternative music group from Petaluma. Formed in 1995, they've played 250 shows in and around California, including many shows within Sonoma County. Mixing male and female vocals, pop-rock harmonies and rap, and moody, introspective lyrics with upbeat tunes....most of the songs are so catchy and easy to listen to that you'll be pleased with the contrast of sounds. You can't help but tap your feet and bob your head to the beats... The key to Headboard is the balance between female vocalist Christine Alexander and Rubenstein. Rubenstein provides a rougher tone, while Alexander has a smoother, more refined sound. Alexander sings some absolutely beautiful melodies in the choruses. Most surprising, though, is how well their voices both blend into the Josh Gooch's guitar riffs and Nate Weiner's drum beats. If you're tired of bands who make one hit single and reproduce it as 12 different songs on their album (honestly, has Korn made more than 3 different songs?), then Headboard is the band for you. They provide a very fresh, energized sound and that will keep you interested from the beginning to the end of this album." -- Derek Slater
• "Headboard can flow!  I first found Headboard on MP3.com. There song "See You Around"...was at the top of the charts and I checked them out. The sound is kind of a softened Zebrahead with some two part harmony and it works well!" -- B. Loeb
• "Very good!  I like this musician's voice.  And, I like painful melody and melody that becomes energetic.  I want you to listen from a lot of people." -- Miu

Headboard ‎– The End Is Near
Label:  Pork N Beans Records ‎– PNB005CD
Format:  CD, Album
Country:  US
Released:  1998
Genre:  Hip Hop, Rock, Reggae, Pop
Style:  Alternative Rock

Tracklist

1.  Everybody Wants Something
2.  The Beginning Of The End
3.  Just Tell Me How
4.  Whatcha Gonna Do Now?
5.  Do Not Disturb (No Moleste)
6.  Addiction
7.  Things Could Be Better
8.  Summer Love
9.  See You Around
10.  Here With You
11.  Hold On
12.  The End Is Near

          Exclusive Bonus Track

13.  Whatcha Gonna Do Now? (Acoustic)

The acoustic version of Whatcha Gonna Do Now. (Previously unreleased)

Credits

    Bass – Dominic Davi
    Drums – Alex Navarro (3)
    Guitar – Ryan Lynch
    Lead Vocals, Producer – Glenn Rubenstein
    Trombone – Joe Ferraro
    Vocals – Christine Alexander, Kristin McRory, Robert Conklin