Kill Hannah

 

What did you do the first time a teen crush broke your heart?
Mat Devine formed a band, bent on romantic revenge, and named it Kill Hannah.
Years later, the hurt is gone, but the name and now famous ‘sniper heart’ logo have become
a permanent part of modern alt-rock iconography.
Starting in the late 90′s with a dream to become “an edgier, American version of The
Cure”, frontman Devine led his band through years of “paying dues the hard way”, before
finally conquering their hometown of Chicago, and going on to navigate a treacherous
industry through a relentless worldwide touring schedule, two major label releases, and
more than a few VH1 Behind the Music moments. Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins)
once stated, “Kill Hannah is the future of Chicago Rock”, and on the band’s third and latest
LP, WAKE UP THE SLEEPERS (OSR / Universal Motown), Kill Hannah have lived up
to the praise by delivering their deepest and most thought-provoking collection of songs to
date.
Those familiar with Kill Hannah’s previous work on Atlantic Records-including 2003’s
For Never And Ever and 2006’s Until There’s Nothing Left Of Us (Featuring breakthrough
single “Kennedy”, and Top 40 radio favorite “Lips Like Morphine”, respectively) will
no doubt recognize the band on WAKE UP THE SLEEPERS, but will also appreciate the
musical evolution the band’s undergone the last three years. As Kill Hannah introduces
their third album to their stalwart fans, they are keeping a determined eye focused on new
converts.
With tracks like the grimy club scene- inspired first single “New York City Speed“, the
arena rock ready anthem “Strobe Lights”, and the brilliant, format defying “Why I Have
My Grandma’s Sad Eyes”, the album pushes the listener into every emotional corner
imaginable, not coming up for air until the final, eloquent album closer “Promise Me”. As
if there were any doubts, the band’s across the board eccentricity also comes to light vividly
with the list of guest appearances on the collection. Featuring vocal contributions from
The Dresden Dolls’ Amanda Palmer, Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden,The Birthday
Massacre’s Chibi, and even the Chicago Children’s Choir, the songs take on an air of
uniqueness and originality that is sorely missed in recent rock releases.
The title itself, “WAKE UP THE SLEEPERS“, is a rallying cry from the band to its
fans, old, new, and future. A statement to the old guard, that it’s time to reinvent a once
glorious industry that has, sadly, lost its way. Devine explains, “Our mantra for this album
is ‘Evolve or Die.’ The old model is obsolete, because the labels have become so out of
touch with the fans.” This isn’t a product; this is a battle plan for future musicians, to put
artistic vision first. Always. “I have to believe there will be a new ‘golden era’ for the
music industry, and I need for us to be a part of it.”
It’s obvious that despite its commercial appeal, this is not a collection of songs simply
churned out to appease the industry bean counters, but rather a collection of personal hopes
and dreams. Kill Hannah is a band that has endured death, line up changes, highly
publicized bus fires and gear thefts, among other trials and tribulations that have left lesser
bands running back to their hometowns, shattered.
Kill Hannah’s live show (complete with trademark laser-lit instruments) is yet another
element that never fails to connect with audiences worldwide. The band has been on a
rigorous touring schedule since the early part of the decade, forming alliances with bands
like 30 Seconds to Mars, My Chemical Romance, Jet, Chevelle, Papa Roach, AFI,
Shiny Toy Guns, H.I.M. , and She Wants Revenge, along with numerous late-night
television talk show and radio festival appearances, including the infamous Download
Festival in Europe. Their international appeal only solidifies their status as true visionaries,
despite the current trends, a fact which earned Kill Hannah a nomination for “Best
International Newcomer” at the 2008 Kerrang! Awards.
Since its inception, Devine, guitarist Dan Wiese, bassist Greg Corner, and drummer Elias
Mallin have provided the soundtrack for thousands of like-minded “Nu Romantics” who
wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Kill Hannah fans, known worldwide as the KILL HANNAH KOLLECTIVE (KHK) are an
unmistakable community. They proudly proclaim their allegiance, often imitating the
band’s style and Devine’s signature war paint, wearing creatively homemade KH
merchandise, and bringing artwork to the shows. Thousands have made the ultimate
commitment by getting tattoos of one of the vast array of KH branded tattoos, including
their ‘sniper heart‘, ‘military butterfly‘, and ‘medical cross‘ logos.
Kill Hannah returns the favor by immersing themselves in the culture that has taken root
around them including Devine’s wildly popular Raccoon Society blog (on FUSE.TV) and
Corner’s trendsetting electro DJ outfit Dark Wave Disco.
In addition, the band hosts an annual “New Heart For Xmas” holiday weekend in Chicago.
This event involves multiple shows, venues and activities around the Chicago area, so
notorious in fact that fans travel from all over the world to take their place in the Kill
Hannah armada, seven years running.

 

http://killhannah.com/