B-Side Diaries were an emo pop band from Philadelphia, active in the early 2000s. The band's Bandcamp page appends 'the' while the original demo I have does not, but according to the band's drummer, Mike, they were just B-Side Diaries. It's difficult to find any online material because the band's vocalist wrote a YA novel which uses the same name as the band; however, according to Mike the band was inspired by "bands like Jawbreaker, Lifetime, Jets to Brazil, Kid Dynamite, Get Up Kids, Hot Water Music, Alkaline Trio, Saves The Day." While their first demo has the most in common with pre-Something To Write Home About The Get Up Kids, the other influences are more apparent on their second demo.
The band's first release is the 2001 demo EP The Search for Megan Gelkes. Though released in 2001, this is emotive late 90s-style emo pop punk and it has little to nothing in common with the emo pop wave that was swelling up at the time. Album highlight 'Grayhound to Rabbit' could have been on Four Minute Mile. In 2002, the band would record a second demo, Still Searching…, which features a more aggressive vocal and musical style, still emo pop but displaying much more influence from melodic hardcore and midwest emo. Following the band's end, two of its members would join Late Night Television, while the other two formed My Morning Radio.
We were called “B-Side Diaries” without the “the”. You are correct that the secret song is called “Andrea Gale.” The guys in the band had written and performed that song in their previous band (I forget what it was called) before I joined (I was the drummer). We used to play that one live and played it during rehearsals sometimes, but it wasn’t one of our favorite songs. We had a little extra time in the studio, so we recorded that one “live” with minimal overdubs (just the piano and female back up vocals, performed by Morgan’s girlfriend). We also recorded a second demo, but we just recorded it in a friend’s basement versus a real studio, so the sound quality isn’t as good, although I think the songs are better. I’d be happy to give you a copy of that demo and tell you more stories if you want. I’m honored that there is still interest in our band. We put our hearts and souls into it, and I really miss those times.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for reaching out! I'd love to hear that second demo, and will gladly and it and any additional information you want to the post. You can get in touch with me directly at anywayivebeenthere@gmail.com
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