Marry Me Jane

New York City, 1993 - Singer/songwriter Amanda Kravat met drummer Richard Pagano. The two found out they were "of like musical minds" and got together to play. They soon recruited bassist Brad Albetta and lap-steel guitarist/harmonica player, Tim Beattie - both from other local bands. Finally, everything came together with the addition of lead guitarist Dan Petty. Much like her lyrics, Kravat was able to take the name of the band from her own life experience. She had just broken up with her boyfriend when she was out running around -upset and crying- thinking her music was going nowhere. She ran smack into a post that had a torn and tattered flyer taped up on it, which read: 'Marry Me Jane, Love Keith'. A light bulb went off in Kravat's mind, thus supplying a great name for what would soon become an awesome band. Their demo tapes caught the attention of Kravat's friend and fellow New Yorker (writer/director) Eric Schaeffer. He wanted to use the band's music to help define the emotion in his Columbia/Tristar release If Lucy Fell, but it almost didn't happen! According to Schaeffer, Tri-Star wanted the soundtrack to be laced with rock and grunge because that's what was "in" at the time. But Eric felt like the band's music was an "epiphany" and needed to be in his film. So he pushed and Tri-Star finally gave in! Because of this (and while If Lucy Fell was in post-production), Sony gave Marry Me Jane a record deal within "five minutes of hearing the demo and seeing a show". While completing and readying the release of their debut, the label released an EP (1995) containing three songs: "Misunderstood", "Positive", and a live cover of David Bowie's "Cracker Actor". Instead of issuing an officially packaged soundtrack, Marry Me Jane's debut album (1996) doubled as the soundtrack and featured all ten songs from If Lucy Fell. The film brought critically-acclaimed attention to the band and they soon found themselves in the spotlight, touring around the US in support of the album, including the Sundance Film Festival for the film's premiere! While on the road, Kravat and the guys wrote many songs; several of which would be used for their sophomore release. Following the success of their debut album (which sold more than 40,000 copies), Sony released Tick in the fall of 1997. With material much bolder lyrics and sounds that rocked harder than their debut, Tick explored the thoughts of suicide, stripping, heartache, scorned love, frightening relationships, words of wisdom, abortion, herion addiction, preteen crushes, and alcoholism. Sometime between the recording and release of Tick, tention grew between band members. Unfortunately, this led to Brad Albetta (bassist) quitting the band. While there were many speculations, signs pointed to managerial differences. He wasn't exactly replaced, as Marry Me Jane went from a five to four piece band. Apparently, he was there for the original press shots and album lay-out. It was only after he left that everything was redone to adjust the band to its new size. Kevin Augunas was brought in for finishing touches and for touring purposes. Despite heavy touring in support of the new album and opening up for Aerosmith's 'Nine Lives Tour', Tick received bad reviews and poor record sales. Lack of promotion on Sony's behalf delivered only two songs ("Superman" & "Might As Well Be Mine") to limited-air on radio stations, with no commercial singles. 'Tick' was eventually considered a bomb, prompting Sony to drop the alternative/pop act from its label. With tention continuing to linger among bandmates, their relationship was stressed. It was then Amanda and the guys decided to call it quits. In 1999, Marry Me Jane officially disbanded.