Welbilt

Welbilt formed in April 2002 in Fairfax, Virginia, when four young musicians from different bands decided to stop crossing paths and get on the same one. Welbilt originally consisted of Nate Ihara, guitar and lead vocals; Buddy Speir, guitar and backup vocals; Bill Ledbetter, drums; and Nick Briscoe, bass. In 2006 Nick and Bill Ledbetter parted ways with the band and was replaced with Matt Waller, bass and backup vocals and Mike Smirnoff, drums. One month after the formation of Welbilt, Washington, DC radio station DC 101 singled out them out as the most promising independent band in the region on the strength of a self-produced 2002 EP sometimes called "The Blue EP" (Blue) The basement recording was evidence of what DC 101 called a contagious brand of upbeat modern rock, and together with blistering live performances, Welbilt had hooked the radio station. Next: a string of high-profile shows and national awards, a year of touring before an expanding fan base, and recording sessions in Los Angeles with platinum-selling producer Mudrock (Godsmack, Chimaira). The resulting full-length debut, A Beautiful Mess, was released in December 2003 to a big thumbs-up from fans and critics. "Impressive songwriting...convincing vocals...sonically vibrant" raved the Washington Post, saying "Welbilt delivers on its promise." Fans loved the new tunes, instantly accessible yet built to stand up over time. Welbilt spent 2004 touring behind A Beautiful Mess with the support of Budweiser True Music and the fans who make it all possible. In September 2005 the band released their second EP entitled Due To The Current State of Things, containing four brand new tracks including the ever-popular Oxygen. Welbilt continues to play the DC and Virginia areas, especially having become a local favorite and weekly fixture at the Fairfax, VA bar TT Reynolds where the band members originally met. The band has also extended its popularity up and down the east coast, also having become a favorite performer amongst students at the Quadrangle Club at Princeton University in New Jersey. In Spring 2007 they opened there for Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish. They played their last show at Quadrangle Club on January 15, 2008. While the band has technically broken up, they still have a few shows planned for January 2008. The band would like to send their love and gratitude and a heartfelt bear hug to each and every fan and supporter as they continue on their successful journey.