Simply Slang is an American
hard rock
Hard rock or heavy rock is a heavier subgenre of rock music typified by aggressive vocals and Distortion (music), distorted electric guitars. Hard rock began in the mid-1960s with the Garage rock, garage, Psychedelic rock, psychedelic and blues ...
quartet, founded in 2002, and based in
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
,
Illinois
Illinois ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern United States. It borders on Lake Michigan to its northeast, the Mississippi River to its west, and the Wabash River, Wabash and Ohio River, Ohio rivers to its ...
, United States. Originally known as Deadline, the band later changed its name upon discovering another band using the same name. In 2004, Simply Slang issued its eponymous debut, ''Simply Slang'', through Platinum Realm Entertainment.
Within a short time of its release, Simply Slang began to garner international attention, thanks in part to the band's strategy of offering free downloads of its songs online.
This approach proved highly effective, as two tracks from their debut album, "Live 4 The Weekend" and "Angeline," became top downloads on music websites worldwide. In March 2005, Simply Slang achieved the No. 1 spot on the Heavy Rock Artist chart on MP3.com.au, Australia's leading music platform. Several weeks later, the band also claimed the No. 1 position on the Heavy Rock Album chart on the same website.
Despite these achievements, the band's lack of financial success began to take its toll. Hectic tour schedules, artistic conflicts, substance abuse issues, and ongoing financial struggles became overwhelming for some members. The departures began with guitarist Jeff Novak, and one by one, other musicians followed. By August 2005, frontman Aaron Morales was the only remaining original member. In the weeks that followed, Simply Slang underwent multiple lineup changes before heading into the studio in late 2005 to begin work on their second album, ''Bad Attitude''.
Released on June 23, 2006, ''Bad Attitude'' featured the new lineup, along with a fresh, new, aggressive style. With material ranging from punky rock anthems, to blues-metal sleaze, ''Bad Attitude'' allowed the members of Simply Slang to forge a new chapter in the band's existence.
Simply Slang maintains a cult following among
hard rock
Hard rock or heavy rock is a heavier subgenre of rock music typified by aggressive vocals and Distortion (music), distorted electric guitars. Hard rock began in the mid-1960s with the Garage rock, garage, Psychedelic rock, psychedelic and blues ...
and sleaze/
glam metal
Glam metal (also known as hair metal or pop metal) is a subgenre of heavy metal music, heavy metal that features pop music, pop-influenced Hook (music), hooks and guitar riffs, upbeat arena rock, rock anthems, and slow Sentimental ballad#Powe ...
fans in the United Kingdom, Australia, Scandinavia, Latin America, Spain, and Italy. Despite the band's achievements internationally, Simply Slang did not achieve notable success in the United States.
In 2007, Aaron Morales dissolved the band to pursue his solo career, contributing to Hollywood's Demon Doll Records compilation album, ''Glamnation Vol. 2'', and later releasing an EP called "Independence!" in 2010. Former members Patrick Mulcahy and Jon Schang are currently in progressive rock band
District 97, with ''
American Idol
''American Idol'' is an American Music competition, singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, produced by Fremantle (company), Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, and distributed by Fremantle North America. It a ...
'' Season 6 semi-finalist
Leslie Hunt.
Members
*Aaron Morales - Guitar, Vocals (2002–2007)
*Matt Overbee - Guitar (2005–2007)
*Pat Mulcahy - Bass (2006–2007)
*Jon Schang - Drums (2005–2007)
Discography
*''Simply Slang'' (2004)
*''Bad Attitude'' (2006)
External links
Official WebsiteOfficial MySpace PageHeavy Harmonies page
{{Authority control
2002 establishments in Illinois
2007 disestablishments in Illinois
Glam metal musical groups from Illinois
Hard rock musical groups from Illinois
Musical groups established in 2002
Musical groups disestablished in 2007