The Band Hennessy
Houston, Texas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2010 | SELF
Music
Press
The Band Hennessy started life as a cover band, churning out familiar pop and rock tunes that were easy to sing along with and remember. The gigs brought in the money, but ultimately, they weren't satisfying.
Last year, the Houston-area band began tinkering with original material. It's debut single, "I've Been Broken Before," was well-received. A new tune, "Cyanide," featuring vocalists Ashley Hennessy and Heather Miller, has just been released. It's a polished, rootsy song fit for the summer.
Hennessy and crew play their biggest show to date Saturday at Bayou Music Center. Here's what she had to say about her band and their new direction.
Q: What are the challenges of transitioning from a cover band to originals?
A: It's a lot easier just mimicking someone else's version of a song. But we didn't want complacency in our sound. It takes more work, more hours discovering your own sound. Your marketing changes, your commitment to becoming unique in this industry becomes a full-time job, and you sacrifice those high-paying gigs for some that you do for little pay just to get the exposure. You're also subject to more criticism because you aren't singing songs that people recognize.
Q: The band plays a lot of gigs outside the central Houston area. How has it helped?
A: It's how we built our core following. It's great playing close to home or having a shorter drive after playing a four-hour show, but you don't grow your fan base and outreach by saturating the same markets, which is why we're now trying to play all over the place.
Q: What do you think unifies the lineup and makes it work?
A: We are all best friends. We truly are family. We make time for dinners and outings. Everyone rounds each other out really well. I think the fact that we all draw inspiration from different genres and eras of music helps create our sound.
The Band Hennessy
With: Ty Herndon, Scooter Brown Band, Curtis Braly
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas
Tickets: $25-$60; 713-230-1600 or livenation.com
RELATED: Pop group Stamps sings about Cypress roots
Q: What's the story behind "Cyanide"?
A: The song is about a toxic relationship and ultimately becoming stronger because of it. You realize you don't need that person anymore, that their empty apologies mean nothing and how they become a parasite. There is a plot twist at the end of the song, and I can't wait for people to hear it.
Q: Is a full-length album on the horizon?
A: We will be finishing up the complete album in Nashville with Ken Royster of Direct Image Studios and mapping out a tour for 2016. We're also working radio promotions for "Cyanide." I promise, you will be seeing a lot more of the Band Hennessy. - Houston Chronicle
"Cyanide"
The co-ed rock outfit's upcoming single, due July 28, has radio appeal. - Houston Chronicle
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Nashville Recording Artists, The Band Hennessy is a Texas
alternative rock band and that brings a powerhouse original
sound and performance. They’ve opened for numerous
chart-topping bands such as Dead Sara, Hinder and Framing
Hanley, Headlined the 94.5 Texas Buzz show and just recently
performed at The Bayou Music Center in Houston, Texas.
In July 2015 they released their second single, “Cyanide” , on
iTunes and numerous other music outlets.
The Band Hennessy has already developed a substantial local
and state-wide following.
The Band Hennessy also offers an ACOUSTIC SHOW version of the band for smaller venues.
Lead Vocalist, Ashley Hennessy, joined forces with Christian Weigand and Chris Piper in 2010.
They quickly cultivated their own original sound of Alternative Rock music, with a heavy, driving
bass line, resonating lead guitar, and intricate drum patterns.. in which each member’s influences
played a major part. Ashley quickly built a name for herself within the Houston, TX area by
competing in multiple singing competitions, such as Houston Pride Superstar and Bay Area
Houston Idol… in which she earned the titles of in 2011 and 2014. Her musical influences are
broad: Michael Jackson, Queen, Journey, Melissa Etheridge, Amy Winehouse, and her
personal favorite… Elvis “The King” Presley.
Lead Vocalist, Heather Miller, recently crowned Bay Area Houston Idol
2015, has been a staple in the Houston music scene for over 10 years.
With her unique vocals, intense and commanding stage presence, and
looks that could kill… she brought a breath of fresh air when she joined
The Band Hennessy in 2014. She captured the hearts of many when
she was heard singing “Me & Bobby McGee” at an acoustic show in their
hometown, and she has been a force to reckon with from day one. She
credits her musical influences to Amy Lee of Evanescence, Jewel, Heart,
Michael Jackson, and Reba McIntyre. Once you see your first live show,
you will understand why many are captivated by these two powerful
front-women. Their chemistry while performing on stage only showcases their distinctive sound
further when their harmonies fuse together… showcasing one of the only bands today that
feature two leading ladies.
Lead singer and guitar player, Christian Weigand has lead and
contributed to numerous blues and funk bands in the Houston area
since the early nineties. Born and raised in Houston, Christian has
been a regular fixture on the local music scene for roughly 20 years.
He has performed in such groups as “New Relics”, “Nightwatch”,
“One Accord”, “Brotherhood” as well as the award-winning
groups, “Rumblefish” and “Pearl Murray” and has shared a
stage with the likes of Randy Travis and Joe James. He is an
accomplished funk-blues guitar-player, regularly playing with
Ezra Charles and the Works as a back-up guitarist since 2004.
Chris Piper has grown up
around music. His father was a DJ at
a classic rock station before the rock was classic.
His mother taught music for more than a decade.
His sister is a classically trained opera singer. His
brother is an accomplished bass player. Cutting
his chops on the likes of Led Zepplin, Cream, and
other blues progressives, Piper began playing on
a stripped-down kit in the shed behind his house
at the age of ten. From there, he moved on stage
with a series of bands, playing everything from country to jazz. Piper’s strong grooves
compliment driving kick patterns that create a funk-fusion foundation for the band Rockit Bayou.
His influences include John Bonham, Ginger Baker, Bernard Purdie and Clyde Stubblefield.
The Band Hennessy has a large fan base in the Houston area and are in constant demand for private shows, corporate shows,and rock venues.
Band Members
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