Liars Academy Is a rock band from Baltimore, Maryland, formed in 2000.[1] They have released their material on Equal Vision Records and Goodwill Records. The band has included members/former members of Cross My Heart, Dead Red Sea, Daybreak, and Strike Anywhere.[2][3]
Liars Academy | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Genres | Emo, post-hardcore, alternative rock |
| Years active | 2000–2007, 2023–present |
| Labels | Equal Vision, Goodwill |
| Past members |
|
History
Liars Academy was formed by ex-Cross My Heart guitarist/songwriter Ryan Shelkett and Strike Anywhere guitarist Matt Smith. The duo recruited drum veteran Evan Tanner (Cross My Heart Pee-Tanks, Hidden Hand) to play drums and began playing shows in 2001. Due to Smith's prior commitments to Strike Anywhere, and Liars Academy's busy tour schedule, Matt was unable to be a full-time member of the band. At this point Chris Camden (Former Cross My Heart bassist and Daybreak guitarist) was recruited to play bass on tour.[4] Things came together on that tour and Camden became a full-time member of Liars Academy at this point. Matt Smith, in turn, moved to Lead Guitar and the four-piece line-up took shape for Liars Academy leading to the next phase in their development as a band. Having releasing the album No News Is Good News in 2001. The band made two records as this line-up, 2002's Trading My Life EP and 2004's Demons LP.[5] The band members were dealt a blow when their equipment was stolen, forcing them to cancel the remainder of their tour.[6] A donation from the Music Cares foundation allowed them to start touring again, but they had lost the momentum they had built since the album's release.[6] Matt Smith wasn't able to juggle duties between Liars Academy and Strike Anywhere due to the rise in popularity of the latter band, and Fred Fritz replaced him.[7] Tanner left in the fall of 2004, with Eric Fauver (also formerly of Daybreak) replacing him on drums.[4] After a year of playing as this line-up, Liars Academy split up in May 2005.[6]
A slightly modified version of Liars Academy continued to perform under the name Midnight Revival.[6] The group consisted of Ryan Shelkett, Fred Fritz, Eric Fauver and Nick Barkley (ex-Fairweather, ex-Olympia) on bass. Chris Camden spent time playing bass in Firebird Band during this time. In late 2006 they decided to restart Liars Academy, and appeared as a five-piece with the addition of Bryan Elliott as an additional guitarist, but the reunion was brief. This line up, however, recorded two songs for a 7-inch on Goodwill which came out in 2007.[6]
In December 2012, Liars Academy reunited for one show with Strike Anywhere at The Ottobar, Baltimore for former roadie Tony Pence's 40th Birthday Celebration.[8]
Drummer Eric Fauver died on June 2, 2015.[9]
Post Liars Academy Projects
Evan Tanner is currently the drummer of War on Women.[10] Eric Fauver was the drummer of Beasts Of No Nation, and Final Conflict,[4] as well as the bassist of Iron Cross before his death in 2015. Ryan Shelkett formed Desert Boys following the hiatus of Liars Academy.[11] He is currently performing as a solo artist. Matt Smith is currently the guitarist of Senses Fail and Strike Anywhere.[12][13]
Former members
- Ryan Shelkett- Vocals, Guitar
- Chris Camden - Bass, Vocals
- Fred Fritz - Guitar, Vocals
- Matt Smith - Guitar, Vocals
- Evan Tanner - Drums (deceased)
- Bryan Elliott - Guitar, Vocals (deceased)
- Eric Fauver - Drums (deceased)
Discography
EPs
- Trading My Life CD EP (2002), Equal Vision
- Run For Cover 7-inch EP (2007), Goodwill
Albums
- No News is Good News (2001), Equal Vision
- Demons (2004), Equal Vision
- Ghosts (2023), Steadfast Records