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Artist
Keeping Ellis
12+ albums
about
Keeping Ellis was formed in February 1999 as Ellis. The founding members of this rock/alternative band from San Jose, California, were guitarist and vocalist Chris Smead, bassist Jim Trujillo, and drummer Damien Wendel. After five months, guitarist Rob Monroe joined the team. After some months of writing and playing shows, they started recording a 5 song demo. Piano and keyboard player Erik Mommsen was hired and added a complete new sound to the band. Drive-Thru Records and MCA Records were impressed by the demo disc and a record deal was signed. Since there already was another artist called Ellis, the band was adviced to change its name. "Keeping Ellis" was born. They recorded a 10 song demo disc for Drive-Thru Records but label and band parted ways just a few months later. The CD remains unreleased. Additionally, Eric Mommsen decided to leave the band again. Nevertheless, Keeping Ellis started touring intensively and recorded brand new songs. They released a 3-way split together with Sloe and Fighting Jacks. A 2-track single CD with the songs "Loss Of A Ruler" and "Subconscious Isn't Safe" followed. Work on the first album also began. Shortly after the release of a 3-song sampler, the band officially announced its split in November 2002. A few rough mixes from the unfinished album exist. All members are now involved in new projects. Chris Smead founded an indie rock band similar to the style of Keeping Ellis called toNavigate, and later went on to play in metabear. Rob Monr