House of Heroes

House of Heroes is an American alternative rock band from Columbus, Ohio. They have released six albums: What You Want Is Now (2003), House of Heroes (2005), The End Is Not the End (2008), Suburba (2010), Cold Hard Want (2012), and Colors (2016). The band also released the album Ten Months (2001) under their original name, No Tagbacks, which had more of a punk sound than their releases as House of Heroes. They also re-released their self-titled record under the name of Say No More (2006). The band was last composed of Tim Skipper, Colin Rigsby, A.J. Babcock, Jared Rigsby, and Eric Newcomer.

House of Heroes
House of Heroes performing a capella in Akron, Ohio in 2012. Left to right: Eric Newcomer, Colin Rigsby, Tim Skipper, Matt Lott
Background information
OriginColumbus, Ohio, U.S.
GenresAlternative rock, Christian rock
Years active1998–present
Labels
Members
  • Tim Skipper
  • Colin Rigsby
  • A.J. Babcock
  • Jared Rigsby
  • Eric Newcomer
Past members
WebsiteHouse of Heroes on Twitter

History

Originally a punk group called Plan B, the band began in 1996 at Hilliard Davidson High School in Hilliard, Ohio, composed of Tim Skipper, A.J. Babcock, and Nate Rothacker on drums. In 1998, Colin Rigsby replaced Nate Rothacker on drums and they changed their name to No Tagbacks, then, later, to House of Heroes, changing their punk style in the process. The band recorded early demos at Chris Lundquist's home studio, LundquistAudio, formerly Lunkhead Studio. In 2003, they released their first album What You Want Is Now under the name House of Heroes.[1]

Jared Rigsby replaced A.J. Babcock as the band's live bassist in December 2005, as Babcock had married and focused on a side project with his wife called FlowerDagger. Babcock eventually rejoined the band as the live bassist and Jared Rigsby became an official member as the band's second guitarist. In 2009, Babcock stopped touring for the second time and was replaced by Eric Newcomer as the live bassist. After Babcock rejoined the band once more in 2012 as bassist, Newcomer became an official member as the band's second guitarist, involved in the writing and recording of Cold Hard Want. After only a brief touring stint in early 2012, Babcock stopped touring again and the band recruited Matt Lott (formerly of Wavorly) as touring bassist. Jared Rigsby did not appear in the band's "In The Studio" video for Cold Hard Want,[2] nor is he featured in the band's press shot on the official page for Cold Hard Want.[3]

Colin Rigsby was temporarily replaced by Josh Dun on drums from March through October 2010, as Rigsby felt he needed to spend more time with his family.[4]

The band became inactive in music and on social media in September 2016, which led many to believe that House of Heroes had broken up. However, in December 2018, they played a ten-year anniversary show for their 2008 album The End Is Not the End.[5] Jared Rigsby rejoined the band and played the entire show, and former touring bassist Matt Lott played on a few songs. The band was also joined onstage by Dun, who played drums during the track "God Save the Foolish Kings".[6] The band played another ten-year anniversary show in 2021, this time for Suburba.[7] The album turned eleven years old in 2021, but the planned 2020 show was delayed because of COVID-19. The band's lineup for the show once again included Jared Rigsby, with Matt Lott playing bass for the encore.[8] The band played a third anniversary show for Cold Hard Want in 2022, once again featuring appearances from Lott and Dun.[9]

Influences

According to drummer, Colin Rigsby, some of House of Heroes influences are The Beatles, Queen, Bruce Springsteen, and The Clash. Tim Skipper also said that Muse is a source of influence.[10] In his free time, Rigsby works on art, and has his own website.[11] He is currently working with Jon Schneck of Relient K on a graphic novel titled "En Carne."

Christian music

Though they are sometimes considered to be Christian rock due to their association with Gotee Records, their lyrics are not always transparently Christian. In an interview with Ransom.tv, Tim Skipper discusses their part in Christian music: "We didn't feel drawn to necessarily be in the church and be a praise and worship band, and we didn't feel drawn to just be outside of it. We kind of felt like we should straddle the line, and the big deal was to keep the integrity of the music intact and not to sacrifice any of the artistry."[12]

In another interview, bassist AJ Babcock said, "We never wanted to try to pander to a Christian audience by saying things that necessarily were just kind of, you know, lip service to people. We never want to do that unless it meant something, unless it was in context in a song."[13] In their fifth album, Suburba, they embrace this idea, with songs such as "Salt in the Sea" and "Constant", which both can be seen as songs with Christian ideas.

In the same interview, Skipper summarizes their role by saying "We're Christian people, and we play rock and roll music."[13]

In an April 2016 interview with BadChristian, Skipper revealed that the band never set out to be a Christian band, and their current stance is that the interpretation is up to the listeners. He also stated that not everybody in House of Heroes is presently a Christian.[14]

Albums and EPs

Early releases

Ten Months is the only album released under the name No Tagbacks. It was released by Four Door Entertainment.

House of Heroes released their debut album, What You Want Is Now, in 2003 on Vanishing Point Records, owned by Scott Stilletta, formerly of Plankeye. It includes 13 tracks, two of which were later composed differently and released on their self-titled record. It was recorded in Columbus, Ohio. After the release of this album, the band was signed to Gotee Records by its owner and founder, Toby McKeehan. They now release their albums on that label.

Their first album released under Gotee Records was House of Heroes, released on April 26, 2005, includes 11 tracks. During the same year, the group toured with several other bands such as Relient K, Rufio, and MxPx. The band made a music video around this time for their song "Serial Sleepers"

Say No More, was released on May 2, 2006. A re-release of their self-titled debut album, it includes two bonus tracks: "The Invisible Hook" and "You Are the Judas of the Cheerleading Squad".[15]

In 2008, before the release of their next album, the band launched FreeHOH.com, a website where "In the Valley of the Dying Sun", "Sooner or Later", and "By Your Side" were offered as free downloads. The End Is Not the End was subsequently released on September 23, 2008.

The End Is Not the End is really considered the band's breakthrough album, and most epic so far. It charted on the Billboard Christian Albums chart at No. 19 and No. 9 on Heatseekers Albums. "In the Valley of the Dying Sun" was turned into a music video, and was No. 10 on TVU's Most Wanted of 2008. The video was also nominated for a Dove Award in 2009 for Short Form Music Video. "In The Valley of The Dying Sun" was No. 1 on RadioU's 2008's Most Wanted.

The Acoustic End EP was released on April 7, 2009, and includes the songs: "Ghost", "New Moon", and "If (Acoustic)". The title The Acoustic End EP refers to their album title The End Is Not the End.

House of Heroes Meets the Beatles a three-song EP, referring to the Beatles album Meet the Beatles!, was released on June 9, 2009, features "Can't Buy Me Love", "It Won't Be Long" and "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da".[16] The album artwork of this digital EP is set around the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night.

On November 10, 2009, House of Heroes digitally released a three-song EP, for Christmas including a cover of "All I Want for Christmas Is You", "Silent Night", and "O come, O come, Emmanuel".[17]

Later releases

The band entered Dark Horse Recording Studio on February 1, 2010, to record their fourth full-length album.[18] The album, Suburba, was released on August 3, 2010, by Gotee Records.[19] Their first single is entitled "Elevator" and is currently playing on RadioU. They also released their song "God Save The Foolish Kings" on their Website and YouTube page. A second single, entitled "Constant" is currently playing on Air 1. On June 29, 2010, the band began offering the song "Independence Day for a Petty Thief" as a free download for Twitter users who posted a promotional message about the song.

House of Heroes entered Smoakstack Studios on December 12, 2011, in order to record their fifth album, Cold Hard Want.[20] The band worked with producer Paul Moak, who has produced artists such as Seabird, Lovedrug, and Mat Kearney, after going with producer Mark Lee Townsend for the previous two albums. As of February 22, 2012, the record has been completely recorded and mastered.[21] On their Tumblr page, the band announced that the album would be out in July 2012, and that they would be releasing their first single, "Touch This Light", its music video, and a B-Side called "Dead" on April 24, 2012.[22] The band also put up a teaser page for the album with a 1:41 teaser video which features brand new album art and of one of the album's songs, "Out My Way".[23]

On April 20, 2012, "Touch This Light" began playing on RadioU.

As a contract wrap-up with Gotee Records, House of Heroes released The Knock Down Drag Outs, which is mostly a collection of previously released material. The b-sides include songs from House of Heroes Meet the Beatles and The Acoustic End EP, along with bonus tracks from their prior albums.[24] In addition, the album included three new songs: "Choose Your Blade," "Hide," and "Your Casualty".[25]

In March 2014, House of Heroes teased six song titles from their upcoming EP.[26] Beginning in June, they posted more song teasers on their Facebook and Twitter pages, along with lyrics and promotional photos.[27] On July 18, 2014, the band formally announced the EP, entitled Smoke, with a promotional video of studio footage backed by a clip from a new song, "Infinite". The EP was released August 19, 2014, and is the band's first independent release since 2003's "What You Want Is Now".[28]

On June 1, 2016, they released their sixth album, Colors.

Tours

They toured with tobyMac and Brandon Heath in January and February 2011 on the Winter Wonder Slam tour.[29]

Members

Current

  • Tim Skipper – lead vocals, guitar (1998–present)
  • Colin Rigsby – drums, backing vocals (1998–present)
  • A.J. Babcock – bass guitar, backing vocals (1998–present)
  • Jared Rigsby – bass guitar, guitar, backing vocals (2005–2011, 2018-present)
  • Eric Newcomer – bass guitar, guitar, backing vocals (2009–2011 as live bassist, 2012–present as guitarist)

Former touring musicians

  • Josh Dun – drums, backing vocals (2010)
  • Matt Lott – bass guitar, backing vocals (2012–2014)

Timeline

Discography

Albums
Year Title Label(s) Notes
2003 What You Want Is Now Vanishing Point Records First full-length album
2005 House of Heroes Gotee Records Major label debut album
2008 The End Is Not the End Gotee Records Released as mp3s in 2008, released on CD in 2009
2010 Suburba Gotee Records
2012 Cold Hard Want Gotee Records
2016 Colors BadChristian Music (distribution) Independently crowdfunded in 2014

Other releases
Year Title Label(s) Notes
2001 Ten Months Four Door Entertainment As "No Tagbacks"
2006 Say No More Mono Vs Stereo Re-release of self-titled album
2009 The Acoustic End EP Gotee Records Acoustic versions of "If", "New Moon", and "Ghost".
2009 House of Heroes Meets the Beatles EP Gotee Records Covers of "Can't Buy Me Love", "It Won't Be Long", and "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da"
2009 The Christmas Classics EP Gotee Records Covers of "All I Want For Christmas Is You" (Mariah Carey), "Silent Night" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
2010 The B-Sides Gotee Records Packaged with pre-orders of Suburba
2013 The Knock Down Drag Outs Gotee Records Includes songs from previous EPs, bonus tracks from prior albums, and three new songs: "Choose Your Blade," "Hide," and "Your Casualty"
2014 Smoke Independent EP with six new songs

Independently crowdfunded in 2014

2014 Hark! the House of Heroes Sing Independent EP with covers of "O Holy Night" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/Joy to the World" as well as one new song "Christmas Morning"

Independently crowdfunded in 2014

An early version of the song "You Are the Judas of the Cheerleading Squad", was also featured on a compilation where 25 bands each had one hour to record and mix a song. The album was called 25 Hour Grand Prix.

Singles
  • "Mercedes Baby" (from What You Want Is Now)
  • "Kamikaze Baby" (from What You Want Is Now)
  • "Serial Sleepers" (from House of Heroes and Say No More) – No. 9 on the Radio & Records Christian Rock Chart
  • "Buckets for Bullet Wounds" (from House of Heroes and Say No More) – No. 6 on the Radio & Records Christian Rock Chart
  • "The Invisible Hook" (from Say No More)
  • "In the Valley of the Dying Sun" (from The End Is Not the End) – No. 1 on the Radio & Records Christian Rock Chart; No. 1 on CWR radio chart
  • "Silent Night" (from the digital-only Silent Night single)
  • "Lose Control" (from The End Is Not the End) – No. 2 on the Radio & Records Christian Rock Chart; No. 1 on CWR radio chart"
  • "Code Name: Raven" (from "The End Is Not the End.")
  • "Field of Daggers" (from "The End Is Not the End." Announced on September 3, 2009, on lead singer's, Tim Skipper's Twitter[30])
  • "Elevator" (from Suburba radioU exclusive)
  • "Constant" (from Suburba)
  • "God Save the Foolish Kings" (from Suburba)
  • "Lovesick Zombie" (from the digital-only Lovesick Zombie single)
  • "Touch This Light" (from Cold Hard Want)
  • "Satisfied" (from Smoke EP)
  • "Colors Run" (from COLORS)

Music videos
  • "Ten Months" (2001) as No Tagbacks
  • "Vital Signs" (2001) as No Tagbacks
  • "Mercedes Baby" (2003)
  • "Serial Sleepers" (2005)
  • "In the Valley of the Dying Sun" (2008)
  • "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" (2009)
  • "God Save the Foolish Kings" (2010)
  • "So Far Away" (2011)
  • "Touch This Light" (2012)

Compilation appearances
  • 2004: "Mercedes Baby", The Revolution Will Begin in the Blink of an Eye Vol. 1 (Mono Vs Stereo)
  • 2005: Tim Skipper has been featured in John Reuben's album, "The Boy Vs. the Cynic" on the song "So Glad."
  • 2005: "Serial Sleepers", The Revolution Will Begin in the Blink of An Eye Vol. 2 (Mono Vs Stereo)
  • 2005: "Serial Sleepers", X2005', (BEC)
  • 2006: "The Invisible Hook", X2007 (BEC)
  • 2006: "Day by Day", Freaked! A Gotee Tribute to dcTalk's "Jesus Freak" (Gotee)
  • 2009: Tim Skipper contributed vocals on the songs "Forget and Not Slow Down" and "Sahara" and "Savannah" from Relient K's Forget and Not Slow Down

No Tagbacks

The band was known as "No Tagbacks" before they were House of Heroes.

Members

  • Tim Skipper – lead vocals, guitar
  • AJ Babcock – bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Colin Rigsby – drums, backing vocals

Discography

  • Ten Months (2001)

Music videos

  • "Ten Months" (2001)
  • "Vital Signs" (2001)

References
  1. "House of Heroes, "What You Want Is Now" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved April 7, 2009.
  2. "House of Heroes – In The Studio". YouTube. December 19, 2011. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  3. "House of Heroes – Cold Hard Want". Gotee Records. March 16, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  4. "Colin'S Back!!! And The Suburba (N) Vagabonds Tour Is Coming Soon!!!". Facebook. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
  5. "House of Heroes to Play TEINTE 10 Year Anniversary Show". Indie Vision Music. September 12, 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  6. "Josh Dun joins former band House Of Heroes onstage—UPDATED". Alternative Press. December 29, 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  7. "We're doing it again!". Facebook. May 7, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  8. "We played our album Suburba front to back". Instagram. January 16, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  9. "LETS GOOOO!". Facebook. October 19, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2022.
  10. "House of Heroes – Tim Skipper". Beehave.fr. Archived from the original on September 10, 2011. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
  11. Hard Labor Archived August 26, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  12. "House of Heroes". Youtube.com. December 30, 2010. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  13. "HOH talk Christianity in music". Youtube.com. April 3, 2009. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
  14. "Tim from House of Heroes". BadChristian. April 20, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  15. Josh Taylor (May 1, 2006). "House of Heroes, "Say No More" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved April 7, 2009.
  16. Kaj Roth (March 26, 2009) House Of Heroes Get Set For Release Of Acoustic End Ep Melodic.net
  17. Fallon, Chris (November 12, 2009). "House of Heroes – Christmas Classics, The – EP – Album Review". Archived from the original on February 21, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  18. "House of Heroes". Facebook. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
  19. ""Suburba" Album Teaser No. 1". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
  20. "House of Heroes". Tumblr. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  21. "Interview- Tim Skipper from House of Heroes". RadioU. February 22, 2012. Retrieved February 23, 2012.
  22. "...On The Other Side". Tumblr.com. April 2, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  23. "House of Heroes • Cold Hard Want". Gotee Records. March 16, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2012.
  24. "On The Other Side. | KNOCK-DOWN DRAG-OUTS album and TOUR!!!". Thehouseofheroes.tumblr.com. April 30, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  25. "On The Other Side. | THE KNOCK DOWN DRAG OUTS PRESS RELEASE! AVAILABLE 4/30". Thehouseofheroes.tumblr.com. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  26. "Twitter / houseofheroes". Twitter.com. March 13, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  27. "House of Heroes". facebook.com. June 6, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  28. "House of Heroes – The Smoke EP". facebook.com. July 18, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  29. "Winter Wonder Slam in 2011". TobyMac. November 17, 2010. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
  30. "timhoh (@timhoh) op Twitter". Twitter.com. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
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