Draft:Bitter Kids

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Bitter Kids
OriginSt. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Years active2013–2016
Labels
  • Maxtreme Records
  • Square Records
Past members
  • JD Meeboer
  • David Vukovich
  • Damian Birdsey
  • Chase Donoghue
  • Keegan Beach
  • Jeff Hurst
Websitehttps://bitterkids.bandcamp.com/

Bitter Kids was a Canadian post hardcore band from St. Catharines, Ontario. The band formed in 2013 and ended in 2016. The original line-up consisted of vocalist JD Meeboer, lead guitarist Keegan Beach, bassist Jeff Hurst, rhythm guitarist Damian Birdsey and drummer Chase Donoghue.

In April 2015, David Vukovich took over lead vocals following the departure of JD Meeboer. They played a final farewell show in May 2016, where Meeboer returned to the group to resume his role as the lead vocalist.

Alternative Press magazine named them as, "100 Bands You Need To Know".[1]

Origins[edit]

Prior to the formation of Bitter Kids, lead vocalist JD Meeboer, was a contestant on the fourth season of the Canadian YTV television series, The Next Star.[2] He was also in the band Shout For Serenity in 2012 with David Vukovich who later joined Bitter Kids in 2014.[3] Guitarist Damian Birdsey played mandolin in folk bands around St. Catharines, while Keegan Beach played guitar for a pop punk band in the same area before the band split due to his bandmates leaving for college.[4] Birdsey and Beach, were also in a band called ARIA in 2012, where Beach played bass.[4] In addition, Beach was also in a band called All These Lights.[5]

History[edit]

Bitter Kids formed in 2013 in St. Catharines, Ontario. Founded by guitarist Damian Birdsey and lead vocalist JD Meeboer, they formed the band while they were both in separate groups. When their old bands had broken up, they immediately called each other up and started jamming together.[6] Drummer Chase Donoghue, who had just started high school, joined after auditioning for the band. According to Birdsey, former bassist Jeff Hurst thought of the name "Bitter Kids" which Meeboer stated, refers to how they "wanted to do instead of what other people said and how everyone tries to mold you to be this person."[6] Birdsey also added how they were "sick of being told" of how to live their lives to be successful.[7] Hurst stated that the band was originally created "just for fun."[8]

The group released their first single, "Voices" on May 16, 2013.[9] The song was serviced to radio on June 12.[10] On January 16, 2014, they premiered a live music video for their second single, "Monster House".[11] The single was released digitally the following day on the music streaming service, Bandcamp.[12] They released their debut EP Monster House on February 16, 2014.[13] Hurst explained that the Monster House EP is about anixety and overcoming it.[8] Their third single, "All of This" was released on May 27, along with its music video.[14] Around this time, the band saw its first line-up change where guitarist Keegan Beach left the group but retained writing credits for the EP.[15] In June 2014, the group performed at the Scene Music Festival in St. Catharines.[14] That same month, the band started writing new songs with Martin Broda of Abandon All Ships.[16] "The Next Life" was released as the fourth single from the EP and had its music video released on July 24. The video was filmed during their set at the Scene Music Festival.[17] By mid-2014, the group saw another line-up change with Hurst departing the band and David Vukovich replacing him on bass.[18]

The band toured with SayWeCanFly in the fall of 2014.[19] On November 10, 2014, the band performed with Nick Santino, This Century, Brian Marquis and Austin Gibbs in Toronto.[20] In December 2014, the band released another single titled, "Painted Pictures" featuring vocalist of Woe, Is Me and Issues, Michael Bohn.[21] The band collaborated with Braden Barrie of SayWeCanFly for their reimagined version of "All of This".[22] On February 11, 2015, the group re-released their debut EP, Monster House, containing two additional tracks, "Painted Pictures" and "All of This (Reimagined)".[23] Physical copies were sold exclusively in Japan via Maxtreme Records.[24] The band embarked on an Ontario and Quebec tour with Something You Whisper in the winter of 2015.[25]

In April 2015, the band announced that Meeboer parted ways with the group on good terms. The band also stated that Vukovich would take over on lead vocals and Beach returned to the group as the bassist.[26] The group performed at Canadian Music Week on May 7, 2015, which was their first performance with Vukovich taking over lead vocals.[27] The band toured in the US in May 2015 with The Things They Carried and Aramel Armela on the Melancholia Tour.[28] They performed at Warped Tour in Toronto in July 2015.[29] Monster House was released in Europe in the summer of 2015, via Square Records.[30] The group perfromed at the KOI Music Fest in Kitchener, Ontario in September 2015.[31]

On February 15, 2016, Bitter Kids announced their farewell show via social media. The concert took place on May 13, in St. Catharines at the L3 Nightclub, with the original members returning for the performance.[32] After the disbandment, members Keegan Beach and Damian Birdsey started a new band called lastli in 2017.[33] Jeff Hurst and Chase Donoghue later joined the group in 2022.[34] Hurst also joined the band For Keeps until 2021.[35] David Vukovich performs live on occasions and released a collaborative album, From Us, To You.[36] He also releases music primarily focusing on Christmas songs.[37] JD Meeboer formed a new group called Pressures.[38] Meeboer passed away on May 26, 2021, after an overdose confirmed by his mother via Facebook.[39]

Musical style and influences[edit]

Their music has been described as ambient,[7] pop punk and post-hardcore.[40] The group's lyrics and melodies were influenced from bands such Saosin and Built on Secrets,[13] as well as critics comparing their heavy sound to Issues.[41] According to vocalist and bassist David Vukovich their lyrics are, "very honest and metaphorical," stating that, "anyone can interpret them to any aspect of their life."[42] Guitarist Damian Birdsey noted that despite the band's name, their music "is really positive, because it's about doing what you want to do."[7]

Accolades[edit]

Publication Accolade Year Ref.
Alternative Press 100 Bands You Need To Know 2015 [1]

Members[edit]

Former members

  • JD Meeboer – lead vocals (2013-2015, 2016)
  • David Vukovich – bassist (2014); lead vocals, keyboards (2015-2016)
  • Damian Birdsey – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2013-2016)
  • Chase Donoghue – drums (2013-2016)
  • Keegan Beach – keyboards, lead guitar, backing vocals (2013-2014); bass (2015-2016)
  • Jeff Hurst – bass (2013-2014, 2016)

Timeline[edit]

Discography[edit]

Extended Plays[edit]

List of EPs with selected details
Title Details
Monster House
Track listing
  • 1. "Voices"
  • 2. "The Latest Scene"
  • 3. "All of This"
  • 4. "The Next Life"
  • 5. "Monster House"
Monster House (Re-release)
  • Released: February 11, 2015
  • Label: Maxtreme Records, Square Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
Track listing
  • 1. " Voices"
  • 2. "The Latest Scene"
  • 3. "All of This"
  • 4. "The Next Life"
  • 5. "Monster House"
  • 6. "Painted Pictures" (feat. Michael Bohn)
  • 7. "All of This (Reimagined)" (feat. Braden Barrie)

Singles[edit]

Title Year Album
"Voices" 2013 Monster House EP
"Monster House" 2014
"All of This"
"The Next Life"
"Painted Pictures" (featuring Michael Bohn) Monster House (Re-release)
"All of This (Reimagined)" (featuring Braden Barrie) 2015

Tours[edit]

Co-Headlining[edit]

  • Fall Tour (with SayWeCanFly) (2014)
  • Ontario & Quebec Tour (with Something You Whisper) (2015)
  • The Melancholia Tour (with The Things They Carried and Aramel Armela) (2015)

Festivals[edit]

  • Scene Music Festival (2014)
  • CMW Festival (2015)[43]
  • Warped Tour (Lemon Stage) (2015)
  • KOI Music Fest (2015)

Concert shows[edit]

  • Farewell Show (2016)

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Matt Crane (April 21, 2015). "Bitter Kids cover Panic! At The Disco's "Nine In The Afternoon"". Alternative Press. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  2. ^ Tom Wilkinson (September 1, 2011). "Vineland teen a YTV Next Star finalist". Welland Tribune. Archived from the original on December 5, 2017. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  3. ^ "ShoutForSerenity". YouTube. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  4. ^ a b "A-Tracks Artist Profile: ARIA". The Leader. October 9, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  5. ^ "All These Lights - Band Bio". BigCartel. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  6. ^ a b Griffin Elliot (March 7, 2015). "Bitter Kids talk going with their gut, the new tour, and why they're so bitter". The Scene. Archived from the original on March 9, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c Downey, Ryan J. (2015). "#321 Pierce the Veil". Alternative Press. February 2015 (321). Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Sean Childs (May 3, 2014). "Bitter Kids - Exclusive Interview". Ribbit.tv. Archived from the original on February 20, 2015. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  9. ^ "Bitter Kids release new song". Punx Save the Earth (in Japanese). May 18, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  10. ^ @WeAreBitterKids (June 12, 2013). "Tomorrow our single "Voices" will be played and given a review on the radio station 610AM at 9am and 12pm! If anyone is up then tune in! :)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  11. ^ "Bitter Kids - Monster House (Live Music Video)". YouTube. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  12. ^ "Monster House (Single) - Bitter Kids". Bandcamp. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  13. ^ a b "Features: Newcomers Push Project '36 Bands You Need to Know 2015' Vol. 5". Alternative Press Japan (in Japanese). May 19, 2015. Archived from the original on May 27, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Lizzie Sharpe (May 29, 2014). "New video released by Bitter Kids". canadianbeats.ca. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  15. ^ "Bitter Kids - All Of This (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  16. ^ @WeAreBitterKids (June 16, 2014). "We spent today working on a new song with our dude @martinbroda! Get stoked for this" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  17. ^ Jenna Melanson (July 25, 2014). "New video released by Bitter Kids". canadianbeats.ca. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  18. ^ "Bitter Kids Release New Single, Lyrics Video". The Permanent Rain Press. December 17, 2014. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  19. ^ @WeAreBitterKids (August 28, 2014). "We're stoked to announce this run with @Saywecanfly! We hope to meet as many as you guys at these shows as possible!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  20. ^ @WeAreBitterKids (November 10, 2014). "Toronto tonight at @HardLuckBar with @NickSantino @thiscentury @TheBrianMarquis @Austingibbs!! We play at 7pm. Thanks to @Anchor_Shop :)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  21. ^ Matt Crane (December 10, 2014). "Michael Bohn (Issues) screams on Bitter Kids' intense new single". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on December 25, 2014. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  22. ^ Matt Crane (February 11, 2015). "Bitter Kids team with SayWeCanFly for "All Of This" video". Alternative Press. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  23. ^ "Monster House - Bitter Kids". Oricon. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  24. ^ Sean Childs (February 14, 2015). "Bitter Kids Album Review Monster House Re-Release". Ribbit.tv. Archived from the original on March 5, 2015. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  25. ^ Griffin Elliot (March 7, 2015). "Something You Whisper and Bitter Kids at Leaky B's LaVa Lounge – Live Music Review". The Scene. Archived from the original on March 8, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  26. ^ Steven Farkas (April 21, 2015). "Bitter Kids Part Company With JD Meeboer". The Punk Site. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  27. ^ Melissa Campo (May 7, 2015). "#CanadianMusicWeek Presents Bitter Kids". The Extra Mile. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  28. ^ @WeAreBitterKids (April 23, 2015). "*TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT* We are hitting up the U.S in May! Let us know which dates you'll be attending. See you soon!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  29. ^ Melissa Campo (July 27, 2015). "The best of Toronto 'Vans Warped Tour'". The Extra Mile. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  30. ^ @WeAreBitterKids (April 22, 2015). "HYPED to announce that the Monster House Re-Release will be avail in Europe this summer in stores via Square Records!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  31. ^ Jenna Melanson (September 22, 2015). "Countdown to KOI Music Fest – Q&A with Bitter Kids". canadianbeats.ca. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  32. ^ @WeAreBitterKids (February 15, 2016). "We will be playing one last show. Thank you for everything" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  33. ^ "Canadian Quartet Lastli Keeps In-House For New Video, 'I Hope You're Full From Eating My Mind Up'". PopMatters. May 31, 2018. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  34. ^ "Lastli - About". lastlimusic.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  35. ^ "For Keeps on Spotify". Spotify. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  36. ^ Cheryl Clock (December 13, 2016). "Christmas CD a Gift From Niagara Musicians". PressReader. Welland Tribune. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  37. ^ Steve Henschel (December 7, 2016). "Original album delivers on festive cheer". Niagara This Week. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  38. ^ Michael Major (June 2, 2022). "Pressures Release New Single 'Dark Glow'". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  39. ^ "Dear family and friends, It's with heavy hearts we say goodbye to our son, JD. Many of you know of his battle with mental health and drug addiction. Yesterday he lost that physical battle through an overdose". Facebook. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
  40. ^ Alexia Kapralos (April 29, 2015). "Canadian Music Week Preview: Alexia's Top 5 Playlist". Met Radio. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
  41. ^ Daniella Kohan (April 17, 2015). "Bitter Kids - "Monster House" (Re-Release) [EP] [Album Review]". Pure Grain Audio. Archived from the original on April 20, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  42. ^ Shannon Shumaker (May 19, 2015). "Q&A with David Vukovich of Bitter Kids". Prelude Press. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
  43. ^ Alexia Kapralos (May 5, 2015). "CMW Review: Bitter Kids, First Ghost, We Were Sharks". Met Radio. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
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