Spratch

The End of Spratch
I am very sad to announce the end of Spratch.
It was after the break-up of my last band Skwirmish that I decided to give it another bash and start a new band, a better band, a band that would achieve great things.
I started Spratch in 2004 with an acoustic guitar in my hand. I started writing new songs and soon found two guys that seemed to fit into my plan. Devin Jones and Mike Gillman joined the band. We played our first show at the Armchair Theatre in Nov 2004 and went on to record the bands debut album in June/July 2005. “On the Rise” was comprised of 14 tracks and was independently released in July 2006. More changes came with the CD launch. Due to commitment issues, Devin Jones was replaced by Matthew Keeson (ex-Skwirmish drummer).
The new line up went forth to support the debut release. The band signed a distribution deal, which got “On the Rise” into Look & Listen stores nationwide. The album also became available on iTunes. The single “This Moment” was featured on various compilations and was playlisted by a couple of local campus radio stations.
“On the Rise” received some awesome reviews from both local and international websites and publications. Mike from (wickedrock.co.za) went as far as describing the album as “one of the countries best punk releases ever”.
In Dec 2006 Spratch managed to get a late entry into the Bandit Band Competition. Matt Keeson was selected for the “Combo Band” and won the band R 5 000 worth of studio time.
At this stage I decided that Spratch was lacking something. The band needed another member, another guitarist. The new guitarist came in the form of Mark Allnutt, who joined the band in early 2007. With metal influences, nifty guitar work and songwriting ability, Mark added a whole new dimension to the bands sound.
The new line-up looked promising. In April 2007 Spratch spent 3 days at RockitDog Studios recording two brand new songs – two songs that will never be officially released.
Different dreams, commitments and musical interests have unfortunately caused the band members of Spratch to grow apart. I would like to thank Devin, Mike, Matt and Mark for all their time, commitment and hard work. I would also like to wish them all the best of luck for the future.
Last but not least I would also like to thank my family, friends and fans for all the help and support. Thank you all for continuously believing in me. Without you, this all would not have been possible.
I am not sure what my next musical project will entail, however I do know that I will be making more music in the future. If you would like to stay informed, please join the Positive Mayhem mailing list at http://www.posmay.com
I have decided to make all our songs freely available at loadtheshow.com, where you can download the following:
• Two brand new (2007) unreleased singles “Beginning of the End” and “Live for Today” • All 14 songs off our debut album “On the Rise” • Two unreleased songs off our 2004 demo CD
Here is the direct link: http://www.loadtheshow.com/show/spratch
I have also decided to put up the 4 Skwirmish songs from 2003. If anybody would like to hear what Matt and I did back in the day – It’s some happy pop punk : D
Here is the direct link: http://www.loadtheshow.com/show/skwirmish
(You will need to register as a loadtheshow user in order to download and remember that there are limited free downloads each day, so make sure that you go download some free Spratch songs first thing tomorrow morning.)
If anybody would still like a physical copy of the “On the Rise” album for the pathetic amount of R30, please email me at [email protected]
All the best Sean
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Ah...it is unfortunate to realise that Spratch is no more. But change is inevitable (like death and taxes), and I will never regret the time I have spent and the experiences I have gained from rocking out in this band. It has been really great to get to make rad music and have a crazy hysterical time with my buddies. I won't forget it.
I would just like to thank: Seans parents for putting up with us making noise in their garage twice a week for 3 years, and my family for supporting me; Drew, Jodi, Pascal & Josh for coming to many of our shows, my beautiful girlfriend Elza for coming to all our shows and for always being stoked for the band, everybody else who came to watch and bought the CD (whose names I don't know), and all the people that have helped us along the way, especially Patrick, Paris, Tonia & Carla. Lastly to my awesome band mates: keep it real brothers, rock on, and thanks for all the good times!
– Mike
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The end of Spratch has come. Sad, but perhaps necessary. We havent split up due to fueds between band mates, but it was a decision we came to. I loved playing every second in the band, jamming with great friends and expressing an energy that only could be released through music. I have evolved and changed. I have realised that my musical preference has also evolved over the years and feel like I need to take a new direction. Music is something I continue to hold dear to me and I will definately be starting something new. I have have also decided a career change into the photography industry and will be persuing that with as much energy as I can. As from the musical side I have a few Ideas. I have started writing songs with ex-Aces High drummer Rob Ruhrmund, who is currently overseas and will return late this year or early next year. I will therefore not be drumming but experimenting with vocals and see where it goes. I also might be starting a project with Mike and Mark still playing drums, but the music would be different. To Sean, I thank you for all the effort you have put into everything. If anyone deserves to succeed it is you! I thank his family for generously allowing the band to abuse the garage for hours of endless practising! I thank my band mates for the last couple of years, it has been an awesome ride...but now its time to get on a different ride.
– Matt
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Although it is dissapointing that we are ending, there are always some positives. Spratch has given me the chance to express my self musically and fullfill one of my lifelong dreams: to play Rock infront of a crowd. Furthermore, I'd have never met these 3 awesome guys if it hadn't been for Spratch. Thanks to you 3 (Sean, Mike and Matt) and thank you to all who came to our shows and rocked out!!!
– Mark
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