mewithoutYou

mewithoutYou is a Philadelphia band that forms in 2001 and is active until 2022. It works in indie rock, post-hardcore, rock and spoken word, and is also associated with Christian music. The group is known for Aaron Weiss’s introspective lyrics and warbling vocal style, alongside prominent bass lines and atmospheric guitar work.

Formation and early line-up

The band begins as a side project. Aaron Weiss, his brother Michael Weiss and Christopher Kleinberg play together in another group, The Operation, before starting mewithoutYou to explore different sounds. Rick Mazzotta joins on drums, and Ray Tadeo joins on bass. The group releases its first EP, I Never Said That I Was Brave, in 2001 and signs to Tooth & Nail Records after a performance at Cornerstone Festival that same year.

An earlier six-song demo EP, Blood Enough For Us All, also exists and is apparently recorded in 2000. Soon after, Ray Tadeo moves on, Daniel Pishock joins on bass, and The Operation disbands.

Albums and development

mewithoutYou’s debut album, A→B: Life, is released in 2002. Its second album, Catch for Us the Foxes, appears in 2004 and brings the band wider attention. Brad Wood produces that record and also the band’s third album, Brother, Sister, which is released in 2006.

In December 2004, Pishock retires as bassist and Greg Jehanian, formerly of The Operation, replaces him. The band’s fourth album, it’s all crazy! it’s all false! it’s all a dream! it’s alright, is produced by Dan Smith of Danielson and released in 2009. Smith also produces the fifth album, Ten Stories, which the band releases independently in 2012. A sixth LP is also part of the group’s recorded output.

Recognition and media

In 2005, mewithoutYou wins mtvU’s Left Field award for most original artist. The band also releases several music videos, including videos for “January 1979” and “Paper Hanger” from Catch for Us the Foxes, “Bullet to Binary” from A→B: Life, “Nice and Blue, Pt. 2” from Brother, Sister, and “The Fox, the Crow and the Cookie” from it’s all crazy! it’s all false! it’s all a dream! it’s alright.

Members

The group includes Aaron Weiss, Michael Weiss, Christopher Kleinberg, Rick Mazzotta, Ray Tadeo, Daniel Pishock, Greg Jehanian, Brandon Beaver and Dominic Angelella.

Labels

mewithoutYou releases music on mewithoutYou Music and Music of mewithoutYou, and its early releases also connect it to Tooth & Nail Records.