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Polaris

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Band Timeline

early 1990s

Formation and Creation of Polaris as a One-Off Project

Polaris was formed in the early 1990s as a one-off musical project stemming from the New Haven indie rock band Miracle Legion. The initiative was led by the need for original music for the Nickelodeon television show The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Due to legal disputes involving Miracle Legion's record label, the lead guitarist Ray Neal opted out, leaving frontman Mark Mulcahy, bassist Dave McCaffrey, and drummer Scott Boutier to move forward as Polaris. The band specifically crafted music tailored to the show's unique indie and quirky tone, establishing themselves as the show's "house band." This project marked a distinct venture from their prior band, reflecting a unique blend of alternative rock that would become emblematic of the series.
1993-1996

Polaris' Role in The Adventures of Pete & Pete

Throughout the three seasons of The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Polaris produced twelve original songs integral to the show's identity, including its memorable theme song "Hey Sandy." Members took on nicknames such as "Muggy" (Mulcahy), "Jersey" (Boutier), and "Harris Polaris" (McCaffrey), cultivating an enigmatic presence. Apart from their musical contributions, they appeared in the show's opening credits and featured prominently in specific episodes, such as "A Hard Day's Pete," reflecting their creative synergy with the series. Polaris occasionally incorporated guest contributors, enriching their sound. The music was integral to the series' cult status, strongly influencing its atmosphere and bolstering its appeal among indie rock scenes.
1995

Release of Happily Deranged Cassette Mini-Album

In 1995, Polaris released "Happily Deranged," a cassette mini-album featuring three songs from The Adventures of Pete & Pete, including "Hey Sandy," "Staggering," and "Coronado II." These versions were unique, differing in length and mix from those used later. The cassette also included rare intros and outros voiced by one of the show's characters, enhancing its collectible appeal. Distributed as a promotional tie-in with Frosted Mini Wheats cereal and available primarily by mail through Nickelodeon/Sony Wonder, it highlighted the band's close tie-in to the show and was heavily promoted through Nickelodeon’s SNICK block, further cementing their niche popularity and cult following among young viewers.
1996

Conclusion of The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Aftermath

The Adventures of Pete & Pete was canceled in 1996, marking a turning point for Polaris and Miracle Legion. While the show ended, the music created by Polaris retained a devoted following. Miracle Legion would later produce a final album via Mark Mulcahy's independent label, Mezzotint Records, while the members pursued other projects. The disbandment saw Mulcahy focusing on a solo career, while drummer Scott Boutier and bassist Dave McCaffrey played for Frank Black between 1997 and 2003. Polaris essentially went on hiatus after the show’s cancelation, leaving their unique musical footprint linked largely to the now cult-classic television series.
1999

Release of Music from The Adventures of Pete & Pete Album

In 1999, Mezzotint Records released Music from The Adventures of Pete & Pete, compiling all twelve Polaris tracks originally created for the show. This release was the band's only full album and served to consolidate their musical legacy beyond the TV series. The album gave fans access to the full range of Polaris’ work, preserving their contributions to 1990s indie rock culture and the show's soundtrack appeal. As a standalone album, it highlighted the band’s songwriting craft and solidified their cult status among both music fans and nostalgic audiences of the show.
2012

Polaris Reunion Performance

On August 28, 2012, Polaris reunited for a concert at Cinefamily's Everything Is Festival II, as part of a reunion event for The Adventures of Pete & Pete. This marked the band's first live performance ever, nearly two decades after their initial formation. The reunion expanded the lineup with Henning Ohlenbusch, dubbed "Penny Polaris," who contributed guitar, keyboard, and backing vocals. The performance also featured a guest appearance by Rain Phoenix on vocals. This event reignited interest in Polaris and showcased their enduring appeal among fans, emphasizing their impact on the television series' legacy and indie rock history.
2014

First Tour and New Music Release Since the Original Project

In 2014, Polaris took significant steps to emerge from their "one-off project" status. The band announced their first tour, Waiting for October, with nine shows across major cities including New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. In October, they released new material for the first time since The Adventures of Pete & Pete ended— a cassette and digital single featuring "Great Big Happy Green Moonface" and "Baby Tae Kwon Do." Produced by new member Henning Ohlenbusch, the release was supported by an animated music video, signaling a new phase in Polaris's creative output and reconnecting with fans old and new. This revival marked a renewed chapter in the band’s career, bridging their historical roots with contemporary music scene engagement.

Albums

au-polaris_1st_album
The Mortal Coil
11 tracks
2017
au-polaris_2nd_album
The Death of Me
10 tracks
2020
au-polaris_3rd_album
Fatalism
11 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Jamie Hails

2017

Lead vocals

Jamie Hails

2012

Lead vocals

Jake Steinhauser

N/A

Lead vocals

Jake Steinhauser

2013

Electric bass guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Jake Steinhauser

2012
2013

Electric guitar

Ryan Siew

2013
2023

Electric guitar

Story of Polaris

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Polaris exploded onto the metalcore scene with a sound that transcends genre limitations. This powerhouse quartet – vocalist Jamie Hails, guitarist Rick Schneider, bassist/vocalist Jake Steinhauser, and drummer Daniel Furnari – quickly garnered attention. Their debut album, The Mortal Coil (November 3, 2017), earned critical praise and a 2018 ARIA Award nomination for Best Hard Rock. Building on this success, their sophomore effort, The Death of Me (February 21, 2020, Resist/SharpTone Records), yielded another ARIA nomination, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.

Tragically, the band suffered a devastating loss in June 2023 with the passing of lead guitarist Ryan Siew. The announcement of their third studio album, Fatalism, was overshadowed by this heartbreaking news.

Polaris`s distinctive sound blends the intensity of metalcore with progressive and ambient elements, incorporating electronic textures and memorable melodic hooks. Their deeply personal lyrics explore themes of anxiety, depression, and loss, resonating with a generation grappling with similar experiences.

History:

Formed in 2012, Polaris’s genesis traces back to a high school battle of the bands, where drummer Daniel Furnari and guitarist Jake Steinhauser discovered a shared passion for metal and alternative music. Their initial lineup included vocalist Josh OLoughlin. Through mutual friends, they recruited guitarist Rick Schneider and vocalist Jamie Hails. Completing the early lineup were Jakes brother, Matt Steinhauser on bass, and James West on synth/keys, laying the foundation for the band`s future evolution.

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