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Band Timeline
2001
Formation of Emery in Rock Hill, South Carolina
Emery was formed in 2001 in Rock Hill, South Carolina, by Toby Morrell, Devin Shelton, Matt Carter, Josh Head, Joel Green, and Seth Studley. The band quickly decided to relocate to Seattle to immerse themselves in a more thriving music scene. The name 'Emery' was inspired by a first grader Toby Morrell met during an internship. The original lineup included Toby Morrell on vocals and guitar, Devin Shelton on drums, Matt Carter on guitar and keyboards, Joel Green on bass, and Seth Studley as drummer. Eventually, Devin switched to guitar and Seth took over drums again, completing the early core of the band.
2002
Signing with Tooth & Nail Records and Early Work
In 2002, after relocating to Seattle, Emery signed a record deal with Tooth & Nail Records, a label known for its focus on alternative and hardcore bands. They quickly teamed up with producer Ed Rose and began recording their debut album, The Weak's End, at Black Lodge Studio in Kansas. This marked the band's official entry into the music industry with professional production and label backing, setting the stage for their subsequent rise in the post-hardcore scene.
2004
Release of Debut Album The Weak's End
January 2004 saw the release of Emery's debut album, The Weak's End. The album established them in the post-hardcore genre with singles like 'Walls' gaining recognition. The band embarked on extensive tours to promote the album and build their fanbase. This period was critical in securing Emery's place in the music industry and shaping their sound, blending emotional lyricism with intense post-hardcore instrumentation.
2005
Release of Sophomore Album The Question and Lineup Changes
Emery released their second album, The Question, on August 2, 2005, produced by Aaron Sprinkle. It featured the successful single 'Studying Politics' and showcased a maturing sound. The album's release was followed by extensive touring, during which original drummer Seth Studley left the band to focus on his personal life. Dave Powell joined as the new drummer in November 2005, bringing experience from his previous metalcore band. This transition marked a significant change in Emery's lineup during their rising popularity.
2006
Re-release of The Question and Departure of Bassist Joel Green
On November 21, 2006, Emery re-released The Question with additional content, including acoustic tracks, two new demos produced by Matt Carter, and a DVD featuring a documentary and live footage. Shortly after, bassist Joel 'Chopper' Green was asked to leave the band. This departure led to vocalist Toby Morrell and guitarist Devin Shelton sharing bass duties during performances, reflecting the band's adaptive approach to lineup changes and live arrangements.
2007
Release of Third Album I'm Only a Man
Emery released their third studio album, I'm Only a Man, on October 2, 2007, after recording at Dark Horse Recording Studio in Tennessee with producers Ryan Boesch and Matt Carter. The album signaled a stylistic shift and received mixed reviews from fans and critics, reflecting a more experimental phase for the band. They issued a deluxe edition that included acoustic versions recorded during tours and a DVD with live and documentary footage, enhancing the album's appeal and providing deeper insight into the band's creative process.
2008
Release of While Broken Hearts Prevail EP
In 2008, Emery continued to evolve their sound with the release of the eight-track EP While Broken Hearts Prevail on October 28. The EP featured new material that the band started debuting while touring with The Almost. Songs like 'Edge of the World' demonstrated a melodic yet emotionally intense approach, reinforcing Emery's reputation for blending post-hardcore intensity with heartfelt lyricism. This period solidified their consistent output and connection with their fanbase through new music and touring.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Dave Powell
2005
Drums (drum set)
Josh Head
2001
Background vocals
Josh Head
2001
Keyboard
Devin Shelton
2001
Membranophone
Matt Carter
N/A
Guitar
Devin Shelton
2001
Guitar
Devin Shelton
2001
Background vocals
Matt Carter
2001
Background vocals
Devin Shelton
2001
Bass guitar
Matt Carter
2001
Guitar
Josh Head
2001
Synthesizer
Toby Morrell
2001
Bass
Acoustic guitar
Lead vocals
Dave Powell
2005
Percussion
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Joel Green
2001
2006
Bass guitar
Joey Svendsen
2001
2001
Bass guitar
Seth Studley
2001
2004
Percussion
Seth Studley
2001
2004
Membranophone
Story of Emery
Emery, the acclaimed post-hardcore band, emerged from Rock Hill, South Carolina in 2001. Founded by Toby Morrell, Devin Shelton, Matt Carter, Josh Head, Joel Green, and Seth Studley, the group quickly relocated to Seattle, seeking a more vibrant and supportive music scene.
Their early efforts, including the The Columbus EP and the The Weak's End demo, served as potent calling cards, ultimately securing them a deal with Tooth & Nail Records. This partnership yielded a prolific run: five studio albums and two EPs. Their debut full-length, The Weak's End (2004), was followed by The Question (2005) and I'm Only a Man (2007), the latter fulfilling their initial contract. Undeterred, Emery re-signed with Tooth & Nail, releasing ...In Shallow Seas We Sail (2009) and We Do What We Want (2011).
The band later signed with BadChristian Music, releasing You Were Never Alone (2015) and Eve (2018), showcasing their continued evolution and enduring appeal within the post-hardcore landscape. The band's name, incidentally, is a tribute to a first-grader Morrell encountered during a college internship.
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