History:
Formed in March 2008, Beijing based GAWTMY have already seen more drama and intrigue than most bands experience in a whole career.
Founding members Donna Renae (Drums) and Natan Doron (vocals) were initially joined by three other members, two of which suffered emergency hospitalisations whilst still in the band. Eventually all three members left citing musical differences and near-death experiences.
As things were looking bleak, Luke Tweedy (Sax, Flute and Vocals) joined and the band rehearsed a while as a 3-piece. Then, when things were looking tough, Wang Xiao Bing (Bass) and Michelle Woo (Violin) joined GAWTMY on the same night and the band finally had a line up ready to play live.
GAWTMY made their debut on June 10th at Beijing's legendary D22 venue, rejoined by former-hospitalised-member Anita Chiu in a dramatic-climatic run through of the 'Zombie Song'. GAWTMY were finally born into the public imagination.
2009 began with much excitement. GAWTMY played their largest show to date at Mao Live as part of the Greenpeace: Make Some Noise event to a rapturous reception from the audience. The band then geared up to record and produce their first album.
After months, weeks, days and long hours at the studio and in front of the lighthouse, the band released their self-titled debut in June. The release party followed a 12 venue gig-a-thon around the streets, public spaces, and hip spots of Beijing!
Next it was time for the magic maker, Andy Deemer of Poultrygeist fame, to get the band grim and dirty for the making of their first music video - Zombie Girl. This video was debuted along with the special first print run of the GAWTMY album.
However, the night also held as special significance as being the sad finale for founding members Natan Doron, and Luke Tweedy. As these two gentlemen-of-the-highest-caliber returned to England, they left in their wake a saddened Beijing, and a new shape for the band.
As the band reformed, three musical talents joined the Girls and piled into the van for winter practices and rigorous masqueardes. The 2010 year was marked by a great gathering of fans to see the re-made GAWTMY line up perform all the old favorites and a couple new releases.
David Muskett, guitarist and song-writer, penned the much enjoyed "She's Mine," a crowd-pleaser in every way. Adam Kiehlman, with a banjo strung over one shoulder and a mean saxaphone over the other has also brought smoking solos and sets. Additionally, Aaron Bronson Rosa has taken over the microphone with a rigor that'll get you sweating to he music.
As the Summer of 2010 approaches quickly, the band is again under going transitions and scouting out new talents. Be on the look out for the latest bunch of Girls to be playing near you soon.