re: The Sharing Economy (Disco Biscuits content)

V. The Band

Who are the current members of the Disco Biscuits?
Allen Aucoin - Drums
Aron Magner - Keyboards
Marc "Brownie" Brownstein - Bass/Midi Keyboard
Jon "Barber" Gutwillig - Guitar/Midi Keyboard

Why was Marc not in the band in 2000, and for how long?
Marc Brownstein and the other members of the band were having personal differences in the latter part of 1999, and in early 2000 (January 11, 2000, to be exact), Marc announced that "they do not wish to continue touring with me as their bass player". In an internet message board post, Marc had this to say:

"Hey all, this is Marc Brownstein. As many of you know, there has been trouble in paradise. The end result is that the other three members of the band have told me that they do not wish to continue touring with me as their bass player. Thus, I have been asked to leave the band. Although I am shocked at this decision, I wish to emphasize that the last 5 years have been a most unbelievable experience. And, as I have been left without a choice, I have no regrets. I would like to thank everyone for their undying support and I will miss you all greatly. "One day you're all locked up...the next day you are free.'
Much love, Brownie :-)"

Jordan Crisman played multiple shows with the band during Marc's hiatus and was widely believed to be a possible replacement before Marc's surprising return at the Crowbar on 07/12/2000, where Barber announced that they "just wouldn't be the Disco Biscuits without one Mr. Marc Brownstein".

What did the rest of the band members do while Marc was not in the band?
While Marc was gone, the Disco Biscuits played a few shows as a trio, semi-affectionately referred to as The Disco Triscuits. It was just Jon, Aaron and Sammy, with each member taking turns playing the basslines. Some shows it would be Aaron doing the bassline on the keys, other times Sammy would man the bass while DJ Maurcio would take over drums on his Roland MC505. Meanwhile, they also auditioned/jammed with some other bass players at shows, including Carol Wade, Clay Belknap, Bill Stites, Anthony Rogers-Wright, Rob Derhak, and Jordan Crisman.

What did Marc do while he was not in the band?
During his break from the Biscuits, Brownstein took the time off to polish his bass playing skills, form a new band, and write some new songs. These songs include some now Disco Biscuits classics like Home Again, Triumph, Kamaole Sands and Humuhumunukunukuapua'a.

Marc also formed his own band known as The Maui Project during his break from the Biscuits. Debuting on 4/8/00 at the Wetlands in New York City, The Maui Project featured Marc on bass, Jamie Shields on keys, Max Delaney on guitar, Dave Hoffman on drums, Paulie Herron on percussion and DJ Stitch on the turntables. Although they were only together for one show, The Maui Project is an important part of the history of the Disco Biscuits, as it allowed Marc to write and debut some new songs that would eventually become Biscuits staples.

Who is Kevin Abrams?
A friend of Jon Gutwillig's, Kevin is credited as the author of the beginning bass line of Basis For a Day. Fittingly, Basis was originally dubbed, "Bassist For a Day".

Why is Sammy no longer in the band?
Sam Altman left the band in 2005 to pursue medical school. After ten years with the band, his last shows were officially 8/26/05 and 8/27/05 at Camp Bisco IV.

Why is Jon called "The Barber"?
Legend has it that back in his days at the University of Pennsylvania, at the frat house, Jon would force people into a barber's chair that was in the living room and feed them shots. Because of these actions, he eventually became known as Jon "The Barber".
Whether or not this is true is highly disputed, but it is widely accepted as the reason behind Jon's nickname.

Who are the Digital Buddhas?
The Digital Buddhas are a group of fans who choose to attend Biscuits shows completely substance free. Reappearing in late 2005 for the New Years run, The Digital Buddhas have tables set up at Disco Biscuits shows to provide a place for substance free fans to meet and to provide support and assistance to like minded folks.