The Lost Record - Avatar Sessions 2003

To me, this record is a time capsule of simpler times - about a band that is trying hard to succeed against all odds, and ultimately fails. These songs were written after I moved to NYC from Dallas, TX in 2001, and before a record deal with UK label Lizard King, which eventually went south. Nevertheless, I am extremely proud of this record, the

To me, this record is a time capsule of simpler times - about a band that is trying hard to succeed against all odds, and ultimately fails. These songs were written after I moved to NYC from Dallas, TX in 2001, and before a record deal with UK label Lizard King, which eventually went south. Nevertheless, I am extremely proud of this record, the songs we wrote together, and the blood, sweat, and tears that produced this album. The Todd Deatherage Band - consisting of Chris Egan, Drew Fleming, Kevin Thaxton, and myself- went from unknowns passing out fliers outside of clubs, begging people to come to shows, to headlining the Mercury Lounge in the LES and opening up for bands that have eventually become indie-rock household names - Lucero, My Morning Jacket, Brendan Benson, Jesse Malin, Tommy Stinson - to name a few. It was also a very exciting time, we got to know some of The Strokes and hung out with comedian David Cross on many occasions - once we opened for him at Pianos for his show Tinkle. We even tried relentlessly to befriend Ryan Adams, which consisted of a story of me literally tripping and falling into his lap at the popular nightclub Niagara.

This record was shopped around to labels and totally hated by record execs. Due to our newfound success and buzz, we had several come to check out the band. Despite being impressed by our hard working attitude, the comments ranged from “too poppy” (my personal favorite) or “you guys really only have one good song.” Due to these negative reviews and personnel changes, the record was shelved and never released. Perhaps if this were a different time in music history, we would have given them all the finger, put it out ourselves, and focused on continuing to grow our fan base. But in the early aughts, the tale of the illustrious record deal ruled supreme.

During the quarantine, I rediscovered this record and was blown away by our accomplishments. I played it for a few friends and they couldn’t understand why we never stuck to our guns and self-released it. My friend Ryan Malott, from 500 Miles to Memphis - a Cincinnati based cow-punk band that I once had the luxury of playing guitar for - mastered the tracks and we have made them available for your listening pleasure. I hope you enjoy this album and my trip down memory lane. Turn it up, please be kind to one another, and let’s forget the world is ending.

Your friend in music,

Todd Deatherage