Simon Says
Simon Says was an alternative rock/metal band from Sacramento, CA.
Formed by high school students Matt Franks, Zac Diebels, and Mike Johnston, they got started playing high school auditoriums around the state in the early 1990s. Adding bassist Mike Arrieta in 1995, the group self-released two records, which attracted the attention of manager Jeff Saltzman. Saltzman set them up with Cake's producer Mark Needham and got them signed to Hollywood Records in July 1998.
In 1999, they released their major-label debut, "Jump Start", which yielded two hit modern rock singles, and the follow-up "Shut Your Breath" netted a third radio hit. In 2001, Simon Says left Hollywood Records over promotional issues and changed their name to Key to Arson; soon after, drummer Mike Johnston left the band, to be replaced by Dave "Stixx" Marich. In 2004, Key to Arson announced the completion of an album entitled "Light 'Em Up", but by the end of the year the band had broken up.
Diebels went on to form Automatic Static.
Members:
- Matt Franks: Vocals
- Zac Diebels: Guitar
- Mike Johnston: Drums (until 2001)
- "Stixx" Marich: Drums (2001-2004)
- Mike Arrieta: Bass (1995-2004)
Discography:
- Little Boy (1997 album)
- Perfect Example (1997 album)
- Jump Start (1999 album on Hollywood Records)
- Shut Your Breath (2001 album on Hollywood Records)
- Light 'Em Up (2004 album)
Websites:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/simonsaysfan
