Biography

Formed in 1999 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Hot Hot Heat looked back nearly 20 years for inspiration, as they fashioned their sound after quirky post punk outfits such as XTC and the Cure. After a number of personnel changes, the line-up settled around Steve Bays (vocals/keyboards), Dante DeCaro (guitar), Paul Hawley (drums), and Dustin Hawthorne (bass). The quartet spent the first year of their existence playing throughout north-west America. They made their recording debut with two self-titled EPs for the Ache label (one from 2000 and comprised of four songs, the other from a year later and featuring three songs), in addition to a split album with another local act, the Red Light Sting. In 2001, Hot Hot Heat released Scenes One Through Thirteen, before the quartet signed on with the renowned Sub Pop Records. A year later they released Make Up The Breakdown, recorded with leading producer Jack Endino. The album was a riot of infectiously catchy three minute pop songs, with "Get In Or Get Out" and "Bandages" particular stand-outs.
DISCOGRAPHY: shared with The Red Light Sting Hot Hot Heat/The Red Light Sting (Ache 2001)**, Scenes One Through Thirteen (Ohev 2001)***, Make Up The Breakdown (Sub Pop 2002)***.

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