name: Deaconblue Batchelor home: Phoenix, AZ experience: 30years with classical and modern training bands: Independent artist-currently gigging with Andrew Jackson Jihad, and Fireswamp plays: 4 piece Recording Series Silver to Blue Sparkle Burst Birch Kit 12rack/13snare/16floor/20kick Andrew Jackson Jihad was formed in 2004 after its original drummer, Justin James White, approached Sean Bonnette and Ben Gallaty, who had just left Rodan (not the Rodan of Kentucky fame) and The Sub-Standards. Since then, many significant Arizona musicians have sat in with the remaining duo of Sean and Ben, including John de la Cruz of Fatigo and ROAR's Owen Evans. Kepi Ghoulie of the Groovie Ghoulies whistled for them in a playing of the song "Sense, Sensibility". Dylan Cook of Partners In 818 also plays mandolin regularly with the band. The constantly shifting lineup which now features permanent members Preston Bryant( guitar and keys) and Deacon Batchelor(drums and percussion) results in wide-ranging sonic textures both live and on record. Andrew Jackson Jihad has obtained much coverage for their lyricism, which often covers themes of social anxiety, poverty, humanity, religion, existentialism, and politics, as well as "serial killers, cigarettes, child abuse, and a vengeful Jesus". On April 15, 2006, the band played as part of the 2006 New Times Music Showcase, nominated for Best Americana Band, and won a Best of Phoenix award later that year. In 2012 AJJ headlined their first North American Tour as a full band with their friends Joyce Manor, Future of the Left, Treasure Fleet, Laura Stevenson and the Cans, and R.O.A.R. . AJJ and friends covered over 20,000 miles and hit 40+ major citites in the US and Canada, selling out world famous venues like The Troubador(L.A.), The Knitting factory(NYC), and were featured headliners at last years "The Fest 11" in Gainsville,FL. Recently AJJ just finished their third full length album in Dallas,TX, with recording and producing genuis John Congelton of Elmwood Studios. This album should be released sometime in 2014. Check out Deaconblue's other projects at:www.facebook.com/fireswampphx http://malakaiphx.bandcamp.com/ www.andrewjacksonjihad.comwww.facebook.com/andrewjacksonjihadwww.facebook.com/fireswampphxwww.sideonedummy.com
