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Artist Bio

Jayson Kramer, Hans Michel, Dan Zima, and Joe O'Connor met through friends in Fall 2008. Having bonded over bands like New Order, The Police and the Cure, the group began playing together in early 2009. They called themselves California Wives in reference to one of Michel's jokes. The Wives began playing their first shows in Chicago in 2009 and quickly gained a following. They continued to work on their sound, incorporating childhood favorites from early 90's alternative radio, like fellow Chicagoans Smashing Pumpkins, as well as newer groups from the independent scene.
In 2010 the group recorded Affair, which featured early versions of songs such as Purple and Blood Red Youth. Expecting the EP to cement their reputation as an act to pay attention to in Chicago, the group was surprised when Affair gained the attention of music blogs outside nationally. A few months later, the band recorded and released, “Tokyo,” further hinting at the potential shown on Affair. The band had not booked a tour around the EP or the single, but used the opportunity to play SXSW in Spring 2011.
The trip to Austin led to a contract offer from Vagrant Records and the group began working on what would become their debut album, Art History. California Wives, now a three piece after Michel's departure from the group, recorded Art History in the beginning of 2012 with Kramer playing lead and rhythm guitar, as well as keyboards during the recording.
Once recording was finished, the group recruited guitarist Graham Masell and began work on their performance in anticipation of Art History's release. With Masell's added personality to the songs recorded by the three members, California Wives' live performances took on a character unique from the record. Seeking to capture a full band's performance of these songs, California Wives filmed live versions of each of the songs on Art History, for release in early summer 2013. Following the filming, Zima departed to pursue his own musical projects. Bassist Adam Schneider has now joined the fold, and California Wives are off on a summer US & Canada tour in support of Art History. A limited edition, vinyl pressing of Art History comes out July 2nd.