The Higher


The Higher was an American pop rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada. They were originally known as "September Star". They have released three full-length albums On Fire, It's Only Natural, and Histrionics and EPs named "Pace Yourself" and "Star is Dead." The band was signed to Fiddler Records, Epitaph Records, and Sony Japan. The Higher toured with the bands Panic! at the Disco, Motion City Soundtrack, The Temper Trap, Less Than Jake, Ludo, Escape the Fate, Silverstein, Emery, Alexisonfire, There For Tomorrow, We The Kings, Rookie of the Year, The Matches, Sherwood, Meg and Dia, Quiet Drive, Take Cover, I Am Ghost, The Forecast, This Providence, Name Taken, Sing it Loud, Runner Runner, Rufio, Tokyo Rose, and others.

History

2002–2005: Early years

In 2002, performing under their previous name September Star, The Higher defeated other local bands including January's Last Call, Local 15, Absent Minded, Jr. Anti Sex League, and Halfway to win video recording time with VH1 in the first annual Las Vegas Bike Rack Battles. They frequently performed at local venues like the Huntridge and Smoothie King. The original lineup was Tom Oakes, Seth Trotter, James Mattison, Pat Harter, and Jason Centeno. 2003 saw the band sign their first record deal with Fiddler Records. Shortly after, they released their "Star is Dead" EP for Fiddler. Gaining momentum the band got on their first big tour, opening for Alexisonfire, Silverstein, and Emery. August 2004 saw the band enter the studio with producer Rory Phillips to begin work on their 1st full-length album for Fiddler. In May 2005, they released "Histrionics." It would turn out to be their last release on Fiddler Records as the label went defunct leaving the band as free agents. In June 2005, guitarist James Mattison left the band for personal reasons. Needing a guitarist, Robert "Reggie" Ragan was auditioned and would join the band permanently in July 2005.

2005–2008: On Fire

In late 2005 after touring with Panic! At the Disco, they received interest from several record labels, ultimately signing with Epitaph Records in early 2006. In the summer of 2006 they hit the studio with producer Mike Green, to begin work on their first full length for Epitaph. Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy remixed the song "Pace Yourself" for the record. Upon its completion, they began the Epitaph Tour, touring with bands Escape the Fate, The Matches, and I am Ghost. "On Fire" was released March 6, 2007. The lead single "Insurance?" immediately put the band on the map both domestically and internationally. Their music video for "Insurance?" from On Fire received heavy rotation on college-oriented video programming, such as MTVu. The video was shot in Las Vegas at the now imploded Frontier Hotel and Casino, and features the band performing and playing casino games with dancers. During the Summer of 2007, the video received airtime on MTV2, and was the #1 video on Fuse for two consecutive weeks. The band then hit the road with Motion City Soundtrack, Sherwood, and The Forecast for a three-month run of shows. Later on that year, the band signed to Sony Japan. Their video for "Insurance?" hit #1 on MTV Japan beating out Rihanna for the top spot. "On Fire" also broke into Japan's top 10 Billboard charts, landing at #8. Due to conflicts within the band, Pat Harter decided to part ways with The Higher and was replaced by Boys like Girls drum tech Doug McCarthy in August 2007. In November 2007, the band completed their first tour of Japan, selling out every show.

2008–2012: It's Only Natural and Lineup Changes

In February 2008, guitarist Tom Oakes decided to pursue other interests and left the band.
In April 2008, The Higher completed their first-ever UK Tour, supporting Elliot Minor for nine dates alongside openers Furthest Drive Home. They also completed their first Van's Warped Tour, playing the Smart Punk stage alongside such acts as Katy Perry and Forever the Sickest Kids. Following the completion of Warped Tour they began working on their second full-length album for Epitaph Records. Again, they called upon Mike Green for production. On June 23, 2009, "It's Only Natural" was released and spawned another top 10 hit on Japan's Billboard charts, which was the title of the track of the album, "It's Only Natural." The band toured extensively the rest of 2009, including another tour of Japan culminating in playing the world-famous Fuji Rock Festival, Japan's largest annual music festival.
Since Tom Oakes departure from the band in February 2008, The Higher's former guitar tech and merchandiser Andrew "The Kid" Evans filled in on guitar before the band made him an official member in 2009.
In January 2010, Doug McCarthy left the band for personal issues. Long-time friend and LA-based drummer George Lind replaced him. The band toured most of 2010 with bands such as Quiet Drive, Between the Trees, Rufio, and Sing it Loud. The band completed their final Japanese tour in June 2010. In October 2010, Andrew "The Kid" Evans left the band to pursue his own musical endeavors. The band again entered the studio in 2011 with Mike Green recording three new songs, but never finished any further recordings. Unknowingly at the time, their last show was in November 2011.
Original drummer Patrick Harter and original guitarist James Mattison formed a band called Exit Ghost
Harter also joined Las Vegas band Ministry Of Love and toured the US for another two years.
In December 2011, Seth Paddock formed his new band The Glass Elevator. Tom Oakes went on to form the band "More Amor" in 2008, and has been releasing music consistently since his departure. Robert "Reggie" Ragan has written and performed with various Pop and R&B artists.
On January 28, 2012, The Higher announced on their Facebook that they were calling it quits, with a farewell show planned for later in the year in Las Vegas.

Discography

Album appearances

Interviews