Choke the Word

Choke the Word is a Denver-based alt-prog band formed in 2008. They are distinguished by their use of a violin and cello in addition to the standard guitar, bass, and drums. In 2011, they released their first album, Enjoy the Parade, and were voted best gothic band in the Westword Music Showcase.
History
Formation and Early Years
In 2008, founding members Cameron Hays, Melati Olivia, and Sarah Forsythe were in a fledgling band called Traverse. Hays and Forsythe had played together previously in The December Question. When the other members of Traverse fired Olivia over the objections of Hays and Forsythe, the three decided to form a new band. They brought on Mike Miller (guitar), Andrew Gantt (drums) and Bevin Foley (violin).
Over the next two years, the band’s roster changed several times. In 2009, the band lost two members. Foley quit to focus on another project and was replaced by Gracie Stean. Forsythe moved away to start a family and was replaced by Allison Allain, who had to use a rebuilt student cello. In 2010, Gantt returned to his military career and was replaced by James Crutchfield, who had also been in The December Question. After a falling out with the rest of the band the same year, Crutchfield left and was succeeded by Chris Ortega.
Enjoy the Parade
Choke the Word is the first Colorado band to produce an album using crowdfunding. Their Kickstarter campaign ended in April 2010. They recorded the album at Evergroove Studio, a solar powered studio in Evergreen, Colorado. The album’s cover was painted by parapalegic Greek artist Vaggelis Ntousakis.
In June 2011, Choke the Word was voted the best gothic band in Westword newspaper’s Westword Music Showcase.
Influences and Songwriting
Collectively, the band is influenced by Tool and A Perfect Circle. Their songwriting is a collaborative effort, with all members having a say in the process. Olivia writes lyrics, while Hays takes the lead in composing the music. He constructs a song’s melodies and writes the bass, cello, and violin parts. Miller and Ortega usually write parts for their own instruments.
Members
;Current Members
* - cello (2009-present)
* Cameron Hays - live electronics, bass (2008-present)
* Mike Miller - guitar (2008-present)
* Melati Olivia - vocals (2008-present)
* Chris Ortega - drums (2010-present)
* Gracie Stean - violin (2009-present)
;Former Members
* James "Buz" Crutchfield - drums (2010)
* Bevin Foley - violin (2009)
* Sarah Forsythe - cello (2008-2009)
* Andrew Gantt - drums (2009-2010)
Discography
* 2011 - Enjoy the Parade
Awards and Nominations
;2011
* Westword Music Showcase - Gothic category
;2012
* Nominated for a Westword Music Showcase - Progressive rock category

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