How did the band get signed to Java/Capitol?
Splashdown’s first full-length cd, “Stars and Garters”, was recorded in 1996 at a small studio named Sonics in Charlestown Massachusetts. The band members squeezed writing and recording sessions into whatever free space was available during their full-time day careers. (for more detail in this area, check out the Bios section) The album was warmly received by critics, especially CMJ, where it received three separate positive reviews. With the CMJ exposure and a handful of live performances (supporting acts like the Crystal Method and Bran Van 3000), the band’s reputation began to grow. The next release was the jazzy track “50%” on CvB’s “Nigh” compilation. In early 1998, while recording the tracks that would later become the “Halfworld” EP, the band was approached by Capitol Records A&R staffers Loren Israel and Craig Aaronson, who had read a review of “Stars & Garters”. After hearing the album, the pair flew to Boston to watch the band perform. A demo deal with Capitol soon followed.
