Stealing O'Neal


Stealing O'Neal was an Australian pop rock band from Melbourne, Victoria, formed in 2004. The band comprises vocalist Chris Scott, guitarist and backing vocalist Jack Tosi, bassist Tom Fleming, guitarist Tim O'Keefe and drummer Ryan D'Sylva. They have made a name for themselves with live performances alongside well-known Australian acts Something with Numbers, The Hot Lies and The Getaway Plan, as well as international acts New Found Glory, Boys Night Out, All Time Low and The Audition as well as playing as the Melbourne local act at Soundwave 2009. In September 2011, the band announced a series of finale shows which will close their career as a band.

History

The band was formed in Melbourne, Australia, in 2004. Their first demos were self-released in 2006, including the song "Arctic Dancefloor", an acoustic cover of the Arctic Monkeys song "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor", from their album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. In 2007, the group signed with Melodic Music Management and Sydney-based independent label Taperjean Records to release their debut EP, Spin for Me, featuring five new tracks. Stealing O'Neal spent five days recording the EP with music engineer Matt Darcy, with the record being mixed by Johnothan Burnside. The EP gained significant independent success, hitting the Australian Independent Records charts at number four and the Australian ARIA singles chart at number six. The reissue nearly a year later peaked at number two on the AIR Charts. Upon release of their first EP, Stealing O'Neal's style was described as "Saves the Day meets Placebo".
Stealing O'Neal signed to Melbourne Independent label BNM Records in early 2008, the label is also responsible for up and coming Australian indie pop band Angelas Dish. The band's second EP was released on 7 June 2008, entitled Collidescope. It was recorded and produced by Luke Gerard-Webb, who is known for work with The Angels, Faker and Kisschasy. Their second release saw the band at an average age of just 21. Collidescope debuted at number 20 on the ARIA Physical Singles Chart and number 86 on the Singles chart.
In early 2009, Stealing O'Neal were one of two local bands selected to play at the Melbourne leg of the Soundwave festival. In June, they were taken on a national tour with American bands All Time Low and Set Your Goals. In October 2009, Stealing O'Neal supported American band The Ataris on their Australian tour. Then throughout March 2010, Stealing O'Neal was the supporting band for The Used on their tour to promote the album Artwork.
On 24 September, Stealing O'Neal supported The Getaway Plan at their Revival in support of To Write Love on Her Arms.
The band's debut album is titled Don't Sleep, and was released on 8 October 2010. It was mixed in the UK by Romesh Dodangoda.
Stealing O'Neal has recently embarked on a headline tour for the release of their album. The Don't Sleep tour played Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
The band announced their break-up in September 2011 with finale shows scheduled to take place later on.

Personnel

Current members

Albums

  • 2010: Don't Sleep
  • # Powerlines
  • # HomeTown
  • # Circle/Square
  • # Take the bait
  • # Catchafire
  • # Empire State Human
  • # Little Bear
  • # Small Steps
  • # Speaker Speaker
  • # Retreat After Me
  • # Pull Me Up
  • # Oh, to Be Young
  • Bonus CD
  • # Hometown
  • # Little Bear
  • # Retreat After Me
  • # Catchafire
  • # Leading by Example
  • # Video - Making of Don’t Sleep
Extended plays

  • 2007: Spin for Me
  • # "Bedroom Eyes"
  • # "Wait for Me, Tokyo"
  • # "Water"
  • # "Lullaby for the Loveless"
  • # "Bella"
  • 2008: Collidescope
  • # "Collide"
  • # "The Sandlot"
  • # "Anywhere But Here"
  • # "Chin Up Baby"
  • # "For Light, for Shade"

Demos

  • 2006: Stealing O'Neal Demo Tracks
  • # "Who Said Being Rich Wasn't Easy?"
  • # "Saved By the Bell"
  • # "Arctic Dancefloor"
  • # "The Rumour on the Note"
  • # "Please Step Back"
  • # "Low Life"
  • 2004: Stealing O'Neal Demo Tracks
  • # "School's Out"
  • # "Drop This"