Brooklyn, N.Y.
Soulful, Energetic Rock
www.weareaugustines.com

Just as they were about to break through, indie rock band Pela disbanded in the summer of 2009. Several factors contributed to the band’s demise, including the death of lead singer/guitarist Billy McCarthy’s brother James. With some of the material that they’d already been working on for Pela’s second record, McCarthy and bassist Eric Sanderson formed We Are Augustines and added drummer Rob Allen to the mix. They released their Dave Newfeld-produced debut, Rise Ye Sunken Ships, this past summer on the band’s own Oxcart Records. “Our live show is very important to us,” says Allen of the band’s soulful and energetic rock. “Every time we come off the road, we jump straight back into the rehearsal room to improve the songs and the set.” Their music is filled with references to McCarthy’s experiences, including growing up in foster care and being homeless. “Our music has always been a reflection of our lives at the moment,” Sanderson says. “In the past, we were obsessed with running away – longing for something else. On Rise Ye Sunken Ships, we explored the feelings of staying, planting your feet and dealing with the life you are living. During the time spent making the record, we learned how to be honest with who we are and how to become better people.”

Just as they were about to break through, indie rock band Pela disbanded in the summer of 2009…