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Tom Racer Biography

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Formed in 1997 by Los Angeles-area musicians Erik Newton (vocals and guitars) and Mike Elliot (bass and vocals), Tom Racer is a high-energy alt-pop band, not a solo artist infatuated with '60s cartoon motor sports. Along with drummer Jon Elliot, Tom Racer immediately stormed the L.A. club circuit and quickly attracted the attentions of Slog/Risk Records. The label signed the band and released their first full-length recording, The Secret's Out, in 1998. This debut features some nice Foo Fighters-influenced pop/rock and punchy performances. While not exactly a chart burner, The Secret's Out was generally well-received in the indie/underground music press. Much touring followed as Tom Racer built a small following opening up for acts like Jimmy Eat World, Marcy Playground, and Ash (whom the band frequently referred to as a major influence). Alt-pop fans who can imagine a simplified, jangly Blinker the Star will get a good idea what this band sounds like. After the touring in support of their debut was finished, the drumming Elliot was replaced with Jared Summerell and guitarist Aaron Emil joined on to make the group a four-piece. Television programs like MTV's The Real World and Road Rules, WB's Popular, and ESPN's The X-Games have each featured the band's music. The new lineup eventually went back into the studio and emerged with their second full-length disc, TR. Unfortunately, the release of this record kept getting pushed back throughout 2001 and the recording future of the group seemed to be a little unsure. ~ Vincent Jeffries, Rovi

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