Big Business: A History of the Heavy Rock Powerhouse
Big Business has carved a unique niche in the heavy rock landscape, known for their thunderous sound and evolving lineup. From their early days as a duo to their experiments as a power quartet, the band has maintained a reputation for sonic intensity and critical acclaim.
The Early Years and Initial Releases
The band made their mark on January 25, 2005, with the release of their first Tour EP and the vinyl version of their debut album, Head for the Shallow, via Wäntage USA. The CD version of the album was released through Hydra Head Records, marking the start of a three-album partnership with the label.
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The Melvins Connection and Expansion
A pivotal shift occurred in late 2006 when members Jared Warren and Coady Willis relocated to Los Angeles and joined the influential band Melvins, debuting on the album (A) Senile Animal. This led to the "Double-Drumming Rock for Peace Tour," a unique arrangement where Warren and Willis performed a set as Big Business before joining Dale Crover and Buzz Osborne for a Melvins set.
During this period, the band collaborated with David Scott Stone, a frequent Melvins associate. Stone contributed guitar and Minimoog Voyager (an analog synthesizer) to every track on the 2007 critically acclaimed release, Here Come the Waterworks.
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Touring and Lineup Shifts
Following the success of Here Come the Waterworks, Big Business secured an opening slot on the summer leg of the Tool tour, with Toshi Kasai handling guitar duties. After the US tour concluded, the band shifted focus to recording material for the Melvins' July 2008 album, Nude with Boots.
On March 9, 2008, Toshi Kasai was officially introduced as the third member of Big Business. This trio lineup continued through the production of their third album, Mind the Drift, released on May 12, 2009, and produced by Phil Ek, who had helmed their previous two records.
Evolution into a Power Quartet and Beyond
After a year-long hiatus from live performances, Big Business announced in October 2010 that they had added guitarist Scott Martin (of 400 Blows and Crom), transforming the group into a power quartet. This expanded lineup toured throughout the summer of 2011 with Torche and Thrones, and later toured with Red Fang and American Sharks in the spring of 2014.
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In 2016, the band released Command Your Weather through Joyful Noise Recordings and Gold Metal Records. Around this time, Warren and Willis departed from the Melvins. Without a formal press announcement, Big Business returned to their roots as a two-piece act.
Their most recent work, The Beast You Are, was also issued by Joyful Noise Recordings and Gold Metal Records. In recent years, both Willis and Warren have shared detailed career retrospectives on the Conan Neutron's Protonic Reversal podcast and The Vinyl Guide, discussing their discography and time with the Melvins.
Key Facts
- Debut Album: Head for the Shallow (2005).
- Core Members: Jared Warren and Coady Willis.
- Notable Collaborations: Members were simultaneously part of the Melvins from 2006 to approximately 2016.
- Production: Phil Ek produced the first three studio albums.
- Lineup Evolution: Transitioned from a duo to a trio, then a quartet, and eventually back to a duo.
Summary of Discography and Labels
| Album Title | Release Year | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| Head for the Shallow | 2005 | Wäntage USA / Hydra Head Records |
| Here Come the Waterworks | 2007 | Hydra Head Records |
| Mind the Drift | 2009 | Hydra Head Records |
| Command Your Weather | 2016 | Joyful Noise / Gold Metal Records |
| The Beast You Are | Recent | Joyful Noise / Gold Metal Records |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the founding members of Big Business?
The core members of the band are Jared Warren and Coady Willis.
What is the relationship between Big Business and the Melvins?
Jared Warren and Coady Willis were members of the Melvins starting in late 2006, appearing on the album (A) Senile Animal and touring together until around 2016.
Who produced the first three Big Business albums?
Phil Ek produced Head for the Shallow, Here Come the Waterworks, and Mind the Drift.
When did Big Business become a quartet?
The band officially became a "power quartet" in October 2010 after adding guitarist Scott Martin.
Which labels released their most recent albums?
Their latest releases, including Command Your Weather and The Beast You Are, were issued by Joyful Noise Recordings and Gold Metal Records.