Gumption

Gumption history originates in Tennessee where guitarist/vocalist Kurt Hagardorn and bassist Gary Miller first got together to start a band. But without any luck, the two soon relocated to Chapel Hill, NC, in 1995 and eventually recruited former Sex Police drummer Jody Maxwell. With the lineup in place and their Kinks, Replacements, and Guided By Voices sound, the trio played out their indie pop-inspired numbers with the likes of Superchunk and Butterglory. After self-releasing their first single "Don't Screw Up" b/w "Starting Line" in 1996, Gary Miller parted ways with Gumption in 1997 for the sake of grad school. With Aaron Oliva filling in on bass and guitarist Dave Merritt turning the band into a quartet, Seriously Records helped out in the release of the band's EP, Ultramaroon, in 1997. ~ Mike DaRonco