| Big Scenic Nowhere | |
| Origin: | California, U.S. |
| Years Active: | 2009 - 2012, 2019 - present |
| Current Members: | Gary Arce Bob Balch Bill Stinson Tony Reed |
Big Scenic Nowhere is an American rock supergroup from California.
Big Scenic Nowhere dates back to 2009 when demo recordings of the one-off project were recorded and released under the moniker; some being instrumental versions of songs that were eventually recorded and released by Gary Arce of Yawning Man's additional side project WaterWays, and others being early variations of songs that appeared on the Yawning Man album, Nomadic Pursuits.[1] Through 2012, this short-lived act performed live at concerts with lineups including Arce, Mario Lalli, Tony Tornay and Billy Cordell. John Garcia would guest vocals, notably on the Kyuss-covered Yawning Man song, "Catamaran".
Big Scenic Nowhere was revived as an official band in 2019 by Arce along with Bob Balch of Fu Manchu. The duo released their debut EP, Dying on the Mountain, the same year with guest appearances from Nick Oliveri of Mondo Generator, Lalli and Bill Stinson of Yawning Man, Tony Reed of Mos Generator, Per Wiberg of Spiritual Beggars, Lisa Alley and Ian Graham of The Well, and Thomas V. Jäger of Monolord.[2] The album was recorded by Dan Joeright at Gatos Trail Recording Studio in Joshua Tree, CA.
Following the band's full-length debut album, Vision Beyond Horizon in January 2020, Reed and Stinson joined as full-time members. The album featured several collaborating artists including Alain Johannes. The group then released their second EP, Lavender Blues on October 23, 2020, notably produced by Chris Goss of Masters of Reality. Guest musicians included Wiberg and Daniel Mongrain of Voivod.[3] The Album and EP were recorded by Dan Joeright at Gatos Trail Recording Studio in Joshua Tree, CA.
In January 2022, the band released their sophomore album, The Long Morrow, on Heavy Psych Sounds Records. The album consists of recorded material taken from Lavender Blues as well as unused material written around the time of the EP's release.[4] It featured guest appearances from Wiberg, who has since appeared on every release, and Reeves Gabrels of The Cure.[5]
In early 2023, the band teased a new album set to be released later in the year while showcasing their cover of the song "Sara Smile" with former Hall & Oates keyboardist Eliot Lewis.[6] In November, the album, titled The Waydown, was revealed and features contributions from guest musicians including Wiberg, Gabrels and Gar from Red Barn Studios. It will be released in February 2024.[7]