A Deer A Horse

A Deer A Horse formed in the summer of 2011 in the appropriately named Sweatshop rehearsal studios of industrial Bushwick, Brooklyn. The three-piece consists of Rebecca Satellite on guitar and vocals, Angela Phillips on bass, and Justin Heaverin on drums.

The band's name is derived from the ancient Chinese idiom "Calling a deer a horse." Zhao Gao, one of the most corrupt advisors China has ever known, brought forth a deer to the officials of his court and called it a horse as a test of loyalty. Those who dared to question his false claim were summarily executed.

The name hits a vein with the band, as they grapple with questions of authority, deception, and truth in a seemingly transparent world.

While Satellite's vocals give a nod to the poetic delivery of Patti Smith and David Byrne, the charged intensity and angular style of the band has garnered comparisons to artists as diverse as St. Vincent, Sonic Youth, and The Velvet Underground. Ultimately, it is strong, melodic songwriting that lies at the heart of their music.

The group released their debut EP, Patience, in September of 2013. The single, Bloodbath, has been featured on Inforty, MusicMatters, and Independent Music News-UK.

The band hit the road in April 2014 as support for their brother-project, The Shackeltons (Think Loud Entertainment). They are currently planning a fall, 2014 Northeast tour.

RIYL: St. Vincent, Nick Cave, Heartless Bastards