Kid Dynamite

ByLets Go Punk
Kid Dynamite formed in Philadelphia in 1997

Kid Dynamite was a hardcore punk band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in 1997 and best known for a fast run of releases and touring before breaking up in 2000, then returning for benefit and festival shows over the next decade until the band’s final split in 2013.

Where it began

The band started with drummer Dave Wagenschutz and guitarist Dan Yemin, both coming out of Lifetime. After Lifetime ended, Yemin wanted to begin a new project and brought in bassist Steve Ferrell, with Wagenschutz already on drums.

Locking in the first lineup

With the core in place, they went into the studio to record music for an early demo. After trying multiple singers, they chose Jason Shevchuk, previously the vocalist for the straight edge band Bound. Shevchuk added vocals to the recordings and the demo became Six Songs With Jay Singing.

First show and early run of gigs

Kid Dynamite played their first show on April 22, 1998 in Philadelphia, opening for Better Than a Thousand. That summer, the band played shows up and down the East Coast of the United States.

Recording the debut album

In fall 1998, they recorded their first full length album with Steve Evetts, who had previously worked with Lifetime on Hello Bastards and Jersey’s Best Dancers. The self titled album Kid Dynamite was released on October 27, 1998 through Jade Tree Records, and the band continued playing shows through the winter.

Bass changes and life on the road

In 1999, Steve Ferrell left the band on good terms and was temporarily replaced by Ernie Parada of GreyArea, before Michael “Spider” Cotterman took over the bass spot. In summer 1999, Kid Dynamite went on their first cross country tour opening for Good Riddance, alongside In My Eyes. They spent the rest of the year touring with bands including Kill Your Idols, Snapcase, and Buried Alive, while also returning to the studio to record what became their final album.

Second album, then the end of the first run

Shorter, Faster, Louder was released on February 15, 2000. Kid Dynamite played two final shows on February 18 and 19, 2000 at the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia. Shevchuk had left the band in December 1999 to finish film school.

Benefit reunions and a Jade Tree compilation

In April 2003, the band played three reunion shows as benefits for the Syrentha J. Savio Endowment, supporting early breast cancer detection, and the shows raised over $20,000. In September 2003, Jade Tree released Cheap Shots, Youth Anthems, a compilation of rare and live material that also included a teaser DVD for a planned live DVD built around footage from the 2003 benefit shows.

CBGB benefit and a soundcheck joke

In 2005, the band played a reunion show on August 22 as a benefit for CBGB in New York City, with Take My Chances, Voice in the Wire, and GreyArea opening. During the set, Ernie Parada joined them for their cover of “Birthdays” by Token Entry. The band also joked around during soundcheck with a made up “song” titled “Whoa Dave Can You Hear Me,” repeating the line while testing gear.

DVD documentary and a full song tribute

On February 21, 2006, Jade Tree released Four Years In One Gulp, a documentary DVD with narration by Jason Shevchuk, commentary from band members and friends, and 25 live performances spanning the band’s run. In 2009, Get Outta Town Records released Carry the Torch: A Tribute to Kid Dynamite, featuring covers of every song the band recorded by other punk and hardcore adjacent bands.

Festival returns and the final breakup

The band played reunion sets at This Is Hardcore in 2010, then appeared at Fuck Yeah Fest in Los Angeles on September 3, 2011, as well as The Fest 10 in Gainesville, Florida and FunFunFunFest 2011 in Austin, Texas. In 2013, Kid Dynamite officially announced they were breaking up and played final shows at This Is Hardcore Fest in Philadelphia and in New York with Swearin’ and Joyce Manor.

Discography

  • Kid Dynamite (Studio album, released October 27, 1998, Jade Tree, JT1039, formats: CD, DL, LP)
  • Shorter, Faster, Louder (Studio album, released February 15, 2000, Jade Tree, JT1045, formats: CD, DL, LP)

Past members

  • Michael “Spider” Cotterman
  • Steve Ferrell
  • Jason Shevchuk
  • Dave Wagenschutz
  • Dan Yemin

Similar Posts