Pela

Pela
Photo by Brendon Stuart
Background information
Origin	Brooklyn, New York
Genres	Indie rock
Years active	2004–2009
Labels	Unsigned
Associated acts	We Are Augustines
Website	pelamusic.com
Members	Billy McCarthy Nate Martinez Eric Sanderson Tomislav Zovich
Past members	Christopher Herb Josh Kaufman Brian Shevlin Andrew Squire

Pela was an American indie rock band from Brooklyn known for their intense live performances.

Pela's history goes back to the early ’90s when lead vocalist and guitarist Billy McCarthy met Christopher Herb. As best friends they worked at a mall together after dropping out of high school, and then traveled around the world together playing music in various cities. Herb and McCarthy began a folk project called Igloo Gazelle in New York City in 2001. In Early 2002, Herb had a chance meeting with Eric Sanderson on a subway platform at 7th avenue in Brooklyn where Herb was busking. Sanderson was invited to a practice session and joined the band shortly thereafter.

In late 2002, Herb abruptly moved to Australia for four years. Sanderson & McCarthy soon broke up Igloo Gazelle and teamed with guitarist Nate Martinez. Martinez and Sanderson met as roommates in college (in upstate New York) and played in many bands together both during and after theirs schooling. Both schoolmates are classically trained musicians in multiple genres of music. After a succession of drummers, they found Tomislav Zovich who remained in the band for the duration.

They released a physical EP in 2005 on Brassland label, owned by Brooklyn/Cincinnati band The National, and a download-only EP Exit Columbia Street, in 2006. In 2007 the group signed with independent label Great Society, who released their debut full-length, album, Anytown Graffiti, in April 2007. The group has played with Sonic Youth, The Flaming Lips, The Decemberists, Norah Jones, Sleater-Kinney, The National, Mission of Burma, Gaslight Anthem, Gossip, Devendra Barnhart,British Sea Power, and Feist. Pela severed ties with Great Society in 2008.