The Broken West

The Broken West
The Broken West performing in Toronto
Background information
Also known as	The Brokedown
Origin	Los Angeles, California, USA
Genres	Indie rock Power pop
Years active	2004–2009
Labels	Merge
Associated acts	Apex Manor
Website	myspace.com/thebrokenwest
Members	Ross Flournoy Dan Iead Brian Whelan Jeff Howell Sean McDonald
Past members	Rob McCorkindale Scott Claassen Jon Shaw

The Broken West was an American power pop band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 2004, and later signed to Merge Records. The members are Ross Flournoy (guitar, vocals), Dan Iead (guitar, backing vocals), Brian Whelan (bass, backing vocals), Rob McCorkindale (drums, percussion), and Scott Claassen (keys, backing vocals). Drummer Rob McCorkindale was later replaced by Sean McDonald. Jeff Howell (Dan Iead's high school friend from Connecticut) joined the Broken West as their touring keyboardist, playing synth, organ and piano.

Initially named The Brokedown, they changed their name in 2006 because of legal concerns with a Chicago band with a similar name. Their debut full-length release is I Can't Go On, I'll Go On, referencing a Samuel Beckett quote.

Their single "Down in the Valley" was featured in an episode of Grey's Anatomy.

They have played the Austin City Limits Music Festival, and toured the U.S. and Canada with Fountains of Wayne and with The National.

None of the band members are originally from Los Angeles. Frontman Ross Flournoy was born in Memphis, Tennessee and moved with his family to Santa Barbara, California when he was 11 years old. His musical pleasures growing up included Big Star, Teenage Fanclub, and The Beatles. Dan Iead and Jeff Howell grew up in Branford, CT. Brian Whelan split time between Seattle and Northern California.