This just in from Zach…
1) Yonder has been signed to Toronto label Sparks Music. It will re-release Skywalk to Crescent Town early in the new year.
2) During the recording of Skywalk in 2006, other musicians, besides the initial five, were brought in to fill out the sound; and that larger band played at gigs throughout 2008 after the album’s original release. Now, however, the band has been pared back down to five members. This has caused some more changes…including a name change. According to Zach…
Since we have made the decision to stick to a smaller group of 5, our sound has changed a bit. We made the decision to change the name. Yonder is the name of at least three other bands in the world so we’re just asking for legal troubles with that one. I’ve also found that it’s pigeonholed us as a country band. Although we do have a strong country influence, I wouldn’t want to limit our sound. We have decided on Tin Star Orphans. I made up the name. See, Gold Star Orphans are real. They are children who lost a parent who went off to war. So, Tin Star Orphans would be like children who’s dads [were] a sheriff or deputy who were killed by outlaws!
The band’s final gig as Yonder will take place on Saturday at the Rivoli. (See sidebar.)
UPDATE (12/4): This week’s NOW Toronto has a short bit about all this, too.
