“Around 2004 I was reaching a point where I wanted to stop playing music. But I needed some kind of therapy, so I didn’t completely give it up. I began playing acoustic guitar almost exclusively, writing many songs that would be considered pop-rock or adult alternative before enlisting the help of female vocalist Ashley Smith. Disarmed was formed at this point with the notion that a gimmick isn...’t needed to play music that will affect someone – we did, however, plan to migrate that sound back toward the hard rock end of the spectrum.”-Chad Grennor
Disarmed began as a hard rock ensemble, with a revolving door of members. Playing gigs throughout Georgia the pair of Grennor and Smith began to come in to their own, truly seeing what the future might hold for the band. With the decision to relocate to Knoxville, Tennessee in 2008 Disarmed took on a 3rd full-time member, bassist Allyn Crabtree.
“I learned to play the bass roughly 11 years ago, it was a way to meet other people and experience different thoughts and ideals. I wanted to connect with others on a deeper level than what words and actions can accomplish.”-Allyn Crabtree
Fully embracing the musical scene in Knoxville, and finally feeling complete as a band Disarmed recorded their first studio EP, Open Your Eyes in 2008.
“Open Your Eyes is such a solid album, it is hard to believe that this was a first effort by a recently deconstructed band. It is a combination of hard bass lines and moving lead guitar. The vocal combination works well as Chad Grennor has a voice reminiscent of a young Dave Grohl and the lyrics provided by Ashley Grennor (formerly Smith) will often stick in your head as a haunting but beautiful reminder of each track”-Knoxville Man Magazine.
Playing local gigs has become second nature to Disarmed. They have become accustomed to the local radio scene as well, having been featured on 94.3 the X and Indie Radio Chattanooga. Given the opportunity to perform in the event 343 for Kids, Disarmed helped to complete the Guinness Book of World Records record for longest concert performed by multiple artists.
2011 has been a good year thus far for Disarmed. With plenty of original material and their new single “Your Streaks” ready for release, the band recently signed with Evolution Media Management and is currently looking at multiple dates throughout the SouthEast.
“I had no idea that my decision would change the rest of my life so drastically. I have no idea where I would be if I hadn’t decided to be a part of Disarmed 7 years ago…and I don’t really want to know. I’m excited about what we’ve accomplished so far and I’m ready to see what the future holds for us over the next 7 years.” –Ashley Grennor
