Warpharin

It all started in 1993 when Simon bought an Encore bass and amp from his Grandfather so as to play in a band called "Neon Labotomy" with his brother Mike Farmer. At the time the only songs Simon could play with Mike where "Psycho Killer"(Talking Heads) and Terrapin (Syd Barrett) Mike later decided to move on and start a band (the Hives (no not the swedish band) with James Logsdon and Tim Beck. In 1996 Simon was then asked to play bass in this experimental/power-pop punk band reigning from everyones favorite city Creve Coeur, IL. Soon after the demise of this band Simon joined with Nathan Hahn, Bubba and Mike Farmer to form "Maulled By Spider Monkeys". Mike Farmer was then kicked out of the band and they played their first and only show which was generously supported and recorded by Suit and Tie Guy. Soon after they disbanded, Simon decided to begin his own recording career with the help of Tim Beck, Suit and Tie Guy and "Maulled by Spider Monkeys" the first album "Lemac: Lightheaded Headlights" was created on tape under the name "Problem". The songs on this album included live tracks from MBSM and Studio Recordings at Satans Christmas Tree Records (ran by Tim Beck) Simon later began recording on his own with a cheap computer and an even cheaper toy keyboard. From this session (yup one single session) Simon recorded the second album under "Problem" called Assume, which was also only released on tape and sold at Coop Records in the Peoria Area. After this session the likes of Dan Theis, Ryan Simpson, Scott Harvey and Tim Beck joined together and recorded a few tracks at Becks Boss Sounds (the continuing evolution of Satans Christmas Tree Records). Only one track was then released from these sessions on a "Best of..." Peoria compilation entitled "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly". Which also happened to be the first CD release Simon had seen in his grueling, foolish career. The band soon disbanded after this session and Simon decided to get drunk and record the final "Problem" album which included wonderful songs like "The Exorcist Hes My Friend" and "Egg them Houses and Puke" this album was never released on tape. Finally in 1999 when Simon moved in with a cheery girl near Bradley University he began recording the first "Warpharin" album entitled "Startled". Simon then moved to Chicago and release "Startled" on CD over the internet. Also while in Chicago Simon recorded the second Warpharin album entitled "Simple as it Seems", which was later released in Peoria on CD. After arriving in Peoria and after the release Simon was asked to make another album for Glenda Rolle and Joe Bennetts ICC art show. This album "Robotovato" was quite mundane and repetitive, which complimented the "anti-technology" theme for the show. "Robotovato" somehow became the most manufactured CD in Simons arsenal. Later on that year in the summer James Logsdon and Simon decided to record the self-titled album "Utilizing Chi". Which was written by James then dedicated and delivered to George A. Dillman (inventor of the "Dillman Method" of pressure point techniques) and Mickey Wittekiend (Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee). Soon after this album was finished Simon started recording "Signal Barrage" which was never really finished but eventually was released on the Internet and to a few select friends and acquaintances. As of recently, Simon (John Farmer) has been recording track to track at his tiny home studio consisting of a mixer and a couple of condenser mics. The band has grown now to a total of five people. The lineup now features John Farmer (Guitar, Vox), Dan Thies (Bass, Vox), Keith Shank (Guitar, Vox), Ryan Simpson(Drums, Vox), and Ken Pilkington (Synth, Vox). Along with originals we also perform covers including artists such as: The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Radiohead, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Dylan, and other assorted oldies/classics, including extended jam versions hinting on the blues and psychedelia.