Gist

The DC based band was formed as a trio in 1995 with childhood friends Nayan Bhula (Guitar, Vocals, Keys) and Fred Burton (Drums, Trombone).  The two recruited Jennifer Moentmann (bass), a college friend of Nayan's to join them.  The band went on to record a number of demos (one with Archie Moore of Velocity Girl) and two EPs; 1997's Youth's Avail and 1999's Soundtrack for My Parting Ways.  

Due to artistic difference the band parted ways with Moentmann in early 1999.  At a crossroads, GIST reformed itself as a quartet with the addition on Jim Campbell (Bass, Vocals) from central PA and Finley Martin (guitar, vocals) from Prince Edward Island, Canada.  The new lineup mixed diverse influences into its sound including post-punk, classic hard rock and experimental rock.  As a quartet, the band went on to release the EP, Pretest Retest, in 2000 under their own label Red Stapler Records.  Pretest Retest  was engineered by Chad Clark (Smart Went Crazy, Beauty Pill) at Inner Ear Studios in Arlington, VA, and mastered by Grammy winner Charlie Pilzer.

The band toured up and down the East Coast and Canada in 2000 & 2001.  Returning to Inner Ear Studios with Chad Clark to record two acclaimed full lengths,  Art is Now Human (2002) & Diesel City (2005).  Upon the release of 2002's Art is Now Human, the band returned to a trio line-up.  They released a split 7"with labelmates, The Chance in 2006.  2010 saw the band release its final full length, Conversations, Expectations, recorded in Richmond, VA at Sound of Music with Al Weatherhead (Sparklehourse) engineering.  

Nayan Bhula went on to form The NRIs & NAYAN, Fred Burton went on to front his own band - Sleepmarks, Finley Martin has played in numerous projects, Oppo, The Chance and released his own solo material, Jim Campbell continued experimenting with his band Ximena.

The band had had a lasting influence in the local DC scene and its members still working as musicians in the community.  Highlights include: Sharing bills with Lungfish, Rilo Kiley, Moneen, Sergio Vega, playing at famed CBGB's.