China Lake was formed by 3 people, Tony, Spencer and Mark in August 2015.
Mark answered an online advert asking for a drummer. The 3 of them rehearsed till January 2016, before deciding to advertise for a singer to complete the line up. Spencer spoke to a old school friend (Jim) and he made up the original line up. The name ChinaLake came from Tony who was computer game player, who played the game Call of Duty. There was a weapon in the game a grenade launcher called the China Lake which was also made in America in " China Lake" (its a real place).
After deciding they had a strong set list they started to venture out to open mic nights to get confidence. They came across a open mic night in Hayling Island run by Lilys bar and they attended. After waiting there turn, they got up and played 4 songs, which quickly turned into 8. After speaking to the landlord at Lilys they were asked if they could play at a festival "Lilyfest" in aid of local charity. They played the festival and with new found confidence they set upon the music scene.
The first change to the line up came in November 2017 when Jim retired due to personal circumstances and was replaced with Peter. Peter bought something different to the band as had a vast line of musical influences and took the band in a new direction.
The next change was 2019 when Tony left to have a break from the busy schedule as China Lake were beginning to establish a strong name and gigs were flying through.
Tony was replaced by Callum a young guitarist looking to have his first forray into the music scene.
The next change was 2020 when Spencer was offered a chance to work with a orginals band and the opportunity was to good to miss.
Peter bought in Marty to replace Spencer on Bass.
Due to Covid the line up of Peter, Marty, Callum and Mark did not gig much and with no know date at the time the possibility of gigging again was very slim.
In late 2020 Peter retired, Marty went to follow his blues career and Callum moved away to London. With the distinct possibility of China Lake ending, Mark the founding member and only one left anyway, decided to give it one last shot to see if he could recruit 3 members to continue the name of Chinalake.
After a short recruitment process Dan on bass and backing vocals, Ben on guitar and and Hayley on lead vocals joined the band.
These 3 new members have taken China Lake in a new direction and the band are having a new following with its varied sets.
China Lake
Vocals: Jim,
Guitar: Tony,
Bass: Spence,
Drums: Mark.
China Lake 2022
Vocals: Hayley
Guitar: Tony,
Bass: Spence,
Drums: Mark.
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