The Submarines

The Submarines were the indie pop duo of John Dragonetti (aka Jack Drag) and Blake Hazard, who initially crossed paths while working as solo artists in Boston. Introduced by mutual friends, the pair soon became musically and romantically involved. Dragonetti produced Hazard’s debut solo album, 2002′s Little Airplane, and they began playing and performing with each other’s bands. The couple moved west to Los Angeles to continue their career in warmer environs, but their relationship ended in 2005. The event fueled their respective songwriting, however, and since Hazard still recorded her material at Dragonetti’s studio, the two began sharing the songs they’d penned about their breakup. Apparently, this worked to rekindle their affection, and the two got back together, recorded their breakup songs, and ultimately married. Calling themselves the Submarines, they released the resulting Declare a New State! on the Nettwerk label in 2006. Honeysuckle Weeks followed in May 2008, featuring decidedly happier songs and an increased emphasis on Hazard’s lead vocals. Several songs from these albums were licensed for commercials, film, and television, including shows like Nip/Tuck, Gossip Girl, and Grey’s Anatomy, and the film Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Still with Nettwerk, the full-length Love Notes/Letter Bombs and The Shoelaces EP followed in 2011, with the Submarines’ newer songs also appearing on screen. In 2013, Hazard released her second solo LP, The Eleanor Islands. Substantially a breakup album, it responded to the sudden end of the couple’s marriage. Though no official announcement addressed the fate of the Submarines, Dragonetti shifted focus to his work as a film and television composer, and Hazard released her third solo album, Possibilities at Sea, in 2017. ~ Marisa Brown & Marcy Donelson