David Andrew Sitek
Encyclopedia
David Andrew Sitek is a guitarist
and record producer
based in New York City
, best known as a member of the band TV on the Radio
. He has also worked with bands such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs
, Liars
, Foals
, Celebration
, and most recently Jane's Addiction
, and produced free jazz
-influenced remixes
of songs by artists such as Beck
and Nine Inch Nails
, and has contributed a solo track to the Red Hot Organization
Dark Was the Night
charity compilation. He is also a photographer and painter
. Sitek lives in Los Angeles
, California
.
In April 2008, Sitek was named Number One in NME
s Future 50 list of the most forward thinking people in music today.
In 2009, Sitek contributed a cover of "With a Girl Like You
" to the AIDS benefit album, Dark Was the Night
, produced by the Red Hot Organization
.
A solo album from Sitek under the name Maximum Balloon was released on September 21, 2010 on Interscope
with individual songs released as singles commencing June 15, 2010. The record includes contributions by many guests including David Byrne
, Tunde Adebimpe
, and Karen O
.
for actress Scarlett Johansson
, released in May 2008.
Sitek also co-produced the debut album Antidotes
by Foals
and the debut EP of Chicago band Aleks and the Drummer titled May a Lightning Bolt Caress You self released by the band in June 2008.
He works with several Brooklyn acts, having recently remixed the song "Disco Lights" for Apollo Heights
and produced albums for Dragons of Zynth
and Telepathe
.
Though Sitek has collaborated with several Brooklyn-based indie bands, he looks upon the indie music movement with skepticism. In an interview with the Danish music magazine Soundvenue, he explains that he is dissatisfied with the opportunistic turn music has taken, referring to the self-promoting indie bands moving to Brooklyn only to claim that they are from "the creative mecca" in order to get the attention of music magazines. This may explain why Sitek has settled down on the West coast in Beverly Hills, California. He explains (the writer's own translation from Danish): "People can't hide themselves out here. Everyone looks after his own interests. It's a very egocentric city. But I don't care what 'indie people' think. Those bands complaining about other bands selling out, got their iPod filled up with illegal music". On his solo project Maximum Balloon, Sitek collaborates with many of his old friends (among these are Karen O
, David Byrne
and Kyp Malone
from TV on the Radio
), whom he claims are still interested in creating beautiful songs, not only songs that the music magazines want to write about, which, he thinks, keeps the music interesting.
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
and record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
based in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, best known as a member of the band TV on the Radio
TV on the Radio
TV on the Radio is an American art rock band formed in 2001 in Brooklyn, New York, whose music spans numerous diverse genres, from post-punk to electro and free jazz to soul music....
. He has also worked with bands such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Yeah Yeah Yeahs are an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 2000. The group is composed of vocalist and pianist Karen O, guitarist and keyboardist Nick Zinner, and drummer Brian Chase. They are complemented in live performances by second guitarist David Pajo, who joined as a touring...
, Liars
Liars (band)
Liars is a three-piece band formed in 2000 consisting of Angus Andrew , Aaron Hemphill , and Julian Gross...
, Foals
Foals (band)
Foals are an English indie rock band from Oxford. They are currently signed to Transgressive Records in the UK and Sub Pop in the US. They released their debut album Antidotes on 24 March 2008 in the UK, and 8 April 2008 in the US...
, Celebration
Celebration (band)
Celebration is a psychedelic soul band based out of Baltimore, Maryland.-History:Celebration is composed of singer Katrina Ford, multi-instrumentalist Sean Antanaitis and drummer David Bergander, with a number of additional rotating members: Walker Teret plays bass, sometimes guitar, percussion and...
, and most recently Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction is an American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1985. The band's original line-up featured Perry Farrell , Dave Navarro , Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins . After breaking up in 1991, Jane's Addiction briefly reunited in 1997 and again in 2001, both times...
, and produced free jazz
Free jazz
Free jazz is an approach to jazz music that was first developed in the 1950s and 1960s. Though the music produced by free jazz pioneers varied widely, the common feature was a dissatisfaction with the limitations of bebop, hard bop, and modal jazz, which had developed in the 1940s and 1950s...
-influenced remixes
RemixeS
RemixeS is a compilation of French singer Mylène Farmer's singles by various famous DJ's, including JXL, Felix Da Housecat and Paul Oakenfold.-Brackground, writing and release:...
of songs by artists such as Beck
Beck
Beck Hansen is an American musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known by the stage name Beck...
and Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
, and has contributed a solo track to the Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization is a not-for-profit, 501 3, international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.Since its inception in 1989, over 400 artists, producers and directors have contributed to over 15 compilation albums, related television programs and media events to raise...
Dark Was the Night
Dark Was the Night
Dark Was the Night is the twentieth compilation release benefiting the Red Hot Organization, an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS...
charity compilation. He is also a photographer and painter
Painting
Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface . The application of the medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush but other objects can be used. In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action. However, painting is...
. Sitek lives in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
In April 2008, Sitek was named Number One in NME
NME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
s Future 50 list of the most forward thinking people in music today.
In 2009, Sitek contributed a cover of "With a Girl Like You
With a Girl Like You
"With a Girl like You" is a hit song by English band The Troggs. The song reached number one in the UK Singles Chart on 4 August 1966, where it remained for two weeks.-Song profile:...
" to the AIDS benefit album, Dark Was the Night
Dark Was the Night
Dark Was the Night is the twentieth compilation release benefiting the Red Hot Organization, an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS...
, produced by the Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization is a not-for-profit, 501 3, international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.Since its inception in 1989, over 400 artists, producers and directors have contributed to over 15 compilation albums, related television programs and media events to raise...
.
A solo album from Sitek under the name Maximum Balloon was released on September 21, 2010 on Interscope
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
with individual songs released as singles commencing June 15, 2010. The record includes contributions by many guests including David Byrne
David Byrne
David Byrne may refer to:*David Byrne , musician and former Talking Heads frontman**David Byrne , his eponymous album*David Byrne , Irish footballer*David Byrne , English footballer...
, Tunde Adebimpe
Tunde Adebimpe
Babatunde Omoroga "Tunde" Adebimpe is an American musician, actor, and director best known as the lead singer of the Brooklyn-based band TV on the Radio. His vocal method often involves improvisation, the use of effects and repeating sampled loops....
, and Karen O
Karen O
Karen Lee Orzolek , better known by her stage name Karen O, is the vocalist for New York rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs.-Early life:...
.
Production work
Sitek produced the album Anywhere I Lay My HeadAnywhere I Lay My Head
Anywhere I Lay My Head is the debut studio album by actress Scarlett Johansson, released through Atco Records on May 20, 2008. Dave Sitek produced the album, and David Bowie contributed to two tracks, "Falling Down" and "Fannin Street."...
for actress Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson is an American actress, model and singer.Johansson made her film debut in North and was later nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead for her performance in Manny & Lo . She rose to further prominence with her roles in The Horse Whisperer and Ghost World...
, released in May 2008.
Sitek also co-produced the debut album Antidotes
Antidotes (album)
- Chart positions :...
by Foals
Foals (band)
Foals are an English indie rock band from Oxford. They are currently signed to Transgressive Records in the UK and Sub Pop in the US. They released their debut album Antidotes on 24 March 2008 in the UK, and 8 April 2008 in the US...
and the debut EP of Chicago band Aleks and the Drummer titled May a Lightning Bolt Caress You self released by the band in June 2008.
He works with several Brooklyn acts, having recently remixed the song "Disco Lights" for Apollo Heights
Apollo Heights
Apollo Heights are an American shoegazer band that was formed in New York City in 2002. Consisting mainly of twin brothers, Daniel and Danny Chavis, they play experimental rock music. They cite AR Kane and My Bloody Valentine as a major inspiration...
and produced albums for Dragons of Zynth
Dragons of Zynth
Dragons of Zynth is an American indie rock band from Cleveland, Ohio.-History:Dragons of Zynth's frontmen, Aku and Akwetey, are twins and were raised in Cleveland, OH. The group first won notice opening for TV on the Radio in 2005...
and Telepathe
Telepathe
Telepathe is an electronic pop duo from Brooklyn consisting of core members Busy Gangnes and Melissa Livaudis. The band also includes other occasional musicians, such as Ryan Lucero....
.
- TV on the RadioTV on the RadioTV on the Radio is an American art rock band formed in 2001 in Brooklyn, New York, whose music spans numerous diverse genres, from post-punk to electro and free jazz to soul music....
– OK CalculatorOK CalculatorOK Calculator is a demo collection from TV on the Radio which they self-released in 2002. The album's title alludes to Radiohead's album OK Computer.-Track listing:#"Freeway" – 2:19#"Say You Do" – 5:19...
(2000) - Yeah Yeah YeahsYeah Yeah YeahsYeah Yeah Yeahs are an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 2000. The group is composed of vocalist and pianist Karen O, guitarist and keyboardist Nick Zinner, and drummer Brian Chase. They are complemented in live performances by second guitarist David Pajo, who joined as a touring...
– Yeah Yeah YeahsYeah Yeah Yeahs (EP)The track "Our Time" interpolates the Tommy James and the Shondells song "Crimson and Clover"; when Karen O sings "It's the year to be hated / So glad that we made it," the melody is taken from the hit song, which reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1969....
(2002) - Love Life – Here Is Night, Brothers, Here the Birds Burn (2002)
- Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Fever to TellFever to TellFever to Tell is the debut album by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, released on April 29, 2003, through Interscope. It was produced by David Andrew Sitek and mixed by Alan Moulder....
(2003) - TV on the Radio – Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty BabesDesperate Youth, Blood Thirsty BabesDesperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes is a 2004 album by the American art rock band, TV on the Radio. The album, recorded at Headgear Studio in Brooklyn, was awarded the Shortlist Music Prize for 2004. It was released on CD, 12" vinyl and MP3 download formats. The CD is enhanced with two different...
(2004) - LiarsLiars (band)Liars is a three-piece band formed in 2000 consisting of Angus Andrew , Aaron Hemphill , and Julian Gross...
– They Were Wrong, So We DrownedThey Were Wrong, So We DrownedThey Were Wrong, So We Drowned is the second album released by noise rock band Liars, released in 2004.The album takes the form of a very loose concept album concerning witchcraft upon The Brocken during Walpurgis Night, and tales of witch trials in the area around the Harz Mountains in Germany...
(2004) - Celebration – Celebration (2005)
- TV on the Radio – Return to Cookie MountainReturn to Cookie MountainReturn to Cookie Mountain is the second studio album by American art rock group TV on the Radio. It was released July 6, 2006 worldwide by 4AD, and issued in the U.S. and Canada on September 12, 2006 by Interscope Records and Touch and Go Recordings. However, an unmastered version of the album...
(2006) - Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Show Your BonesShow Your BonesShow Your Bones is the second full-length album by new New York indie rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It was released on March 27, 2006 . The album was nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award for "Best Alternative Music Album"....
(2006) - The OhSees – The Cool Death of Island Raiders (2006)
- Dragons of Zynth – Coronation Thieves (2007)
- Celebration – The Modern Tribe (2007)
- Foals – AntidotesAntidotes (album)- Chart positions :...
(2008) - Scarlett JohanssonScarlett JohanssonScarlett Johansson is an American actress, model and singer.Johansson made her film debut in North and was later nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead for her performance in Manny & Lo . She rose to further prominence with her roles in The Horse Whisperer and Ghost World...
– Anywhere I Lay My HeadAnywhere I Lay My HeadAnywhere I Lay My Head is the debut studio album by actress Scarlett Johansson, released through Atco Records on May 20, 2008. Dave Sitek produced the album, and David Bowie contributed to two tracks, "Falling Down" and "Fannin Street."...
(2008) - Aleks and the Drummer - May A Lightning Bolt Caress You! (2008)
- TV on the Radio – Dear ScienceDear ScienceDear Science is the third album by American art rock band TV on the Radio. It was released via Interscope Records in the United States, Touch and Go Records on iTunes and was licensed through 4AD in Europe and all remaining territories. Despite the marketed release date of September 22–23, the...
(2008) - Telepathe – Dance Mother (2009)
- Iran – Dissolver (2009)
- Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It's Blitz!It's Blitz!It's Blitz! is the third studio album by American indie rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs, released March 9, 2009 on Interscope Records. It was originally set for release on April 13, 2009, however after being leaked to the internet on February 22, the release date was pushed forward to March 9 for the...
(2009) - Pink Noise – What Will Happen If Someone Finds Out? (2009)
- WaleWale (rapper)Wale Victor Folarin , better known by his stage name Wale , is an American rapper from Washington, D.C. Wale was born to Nigerian parents. He rose to prominence in 2006, when his song "Dig Dug " became popular in his hometown. Wale became locally recognized and continued recording music for the...
– Attention Deficit (2009) - Holly MirandaHolly MirandaHolly Miranda is an American singer-songwriter and musician. Besides being trained in piano, Holly is a self-taught guitar and trumpet player. In 2001, she recorded "High Above The City", a 20-track solo album available only at shows. In the fall of 2003, Holly met and teamed up with Alex Lipsen,...
- The Magician's Private LibraryThe Magician's Private LibraryThe Magician's Private Library is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Holly Miranda, released 23 February 2010 in the United States by XL Recordings...
(2010) - Daniel Higgs - Say God (2010)
- TV on the RadioTV on the RadioTV on the Radio is an American art rock band formed in 2001 in Brooklyn, New York, whose music spans numerous diverse genres, from post-punk to electro and free jazz to soul music....
- "Nine Types of Light"
Though Sitek has collaborated with several Brooklyn-based indie bands, he looks upon the indie music movement with skepticism. In an interview with the Danish music magazine Soundvenue, he explains that he is dissatisfied with the opportunistic turn music has taken, referring to the self-promoting indie bands moving to Brooklyn only to claim that they are from "the creative mecca" in order to get the attention of music magazines. This may explain why Sitek has settled down on the West coast in Beverly Hills, California. He explains (the writer's own translation from Danish): "People can't hide themselves out here. Everyone looks after his own interests. It's a very egocentric city. But I don't care what 'indie people' think. Those bands complaining about other bands selling out, got their iPod filled up with illegal music". On his solo project Maximum Balloon, Sitek collaborates with many of his old friends (among these are Karen O
Karen O
Karen Lee Orzolek , better known by her stage name Karen O, is the vocalist for New York rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs.-Early life:...
, David Byrne
David Byrne
David Byrne may refer to:*David Byrne , musician and former Talking Heads frontman**David Byrne , his eponymous album*David Byrne , Irish footballer*David Byrne , English footballer...
and Kyp Malone
Kyp Malone
David Kyp Joel Malone is a multi-instrumentalist and member of the bands TV on the Radio and Iran.Malone formed Iran with film director/singer/songwriter Aaron Aites in the year 2000...
from TV on the Radio
TV on the Radio
TV on the Radio is an American art rock band formed in 2001 in Brooklyn, New York, whose music spans numerous diverse genres, from post-punk to electro and free jazz to soul music....
), whom he claims are still interested in creating beautiful songs, not only songs that the music magazines want to write about, which, he thinks, keeps the music interesting.
Singles
- If You Return featuring Little DragonLittle DragonLittle Dragon are a Swedish electronic band, formed in Gothenburg in 1996. It consists of Swedish-Japanese singer Yukimi Nagano and her close high school friends Erik Bodin , Fredrik Källgren Wallin and Håkan Wirenstrand .Little Dragon's first release was the double A-side 7" single...
(2010) - Groove Me featuring Theophilus LondonTheophilus LondonTheophilus London is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York City.-Early life:London was born on the island Trinidad, on February 23 of 1987 and was raised in Brooklyn briefly, then moved to the suburbs of the Poconos.-Records:...
(2010) - Tiger featuring Aku (2010)