Deerhoof
Encyclopedia
Deerhoof is a musical group consisting of Satomi Matsuzaki, John Dieterich, Ed Rodriguez and Greg Saunier.
, joined a short-lived San Francisco quartet called Nitre Pit, on drums. In March 1994, when this quartet broke up suddenly with shows still booked, Saunier and then-bassist Rob Fisk decided to continue as a duo. They quickly devised a convulsive, improvisatory playing style to make up for their lack of material and stark instrumentation.
One such show where Fisk and Saunier were called upon to substitute for their former band was the 1995 Yo Yo A Go Go Festival in Olympia, WA. In the audience was Slim Moon
, founder of the independent Olympia record label Kill Rock Stars
. Moon signed Nitre Pit (as they were still known at that point) on for one 7" single, at which point the duo renamed themselves Deerhoof.
The name came from the title of a brief tape Rob Fisk had recorded in late 1993, of improvised bass and harmonica solos. It was released in an edition of just 5 copies, and featured fallen leaf fragments glued to recycled Billy Squier
promotional cassettes, then spray-painted in black and gold.
The duo, budget-less, recorded themselves on Saunier's four-track and released "Return of the Wood M'lady" (1995, Kill Rock Stars). Its distorted bass, heavy drums, and dark tone revealed the influence of Japanese psychedelic trio Fushitsusha
, San Francisco noise band Caroliner
, and Nirvana. Side B was especially cacophonous, presenting separate songs in the left and right channels. Fisk drew the cover art, which was then xeroxed for the release. He also etched into the vinyl master at the mastering session, his drawings appearing on the record in place of a label. The single did not sell well, but Deerhoof's do-it-yourself ethic turned out to be an apt match with Kill Rock Stars, and Deerhoof has remained on this label for the entirety of their career, ultimately becoming the longest-running artist on the label's roster. Moon has described them as the "seminal classic KRS band".
The histrionic instrumental style and massive volume of the early duo made vocals difficult to perform, so in 1996 Fisk and Saunier began looking for a singer. In May of that year, through mutual friends in Caroliner
, they met Satomi Matsuzaki, who had just arrived in San Francisco from her native Tokyo to study film. Although she had no musical experience, Fisk and Saunier agreed that her inexpressive singing style added an element of humor and playfulness that had been lacking in Deerhoof's sound. Within just one week of her joining, Deerhoof went on their first tour as a trio, opening three west coast shows for Caroliner
.
Deerhoof continued to record on four-track, releasing various singles and a vinyl LP, Dirt Pirate Creed, which featured guest appearances by Fat Worm of Error
's Chris Cooper and Jess Goddard (then members of Caroliner
) and Cole Palme (formerly of the pioneering San Francisco industrial group Factrix
). The artwork was by both Fisk and Matsuzaki.
Deerhoof live was unpredictable, with the trio, sometimes with the addition of Cooper and/or Goddard, playing loose, improvisational versions of mostly Fisk-composed songs. The fact that performances often involved the superimposition of multiple songs at once, the switching of onstage roles, various chance procedures, and broken equipment, further obscured their already-unknown material, and audience response tended to be confused. Fisk, Cooper and Goddard all soon quit, leaving a new CD only partially completed.
and Korg synthesizer (both borrowed from Palme), guitar, and electric banjo. Once Fisk heard the finished recording, he decided to rejoin the group. Deerhoof released their self-recorded first CD The Man, the King, the Girl
on Kill Rock Stars in 1997. The artwork was painted by Fisk.
Fisk was now playing guitar and Deerhoof toured the U.S. several times over the next few years, opening for Sleater-Kinney
, Unwound
, Lightning Bolt and Sonic Youth
.
The trio began working on a new album (Halfbird
), again self-recorded using a cassette four-track. However the band felt dissatisfied with the thinness of their sound, and shelved the recording.
Matsuzaki began teaching herself to play bass, and Deerhoof toured the U.S. several times over the next several years. In 1998, Deerhoof added Kelly Goode on keyboard (the monophonic Casio VL-1
). Neither Matsuzaki nor Goode had any prior instrumental experience, forcing Deerhoof to drastically simplify their approach. They quickly recorded a new album at the home of friend Bob Limp, of The Ass Baboons of Venus. Holdypaws
, released in 1999 on Kill Rock Stars, revealed a very different Deerhoof from the one heard on the previous album. It featured strict performance of tightly composed songs, completely removing any element of noise, improvisation, or unusual instrumentation. The cover artwork was once again by Fisk.
Deerhoof then returned to Halfbird
, slowly layering guitars and other instruments on the four-track. But the band was losing money on tour, and Kill Rock Stars had lost money on both of Deerhoof's CDs, and in fall 1999 both Fisk and Goode quit. Halfbird
was completed by Saunier and Matsuzaki and released in 2001 on Menlo Park Recordings, four years after it was begun. The artwork was by Fisk.
, he met fellow student John Dieterich, formerly guitarist of Colossamite
, and asked him to join. They quickly refashioned Deerhoof into a variety of different formats: a traditional power trio
with Matsuzaki on bass, Dieterich on guitar; an altered power trio with Matsuzaki on guitar (an instrument new to her) and Dieterich on bass, with Saunier playing drums and keyboard (the same Casio VL-1
) simultaneously; and another version with Matsuzaki on sampler and keyboard, Dieterich on baritone guitar. Just before Saunier's final dissertation concert at Mills, his leg was broken when hit by a car, causing Deerhoof to play several shows with Dieterich on drums and Saunier seated playing guitar.
They recorded their various formations in a variety of settings. Some songs were recorded at home, as before. Certain songs were done in the Mills College recording studio, as part of a recording course Dieterich was taking. Others were taped at San Francisco studio Tiny Telephone, utilizing the engineering aid of Jay Pellicci and Ian Pellicci. The stylistic contrasts between and within songs were more unpredictable than ever, and it was two years of writing, recording, overdubbing, remixing, editing, and sequencing before the band felt they had created a coherent, though brief, album.
Reveille
was released in 2002 on Kill Rock Stars. Dieterich's playing had added a new element of guitar virtuosity to their sound, allowing for a broad stylistic range that included echoes of rock and roll of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, garage rock, post-rock, modern classical composition, pop, noise, and improvisation. The production was at times more powerful and polished than on previous releases. Matsuzaki's vocals were often very minimal, sometimes creating the impression of another instrument. One track, "Cooper", featured the return of guest guitarist Chris Cooper. The album artwork was by Matsuzaki, and its grandiose tone and religious connotations echoed the musical bombast (often compared to The Who
), as well as the lyrical theme of resurrection. For the first time, Deerhoof began receiving some critical praise, notably in a best-of-2002 list in The New York Times
. Several years after its release Reveille was named in Pitchfork's Top 100 Albums of 2000–2004.
By the end of the recording process, the band had developed a close relationship with Chris Cohen, then playing in his band The Curtains
. Cohen joined Deerhoof, initially as keyboardist, but soon switching to guitar. For the next three years Deerhoof toured as a quartet, and released Apple O'
, Milk Man
, Green Cosmos
, and The Runners Four
in quick succession. Over this time period they gradually captured more attention from the listening public, college radio, critics, and fellow musicians. During these years they were also chosen to open for a wide variety of well-known bands including Wilco
, The Roots
, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Stephen Malkmus
. They were also invited twice to record BBC
sessions for John Peel
, and selected by The Simpsons
creator Matt Groening
to play at the All Tomorrows Parties festival.
The idea for Apple O'
(2003, Kill Rock Stars) came to Saunier as he was reading a positive review of Reveille
in Thrasher, but was then disappointed when he turned the page to find an interview with Kim Deal
where she criticized the use of Pro Tools
, computer recording tricks, and sampling
, all of which featured prominently on Reveille. Apple O'
abandoned the multi-layered and often electronic sounds of Reveille in favor of simple, live-sounding production without overdubs. Most of Apple O'
was recorded in one nine-hour session with Jay Pellicci engineering. Exceptions were "Sealed With A Kiss", which was created exclusively from samples from songs about apples, and the final two tracks which were recorded at home on acoustic guitar. Apple O'
was once again a very brief album, its artwork (again by Fisk, though he was no longer in the band) and lyrics centered around mythic themes of love and war, featuring repeated allusions to Adam and Eve, forbidden fruit, the atom bomb, and extinction. It received critical praise, notably in The New York Times
and Jane
. It was later named in Pitchfork Media
s top albums of the decade list from 2009.
In 2003 the quartet decided to leave their jobs and tour full-time. Matsuzaki had been editing a San Francisco-based Japanese magazine, Dieterich and Saunier had been doing data entry for legal and consulting firms, and Cohen had been a waiter at a Thai restaurant.
The starting point for Milk Man
(2004, Kill Rock Stars
) was a cartoon character created by Japanese artist Ken Kagami, a longtime friend of Matsuzaki. In contrast to the earnest guitar rock that predominated on Apple O'
, Milk Man
featured a broad palette of orchestral colors, echoes of music theater and camp, polished and gaudy arrangements, Stravinskian
harmonies, and a more stylized, anonymous playing style resulting partly from recording most of the instruments at separate times rather than playing together as a band, and partly from many of the arrangements being created in a computer. The DIY, low-budget recording process for Milk Man
was described in detail in an interview conducted by the Mae Shi for Tape Op
Magazine. Critical praise for Milk Man
came notably from NME
and Spin
. The song "Milk Man" was chosen in 2009 as one of Pitchforks top tracks of the decade.
Milk Man
s connections to both music theater and to children were embodied later in a version created by Courtney Naliboff and performed by children of the North Haven Community School in North Haven, Maine in fall 2006. The Milk Man Ballet was later released on DVD.
The EP Green Cosmos
(2005, Menlo Park Recordings) was the first Deerhoof release to be sung almost entirely in Matsuzaki's native language of Japanese. Musically Green Cosmos
took the aesthetic of Milk Man
a step further by combining an even more expansive orchestral sound, and references to disco that at times completely replaced live drums with programmed beats and samples. Artwork was created from original tarot cards designed by Dawn Garcia.
In the fall, Deerhoof released The Runners Four
(2005, Kill Rock Stars). Unlike the short albums of Deerhoof's past, The Runners Four
was 20 songs long, the result of several months of recording together in their rented practice space in Oakland. Arrangements were worked out as a live band rather than in the computer. Matsuzaki and Cohen reversed instrumental roles, with Matsuzaki playing guitar and Cohen bass. All four members contributed an approximately equal portion of the composed music and lyrics, and all four were featured as vocalists at various points. Certain motifs – time travel, sports, smuggling, allusions to Noah's Ark – recurred throughout the unusually wordy lyrics. Sleeve design was by New York artist Trevor Shimizu. Critical praise came notably from The New York Times and Pitchfork, which named the album as #6 in the best albums of 2006. The album was selected as Sufjan Stevens
's "Album of the Decade" in Uncut Magazine.
In interviews the band maintained that they never knew what kind of music they would create next, nor that they even had any idea what they were doing when they created it. They also have said repeatedly that the ambiguity in their musical style and lyrics affords their audience an important interpretive role. To this end, in 2005 they created a remix website for the final track of The Runners Four
("Rrrrrrright") where fans could download the stems of the individual band members' parts in the song, and upload their remixes to the site.
After an extensive world tour, Deerhoof was invited by the San Francisco International Film Festival
to perform a live, original score to a silent film of their choosing. They selected Heaven and Earth Magic
by Harry Smith
, and performed their hour-long soundtrack, largely composed by Dieterich, in spring 2006. This was to be Cohen's last activity with Deerhoof. The split was amicable and, to commemorate Cohen, Deerhoof posted a free EP on their website, one of several they have posted over the years.
and another with Radiohead
. Self-produced as usual, some portions were recorded once again by Jay and Ian Pellicci. It was mixed on computer, largely while on tour. Friend Opportunity
was released in January 2007 on Kill Rock Stars. Its 12 interchangeable cover paintings were by Scottish artist David Shrigley
. The album was highly praised in Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, and nominated for a PLUG Award by Ric Ocasek
.
During the same time period, they began working with director Justin Theroux on the soundtrack to Dedication
, released in fall 2007. Friend Opportunity
track "Matchbook Seeks Maniac" was written by Saunier specifically for the end credits of Dedication
. The film featured various songs and excerpts from Deerhoof albums, and the Dedication Film Soundtrack featured four tracks by Deerhoof.
During the world tour that followed Friend Opportunity
s release, Deerhoof was invited by David Bowie
to play the Highline Festival in New York City. They also opened for The Roots
, The Flaming Lips
, and Bloc Party
, and they made their network television debut on Last Call with Carson Daly
.
, the Flying Luttenbachers
, XBXRX
, Sicbay, Iceburn
, and currently a member of Gorge Trio
along with Dieterich) joined the band as a full-time member, and Deerhoof began writing and recording Offend Maggie
. Before the finished album was released in October, one of the songs ("Fresh Born") was released in the form of sheet music, with the intention that fans create their own versions of the song before hearing Deerhoof's version. Fans uploaded more than 40.
Offend Maggie
was stylistically rough and relaxed compared to Friend Opportunity
, and highlighted the guitar interplay of Dieterich and Rodriguez, and greater emotional expression in Matsuzaki's vocals. All four members contributed songs. Lyrics were mostly by Matsuzaki and alternated between English and Japanese. Artwork was by Japanese artist Tomoo Gokita. The album received critical praise, notably from VH1, Entertainment Weekly, Alternative Press, and Mojo.
Since this release, Deerhoof has toured the world extensively as a quartet. Several notable events have occurred during the tour. In August 2009, at a concert in Los Angeles, trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith
played most of the set with them. In December in Luzerne, Switzerland, Marlene Marder, the guitarist from Swiss band LiLiPUT
performed one of LiLiPUT's songs ("Hitch-Hike") on stage with the band. In February 2010 in Oakland California, they opened for Yoko Ono and The Plastic Ono Band, and guested on two of their songs. In April 2010 they performed on stage at the Donaufestival in Austria with the members of Xiu Xiu
, playing the Joy Division
album Unknown Pleasures in its entirety. Also in April they curated the 2010 edition of the Belgian music festival Sonic City.
via Polyvinyl Records. The release of the album was preceded by a "Global Album Leak" during which a 12 blogs from several countries around the world premiered a song from the album one week at a time. As with the group's previous albums, Deerhoof vs. Evil received ample critical acclaim with publications such as MOJO calling it "an absolute joy" and Entertainment Weekly declaring it "as beautifully bizarre as ever."
The album also marked the beginning of a potential 7" series wherein a vocalist sings new lyrics over an instrumental of a song from the record on the A-side and provided a song from their own band on the B-side. So far, two 7"s have been released: the first with LA-based rapper Busdriver
and his band Physical Forms (which includes a former member of The Mae Shi
), and the second with Xiu Xiu
.
During May, June, and July 2011, Deerhoof is taking part in the "Congotronics Vs. Rockers" Tour along side groups such as Konono N°1
and Kasai Allstars
. The tour brings to life Tradi-Mods Vs. Rockers: Alternative Takes on Congotronics, the latest release in Belgium-based label Crammed Discs
' Congotronics
series, on which Western groups, including Deerhoof, collaborated with Congolese street musicians. The band have been chosen to perform at the ATP I'll Be Your Mirror
festival curated by ATP & Portishead in September 2011 in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
, a collaboration with Saya, singer and songwriter with the Japanese band Tenniscoats
. This group often includes Saunier and Takashi Ueno. Their one CD was mixed by Saunier. Saunier and drummer Zach Hill
formed a group called Nervous Cop, releasing one album in 2003 which featured guest harpist Joanna Newsom
. Dieterich, Chris Cohen, and Jay Pellicci formed an instrumental trio called Natural Dreamers that released one album in 2004. Cohen had formed The Curtains
before joining Deerhoof, and Saunier joined the band from 2003–2005. After Cohen left Deerhoof, he continued the Curtains, and then started another band called Cryptacize
. Rob Fisk and Kelly Goode played together in Seven Year Rabbit Cycle, and later Rob formed King Eider Common Eider
. Jess Goddard and Chris Cooper play in Fat Worm of Error
.
In 2006, Danielson released the critically acclaimed Ships, which featured the four then-members of Deerhoof as the backing band for many of the tracks. Saunier and Dieterich have guested on several Xiu Xiu
albums, as well as on Busdriver
's 2008 album Jhelli Beam. Saunier guested on Lushlife's 2009 album Cassette City. Saunier has done production and mixing for Xiu Xiu
, Busdriver
, Maher Shalal Hash Baz
, Sholi
, 31 Knots, and Hawnay Troof
. Saunier also played drums on the soundtrack to the Will Ferrell
movie Step Brothers
. On February 23, 2010 Greg Saunier and guitarist Sean Lennon performed as a duo in San Francisco. Satomi contributes lead vocal on The Go! Team's
'Secretary Song'.
Deerhoof has also done several remixes for other artists. In 2008 Deerhoof's remix of "Goodnight Goodnight" by Maroon 5
was released as part of the latter's album Call and Response. A remix of Parenthetical Girls
' "GUT Symmetries" also appeared that year. In 2009 Deerhoof's remixes of Delta 5
's "Mind Your Own Business", Wildbirds & Peacedrums
's "My Heart", and Shugo Tokumaru
's "Rum Hee" were released.
, Dirty Projectors
, Grizzly Bear
, Of Montreal
, The Flaming Lips
, Fiery Furnaces, Sufjan Stevens
, St. Vincent, Ponytail
, Women
, Thee Silver Mt. Zion,Xiu Xiu
, and Autolux
.
Deerhoof has also released a large number of 7" singles, split releases with other artists, tracks on compilations, and free downloadable EPs.
Origins
In 1992, Greg Saunier, having recently graduated with a degree in music composition from Oberlin Conservatory of MusicOberlin Conservatory of Music
The Oberlin Conservatory of Music, located on the campus of Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, was founded in 1865 and is the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States. Students of Oberlin Conservatory enter a very broad network within the music world, as the school's alumni...
, joined a short-lived San Francisco quartet called Nitre Pit, on drums. In March 1994, when this quartet broke up suddenly with shows still booked, Saunier and then-bassist Rob Fisk decided to continue as a duo. They quickly devised a convulsive, improvisatory playing style to make up for their lack of material and stark instrumentation.
One such show where Fisk and Saunier were called upon to substitute for their former band was the 1995 Yo Yo A Go Go Festival in Olympia, WA. In the audience was Slim Moon
Slim Moon
Slim Moon is the founder of the independent music label, Kill Rock Stars. He also started its sister label, 5 Rue Christine...
, founder of the independent Olympia record label Kill Rock Stars
Kill Rock Stars
Kill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in both Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The label has released a variety of work in different genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole as having any one artistic mission...
. Moon signed Nitre Pit (as they were still known at that point) on for one 7" single, at which point the duo renamed themselves Deerhoof.
The name came from the title of a brief tape Rob Fisk had recorded in late 1993, of improvised bass and harmonica solos. It was released in an edition of just 5 copies, and featured fallen leaf fragments glued to recycled Billy Squier
Billy Squier
William Haislip "Billy" Squier is an American rock musician. Squier had a string of arena rock hits in the 1980s. He is best known for the song "The Stroke" on his 1981 album release Don't Say No...
promotional cassettes, then spray-painted in black and gold.
The duo, budget-less, recorded themselves on Saunier's four-track and released "Return of the Wood M'lady" (1995, Kill Rock Stars). Its distorted bass, heavy drums, and dark tone revealed the influence of Japanese psychedelic trio Fushitsusha
Fushitsusha
Fushitsusha is a Japanese rock band specialising in the psychedelic rock, space rock and noise rock genres. The band consists of electric guitarist and singer Keiji Haino, and a shifting cast of complementary musicians. The group released the majority of its material in the 1990s.-History:Haino...
, San Francisco noise band Caroliner
Caroliner
Caroliner, a group formed in 1983 in San Francisco, is an industrial bluegrass–experimental–Noise conceptual art band that utilizes instruments from bluegrass and rock traditions, as well as homemade electronics and other modified instruments...
, and Nirvana. Side B was especially cacophonous, presenting separate songs in the left and right channels. Fisk drew the cover art, which was then xeroxed for the release. He also etched into the vinyl master at the mastering session, his drawings appearing on the record in place of a label. The single did not sell well, but Deerhoof's do-it-yourself ethic turned out to be an apt match with Kill Rock Stars, and Deerhoof has remained on this label for the entirety of their career, ultimately becoming the longest-running artist on the label's roster. Moon has described them as the "seminal classic KRS band".
The histrionic instrumental style and massive volume of the early duo made vocals difficult to perform, so in 1996 Fisk and Saunier began looking for a singer. In May of that year, through mutual friends in Caroliner
Caroliner
Caroliner, a group formed in 1983 in San Francisco, is an industrial bluegrass–experimental–Noise conceptual art band that utilizes instruments from bluegrass and rock traditions, as well as homemade electronics and other modified instruments...
, they met Satomi Matsuzaki, who had just arrived in San Francisco from her native Tokyo to study film. Although she had no musical experience, Fisk and Saunier agreed that her inexpressive singing style added an element of humor and playfulness that had been lacking in Deerhoof's sound. Within just one week of her joining, Deerhoof went on their first tour as a trio, opening three west coast shows for Caroliner
Caroliner
Caroliner, a group formed in 1983 in San Francisco, is an industrial bluegrass–experimental–Noise conceptual art band that utilizes instruments from bluegrass and rock traditions, as well as homemade electronics and other modified instruments...
.
Deerhoof continued to record on four-track, releasing various singles and a vinyl LP, Dirt Pirate Creed, which featured guest appearances by Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error is an Experimental/Noise/conceptual art avant garde rock band from Northampton, Massachusetts. They are seen as staples of the underground noise and improvisation scene and helped to start what is known as a regional form of noise music called . They have been associated with the...
's Chris Cooper and Jess Goddard (then members of Caroliner
Caroliner
Caroliner, a group formed in 1983 in San Francisco, is an industrial bluegrass–experimental–Noise conceptual art band that utilizes instruments from bluegrass and rock traditions, as well as homemade electronics and other modified instruments...
) and Cole Palme (formerly of the pioneering San Francisco industrial group Factrix
Factrix
Factrix was an American pioneering industrial group from San Francisco, formed in 1978 by Bond Bergland, Cole Palme, and Joseph T. Jacobs, and was praised by Carlo McCormick as "one of the great bands of their era, prescient and influential."...
). The artwork was by both Fisk and Matsuzaki.
Deerhoof live was unpredictable, with the trio, sometimes with the addition of Cooper and/or Goddard, playing loose, improvisational versions of mostly Fisk-composed songs. The fact that performances often involved the superimposition of multiple songs at once, the switching of onstage roles, various chance procedures, and broken equipment, further obscured their already-unknown material, and audience response tended to be confused. Fisk, Cooper and Goddard all soon quit, leaving a new CD only partially completed.
The Man, The King, The Girl—Halfbird
Rather than start over, Matsuzaki and Saunier decided to perform as a duo, and continue working on the partially completed album. Several new, more melodic songs were written and performed entirely by Saunier and Matsuzaki. The swirling noise and wild improvisation, set against childlike, even cheerful, vocals by Matsuzaki, created a distinct musical tension. The production featured a broadened sound palette, including Casio keyboards, OptiganOptigan
The Optigan was an electronic keyboard instrument designed for the consumer market. The name stems from the instrument's reliance on pre-recorded optical soundtracks to reproduce sound...
and Korg synthesizer (both borrowed from Palme), guitar, and electric banjo. Once Fisk heard the finished recording, he decided to rejoin the group. Deerhoof released their self-recorded first CD The Man, the King, the Girl
The Man, the King, the Girl
The Man, the King, the Girl' is Deerhoof's first CD. It was released on Kill Rock Stars.-Track listing:#"Tiger Chain"#"Polly Bee"#"Sophie"#"A-Town Test Site"#"Gold on Black"#"For Those of Us on Foot"#"Gore in Rut"...
on Kill Rock Stars in 1997. The artwork was painted by Fisk.
Fisk was now playing guitar and Deerhoof toured the U.S. several times over the next few years, opening for Sleater-Kinney
Sleater-Kinney
Sleater-Kinney was an alternative rock band from Portland, Oregon that formed in 1994. Originally formed in Olympia, Washington, the group's name is derived from Sleater-Kinney Road, Interstate 5 off ramp #108 in Lacey, Washington, the location of one of their early practice spaces. They were a...
, Unwound
Unwound
Unwound was a United States post-hardcore band based in Tumwater/Olympia, Washington. Formed in 1991, the band consisted of Justin Trosper , Vern Rumsey , and Brandt Sandeno , all of whom had previously been in a band called Giant Henry. Brandt Sandeno quit Unwound in 1992 and was replaced by...
, Lightning Bolt and Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth is an American alternative rock band from New York City, formed in 1981. The current lineup consists of Thurston Moore , Kim Gordon , Lee Ranaldo , Steve Shelley , and Mark Ibold .In their early career, Sonic Youth was associated with the No Wave art and music scene in New York City...
.
The trio began working on a new album (Halfbird
Halfbird
Halfbird is an album by Deerhoof. It was released as their third LP by Menlo Park Records in 2001.-Track listing:# "Halfrabbit Halfdog" – 2:32# "Six Holes on a Stick" – 2:03# "Red Dragon" – 3:13# "Trickybird" – 3:05...
), again self-recorded using a cassette four-track. However the band felt dissatisfied with the thinness of their sound, and shelved the recording.
Matsuzaki began teaching herself to play bass, and Deerhoof toured the U.S. several times over the next several years. In 1998, Deerhoof added Kelly Goode on keyboard (the monophonic Casio VL-1
Casio VL-1
The VL-1 was the first instrument of Casio's VL-Tone product line, and is sometimes referred to as the VL-Tone. It combined a calculator, synthesizer, and sequencer...
). Neither Matsuzaki nor Goode had any prior instrumental experience, forcing Deerhoof to drastically simplify their approach. They quickly recorded a new album at the home of friend Bob Limp, of The Ass Baboons of Venus. Holdypaws
Holdypaws
-Track listing:All songs written by Deerhoof.#"Magic Star"#"Queen of the Lake"#"The Moose's Daughter"#"Satan"#"Crow"#"Flower"#"Lady People"#"The Great Car Tomb"#"Dead Beast Queen"#"Data"-Personnel:* Rob Fisk – guitar...
, released in 1999 on Kill Rock Stars, revealed a very different Deerhoof from the one heard on the previous album. It featured strict performance of tightly composed songs, completely removing any element of noise, improvisation, or unusual instrumentation. The cover artwork was once again by Fisk.
Deerhoof then returned to Halfbird
Halfbird
Halfbird is an album by Deerhoof. It was released as their third LP by Menlo Park Records in 2001.-Track listing:# "Halfrabbit Halfdog" – 2:32# "Six Holes on a Stick" – 2:03# "Red Dragon" – 3:13# "Trickybird" – 3:05...
, slowly layering guitars and other instruments on the four-track. But the band was losing money on tour, and Kill Rock Stars had lost money on both of Deerhoof's CDs, and in fall 1999 both Fisk and Goode quit. Halfbird
Halfbird
Halfbird is an album by Deerhoof. It was released as their third LP by Menlo Park Records in 2001.-Track listing:# "Halfrabbit Halfdog" – 2:32# "Six Holes on a Stick" – 2:03# "Red Dragon" – 3:13# "Trickybird" – 3:05...
was completed by Saunier and Matsuzaki and released in 2001 on Menlo Park Recordings, four years after it was begun. The artwork was by Fisk.
Reveille
In late 1999, while Saunier was completing his Master's degree in music composition at Mills CollegeMills College
Mills College is an independent liberal arts women's college founded in 1852 that offers bachelor's degrees to women and graduate degrees and certificates to women and men. Located in Oakland, California, Mills was the first women's college west of the Rockies. The institution was initially founded...
, he met fellow student John Dieterich, formerly guitarist of Colossamite
Colossamite
Colossamite was a mid-to-late 1990s math rock band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They were one of the most prominent exponents of the genre....
, and asked him to join. They quickly refashioned Deerhoof into a variety of different formats: a traditional power trio
Power trio
A power trio is a rock and roll band format where the traditional power trio has a lineup of guitar, bass and drums, leaving out the rhythm guitar or keyboard that are used in other rock music to fill out the sound with chords...
with Matsuzaki on bass, Dieterich on guitar; an altered power trio with Matsuzaki on guitar (an instrument new to her) and Dieterich on bass, with Saunier playing drums and keyboard (the same Casio VL-1
Casio VL-1
The VL-1 was the first instrument of Casio's VL-Tone product line, and is sometimes referred to as the VL-Tone. It combined a calculator, synthesizer, and sequencer...
) simultaneously; and another version with Matsuzaki on sampler and keyboard, Dieterich on baritone guitar. Just before Saunier's final dissertation concert at Mills, his leg was broken when hit by a car, causing Deerhoof to play several shows with Dieterich on drums and Saunier seated playing guitar.
They recorded their various formations in a variety of settings. Some songs were recorded at home, as before. Certain songs were done in the Mills College recording studio, as part of a recording course Dieterich was taking. Others were taped at San Francisco studio Tiny Telephone, utilizing the engineering aid of Jay Pellicci and Ian Pellicci. The stylistic contrasts between and within songs were more unpredictable than ever, and it was two years of writing, recording, overdubbing, remixing, editing, and sequencing before the band felt they had created a coherent, though brief, album.
Reveille
Reveille (album)
Reveille is the fourth album by the band Deerhoof, released in 2002. The line-up of the band at the time was Satomi Matsuzaki, John Dieterich and Greg Saunier, with Chris Cooper contributing extra guitar work on one of the tracks. Satomi Matsuzaki also created the album's cover art...
was released in 2002 on Kill Rock Stars. Dieterich's playing had added a new element of guitar virtuosity to their sound, allowing for a broad stylistic range that included echoes of rock and roll of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, garage rock, post-rock, modern classical composition, pop, noise, and improvisation. The production was at times more powerful and polished than on previous releases. Matsuzaki's vocals were often very minimal, sometimes creating the impression of another instrument. One track, "Cooper", featured the return of guest guitarist Chris Cooper. The album artwork was by Matsuzaki, and its grandiose tone and religious connotations echoed the musical bombast (often compared to The Who
The Who
The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...
), as well as the lyrical theme of resurrection. For the first time, Deerhoof began receiving some critical praise, notably in a best-of-2002 list in The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
. Several years after its release Reveille was named in Pitchfork's Top 100 Albums of 2000–2004.
Apple O—The Runners Four
The Curtains
- History :The Curtains are a California Pop music group that was founded by Chris Cohen and Trevor Shimizu in San Francisco, California in 2000. The first three Curtains albums are mostly instrumental music which uses electric guitar, analog synthesizer and drums...
. Cohen joined Deerhoof, initially as keyboardist, but soon switching to guitar. For the next three years Deerhoof toured as a quartet, and released Apple O'
Apple O'
Apple O' is Deerhoof's fifth studio album, released in 2003. It was released on Kill Rock Stars and 5 Rue Christine , and is also Deerhoof's first album with guitarist Chris Cohen.- Reception :...
, Milk Man
Milk Man
- Personnel :* Chris Cohen – guitar* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – bass, vocals* Greg Saunier – drums, vocals...
, Green Cosmos
Green Cosmos
Green Cosmos is a 2005 EP release by American experimental rock band Deerhoof.-Track listing:#"Come See the Duck" – 1:06#"Green Cosmos" – 3:24#"Malalauma" – 2:26#"Spiral Golden Town" – 2:59#"Hot Mint Air Balloon" – 1:05#"Koneko Kitten" – 2:10...
, and The Runners Four
The Runners Four
The Runners Four is the seventh album by the band Deerhoof, released on October 11, 2005 by Kill Rock Stars, ATP Recordings and 5 Rue Christine.-Track listing:-Personnel:* Chris Cohen - bass* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – guitar, vocals...
in quick succession. Over this time period they gradually captured more attention from the listening public, college radio, critics, and fellow musicians. During these years they were also chosen to open for a wide variety of well-known bands including Wilco
Wilco
Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo following singer Jay Farrar's departure. Wilco's lineup has changed frequently, with only singer Jeff Tweedy and bassist John...
, The Roots
The Roots
The Roots is an American hip hop/neo soul band formed in 1987 by Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are famed for beginning with a jazzy, eclectic approach to hip hop which still includes live instrumentals...
, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Stephen Malkmus
Stephen Malkmus
Stephen Joseph Malkmus is an indie rock musician and icon, and a member of the band Pavement. He currently performs with Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks.-Early years:...
. They were also invited twice to record BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
sessions for John Peel
John Peel
John Robert Parker Ravenscroft, OBE , known professionally as John Peel, was an English disc jockey, radio presenter, record producer and journalist. He was the longest-serving of the original BBC Radio 1 DJs, broadcasting regularly from 1967 until his death in 2004...
, and selected by The Simpsons
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
creator Matt Groening
Matt Groening
Matthew Abram "Matt" Groening is an American cartoonist, screenwriter, and producer. He is the creator of the comic strip Life in Hell as well as two successful television series, The Simpsons and Futurama....
to play at the All Tomorrows Parties festival.
The idea for Apple O'
Apple O'
Apple O' is Deerhoof's fifth studio album, released in 2003. It was released on Kill Rock Stars and 5 Rue Christine , and is also Deerhoof's first album with guitarist Chris Cohen.- Reception :...
(2003, Kill Rock Stars) came to Saunier as he was reading a positive review of Reveille
Reveille
"Reveille" is a bugle call, trumpet call or pipes call most often associated with the military or summer camp; it is chiefly used to wake military personnel at sunrise...
in Thrasher, but was then disappointed when he turned the page to find an interview with Kim Deal
Kim Deal
Kimberley Ann Deal is an American singer, songwriter and musician, best known as the bassist of the alternative rock band the Pixies and the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for The Breeders. Deal first joined the Pixies in January 1986 as the band's bassist, adopting the stage name Mrs...
where she criticized the use of Pro Tools
Pro Tools
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation platform for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, developed and manufactured by Avid Technology. It is widely used by professionals throughout the audio industries for recording and editing in music production, film scoring, film, and television...
, computer recording tricks, and sampling
Sampling (music)
In music, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a different sound recording of a song or piece. Sampling was originally developed by experimental musicians working with musique concrète and electroacoustic music, who physically...
, all of which featured prominently on Reveille. Apple O'
Apple O'
Apple O' is Deerhoof's fifth studio album, released in 2003. It was released on Kill Rock Stars and 5 Rue Christine , and is also Deerhoof's first album with guitarist Chris Cohen.- Reception :...
abandoned the multi-layered and often electronic sounds of Reveille in favor of simple, live-sounding production without overdubs. Most of Apple O'
Apple O'
Apple O' is Deerhoof's fifth studio album, released in 2003. It was released on Kill Rock Stars and 5 Rue Christine , and is also Deerhoof's first album with guitarist Chris Cohen.- Reception :...
was recorded in one nine-hour session with Jay Pellicci engineering. Exceptions were "Sealed With A Kiss", which was created exclusively from samples from songs about apples, and the final two tracks which were recorded at home on acoustic guitar. Apple O'
Apple O'
Apple O' is Deerhoof's fifth studio album, released in 2003. It was released on Kill Rock Stars and 5 Rue Christine , and is also Deerhoof's first album with guitarist Chris Cohen.- Reception :...
was once again a very brief album, its artwork (again by Fisk, though he was no longer in the band) and lyrics centered around mythic themes of love and war, featuring repeated allusions to Adam and Eve, forbidden fruit, the atom bomb, and extinction. It received critical praise, notably in The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
and Jane
Jane (magazine)
Jane was an American magazine created to appeal to the women who grew up reading Sassy Magazine, both of which had Jane Pratt as founding editor. Its original target audience was aged 18–34, and was designed to appeal to women who are irreverent...
. It was later named in Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
s top albums of the decade list from 2009.
In 2003 the quartet decided to leave their jobs and tour full-time. Matsuzaki had been editing a San Francisco-based Japanese magazine, Dieterich and Saunier had been doing data entry for legal and consulting firms, and Cohen had been a waiter at a Thai restaurant.
The starting point for Milk Man
Milk Man
- Personnel :* Chris Cohen – guitar* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – bass, vocals* Greg Saunier – drums, vocals...
(2004, Kill Rock Stars
Kill Rock Stars
Kill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in both Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The label has released a variety of work in different genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole as having any one artistic mission...
) was a cartoon character created by Japanese artist Ken Kagami, a longtime friend of Matsuzaki. In contrast to the earnest guitar rock that predominated on Apple O'
Apple O'
Apple O' is Deerhoof's fifth studio album, released in 2003. It was released on Kill Rock Stars and 5 Rue Christine , and is also Deerhoof's first album with guitarist Chris Cohen.- Reception :...
, Milk Man
Milk Man
- Personnel :* Chris Cohen – guitar* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – bass, vocals* Greg Saunier – drums, vocals...
featured a broad palette of orchestral colors, echoes of music theater and camp, polished and gaudy arrangements, Stravinskian
Igor Stravinsky
Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky ; 6 April 1971) was a Russian, later naturalized French, and then naturalized American composer, pianist, and conductor....
harmonies, and a more stylized, anonymous playing style resulting partly from recording most of the instruments at separate times rather than playing together as a band, and partly from many of the arrangements being created in a computer. The DIY, low-budget recording process for Milk Man
Milk Man
- Personnel :* Chris Cohen – guitar* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – bass, vocals* Greg Saunier – drums, vocals...
was described in detail in an interview conducted by the Mae Shi for Tape Op
Tape Op
Tape Op is a recording magazine that focuses on creative recording techniques. Subtitled, "The Creative Music Recording Magazine," It is free to subscribers in the United States and United Kingdom, as well as offering paid subscriptions to the United States of America, all of Europe, Canada,...
Magazine. Critical praise for Milk Man
Milk Man
- Personnel :* Chris Cohen – guitar* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – bass, vocals* Greg Saunier – drums, vocals...
came notably from 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...
and Spin
Spin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
. The song "Milk Man" was chosen in 2009 as one of Pitchforks top tracks of the decade.
Milk Man
Milk Man
- Personnel :* Chris Cohen – guitar* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – bass, vocals* Greg Saunier – drums, vocals...
s connections to both music theater and to children were embodied later in a version created by Courtney Naliboff and performed by children of the North Haven Community School in North Haven, Maine in fall 2006. The Milk Man Ballet was later released on DVD.
The EP Green Cosmos
Green Cosmos
Green Cosmos is a 2005 EP release by American experimental rock band Deerhoof.-Track listing:#"Come See the Duck" – 1:06#"Green Cosmos" – 3:24#"Malalauma" – 2:26#"Spiral Golden Town" – 2:59#"Hot Mint Air Balloon" – 1:05#"Koneko Kitten" – 2:10...
(2005, Menlo Park Recordings) was the first Deerhoof release to be sung almost entirely in Matsuzaki's native language of Japanese. Musically Green Cosmos
Green Cosmos
Green Cosmos is a 2005 EP release by American experimental rock band Deerhoof.-Track listing:#"Come See the Duck" – 1:06#"Green Cosmos" – 3:24#"Malalauma" – 2:26#"Spiral Golden Town" – 2:59#"Hot Mint Air Balloon" – 1:05#"Koneko Kitten" – 2:10...
took the aesthetic of Milk Man
Milk Man
- Personnel :* Chris Cohen – guitar* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – bass, vocals* Greg Saunier – drums, vocals...
a step further by combining an even more expansive orchestral sound, and references to disco that at times completely replaced live drums with programmed beats and samples. Artwork was created from original tarot cards designed by Dawn Garcia.
In the fall, Deerhoof released The Runners Four
The Runners Four
The Runners Four is the seventh album by the band Deerhoof, released on October 11, 2005 by Kill Rock Stars, ATP Recordings and 5 Rue Christine.-Track listing:-Personnel:* Chris Cohen - bass* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – guitar, vocals...
(2005, Kill Rock Stars). Unlike the short albums of Deerhoof's past, The Runners Four
The Runners Four
The Runners Four is the seventh album by the band Deerhoof, released on October 11, 2005 by Kill Rock Stars, ATP Recordings and 5 Rue Christine.-Track listing:-Personnel:* Chris Cohen - bass* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – guitar, vocals...
was 20 songs long, the result of several months of recording together in their rented practice space in Oakland. Arrangements were worked out as a live band rather than in the computer. Matsuzaki and Cohen reversed instrumental roles, with Matsuzaki playing guitar and Cohen bass. All four members contributed an approximately equal portion of the composed music and lyrics, and all four were featured as vocalists at various points. Certain motifs – time travel, sports, smuggling, allusions to Noah's Ark – recurred throughout the unusually wordy lyrics. Sleeve design was by New York artist Trevor Shimizu. Critical praise came notably from The New York Times and Pitchfork, which named the album as #6 in the best albums of 2006. The album was selected as Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens is an American singer-songwriter and musician born in Detroit, Michigan. Stevens first began releasing his music on Asthmatic Kitty, a label co-founded with his stepfather, beginning with the 1999 release, A Sun Came...
's "Album of the Decade" in Uncut Magazine.
In interviews the band maintained that they never knew what kind of music they would create next, nor that they even had any idea what they were doing when they created it. They also have said repeatedly that the ambiguity in their musical style and lyrics affords their audience an important interpretive role. To this end, in 2005 they created a remix website for the final track of The Runners Four
The Runners Four
The Runners Four is the seventh album by the band Deerhoof, released on October 11, 2005 by Kill Rock Stars, ATP Recordings and 5 Rue Christine.-Track listing:-Personnel:* Chris Cohen - bass* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – guitar, vocals...
("Rrrrrrright") where fans could download the stems of the individual band members' parts in the song, and upload their remixes to the site.
After an extensive world tour, Deerhoof was invited by the San Francisco International Film Festival
San Francisco International Film Festival
San Francisco International Film Festival is the oldest continuously running film festival in the Americas. Organized by the San Francisco Film Society, the International is held each spring for two weeks, presenting an average of 150 films from over 50 countries...
to perform a live, original score to a silent film of their choosing. They selected Heaven and Earth Magic
Heaven and Earth Magic
Heaven and Earth Magic is an American avant garde feature film made by Harry Everett Smith. Originally released in 1957, it was re-edited several times and the final version was released in 1962...
by Harry Smith
Harry Everett Smith
Harry Everett Smith was an American archivist, ethnomusicologist, student of anthropology, record collector, experimental filmmaker, artist, bohemian and mystic...
, and performed their hour-long soundtrack, largely composed by Dieterich, in spring 2006. This was to be Cohen's last activity with Deerhoof. The split was amicable and, to commemorate Cohen, Deerhoof posted a free EP on their website, one of several they have posted over the years.
Friend Opportunity
Now back to a trio, and using the Heaven And Earth Magic score as a starting place, Deerhoof began recording a new album in summer 2006. Matsuzaki, Saunier, and Dieterich did not divide their contributions according to their onstage roles, and each contributed percussion, guitar, bass, keyboards and production. It was mostly recorded in Dieterich's Oakland apartment, between a concert tour with The Flaming LipsThe Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips are an American alternative rock band, formed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1983.Melodically, their sound contains lush, multi-layered, psychedelic rock arrangements, but lyrically their compositions show elements of space rock, including unusual song and album titles—such as "What...
and another with Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
. Self-produced as usual, some portions were recorded once again by Jay and Ian Pellicci. It was mixed on computer, largely while on tour. Friend Opportunity
Friend Opportunity
Friend Opportunity is the eighth full length album from indie rock trio Deerhoof. It was released on January 23, 2007 on Kill Rock Stars, ATP Recordings and 5 Rue Christine. It features twelve different album covers by the Scottish artist David Shrigley...
was released in January 2007 on Kill Rock Stars. Its 12 interchangeable cover paintings were by Scottish artist David Shrigley
David Shrigley
-Life and career:Shrigley was born in Macclesfield on 17 September 1968, the younger of two children born to Rita and Joseph Shrigley. Shrigley grew up in Oadby, Leicestershire, England...
. The album was highly praised in Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, and nominated for a PLUG Award by Ric Ocasek
Ric Ocasek
Ric Ocasek is an American musician and music producer. He is best known as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the rock band, The Cars....
.
During the same time period, they began working with director Justin Theroux on the soundtrack to Dedication
Dedication (film)
Dedication is a 2007 American romantic comedy film starring Billy Crudup and Mandy Moore. Written by David Bromberg, this film is actor Justin Theroux's directorial debut. The film premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. It was produced by Plum Pictures.-Plot:Henry Roth is an...
, released in fall 2007. Friend Opportunity
Friend Opportunity
Friend Opportunity is the eighth full length album from indie rock trio Deerhoof. It was released on January 23, 2007 on Kill Rock Stars, ATP Recordings and 5 Rue Christine. It features twelve different album covers by the Scottish artist David Shrigley...
track "Matchbook Seeks Maniac" was written by Saunier specifically for the end credits of Dedication
Dedication (film)
Dedication is a 2007 American romantic comedy film starring Billy Crudup and Mandy Moore. Written by David Bromberg, this film is actor Justin Theroux's directorial debut. The film premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. It was produced by Plum Pictures.-Plot:Henry Roth is an...
. The film featured various songs and excerpts from Deerhoof albums, and the Dedication Film Soundtrack featured four tracks by Deerhoof.
During the world tour that followed Friend Opportunity
Friend Opportunity
Friend Opportunity is the eighth full length album from indie rock trio Deerhoof. It was released on January 23, 2007 on Kill Rock Stars, ATP Recordings and 5 Rue Christine. It features twelve different album covers by the Scottish artist David Shrigley...
s release, Deerhoof was invited by David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
to play the Highline Festival in New York City. They also opened for The Roots
The Roots
The Roots is an American hip hop/neo soul band formed in 1987 by Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are famed for beginning with a jazzy, eclectic approach to hip hop which still includes live instrumentals...
, The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips are an American alternative rock band, formed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1983.Melodically, their sound contains lush, multi-layered, psychedelic rock arrangements, but lyrically their compositions show elements of space rock, including unusual song and album titles—such as "What...
, and Bloc Party
Bloc Party
Bloc Party are a British Indie rock band, composed of Kele Okereke , Russell Lissack , Gordon Moakes , and Matt Tong...
, and they made their network television debut on Last Call with Carson Daly
Last Call with Carson Daly
Last Call with Carson Daly is an American late night talk show that is broadcast on NBC. The show is hosted by Carson Daly, the half-hour show featuring celebrity interviews, documentary-style coverage of a topic, and musical performances. Last Call airs weeknights at 1:35 a.m. Eastern / 12:35 a.m....
.
Offend Maggie
In January 2008, guitarist Ed Rodriguez (formerly of ColossamiteColossamite
Colossamite was a mid-to-late 1990s math rock band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They were one of the most prominent exponents of the genre....
, the Flying Luttenbachers
The Flying Luttenbachers
The Flying Luttenbachers were an instrumental unit led by multi-instrumentalist / composer / producer Weasel Walter. The Luttenbachers have created a large body of work focusing on an agenda of musical extremity and dissonance...
, XBXRX
XBXRX
XBXRX is an American punk band formed in 1998 in Mobile, Alabama.Their early sound very new wave-influenced, but is now more improvised and deconstructed, moving away from using the synthesizers that typify new wave. They are a collective with a revolving cast of musicians, including Steve...
, Sicbay, Iceburn
Iceburn
Iceburn, known later as the Iceburn Collective, was a musical group formed in 1991 in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A., by guitarist/vocalist/composer Gentry Densley, the sole constant member through multiple personnel changes. They were known for their unique style that combined elements of jazz,...
, and currently a member of Gorge Trio
Gorge Trio
Gorge Trio is an American experimental rock band based in Oakland, California. It is composed of three-fourths of the critically acclaimed math rock band Colossamite, which disbanded in 1998, and is survived by three releases on Skin Graft Records....
along with Dieterich) joined the band as a full-time member, and Deerhoof began writing and recording Offend Maggie
Offend Maggie
-Track listing:All songs written and composed by Ed Rodriguez, Greg Saunier, John Dieterich, and Satomi Matsuzaki.-CD:-Vinyl:-Personnel:*Deerhoof - performance, production, mixing*Ian Pellicci, Jay Pellicci - recording...
. Before the finished album was released in October, one of the songs ("Fresh Born") was released in the form of sheet music, with the intention that fans create their own versions of the song before hearing Deerhoof's version. Fans uploaded more than 40.
Offend Maggie
Offend Maggie
-Track listing:All songs written and composed by Ed Rodriguez, Greg Saunier, John Dieterich, and Satomi Matsuzaki.-CD:-Vinyl:-Personnel:*Deerhoof - performance, production, mixing*Ian Pellicci, Jay Pellicci - recording...
was stylistically rough and relaxed compared to Friend Opportunity
Friend Opportunity
Friend Opportunity is the eighth full length album from indie rock trio Deerhoof. It was released on January 23, 2007 on Kill Rock Stars, ATP Recordings and 5 Rue Christine. It features twelve different album covers by the Scottish artist David Shrigley...
, and highlighted the guitar interplay of Dieterich and Rodriguez, and greater emotional expression in Matsuzaki's vocals. All four members contributed songs. Lyrics were mostly by Matsuzaki and alternated between English and Japanese. Artwork was by Japanese artist Tomoo Gokita. The album received critical praise, notably from VH1, Entertainment Weekly, Alternative Press, and Mojo.
Since this release, Deerhoof has toured the world extensively as a quartet. Several notable events have occurred during the tour. In August 2009, at a concert in Los Angeles, trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith
Wadada Leo Smith
Ishmael Wadada Leo Smith is a trumpeter and composer working primarily in the fields of avant-garde jazz and free improvisation.-Biography:...
played most of the set with them. In December in Luzerne, Switzerland, Marlene Marder, the guitarist from Swiss band LiLiPUT
LiLiPUT
LiLiPUT were a Swiss female post-punk/new wave band active from 1978 to 1983.-History:The group formed in 1978 under the name Kleenex, and soon made a name for themselves, until the threat of legal action by Kimberly-Clark in 1979 prompted a change of name to LiLiPUT...
performed one of LiLiPUT's songs ("Hitch-Hike") on stage with the band. In February 2010 in Oakland California, they opened for Yoko Ono and The Plastic Ono Band, and guested on two of their songs. In April 2010 they performed on stage at the Donaufestival in Austria with the members of Xiu Xiu
Xiu Xiu
Xiu Xiu is an American avant-garde group originally from San Jose, California. The band is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Jamie Stewart, who has been its only constant member since its inception in 2002. His current bandmate is Angela Seo...
, playing the Joy Division
Joy Division
Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences...
album Unknown Pleasures in its entirety. Also in April they curated the 2010 edition of the Belgian music festival Sonic City.
Deerhoof vs. Evil
On January 25, 2011 Deerhoof released Deerhoof vs. EvilDeerhoof vs. Evil
Deerhoof vs. Evil is the tenth studio album by the band Deerhoof. It was released on January 6, 2011 on P-Vine Records in Japan, January 24, 2011 on ATP Recordings in the United Kingdom, January 25, 2011 on Polyvinyl in the USA, and January 30, 2011 on Flying Nun Records in New Zealand.The band...
via Polyvinyl Records. The release of the album was preceded by a "Global Album Leak" during which a 12 blogs from several countries around the world premiered a song from the album one week at a time. As with the group's previous albums, Deerhoof vs. Evil received ample critical acclaim with publications such as MOJO calling it "an absolute joy" and Entertainment Weekly declaring it "as beautifully bizarre as ever."
The album also marked the beginning of a potential 7" series wherein a vocalist sings new lyrics over an instrumental of a song from the record on the A-side and provided a song from their own band on the B-side. So far, two 7"s have been released: the first with LA-based rapper Busdriver
Busdriver
Busdriver is a rapper from Los Angeles currently signed to Epitaph Records and Fake Four Inc-History:...
and his band Physical Forms (which includes a former member of The Mae Shi
The Mae Shi
The Mae Shi are an experimental punk band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2002.-History:The band was formed by Tim Byron and Ezra Buchla, who had known each other for years, having spent time growing up in the Los Angeles suburb of Claremont together—Jeff Byron and Buchla were classmates at...
), and the second with Xiu Xiu
Xiu Xiu
Xiu Xiu is an American avant-garde group originally from San Jose, California. The band is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Jamie Stewart, who has been its only constant member since its inception in 2002. His current bandmate is Angela Seo...
.
During May, June, and July 2011, Deerhoof is taking part in the "Congotronics Vs. Rockers" Tour along side groups such as Konono N°1
Konono N°1
Konono Nº1 is a Grammy nominated musical group from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. They combine three electric likembé with voices, dancers, and percussion instruments that are made out of items salvaged from a junkyard...
and Kasai Allstars
Kasai Allstars
Kasai Allstars are a 25-piece musical collective based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The musicians originally come from five bands, all from the Kasai region, but originating from five different ethnic groups: the Songye, Lulua, Tetela, Luba, and Luntu...
. The tour brings to life Tradi-Mods Vs. Rockers: Alternative Takes on Congotronics, the latest release in Belgium-based label Crammed Discs
Crammed Discs
Crammed Discs is an independent record label whose output blends world music, rock, pop, and electronica. Based in Brussels, Belgium, Crammed was founded in 1980 by Marc Hollander of Aksak Maboul and has since released over 300 albums and 250 singles, working with artists from all over the world...
' Congotronics
Congotronics
Congotronics is the official debut album by Konono Nº1. It was released in 2004. by Crammed Discs. It has won the band massive favour in the dance and alternative rock scenes as well as in world music circles and in the North American and European media....
series, on which Western groups, including Deerhoof, collaborated with Congolese street musicians. The band have been chosen to perform at the ATP I'll Be Your Mirror
All Tomorrow's Parties (music festival)
All Tomorrow's Parties is a music festival which takes place at Camber Sands holiday camp in East Sussex and Butlin's holiday camp in Minehead, Somerset, England....
festival curated by ATP & Portishead in September 2011 in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Other projects
The members of Deerhoof have also participated in a large number of projects outside of the band. Since before joining Deerhoof, Dieterich and Rodriguez have played in an instrumental group called Gorge Trio and released several albums. In 2008 Matsuzaki formed OneOneOneOne
OneOne is the collective name for an ongoing music project featuring Saya and Satomi Matsuzaki . They released their debut album, AoooO, in December 2008. In Japan it appeared on the P-vine label...
, a collaboration with Saya, singer and songwriter with the Japanese band Tenniscoats
Tenniscoats
Tenniscoats is a Japanese band with two members, Saya & Takashi Ueno, but they often have guest musicians playing and performing with them...
. This group often includes Saunier and Takashi Ueno. Their one CD was mixed by Saunier. Saunier and drummer Zach Hill
Zach Hill
Zach Hill is a musician residing in Sacramento, California. Primarily known for his drumming, he performs/has performed in numerous Pacific Coast based groups, including his primary group, Hella, as well as Holy Smokes, Nervous Cop, and a diverse range of others including El Grupo Nuevo de Omar...
formed a group called Nervous Cop, releasing one album in 2003 which featured guest harpist Joanna Newsom
Joanna Newsom
Joanna Newsom is an American harpist, pianist and singer-songwriter from Nevada City, California.- Early life :Newsom grew up in the small town of Nevada City, California...
. Dieterich, Chris Cohen, and Jay Pellicci formed an instrumental trio called Natural Dreamers that released one album in 2004. Cohen had formed The Curtains
The Curtains
- History :The Curtains are a California Pop music group that was founded by Chris Cohen and Trevor Shimizu in San Francisco, California in 2000. The first three Curtains albums are mostly instrumental music which uses electric guitar, analog synthesizer and drums...
before joining Deerhoof, and Saunier joined the band from 2003–2005. After Cohen left Deerhoof, he continued the Curtains, and then started another band called Cryptacize
Cryptacize
Cryptacize is a California pop band founded by Nedelle Torrisi and Chris Cohen in 2006. Cryptacize, along with Cohen's other project The Curtains, records for the Asthmatic Kitty label. Nedelle has released two cds on the Kill Rock Stars label, one as a solo performer and one as a member of the...
. Rob Fisk and Kelly Goode played together in Seven Year Rabbit Cycle, and later Rob formed King Eider Common Eider
King Eider
The King Eider is a large sea duck that breeds along northern hemisphere Arctic coasts of northeast Europe, North America and Asia. The birds spend most of the year in coastal marine ecosystems at high latitudes, and migrate to Arctic tundra to breed in June and July...
. Jess Goddard and Chris Cooper play in Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error is an Experimental/Noise/conceptual art avant garde rock band from Northampton, Massachusetts. They are seen as staples of the underground noise and improvisation scene and helped to start what is known as a regional form of noise music called . They have been associated with the...
.
In 2006, Danielson released the critically acclaimed Ships, which featured the four then-members of Deerhoof as the backing band for many of the tracks. Saunier and Dieterich have guested on several Xiu Xiu
Xiu Xiu
Xiu Xiu is an American avant-garde group originally from San Jose, California. The band is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Jamie Stewart, who has been its only constant member since its inception in 2002. His current bandmate is Angela Seo...
albums, as well as on Busdriver
Busdriver
Busdriver is a rapper from Los Angeles currently signed to Epitaph Records and Fake Four Inc-History:...
's 2008 album Jhelli Beam. Saunier guested on Lushlife's 2009 album Cassette City. Saunier has done production and mixing for Xiu Xiu
Xiu Xiu
Xiu Xiu is an American avant-garde group originally from San Jose, California. The band is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Jamie Stewart, who has been its only constant member since its inception in 2002. His current bandmate is Angela Seo...
, Busdriver
Busdriver
Busdriver is a rapper from Los Angeles currently signed to Epitaph Records and Fake Four Inc-History:...
, Maher Shalal Hash Baz
Maher Shalal Hash Baz
Maher Shalal Hash Baz is the artistic alter ego of Tori Kudo, a Japanese naivist composer and musician. The name is taken from Maher-shalal-hash-baz in the Book of Isaiah verses 8:1 and 8:3, and translates roughly as "Hurrying to the spoil, he has made haste to the plunder." Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz...
, Sholi
Sholi
Sholi is an indie/alternative/experimental group that originated in Davis, California, and now has members dispersed throughout the Bay Area. The members include primary songwriter Payam Bavafa, drummer Jonathon Bafus, and bassist Eric Ruud. In the Autumn of 2008, Sholi signed to Quarterstick /...
, 31 Knots, and Hawnay Troof
Hawnay Troof
Hawnay Troof is the electronic indie solo project of Vice Cooler formed in late 2001.Regardless of the bands American punk and electronic background, many untraditional ideas have been incorporated into its sound...
. Saunier also played drums on the soundtrack to the Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell
John William "Will" Ferrell is an American comedian, impressionist, actor, and writer. Ferrell first established himself in the late 1990s as a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, and has subsequently starred in the comedy films Old School, Elf, Anchorman, Talladega...
movie Step Brothers
Step Brothers (film)
Step Brothers is a 2008 American slapstick buddy-comedy film directed by Adam McKay, produced by Judd Apatow and Jimmy Miller, and stars Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, who originally teamed up in Talladega Nights . The screenplay was written by Ferrell and McKay, from a story written by Ferrell,...
. On February 23, 2010 Greg Saunier and guitarist Sean Lennon performed as a duo in San Francisco. Satomi contributes lead vocal on The Go! Team's
The Go! Team
The Go! Team are a six-piece band from Brighton, England. They combine indie rock and garage rock with a mixture of blaxploitation and Bollywood soundtracks, double dutch chants, old school hip hop and distorted guitars similar to the style of Sonic Youth. Their songs are a mix of live...
'Secretary Song'.
Deerhoof has also done several remixes for other artists. In 2008 Deerhoof's remix of "Goodnight Goodnight" by Maroon 5
Maroon 5
Maroon 5 is an American pop rock band from Los Angeles, California. While they were in high school, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Adam Levine, keyboardist Jesse Carmichael, bass guitarist Mickey Madden, and drummer Ryan Dusick formed a garage band called Kara's Flowers and released one album...
was released as part of the latter's album Call and Response. A remix of Parenthetical Girls
Parenthetical Girls
Parenthetical Girls is an experimental pop band formed in Everett, Washington, and based currently in Portland, Oregon...
' "GUT Symmetries" also appeared that year. In 2009 Deerhoof's remixes of Delta 5
Delta 5
-Career:The original members of Delta 5, Julz Sale , Ros Allen and Bethan Peters , formed the band "on a lark", but soon became a part of the thriving Leeds post-punk scene, and later added Kelvin Knight on drums and Alan Riggs on guitar...
's "Mind Your Own Business", Wildbirds & Peacedrums
Wildbirds & Peacedrums
Wildbirds & Peacedrums is an experimental band from Sweden consisting of two members, Mariam Wallentin and her husband Andreas Werliin.-Background:...
's "My Heart", and Shugo Tokumaru
Shugo Tokumaru
is a Japanese singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who debuted in May 2004 in America with his album Night Piece. He creates every aspect of his music, including the lyrics, music, arrangements, recording and mixing. He is known for the variety of instruments he uses in his music, using...
's "Rum Hee" were released.
Influence
Deerhoof has become an oft-cited musical influence on other artists, notably Sleigh BellsSleigh Bells
Sleigh Bells is an American noise pop music duo. The group released their debut album, Treats, on May 11, 2010.-History:Based in Brooklyn, New York, Sleigh Bells is composed of Derek E. Miller and Alexis Krauss...
, Dirty Projectors
Dirty Projectors
The Dirty Projectors aka David Longstreth includes Amber Coffman , Angel Deradoorian , Brian McOmber , Nat Baldwin , and Haley Dekle during live performances...
, Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bear (band)
Grizzly Bear is a Brooklyn-based indie rock band, composed of Edward Droste , Daniel Rossen , Chris Taylor and Christopher Bear . The band employs traditional and electronic instruments...
, Of Montreal
Of Montreal
Of Montreal is an American rock band from Athens, Georgia. It was founded by frontman Kevin Barnes in 1996, named after a failed romance with a woman "of Montreal." The band is one of the bands of the Elephant 6 collective...
, The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips are an American alternative rock band, formed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1983.Melodically, their sound contains lush, multi-layered, psychedelic rock arrangements, but lyrically their compositions show elements of space rock, including unusual song and album titles—such as "What...
, Fiery Furnaces, Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens is an American singer-songwriter and musician born in Detroit, Michigan. Stevens first began releasing his music on Asthmatic Kitty, a label co-founded with his stepfather, beginning with the 1999 release, A Sun Came...
, St. Vincent, Ponytail
Ponytail (band)
Ponytail was a 4-piece art rock band formed in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on the label We Are Free. Their sound has been compared to Deerhoof as well as Ecstatic Sunshine, since Dustin Wong was a founder of that band, and due to the band's experimental guitar work and unique vocal stylings...
, Women
Women (band)
Women are an art rock band from Calgary, Canada. Their debut album Women was released on VanGaalen's label Flemish Eye on July 8, 2008 in Canada and on Jagjaguwar in the United States on October 7, 2008...
, Thee Silver Mt. Zion,Xiu Xiu
Xiu Xiu
Xiu Xiu is an American avant-garde group originally from San Jose, California. The band is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Jamie Stewart, who has been its only constant member since its inception in 2002. His current bandmate is Angela Seo...
, and Autolux
Autolux
Autolux is an avant-garde rock group consisting of Eugene Goreshter , Greg Edwards and Carla Azar...
.
Discography
- The Man, the King, the GirlThe Man, the King, the GirlThe Man, the King, the Girl' is Deerhoof's first CD. It was released on Kill Rock Stars.-Track listing:#"Tiger Chain"#"Polly Bee"#"Sophie"#"A-Town Test Site"#"Gold on Black"#"For Those of Us on Foot"#"Gore in Rut"...
(1997) - HoldypawsHoldypaws-Track listing:All songs written by Deerhoof.#"Magic Star"#"Queen of the Lake"#"The Moose's Daughter"#"Satan"#"Crow"#"Flower"#"Lady People"#"The Great Car Tomb"#"Dead Beast Queen"#"Data"-Personnel:* Rob Fisk – guitar...
(1999) - HalfbirdHalfbirdHalfbird is an album by Deerhoof. It was released as their third LP by Menlo Park Records in 2001.-Track listing:# "Halfrabbit Halfdog" – 2:32# "Six Holes on a Stick" – 2:03# "Red Dragon" – 3:13# "Trickybird" – 3:05...
(2001) - ReveilleReveille (album)Reveille is the fourth album by the band Deerhoof, released in 2002. The line-up of the band at the time was Satomi Matsuzaki, John Dieterich and Greg Saunier, with Chris Cooper contributing extra guitar work on one of the tracks. Satomi Matsuzaki also created the album's cover art...
(2002) - Apple O'Apple O'Apple O' is Deerhoof's fifth studio album, released in 2003. It was released on Kill Rock Stars and 5 Rue Christine , and is also Deerhoof's first album with guitarist Chris Cohen.- Reception :...
(2003) - Milk ManMilk Man- Personnel :* Chris Cohen – guitar* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – bass, vocals* Greg Saunier – drums, vocals...
(2004) - Green CosmosGreen CosmosGreen Cosmos is a 2005 EP release by American experimental rock band Deerhoof.-Track listing:#"Come See the Duck" – 1:06#"Green Cosmos" – 3:24#"Malalauma" – 2:26#"Spiral Golden Town" – 2:59#"Hot Mint Air Balloon" – 1:05#"Koneko Kitten" – 2:10...
(2005) - The Runners FourThe Runners FourThe Runners Four is the seventh album by the band Deerhoof, released on October 11, 2005 by Kill Rock Stars, ATP Recordings and 5 Rue Christine.-Track listing:-Personnel:* Chris Cohen - bass* John Dieterich – guitar* Satomi Matsuzaki – guitar, vocals...
(2005) - Friend OpportunityFriend OpportunityFriend Opportunity is the eighth full length album from indie rock trio Deerhoof. It was released on January 23, 2007 on Kill Rock Stars, ATP Recordings and 5 Rue Christine. It features twelve different album covers by the Scottish artist David Shrigley...
(2007) - Offend MaggieOffend Maggie-Track listing:All songs written and composed by Ed Rodriguez, Greg Saunier, John Dieterich, and Satomi Matsuzaki.-CD:-Vinyl:-Personnel:*Deerhoof - performance, production, mixing*Ian Pellicci, Jay Pellicci - recording...
(2008) - Deerhoof vs. EvilDeerhoof vs. EvilDeerhoof vs. Evil is the tenth studio album by the band Deerhoof. It was released on January 6, 2011 on P-Vine Records in Japan, January 24, 2011 on ATP Recordings in the United Kingdom, January 25, 2011 on Polyvinyl in the USA, and January 30, 2011 on Flying Nun Records in New Zealand.The band...
(2011)
Deerhoof has also released a large number of 7" singles, split releases with other artists, tracks on compilations, and free downloadable EPs.