King Django
Encyclopedia
Jeff Baker, better known as King Django, is a New Brunswick, NJ-based ska
musician. He was the leader of Skinnerbox
and Stubborn All-Stars
.
Since 1986, Django has been playing, touring and recording with a series of NY based bands including The Boilers and Murphy's Law
while at the same time being a full-time member of Skinnerbox
.
He has had some commercial success leading the Stubborn All-Stars
, a collection of New York ska musicians, with their single "Pick Yourself Up" seeing heavy rotation on MTV
.
He also runs Stubborn Records and Version City
studios, home of the Version City Rockers, out of the basement of his house in New Brunswick. In August 2006 he started running the monthly Version City parties at the Knitting Factory
in New York City, on the first Saturday of every month.
King Django has mentioned that he is involved with the music of a surrealist dark comedy called Living Evil, which is being created by surrealist artists the Hive of Dukes. He also showed interest in doing voiceovers on the show.
with Skinnerbox
Compilation appearances
with Stubborn All-Stars
Compilation appearances
Compilation appearances
Ska
Ska |Jamaican]] ) is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s, and was the precursor to rocksteady and reggae. Ska combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues...
musician. He was the leader of Skinnerbox
Skinnerbox
Skinnerbox is a third wave ska band formed in New York City in the early 1990s by King Django.-Full Length:*Instrumental Conditioning 1990)*Now & Then *Tales of the Red...
and Stubborn All-Stars
Stubborn All-Stars
Stubborn All-Stars are a New York City ska band led by King Django, front man of Skinnerbox and owner of Stubborn Records.By early 1994, Django's original ska roots began to tug at him, and he assembled Stubborn All-Stars for a studio session which resulted in the 4-song Old's Cool 7" EP...
.
Since 1986, Django has been playing, touring and recording with a series of NY based bands including The Boilers and Murphy's Law
Murphy's Law (band)
Murphy's Law is an American hardcore band from New York City, New York, formed in 1982. While vocalist Jimmy Gestapo remains the only founding member of the band, the line-up has consisted of former members of bands such as Skinnerbox, Danzig, The Bouncing Souls, Mucky Pup, Dog Eat Dog, Hanoi...
while at the same time being a full-time member of Skinnerbox
Skinnerbox
Skinnerbox is a third wave ska band formed in New York City in the early 1990s by King Django.-Full Length:*Instrumental Conditioning 1990)*Now & Then *Tales of the Red...
.
He has had some commercial success leading the Stubborn All-Stars
Stubborn All-Stars
Stubborn All-Stars are a New York City ska band led by King Django, front man of Skinnerbox and owner of Stubborn Records.By early 1994, Django's original ska roots began to tug at him, and he assembled Stubborn All-Stars for a studio session which resulted in the 4-song Old's Cool 7" EP...
, a collection of New York ska musicians, with their single "Pick Yourself Up" seeing heavy rotation on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
.
He also runs Stubborn Records and Version City
Version City
Version City is an American reggae record label and recording studio.Since its inception in New York City 1997 by local ska veteran King Django, it has changed its location to its current home in New Brunswick, New Jersey...
studios, home of the Version City Rockers, out of the basement of his house in New Brunswick. In August 2006 he started running the monthly Version City parties at the Knitting Factory
Knitting Factory
The Knitting Factory is a music venue and concert house with locations in Brooklyn, Boise, Reno, and Spokane. The club originally specialized in jazz and experimental music and has expanded to showcasing all genres of music, performing arts and comedy....
in New York City, on the first Saturday of every month.
King Django has mentioned that he is involved with the music of a surrealist dark comedy called Living Evil, which is being created by surrealist artists the Hive of Dukes. He also showed interest in doing voiceovers on the show.
with SkinnerboxSkinnerboxSkinnerbox is a third wave ska band formed in New York City in the early 1990s by King Django.-Full Length:*Instrumental Conditioning 1990)*Now & Then *Tales of the Red...
- Instrumental Conditioning cassette 1990
- Now & Then cassette 1992
- Tales of the Red CD/cassette (Stubborn), May 1993
- "Does He Love You"/"Right Side" 7" single (Stubborn) Dec. 1993
- Sunken Treasure 4-song EP (Stubborn) July 1994
- Special Wild 1989-1994 CD (Stubborn), May 1996
- What You Can Do, What You Can't (Moon Ska) Apr 1997
- Demonstration full-length CD/CS (Triple Crown RecordsTriple Crown RecordsTriple Crown Records is a New York-based record label. It is home to Hit the Lights, The Receiving End of Sirens, The Dear Hunter, Moving Mountains, and As Tall as Lions, among others...
/Stubborn) Dec 1998
Compilation appearances
- NYC SKA Live LP (Moon) 1991
- Step on a Crack (Sound Views) 1992
- Skarmageddon CD (Moon) July 1994
- Stay Sharp Vol. 2 (Step-1 - EnglandEnglandEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
) June 1995 - Skinnerbox, Scofflaws V/A: Joint Ventures of Ska CD (DVS Media) May 1996
- Skinnerbox, Dunia & Django, The Stable Boys, Noah & The Arks, et al. V/A: Roots, Branch & Stem CD *(Stubborn), June 1996
- This Aren't 2-Tone compilation CD (Too Hep) 1996
- Big Skank Theory (1997, Le Silence De La Rue - FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
) - Skankaholics Anonymous (Moon Ska) Apr 1997
- Skinnerbox, Stubborn All-Stars V/A: Give 'Em the BootGive 'Em the BootGive 'Em the Boot is a series of compilation albums released by Hellcat Records. The first release came out July 29, 1997, and there has been a new release every other year, except for the gap between the second and third releases, which had three years in between...
(1997, HellcatHellcat RecordsHellcat Records is an independent record label based in Los Angeles, California. The label, an off-shoot of Epitaph Records, was started as a partnership between Brett Gurewitz carp Bad Religion, the owner of Epitaph, and Tim Armstrong of Rancid, the latter of whom is generally responsible for...
)- Track 08 - "Does He Love You?"
- Skinnerbox, The Lonely Boys V/A: Who's The Man (Full Stop) 1998
- All Around Massive (Cole Mack) 1998
- Ska, Punk & Disorderly (BANKSHOT!) 1998
- NYC Ska Mob & Friends (Grover - GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
) Dec 1998
with Stubborn All-StarsStubborn All-StarsStubborn All-Stars are a New York City ska band led by King Django, front man of Skinnerbox and owner of Stubborn Records.By early 1994, Django's original ska roots began to tug at him, and he assembled Stubborn All-Stars for a studio session which resulted in the 4-song Old's Cool 7" EP...
- Old's Cool EP (1994, Stubborn)
- Open Season CD/LP (1995, Another Planet Records 6009)
- Back With a New Batch (November 1997, Triple Crown RecordsTriple Crown RecordsTriple Crown Records is a New York-based record label. It is home to Hit the Lights, The Receiving End of Sirens, The Dear Hunter, Moving Mountains, and As Tall as Lions, among others...
3003) - Nex Music (1999, Stubborn)
Compilation appearances
- Spawn of Skarmageddon (1995, Moon Ska Records 058)
- Track 01 - "Tired of Struggling"
- Ed's Next MoveEd's Next MoveEd's Next Move is a 1996 American romantic comedy film written and directed by John C. Walsh. It stars Matt Ross and Callie Thorne. A micro-budget romantic comedy about a transplanted Midwesterner adapting to life in New York's East Village, the film appeared at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival...
soundtrack CD/CS (1996, Milan RecordsMilan RecordsMilan Records is a record label located in Los Angeles, California specializing in film scores and soundtrack albums. In addition, Milan boasts an extensive electronic catalog which features down-tempo, chillout, and eclectic electronic releases....
35776)- Track 04 - "Look Away"
- RancidRancid (band)Rancid is an American punk rock band formed in Berkeley, California in 1991. Founded by Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, both of whom previously played in the ska punk band Operation Ivy, Rancid is credited—along with Green Day and The Offspring—for reviving mainstream interest in punk rock in the...
with Stubborn All-Stars: Beavis & Butthead Do America soundtrack (1996, GeffenGeffen RecordsGeffen Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-Beginnings:...
)- Track 05 - "I Wanna Riot"
- New York Beat: Breaking and Entering CD (1997, Moon Ska Records 099)
- Track 20 - "Bald Man Jump"
- Dancin' Mood CD/LP (1997, Triple Crown RecordsTriple Crown RecordsTriple Crown Records is a New York-based record label. It is home to Hit the Lights, The Receiving End of Sirens, The Dear Hunter, Moving Mountains, and As Tall as Lions, among others...
3002/Another Planet Records 6019)- Track 03 - "Dave Helm" / Track 07 - "Citadel"
- Give 'Em the BootGive 'Em the Boot (album)Give 'Em the Boot is the first compilation album in the Give 'Em the Boot series.This, as of 2007, is the only entry not to include the boot design of all of the other covers.-Track listing:# "The Brothels" – Rancid – 2:57...
CD (1997, Hellcat RecordsHellcat RecordsHellcat Records is an independent record label based in Los Angeles, California. The label, an off-shoot of Epitaph Records, was started as a partnership between Brett Gurewitz carp Bad Religion, the owner of Epitaph, and Tim Armstrong of Rancid, the latter of whom is generally responsible for...
80402/Epitaph RecordsEpitaph RecordsEpitaph Records is a Hollywood, California based independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. The label was originally "just a logo and a P.O. box" created in the 1980s for the purpose of selling Bad Religion records, but has evolved into a large independent record...
04022)- Track 10 - "Open Season"
- Roots, Branch and Stem: Living Tradition in Ska! CD (1998, Stubborn Records 002)
- Track 02 - "Tin Spam (Bokkle mix)"
- Somewhere in the City soundtrack CD (1998, Velvel Records 79717)
- Track 11 - "Tim Spam"
- City Rockers: A Tribute To The ClashCity Rockers: A Tribute To The ClashCity Rockers: A Tribute To The Clash is a tribute album to the punk rock band The Clash.-Track listing:#"Death or Glory" – Dave Smalley#"Clampdown" – Hot Water Music#"Hate & War" – Murhpy's Law#"Hateful" – Kid Dynamite...
CD (1999, Chord Records 030)- Track 11 - "Lose This Skin"
- NYC Ska Mob & Friends (December 1998, {Grover Records - Germany)
Other recordings
- King Django: Brooklyn Hangover (2010, Stubborn Records)
- Subatomic Sound SystemSubatomic Sound SystemFounded in 1999, Subatomic Sound System brought together musicians, producers, DJs and visual artists from a variety of backgrounds and traditions primarily based in New York City and Brooklyn to form a record label and collective that built on a combination of new music technology and traditional...
: On All Frequencies (featuring King Django)(Subatomic Sound/ Modus Vivendi / Nomadic WaxNomadic WaxNomadic Wax is a fair-trade international music, film, and events production company with a social and global focus. It specializes in hip-hop and underground music...
) 2007 - King Django: Roots Tonic (Jump Up/Stubborn/Big 8) 2005/2006
- Subatomic Sound SystemSubatomic Sound SystemFounded in 1999, Subatomic Sound System brought together musicians, producers, DJs and visual artists from a variety of backgrounds and traditions primarily based in New York City and Brooklyn to form a record label and collective that built on a combination of new music technology and traditional...
: Lost Hits Vol. 1: Dancehall versus Hip Hop (dancehall remixes with King Django) (Subatomic Sound) 2005 - King Django: A Single Thread (Megalith/Leech) 2004
- V/A: Version City Sessions (Asian Man) 2004
- Sonic Boom SixSonic Boom SixSonic Boom Six are a five-piece rock band from Manchester, United Kingdom. Their eclectic sound combines different elements of several genres and has been described by Kerrang! as "taking ska, pop, grime, dubstep, punk and metal apart, then rebuilding them as a hyperactive hybrid"...
Through the Eyes of a Child (Rebel Alliance Recordings) 2009 - Version City Rockers: Deeper Roots (Antifaz) 2004
- King Django meets the Scrucialists (2003, Leech/Grover)
- Don Khumalo: De Vuelta al Ska (2001, Stubborn Venezuela)
- King Django: Reason (2001, Hellcat/Epitaph)
- Version City Rockers: Version City Dub Clash (2000, Stubborn/Jump Start)
- Radiation Kings Early Years (1999, Stubborn)
- King Django King Django’s Roots & Culture (1998, Triple Crown)
- The Agents For All The Massive (Radical) Oct 1998
- Rocker T & Version City Rockers Nicer By The Hour (June 1998, Stubborn/December 1998, Grover Records - Germany)
- Rocket From the CryptRocket from the CryptRocket from the Crypt was an American rock band led by John Reis, formed in 1989 in San Diego, California and disbanded in 2005.The band gained critical praise and the attention of major record labels after the release of their 1992 album Circa: Now!, leading to a recording contract with Interscope...
- The Usuals At Shirley & Juicy’s (1997, No IdeaNo Idea RecordsFor other uses, see No Idea .No Idea Records is an independent record label based in Gainesville, Florida which produces both vinyl records and compact discs...
) - The ToastersThe ToastersThe Toasters was one of the first American bands in the third wave of ska, and is one of the longest active third wave ska bands.They have released nine studio albums, most of them on Moon Ska Records. The Toasters experienced a small degree of commercial success in the late 1990s due to the...
Hard Band for Dead (1996, Moon) - The SlackersThe SlackersThe Slackers are a New York City band, formed in Brooklyn in 1991. The band's sound is a mix of ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, soul, garage rock, and jazz...
Better Late Than Never (1996, Moon Ska) - CIV Set Your GoalsSet Your GoalsSet Your Goals is the debut album of the punk rock band CIV. It was released in October 1995 on Lava Records. The album is best known for the hit single "Can't Wait One Minute More"...
(1995, Revelation RecordsRevelation RecordsRevelation Records is an independent record label focusing originally and primarily on hardcore punk. The label is known for its role in the evolution of hardcore and metallic post-hardcore with important releases by bands such as Youth of Today, Warzone, Sick of It All, Quicksand, Side By Side,...
/Atlantic) - Die Monster DieDie Monster DieDie Monster Die is a New York City alternative/punk band which was originally formed in Athens, Georgia. Their name is a reference to the 1965 horror movie of the same name starring Boris Karloff Die Monster Die is a New York City alternative/punk band which was originally formed in Athens,...
1995 - Murphy's LawMurphy's Law (band)Murphy's Law is an American hardcore band from New York City, New York, formed in 1982. While vocalist Jimmy Gestapo remains the only founding member of the band, the line-up has consisted of former members of bands such as Skinnerbox, Danzig, The Bouncing Souls, Mucky Pup, Dog Eat Dog, Hanoi...
Good For Now EP (1993, We Bite Records) - OutfaceOutfaceOutface was an punk rock/hardcore band formed in the Cleveland, Ohio area in the late 1980s, fronted by future Sepultura singer Derrick Green. The band also featured bassist Frank Cavanagh of Filter and guitarist Charlie Garriga of CIV, who was self-taught. Mark Konopka was the drummer...
Outface (1993, Crisis/RevelationRevelation RecordsRevelation Records is an independent record label focusing originally and primarily on hardcore punk. The label is known for its role in the evolution of hardcore and metallic post-hardcore with important releases by bands such as Youth of Today, Warzone, Sick of It All, Quicksand, Side By Side,...
) - The Boilers Rockin' Steady LP (Oi/Ska - England) 1988
Compilation appearances
- Too True: NY Beat - Hit & Run (1985, Moon)
- The Boilers: Skaface LP (1988, Moon)
- Django and Elwood: Keep the Pressure On (1996, Kingpin Records)
- Castillo y La Rabia: Latin Ska Vol. 2 (Moon) 1996
- King Django, The Demanders, Selika and Django: Version City (Stubborn) Dec 1997
- King Django: Give 'Em the Boot IIIGive 'Em the Boot IIIGive 'Em the Boot III is the third compilation album in the Give 'Em the Boot series, released in 2002 .- Track listing :#"Sick of It All" - The Distillers#"The Legend of Finn MacCumhail" - Dropkick Murphys#"Die Alone" - U.S...
(2002, HellcatHellcat RecordsHellcat Records is an independent record label based in Los Angeles, California. The label, an off-shoot of Epitaph Records, was started as a partnership between Brett Gurewitz carp Bad Religion, the owner of Epitaph, and Tim Armstrong of Rancid, the latter of whom is generally responsible for...
/EpitaphEpitaph RecordsEpitaph Records is a Hollywood, California based independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. The label was originally "just a logo and a P.O. box" created in the 1980s for the purpose of selling Bad Religion records, but has evolved into a large independent record...
)- Track 17 - "Precipice"
- Version City Rockers: Roots of Dub Funk 3 (Tanty Records) 2003