Royal Trux
Encyclopedia
Royal Trux was an American
alternative rock
band from 1987 to 2001, founded by Neil Hagerty
(vocals, guitar) and Jennifer Herrema
(vocals).
, led by Jon Spencer, and subsequently relocated to New York. During his time in Pussy Galore, Hagerty convinced his bandmates to release a cassette-only remake of the entire Rolling Stones album Exile on Main Street. While he gained underground notoriety for his work with Pussy Galore, Hagerty reportedly viewed it as a job and intended to pursue his own artistic vision with his girlfriend, Jennifer Herrema, under the name Royal Trux.
Hagerty and Herrema released their first album, Royal Trux
, in 1988. Then, after moving to San Francisco, Royal Trux released the experimental double-album Twin Infinitives. In fanzine interviews, the band was open about their heroin usage.
After Twin Infinitives, Royal Trux released an untitled album (sometimes referred to as the Skulls record because of its sleeve artwork). Forgoing the experimentalism of Twin Infinitives, the band instead opted for a more lo-fi
approach, recording on an 8-track. The arguably atypical lyricism and sonic atonality of their first album was largely abandoned in favor of a more stripped, direct sound.
Following the release of their untitled album, Hagerty and Herrema hired a guitarist and drummer in order to complete their fourth full-length, Cats and Dogs. The songwriting remained highly experimental, but was more melodic, which was revealed on tracks such as "The Flag," "The Spectre," and "Turn of the Century." Around this time, the band signed with Matador records and a Royal Trux record was assigned a catalog number for an album which never appeared.
During the corporate interest in underground music
that followed Nirvana
's breakthrough success in 1991
, Royal Trux signed a three-record contract totaling over one million dollars with the major label Virgin
. The label viewed it as a way to gain credibility with other, more promising indie bands that they hoped to attract. Some of the money went into buying a house in Virginia and converting it to a studio, where the band recorded themselves and others (such as The Make-Up). According to interviews, the band also kicked their drug habit at this time. The band added a considerably heavier rhythm section with Dan Brown on bass guitar and Chris Pyle (son of Lynyrd Skynyrd
drummer Artimus Pyle) on drums. They also added a percussionist named Rob Armstrong for a short period. In 1995, they released Thank You, recorded almost completely live in the studio with producer David Briggs
. Next came Sweet Sixteen. While the band received mainstream
media exposure during their time on Virgin (Herrema appeared in Calvin Klein
print and TV ads from 1995–2000), Virgin was reportedly unhappy with Sweet Sixteen. The band was unwilling to record a third record for the label, but was persuaded when Virgin offered to pay for all costs. Royal Trux returned to their old label Drag City.
On Drag City, the band released Accelerator. They followed this album with Veterans of Disorder in 1999, and Pound for Pound in 2000.
Royal Trux also released the triple-LP Singles, Live, Unreleased, as well as a pair of EPs and substantial video and webwork.
Hagerty and Herrema were often credited as Adam and Eve
for their production work. They separated as a couple and dissolved the band following the release of Pound for Pound. Since then, both have recorded albums for Drag City; Hagerty under his own name and as The Howling Hex, and Herrema under the name RTX
.
In January 2009, Drag City
reissued Royal Trux's first two albums Royal Trux and Twin Infinitives on vinyl.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
band from 1987 to 2001, founded by Neil Hagerty
Neil Hagerty
Neil Michael Hagerty is an American guitarist, songwriter and producer. He is best known for his work in Royal Trux. Hagerty released several solo albums since Royal Trux's demise in 2001, followed by recordings under the moniker The Howling Hex...
(vocals, guitar) and Jennifer Herrema
Jennifer Herrema
Jennifer Herrema is an American rock music singer, song writer, record producer, artist, and model best known for her work as one half of the influential rock band Royal Trux.-Biography:...
(vocals).
History
While still a teenager, Hagerty joined Washington DC garage punk band Pussy GalorePussy Galore (band)
Pussy Galore was an American garage rock band that formed in Washington, D.C. in 1985. They had a constantly fluid line-up until their demise in 1990. Like many garage rock outfits, they were dogged by substance abuse problems...
, led by Jon Spencer, and subsequently relocated to New York. During his time in Pussy Galore, Hagerty convinced his bandmates to release a cassette-only remake of the entire Rolling Stones album Exile on Main Street. While he gained underground notoriety for his work with Pussy Galore, Hagerty reportedly viewed it as a job and intended to pursue his own artistic vision with his girlfriend, Jennifer Herrema, under the name Royal Trux.
Hagerty and Herrema released their first album, Royal Trux
Royal Trux (1988 album)
Royal Trux is the debut album by Royal Trux. It was released as an LP in 1988 by Royal Records, then reissued on CD by Drag City in 1993.-Side one:#"Bad Blood" – 2:51#"Incineration" – 2:16#"Strawberry Soda" – 2:42#"Hashish" – 2:06...
, in 1988. Then, after moving to San Francisco, Royal Trux released the experimental double-album Twin Infinitives. In fanzine interviews, the band was open about their heroin usage.
After Twin Infinitives, Royal Trux released an untitled album (sometimes referred to as the Skulls record because of its sleeve artwork). Forgoing the experimentalism of Twin Infinitives, the band instead opted for a more lo-fi
Lo-fi music
Lo-fi is lower quality of sound recordings than the usual standard for music. The qualities of lo-fi are usually achieved by either degrading the quality of the recorded audio, or using certain equipment. Recent uses of the phrase have led to it becoming a genre, although it still remains as an...
approach, recording on an 8-track. The arguably atypical lyricism and sonic atonality of their first album was largely abandoned in favor of a more stripped, direct sound.
Following the release of their untitled album, Hagerty and Herrema hired a guitarist and drummer in order to complete their fourth full-length, Cats and Dogs. The songwriting remained highly experimental, but was more melodic, which was revealed on tracks such as "The Flag," "The Spectre," and "Turn of the Century." Around this time, the band signed with Matador records and a Royal Trux record was assigned a catalog number for an album which never appeared.
During the corporate interest in underground music
Underground music
Underground music comprises a range of different musical genres that operate outside of mainstream culture. Such music can typically share common values, such as the valuing of sincerity and intimacy; an emphasis on freedom of creative expression; an appreciation of artistic creativity...
that followed Nirvana
Nirvana (band)
Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
's breakthrough success in 1991
1991 in music
See also:* 1991 in music Record labels established in 1991-Summary:The year 1991 is the year that grunge music made its popular breakthrough. Nirvana's Nevermind, led by the surprise hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit", becomes the most popular U.S. album of the year...
, Royal Trux signed a three-record contract totaling over one million dollars with the major label Virgin
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
. The label viewed it as a way to gain credibility with other, more promising indie bands that they hoped to attract. Some of the money went into buying a house in Virginia and converting it to a studio, where the band recorded themselves and others (such as The Make-Up). According to interviews, the band also kicked their drug habit at this time. The band added a considerably heavier rhythm section with Dan Brown on bass guitar and Chris Pyle (son of Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band prominent in spreading Southern Rock during the 1970s.Originally formed as the "Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tune, Freebird...
drummer Artimus Pyle) on drums. They also added a percussionist named Rob Armstrong for a short period. In 1995, they released Thank You, recorded almost completely live in the studio with producer David Briggs
David Briggs (producer)
David Briggs was an American record producer best known for his work with Neil Young and his band Crazy Horse. He is noted for his eclectic imagination and style.-Early life:David Briggs was born in Douglas, Wyoming...
. Next came Sweet Sixteen. While the band received mainstream
Mainstream
Mainstream is, generally, the common current thought of the majority. However, the mainstream is far from cohesive; rather the concept is often considered a cultural construct....
media exposure during their time on Virgin (Herrema appeared in Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein
Calvin Richard Klein is an American fashion designer who launched the company that would later become Calvin Klein Inc. in 1968. In addition to clothing, Klein has also given his name to a range of perfumes, watches, and jewelry....
print and TV ads from 1995–2000), Virgin was reportedly unhappy with Sweet Sixteen. The band was unwilling to record a third record for the label, but was persuaded when Virgin offered to pay for all costs. Royal Trux returned to their old label Drag City.
On Drag City, the band released Accelerator. They followed this album with Veterans of Disorder in 1999, and Pound for Pound in 2000.
Royal Trux also released the triple-LP Singles, Live, Unreleased, as well as a pair of EPs and substantial video and webwork.
Hagerty and Herrema were often credited as Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve were, according to the Genesis creation narratives, the first human couple to inhabit Earth, created by YHWH, the God of the ancient Hebrews...
for their production work. They separated as a couple and dissolved the band following the release of Pound for Pound. Since then, both have recorded albums for Drag City; Hagerty under his own name and as The Howling Hex, and Herrema under the name RTX
RTX
RTX may refer to:* RTX Red Rock, an action-adventure game for the PlayStation 2, which was developed and published by LucasArts* Royal Trux, as an abbreviation for the name of the band...
.
In January 2009, Drag City
Drag City (record label)
Drag City is a Chicago-based independent record label. It was established with a Royal Trux release in 1990 in Chicago, Illinois by Dan Koretzky and Dan Osborn.Drag City specializes in experimental indie rock acts...
reissued Royal Trux's first two albums Royal Trux and Twin Infinitives on vinyl.
Discography
- (1988) Royal TruxRoyal Trux (1988 album)Royal Trux is the debut album by Royal Trux. It was released as an LP in 1988 by Royal Records, then reissued on CD by Drag City in 1993.-Side one:#"Bad Blood" – 2:51#"Incineration" – 2:16#"Strawberry Soda" – 2:42#"Hashish" – 2:06...
- (1990) Twin InfinitivesTwin InfinitivesTwin Infinitives is the second album by Royal Trux. It was released as a double LP in 1990 by Drag City, then reissued on CD and cassette in 1994.-Side four:#"Florida Avenue Theme"#"Lick My Boots"#"Glitterbust"#"Funky Son"#"Ratcreeps"...
- (1992) UntitledUntitled (Royal Trux album)The untitled third album by Royal Trux was released in 1992 by Drag City.-Side two:#"Sometimes" – 2:11#"Lightning Boxer" – 5:58#"Blood Flowers" – 3:58#"Sun on the Run" – 5:08...
- (1993) Cats and DogsCats and Dogs (Royal Trux album)Cats and Dogs is the fourth album by Royal Trux. It was released in 1993 by Drag City.-Side one:#"Teeth" – 5:04#"The Flag" – 2:23#"Friends" – 2:37#"The Spectre" – 2:07#"Skywood Greenback Mantra" – 3:10#"Turn of the Century" – 7:04-Side two:...
- (1995) Thank YouThank You (Royal Trux album)Track listingSide one-#"A Night to Remember" – 2:32#"The Sewers of Mars" – 3:30#"Ray O Vac" – 4:04#"Map of the City" – 3:57#"Granny Grunt" – 3:52:Side two#"Lights on the Levee" – 4:28#"Fear Strikes Out" – 3:31...
- (1997) Sweet SixteenSweet Sixteen (Royal Trux album)Sweet Sixteen is the sixth album by Royal Trux. It is their only album not released as an LP.-Track listing:#"Don't Try Too Hard" – 4:09#"Morphic Resident" – 4:50#"The Pickup" – 5:24#"Cold Joint" – 4:58#"Golden Rules" – 4:13...
- (1997) Singles, Live, UnreleasedSingles, Live, UnreleasedSingles Live Unreleased is a compilation album by Royal Trux. It was released in 1997 by Drag City as a triple LP box set and a double CD.Track listingSide one-#"Esso Dame" – 1:51#"Mercury" – 3:50#"No Fixed Address" – 3:29#"Red Tiger" – 5:12...
- (1998) 3-Song EP
- (1998) AcceleratorAccelerator (Royal Trux album)Accelerator is the seventh studio album by Royal Trux. It was released in 1998.Track listingSide one-# "I'm Ready" – 3:54# "Yellow Kid" – 2:10# "The Banana Question" – 3:43# "Another Year" – 4:03...
- (1999) Veterans of DisorderVeterans of DisorderVeterans of Disorder is the eighth studio album by Royal Trux. It was released in 1999 by Drag City.Track listingSide one-#"Waterpark" – 2:14#"Stop" – 2:46#"The Exception" – 2:19#"Second Skin" – 2:46#"Witch's Tit" – 2:47#"Lunch Money" – 2:39...
- (2000) Radio VideoRadio VideoRadio Video is an EP by Royal Trux. It was released as a one-sided twelve-inch and CD in 2000 by Drag City.-Track listing:#"The Inside Game" – 3:42#"Victory Chimp: Episode 3" – 4:37#"Dirty Headlines" – 3:27#"Mexican Comet" – 1:37#"On My Mind" – 3:24...
- (2000) Pound for PoundPound for Pound (album)Pound for Pound is the ninth studio album by Royal Trux. It was released in 2000 by Drag City.Track listingSide one-#"Call Out the Lions" – 4:36#"Fire Hill" – 2:28#"Platinum Tips" – 3:56#"Accelerator " – 3:09...
- (2002) Hand of GloryHand of Glory (album)Hand of Glory is the tenth, final studio album by Royal Trux. It is composed of recordings made 1985 to 1989 and was released by Drag City in 2002.-Track listing:-Side two:#"The Boxing Story" – 20:28#*a. Electric Boxing Show#*b. Four Kings...
External links
- Beating Hearts : Yahoo discussion group
- Jennifer Herrema, Happy Shopper, outsideleft.com
- RTX-USA