Tullycraft
Encyclopedia
Tullycraft is an indie pop
band from Seattle, Washington who formed in 1995. They have been associated with the genre of twee
, in fact, they are considered to be one of the forefathers of the American twee pop movement alongside Black Tambourine
, Tiger Trap
, Lois
, Honeybunch
, and Beat Happening
. They are renowned for their DIY
ethic, only releasing albums on independently owned and operated record labels.
Prior to forming Tullycraft, both Tollefson & Fell played in the band Crayon in Bellingham, Washington
and Miklusek played in the band Wimp Factor 14 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
. They met each other while their respective bands were on tour together.
On February 28, 1995 Tullycraft played their first show at ReBar, a small club in Seattle. Joining them on the bill that evening were the bands Incredible Force of Junior and Sno*boy. Eventually, both Chris Munford (from Incredible Force of Junior) and Harold Hollingsworth (from Sno*boy) would join the group.
In October 1995 the band recorded four songs with producer Pat Maley at Yoyo Studios in Olympia, Washington
. The recording session produced a debut single
released on Harriet Records
and an instant indiepop classic "Pop Songs Your New Boyfriend’s Too Stupid To Know About".
on Harriet Records. The album included the singles "Superboy & Supergirl" and "Josie". The following year the band released a series of 7" singles on labels in Japan, England, Germany, and the U.S. They built up a large following by touring extensively all over the United States during what many might argue was the last gasp of the truly independent underground, leaving new bands, promoters, zines and record labels to sprout up in their wake.
, released on Cher Doll Records
that same year. The entire album was recorded in a house that Munford, Miklusek and Fell rented near the University of Washington
in Seattle.
Guitarist and founding member, Gary Miklusek decided to leave the group after a U.S. tour for the City of Subarus album. His last appearance with the band was at the San Francisco Popfest in 1999. After the departure of Miklusek, the band's future was unclear. During the break a twenty-two track singles, b-sides and rarities compilation simply titled The Singles
was released on Darla Records
in late 1999.
In September 2001, Tullycraft was featured alongside Sleater-Kinney
, Henry's Dress
, Dub Narcotic Sound System
, Unwound
and The Make-Up in the Justin Mitchell music documentary Songs for Cassavetes.
The third album, Beat Surf Fun
was released on Magic Marker Records in 2002. The album included the singles "Wild Bikini" and "Twee". In 2003, Tullycraft played shows in England, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands.
. Just prior to the album's release, guitarist Harold Hollingsworth left the band.
On May 3, 2005 Disenchanted Hearts Unite
was released on Magic Marker Records. The band re-emerged with a new line-up that included Corianton Hale (lead guitar) and Jenny Mears (vocals). The album was met with a flurry of wonderful reviews and quickly became a fan favorite. Many consider the album to be the band's finest. Although Tullycraft didn't embark on a full U.S. tour to promote Disenchanted Hearts Unite, they did play a number of universities, the occasional pop festival, and the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas in 2006 and 2007.
was released on Magic Marker Records. The band spent over a year working on the album, splitting time between their own recording studio and Soundhouse Studio in Seattle, WA. The album included the singles "The Punks Are Writing Love Songs" and "Georgette Plays A Goth."
On May 23, 2009 Tullycraft played in San Francisco, CA as part of the SF Popfest. This was billed as the last show the band would play before taking a break from live performances.
was released on AAJ/Bumblebear Records. This record was digitally re-released by Unchikun Records in July 2009.
On September 14, 2010 Wish I'd Kept A Scrapbook: A Tribute to Tullycraft
was released on Unchikun Records. This second tribute album featured 21 bands/artists covering Tullycraft songs.
Indie pop
Indie pop is a genre of alternative rock music that originated in the United Kingdom in the mid 1980s, with its roots in the Scottish post-punk bands on the Postcard Records label in the early '80s, such as Orange Juice, Josef K and Aztec Camera, and the dominant UK independent band of the mid...
band from Seattle, Washington who formed in 1995. They have been associated with the genre of twee
Indie pop
Indie pop is a genre of alternative rock music that originated in the United Kingdom in the mid 1980s, with its roots in the Scottish post-punk bands on the Postcard Records label in the early '80s, such as Orange Juice, Josef K and Aztec Camera, and the dominant UK independent band of the mid...
, in fact, they are considered to be one of the forefathers of the American twee pop movement alongside Black Tambourine
Black Tambourine
Black Tambourine was an influential twee pop band and one of the earliest Slumberland groups of the early 1990s. Formed in Silver Spring, Maryland, the band comprised singer Pam Berry, Brian Nelson, Archie Moore and Mike Schulman...
, Tiger Trap
Tiger Trap
Tiger Trap was an all-female twee-pop foursome composed of high school friends Angela Loy and Rose Melberg, with Heather Dunn and Jen Braun. The group recorded for K Records. The name "Tiger Trap" comes from the very first Calvin and Hobbes cartoon. Formed in Sacramento, California in 1992, they...
, Lois
Lois Maffeo
Courtney Love is an American musician and writer who lives in Olympia, Washington. Although never achieving mainstream success, she has been closely involved with and influenced many independent musicians, especially in the 90s Olympia, Seattle and DC based musician.-as Lois Maffeo:albums*The...
, Honeybunch
Honeybunch
Honeybunch is an indie pop band from Providence, Rhode island formed in 1987 by future Velvet Crush member Jeffrey Borchardt, releasing a string of records before splitting up in 1995...
, and Beat Happening
Beat Happening
Beat Happening is an American punk band formed in Olympia, Washington in 1982. Calvin Johnson, Heather Lewis and Bret Lunsford have been the band's continual members...
. They are renowned for their DIY
Do it yourself
Do it yourself is a term used to describe building, modifying, or repairing of something without the aid of experts or professionals...
ethic, only releasing albums on independently owned and operated record labels.
Formation & early recordings
The band's original line-up was Jeff Fell (drums), Sean Tollefson (bass/vocals), and Gary Miklusek (guitar/vocals).Prior to forming Tullycraft, both Tollefson & Fell played in the band Crayon in Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the twelfth-largest city in the state. Situated on Bellingham Bay, Bellingham is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia...
and Miklusek played in the band Wimp Factor 14 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
. They met each other while their respective bands were on tour together.
On February 28, 1995 Tullycraft played their first show at ReBar, a small club in Seattle. Joining them on the bill that evening were the bands Incredible Force of Junior and Sno*boy. Eventually, both Chris Munford (from Incredible Force of Junior) and Harold Hollingsworth (from Sno*boy) would join the group.
In October 1995 the band recorded four songs with producer Pat Maley at Yoyo Studios in Olympia, Washington
Olympia, Washington
Olympia is the capital city of the U.S. state of Washington and the county seat of Thurston County. It was incorporated on January 28, 1859. The population was 46,478 at the 2010 census...
. The recording session produced a debut single
Tullycraft - True Blue 7"
-Personnel:* Sean Tollefson – vocals, bass* Jeff Fell – drums* Gary Miklusek – guitar, backing vocals* Pat Maley – production, audio engineering, keyboards* Aaron Gorseth – production assistanceReferences=...
released on Harriet Records
Harriet Records
Harriet Records was an American independent record label based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The label was founded by Harvard history professor Tim Alborn in 1989. The majority of Harriet's releases were indie pop 7" vinyl singles, but eventually they started releasing full length CDs. Harriet...
and an instant indiepop classic "Pop Songs Your New Boyfriend’s Too Stupid To Know About".
Old Traditions, New Standards
In 1996 the band released their full length debut, Old Traditions, New StandardsOld Traditions, New Standards
Old Traditions, New Standards is the debut album from the indiepop band Tullycraft. It was produced by Pat Maley. Tracks were recorded at Avast Studios in Seattle, WA and mixed at Yoyo Studios in Olympia, Washington. The album was originally released on Harriet Records out of Cambridge, MA...
on Harriet Records. The album included the singles "Superboy & Supergirl" and "Josie". The following year the band released a series of 7" singles on labels in Japan, England, Germany, and the U.S. They built up a large following by touring extensively all over the United States during what many might argue was the last gasp of the truly independent underground, leaving new bands, promoters, zines and record labels to sprout up in their wake.
City of Subarus / The Singles
Chris Munford officially joined Tullycraft in 1998 after a few guest appearances with the group. Munford contributed keyboards, guitar and recording engineer to the band's second full length album, City of SubarusCity of Subarus
City of Subarus is the second album from the indiepop band Tullycraft. Chris Munford from the band Incredible Force of Junior joined Tullycraft prior to the recording of this album, making the three piece a foursome...
, released on Cher Doll Records
Cher Doll Records
Cher Doll Records is a small independent record label founded in Seattle, Washington by Nancy Ostrander in 1993. The label released records for several indie-pop bands including Neutral Milk Hotel's first single on a two sided seven-inch record.-History:...
that same year. The entire album was recorded in a house that Munford, Miklusek and Fell rented near the University of Washington
University of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
in Seattle.
Guitarist and founding member, Gary Miklusek decided to leave the group after a U.S. tour for the City of Subarus album. His last appearance with the band was at the San Francisco Popfest in 1999. After the departure of Miklusek, the band's future was unclear. During the break a twenty-two track singles, b-sides and rarities compilation simply titled The Singles
Tullycraft - The Singles
The Singles is a singles, b-sides and rarities compilation CD from the indiepop band Tullycraft. It compiles early seven inch singles & split singles, compilation tracks, and a couple live radio performances...
was released on Darla Records
Darla Records
Darla Records is an independent record label founded by James Agren while he was in New York. Darla Record's first release was a 7-inch by Grifters, an indie rock/lo-fi band from Memphis.- Background :...
in late 1999.
Beat Surf Fun
Following a hiatus that lasted most of 2000, the band started the writing process for what would become their third full length album, Beat Surf Fun. Recording commenced in 2001 at a rehearsal space in Ballard, Washington. Harold Hollingsworth was recruited to take over lead guitar duties. Hollingsworth had played with the band briefly in 1997 on a U.S. tour.In September 2001, Tullycraft was featured alongside 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...
, Henry's Dress
Henry's Dress
Henry's Dress were a band from Albuquerque, New Mexico consisting of Amy Linton and Matt Hartman, who both acted as singer, guitarist and drummer at various times, and Hayyim Sanchez as bassist, formed in 1993...
, Dub Narcotic Sound System
Dub Narcotic Sound System
Dub Narcotic Sound System is an Olympia, Washington based indie-funk musical group founded by Calvin Johnson, signed to K Records.-Origins:The band is named after Calvin Johnson's basement recording studio, Dub Narcotic....
, 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...
and The Make-Up in the Justin Mitchell music documentary Songs for Cassavetes.
The third album, Beat Surf Fun
Beat Surf Fun
Beat Surf Fun is the third studio album from the indiepop band Tullycraft. The entire album was recorded on analog tape at a practice space the band rented in Ballard, WA. It is the first record the band released on Magic Marker Records based in Portland, OR...
was released on Magic Marker Records in 2002. The album included the singles "Wild Bikini" and "Twee". In 2003, Tullycraft played shows in England, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands.
Disenchanted Hearts Unite
In 2004, the band began working on what would be their fourth full length album, Disenchanted Hearts UniteDisenchanted Hearts Unite
Disenchanted Hearts Unite is the fourth studio album from the indiepop band Tullycraft. The band recorded half of the album at Soundhouse Studios in Seattle, and the other half in guitarist, Chris Munford’s living room. Jenny Mears provided additional vocals on many of the songs, and Corianton...
. Just prior to the album's release, guitarist Harold Hollingsworth left the band.
On May 3, 2005 Disenchanted Hearts Unite
Disenchanted Hearts Unite
Disenchanted Hearts Unite is the fourth studio album from the indiepop band Tullycraft. The band recorded half of the album at Soundhouse Studios in Seattle, and the other half in guitarist, Chris Munford’s living room. Jenny Mears provided additional vocals on many of the songs, and Corianton...
was released on Magic Marker Records. The band re-emerged with a new line-up that included Corianton Hale (lead guitar) and Jenny Mears (vocals). The album was met with a flurry of wonderful reviews and quickly became a fan favorite. Many consider the album to be the band's finest. Although Tullycraft didn't embark on a full U.S. tour to promote Disenchanted Hearts Unite, they did play a number of universities, the occasional pop festival, and the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas in 2006 and 2007.
Every Scene Needs A Center
On October 23, 2007 the fifth full length album, Every Scene Needs A CenterEvery Scene Needs a Center
Every Scene Needs A Center is the fifth studio album from the indiepop band Tullycraft. Arguably, the band’s most ambitious album, Every Scene Needs A Center ranges from punky bursts to mid-tempo near-ballads. The band spent over a year working on the mini-epic album, splitting time between a...
was released on Magic Marker Records. The band spent over a year working on the album, splitting time between their own recording studio and Soundhouse Studio in Seattle, WA. The album included the singles "The Punks Are Writing Love Songs" and "Georgette Plays A Goth."
Hiatus
On March 9, 2009 the band announced on their blog that they had "decided to take a step back from playing live shows" and would only be performing live on a couple more occasions before taking a "self-imposed hiatus."On May 23, 2009 Tullycraft played in San Francisco, CA as part of the SF Popfest. This was billed as the last show the band would play before taking a break from live performances.
Tribute albums
In 2003 a Tullycraft tribute album titled, First String Teenage High: The Songs of Tullycraft Played By People Who Aren'tFirst String Teenage High: The Songs of Tullycraft Played By People Who Aren't
First String Teenage High: The Songs of Tullycraft Played By People Who Aren'tis a tribute album to the seminal twee band Tullycraft. The compilation features cover versions of Tullycraft songs performed by 24 indie artists. The album was originally released on AAJ/BumbleBear Records in 2003. In...
was released on AAJ/Bumblebear Records. This record was digitally re-released by Unchikun Records in July 2009.
On September 14, 2010 Wish I'd Kept A Scrapbook: A Tribute to Tullycraft
Wish I'd Kept A Scrapbook: A Tribute to Tullycraft
Wish I'd Kept A Scrapbook: A Tribute to Tullycraftis a 2010 tribute album to the pioneering indiepop / twee band Tullycraft.The album, released on Unchikun Records, features cover versions of...
was released on Unchikun Records. This second tribute album featured 21 bands/artists covering Tullycraft songs.
Members
- Jeff Fell - Drums
- Sean Tollefson - Lead Vocals and Bass
- Chris Munford - Guitar and Vocals
- Corianton Hale - Guitar and Vocals
- Jenny Mears - Vocals and Tambourine
Discography
- Albums
Year Title Label 1996 Old Traditions, New Standards Old Traditions, New StandardsOld Traditions, New Standards is the debut album from the indiepop band Tullycraft. It was produced by Pat Maley. Tracks were recorded at Avast Studios in Seattle, WA and mixed at Yoyo Studios in Olympia, Washington. The album was originally released on Harriet Records out of Cambridge, MA...Harriet Records Harriet RecordsHarriet Records was an American independent record label based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The label was founded by Harvard history professor Tim Alborn in 1989. The majority of Harriet's releases were indie pop 7" vinyl singles, but eventually they started releasing full length CDs. Harriet...
(CD) / Little Teddy Recordings (LP)1998 City of Subarus City of SubarusCity of Subarus is the second album from the indiepop band Tullycraft. Chris Munford from the band Incredible Force of Junior joined Tullycraft prior to the recording of this album, making the three piece a foursome...Cher Doll Records Cher Doll RecordsCher Doll Records is a small independent record label founded in Seattle, Washington by Nancy Ostrander in 1993. The label released records for several indie-pop bands including Neutral Milk Hotel's first single on a two sided seven-inch record.-History:...
(LP/CD)1999 The Singles Tullycraft - The SinglesThe Singles is a singles, b-sides and rarities compilation CD from the indiepop band Tullycraft. It compiles early seven inch singles & split singles, compilation tracks, and a couple live radio performances...
(singles, b-sides and rarities compilation)Darla Records Darla RecordsDarla Records is an independent record label founded by James Agren while he was in New York. Darla Record's first release was a 7-inch by Grifters, an indie rock/lo-fi band from Memphis.- Background :...
(CD)2002 Beat Surf Fun Beat Surf FunBeat Surf Fun is the third studio album from the indiepop band Tullycraft. The entire album was recorded on analog tape at a practice space the band rented in Ballard, WA. It is the first record the band released on Magic Marker Records based in Portland, OR...Magic Marker Records (CD) / Little Teddy Recordings (LP/CD) 2005 Disenchanted Hearts Unite Disenchanted Hearts UniteDisenchanted Hearts Unite is the fourth studio album from the indiepop band Tullycraft. The band recorded half of the album at Soundhouse Studios in Seattle, and the other half in guitarist, Chris Munford’s living room. Jenny Mears provided additional vocals on many of the songs, and Corianton...Magic Marker Records (CD) / Little Teddy Recordings (LP/CD) 2007 Every Scene Needs a Center Every Scene Needs a CenterEvery Scene Needs A Center is the fifth studio album from the indiepop band Tullycraft. Arguably, the band’s most ambitious album, Every Scene Needs A Center ranges from punky bursts to mid-tempo near-ballads. The band spent over a year working on the mini-epic album, splitting time between a...Magic Marker Records (CD)
- Singles
Year Title Label 1995 True Blue Tullycraft - True Blue 7"-Personnel:* Sean Tollefson – vocals, bass* Jeff Fell – drums* Gary Miklusek – guitar, backing vocals* Pat Maley – production, audio engineering, keyboards* Aaron Gorseth – production assistanceReferences=...
7”Harriet Records Harriet RecordsHarriet Records was an American independent record label based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The label was founded by Harvard history professor Tim Alborn in 1989. The majority of Harriet's releases were indie pop 7" vinyl singles, but eventually they started releasing full length CDs. Harriet...1995 Bailey Park Tullycraft - Bailey Park 7"“Bailey Park” has been called quintessential cuddlecore; where twee meets punk head on. Tullycraft recorded the song with Producer Pat Maley in the Capitol Theatre at Yoyo Studios in Olympia, WA. The birds heard at the beginning of the track are not a sample, Maley hung a second microphone out of a...
7”Cher Doll Records Cher Doll RecordsCher Doll Records is a small independent record label founded in Seattle, Washington by Nancy Ostrander in 1993. The label released records for several indie-pop bands including Neutral Milk Hotel's first single on a two sided seven-inch record.-History:...1995 The Pilot split 7” EP Papercut Records 1996 1st String Teenage High Tullycraft - 1st String Teenage High 7” EPTullycraft released the "1st String Teenage High" 7" EP on the German label Little Teddy Recordings in 1996. The four songs were exclusive, but reappeared on the The Singles CD released in 1999...
7” EP (Germany)Little Teddy Recordings 1996 Glove Puppet split 7” EP Glove Puppet 1996 Josie 7” (UK) Wurlitzer Jukebox Records 1997 Tullycraft / Bunnygrunt split 7” EP KittyBoo Records 1997 Tullycraft / Rizzo split 7” Harriet Records Harriet RecordsHarriet Records was an American independent record label based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The label was founded by Harvard history professor Tim Alborn in 1989. The majority of Harriet's releases were indie pop 7" vinyl singles, but eventually they started releasing full length CDs. Harriet...1997 Tullycraft / Avocado Baby split 7” (Japan) 100 Guitar Mania Records 2002 Twee 7” (Germany) Little Teddy Recordings 2005 Our Days In Kansas 7” (Germany) Little Teddy Recordings 2008 Tullycraft /The Smittens split 7” HHBTM Records
See also
- Crayon
- Six Cents and NatalieSix Cents and NatalieSix Cents and Natalie is the sporadic side-project of Tullycraft lead singer Sean Tollefson. This lo-fi band actually predates his pre-Tullycraft band Crayon. Six Cents and Natalie released a series of cassette tapes and 7" singles in the early 90's...
- Cher Doll RecordsCher Doll RecordsCher Doll Records is a small independent record label founded in Seattle, Washington by Nancy Ostrander in 1993. The label released records for several indie-pop bands including Neutral Milk Hotel's first single on a two sided seven-inch record.-History:...
- Neutral Milk HotelNeutral Milk HotelNeutral Milk Hotel was an American indie rock band formed by singer, guitarist and songwriter Jeff Mangum in the early 1990s. The band was noted for its experimental sound, obscure lyrics and eclectic instrumentation....
- RizzoRizzo (band)Rizzo was a punk / riot grrrl band from Los Angeles, California.-History:Sarah Dale and Jen Abercrombie formed the band in 1995...