CexCells
Encyclopedia
CexCells is the debut studio album by the American electronic
duo Blaqk Audio
. It was initially scheduled to be released on August 7, 2007, however, it was rescheduled and released a week further on August 14, 2007 through Interscope Records
. It debuted at number 18 on the Billboard
200
, selling more than 29,000 copies within its first week. It received mixed reviews from music critics. It spawned one single
: "Stiff Kittens".
and Jade Puget
formed Blaqk Audio
, the two began including more synthesized elements into AFI
's songs, notably in the albums Sing the Sorrow
and Decemberunderground
. In the August 2006 issue of Guitar World
, Puget revealed that "Love Like Winter
" and "37mm" from Decemberunderground
were initially intended to be apart of the side project. According to Havok, the concept of Blaqk Audio began at some point between 2001 and 2002, with "Snuff on Digital" being the first song written for the side project. Puget began experimenting with a multitude of industrial
to ambient
, and were influenced by a variety of electronic music
.
Havok and Puget entered the studio in January 2007 to begin recording CexCells. Puget began updating fans through their official Myspace
page. Dan Under of The Dear & Departed
and Nick 13
of Tiger Army
, who has previously performed with AFI
(see I Heard a Voice), provided background vocals for the album. The album's name and defunct release date was announced via Myspace and AbsolutePunk.
stores across the United States
began having listening parties to preview the entire album.
The album's fourth track, "Bitter For Sweet", was available for streaming via Myspace. A non-album track titled "If Only" was available for streaming on June 14 via Myspace as well. In January 2007, Puget posted lyrics to a song titled "Black-Ink Style" on his official blog, however, it was not included on the album and has not been released to date.
Instrumental segments of "Between Breaths (An XX Perspective)" and "The Love Letter" were used in the trailer for the 2008 remake of The Eye
.
and Jade Puget
.
Electronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
duo Blaqk Audio
Blaqk Audio
Blaqk Audio is an American electronic music duo formed by current AFI members Davey Havok and Jade Puget under Interscope Records. Their debut album CexCells was released on August 14, 2007 and reached number eighteen on the Billboard 200.-Origins:...
. It was initially scheduled to be released on August 7, 2007, however, it was rescheduled and released a week further on August 14, 2007 through Interscope Records
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
. It debuted at number 18 on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, selling more than 29,000 copies within its first week. It received mixed reviews from music critics. It spawned one single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
: "Stiff Kittens".
Background and recording
Before Davey HavokDavey Havok
David Paden Marchand , more commonly known by the stage name Davey Havok, is the lead vocalist of the American rock band AFI and the electronic music band Blaqk Audio....
and Jade Puget
Jade Puget
Jade Errol Puget is the guitarist for the alternative rock band AFI , and the keyboardist/synthesizer operator for the electronic duo Blaqk Audio. Puget is vegetarian and straight edge....
formed Blaqk Audio
Blaqk Audio
Blaqk Audio is an American electronic music duo formed by current AFI members Davey Havok and Jade Puget under Interscope Records. Their debut album CexCells was released on August 14, 2007 and reached number eighteen on the Billboard 200.-Origins:...
, the two began including more synthesized elements into AFI
AFI (band)
AFI is an American alternative rock band from Ukiah, California that formed in 1991. They have consisted of the same lineup since 1998: lead vocalist Davey Havok, drummer and backup vocalist Adam Carson, with bassist Hunter Burgan and guitarist Jade Puget, who both play keyboard and contribute...
's songs, notably in the albums Sing the Sorrow
Sing the Sorrow
Sing the Sorrow is the sixth studio album by American rock band AFI. It was released on March 11, 2003 through DreamWorks Records. It debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200. It was certified Platinum in December 2004 by the RIAA. The album was supported by three singles, "Girl's Not Grey", "The Leaving...
and Decemberunderground
Decemberunderground
Decemberunderground is the seventh studio album by American alternative rock band AFI. The album was released on June 6, 2006 through Interscope Records. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling 182,000 in its first week. The album certified Gold by the RIAA on August 30, 2006 and has sold...
. In the August 2006 issue of Guitar World
Guitar World
Guitar World is a monthly music magazine devoted to guitarists. It contains original interviews, album and gear reviews and guitar and bass tablature of approximately five songs each month. The magazine is published 13 times per year...
, Puget revealed that "Love Like Winter
Love Like Winter
"Love Like Winter" is a song by American rock band AFI. It was released as the second single from their seventh studio album Decemberunderground on September 26, 2006. A music video for the song premiered on TRL on September 26, 2006 and was directed by Marc Webb, who has also directed previous...
" and "37mm" from Decemberunderground
Decemberunderground
Decemberunderground is the seventh studio album by American alternative rock band AFI. The album was released on June 6, 2006 through Interscope Records. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling 182,000 in its first week. The album certified Gold by the RIAA on August 30, 2006 and has sold...
were initially intended to be apart of the side project. According to Havok, the concept of Blaqk Audio began at some point between 2001 and 2002, with "Snuff on Digital" being the first song written for the side project. Puget began experimenting with a multitude of industrial
Industrial music
Industrial music is a style of experimental music that draws on transgressive and provocative themes. The term was coined in the mid-1970s with the founding of Industrial Records by the band Throbbing Gristle, and the creation of the slogan "industrial music for industrial people". In general, the...
to ambient
Ambient music
Ambient music is a musical genre that focuses largely on the timbral characteristics of sounds, often organized or performed to evoke an "atmospheric", "visual" or "unobtrusive" quality.- History :...
, and were influenced by a variety of electronic music
Electronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
.
Havok and Puget entered the studio in January 2007 to begin recording CexCells. Puget began updating fans through their official Myspace
Myspace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
page. Dan Under of The Dear & Departed
The Dear & Departed
The Dear & Departed is a rock band from Orange County and Los Angeles, California, founded by Dan Smith. Founded in 2006, the band went on the Vans Warped Tour and released their debut album the same year. In 2007 the band again played on the tour, and some other tours followed...
and Nick 13
Nick 13
Nick 13 is the guitarist, vocalist, and main songwriter of psychobilly band Tiger Army as well as a solo artist in the Americana/Country genre....
of Tiger Army
Tiger Army
Tiger Army is an American psychobilly band that was formed in 1995 in Berkeley, California. Its constant member and lead song writer is Nick 13. The band have released a total of four studio albums.-History:...
, who has previously performed with AFI
AFI (band)
AFI is an American alternative rock band from Ukiah, California that formed in 1991. They have consisted of the same lineup since 1998: lead vocalist Davey Havok, drummer and backup vocalist Adam Carson, with bassist Hunter Burgan and guitarist Jade Puget, who both play keyboard and contribute...
(see I Heard a Voice), provided background vocals for the album. The album's name and defunct release date was announced via Myspace and AbsolutePunk.
Release and promotion
On August 3, 2007, Hot TopicHot Topic
Hot Topic is an American retail chain specializing in music and pop culture-related clothing and accessories, as well as licensed music on CD. The majority of the stores are located in regional shopping malls. The first Hot Topic store was opened in 1988 by Orv Madden, who retired as CEO in 2000...
stores across the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
began having listening parties to preview the entire album.
The album's fourth track, "Bitter For Sweet", was available for streaming via Myspace. A non-album track titled "If Only" was available for streaming on June 14 via Myspace as well. In January 2007, Puget posted lyrics to a song titled "Black-Ink Style" on his official blog, however, it was not included on the album and has not been released to date.
Instrumental segments of "Between Breaths (An XX Perspective)" and "The Love Letter" were used in the trailer for the 2008 remake of The Eye
The Eye (2008 film)
The Eye is a 2008 supernatural horror film starring Jessica Alba. It is a remake of the Pang Brothers' 2002 film of the same name.-Plot:Sydney Wells is a successful classical violinist who has been blind since the age of five. Fifteen years later, Sydney undergoes a cornea transplant, which causes...
.
Track listing
All songs written by Davey HavokDavey Havok
David Paden Marchand , more commonly known by the stage name Davey Havok, is the lead vocalist of the American rock band AFI and the electronic music band Blaqk Audio....
and Jade Puget
Jade Puget
Jade Errol Puget is the guitarist for the alternative rock band AFI , and the keyboardist/synthesizer operator for the electronic duo Blaqk Audio. Puget is vegetarian and straight edge....
.
- "Stiff KittensStiff Kittens (song)"Stiff Kittens" is the first track on Blaqk Audio's debut album CexCells, released on August 14, 2007. On June 13, 2007, "Stiff Kittens" was released on the band's MySpace profile...
" – 3:47 - "Between Breaths (An XX Perspective)" – 4:28
- "Snuff on Digital" – 5:03
- "Bitter for Sweet" – 6:10
- "Where Would You Like Them Left?" – 4:16
- "The Fear of Being Found" – 4:44
- "On a Friday" – 4:14
- "The Love Letter" – 4:23
- "Semiotic Love" – 3:32
- "Cities of Night" – 3:47
- "Again, Again and Again" – 3:26
- "Wake Up, Open the Door and Escape to the Sea" – 3:05
Bonus tracks and B-sides
- "Black Electric" (iTunesITunes StoreThe iTunes Store is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple. Opening as the iTunes Music Store on April 28, 2003, with over 200,000 items to purchase, it is, as of April 2008, the number-one music vendor in the United States...
exclusive) – 3:12 - "Girls & Boys" (Hot TopicHot TopicHot Topic is an American retail chain specializing in music and pop culture-related clothing and accessories, as well as licensed music on CD. The majority of the stores are located in regional shopping malls. The first Hot Topic store was opened in 1988 by Orv Madden, who retired as CEO in 2000...
exclusive; BlurBlur (band)Blur is an English alternative rock band. Formed in London in 1989 as Seymour, the group consists of singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree. Blur's debut album Leisure incorporated the sounds of Madchester and shoegazing...
cover) – 3:21 - "Mute" (Best BuyBest BuyBest Buy Co., Inc. is an American specialty retailer of consumer electronics in the United States, accounting for 19% of the market. It also operates in Mexico, Canada & China. The company's subsidiaries include Geek Squad, CinemaNow, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales, and, in Canada operates...
exclusive) – 3:45 - "The Ligature" (Myspace download exclusive) – 2:51
- "Black-Ink Style" (unreleased)
- "If Only" (appearing as a music video only)
Personnel
- Davey HavokDavey HavokDavid Paden Marchand , more commonly known by the stage name Davey Havok, is the lead vocalist of the American rock band AFI and the electronic music band Blaqk Audio....
– lead vocalsLead vocalistThe lead vocalist is the member of a band who sings the main vocal portions of a song. They may also play one or more instruments. Lead vocalists are sometimes referred to as the frontman or frontwoman, and as such, are usually considered to be the "leader" of the groups they perform in, often the... - Jade PugetJade PugetJade Errol Puget is the guitarist for the alternative rock band AFI , and the keyboardist/synthesizer operator for the electronic duo Blaqk Audio. Puget is vegetarian and straight edge....
– keyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, synthesizerSynthesizerA synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
, backing vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
, programmingProgramming (music)Programming is a form of music production and performance using electronic devices, often sequencers or computer programs, to generate music. Programming is used in nearly all forms of electronic music and in most hip hop music since the 1990s. It is also frequently used in modern pop and rock...
, producerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music... - Chad Bamford – vocal engineer
- David BascombeDavid BascombeDavid Bascombe is an English music producer and mix engineer. He has worked with many bands and musicians, such as Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode and Suede.-Selected engineering, production, mixing and remixing:*Tears for Fears - Songs From the Big Chair...
– mixingAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may... - Matthew Cooke – photographyPhotographyPhotography is the art, science and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film...
- Jennifer GoodridgeJennifer GoodridgeJennifer Goodridge is the former keyboardist of Your Enemies Friends. She is a current member of Seaspin where she is a songwriter and provides lead vocals and rhythm guitar. She provided background vocals on Blaqk Audio's album CexCells, on the song "Again, Again, and Again".-References:...
– backing vocals (track 11) - Joe LaPorta – masteringAudio masteringMastering, a form of audio post-production, is the process of preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source containing the final mix to a data storage device ; the source from which all copies will be produced...
assistant - Emily Lazar – mastering
- Morning Breath Inc. – art directionArt directorThe art director is a person who supervise the creative process of a design.The term 'art director' is a blanket title for a variety of similar job functions in advertising, publishing, film and television, the Internet, and video games....
, designGraphic designGraphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form – undertaken in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience... - Nick 13Nick 13Nick 13 is the guitarist, vocalist, and main songwriter of psychobilly band Tiger Army as well as a solo artist in the Americana/Country genre....
– backing vocals (tracks 5, 7) - Jason Odell – band photography
- Matt Paul – mixing assistant
- Dan UnderThe Dear & DepartedThe Dear & Departed is a rock band from Orange County and Los Angeles, California, founded by Dan Smith. Founded in 2006, the band went on the Vans Warped Tour and released their debut album the same year. In 2007 the band again played on the tour, and some other tours followed...
– backing vocals (tracks 5, 7)
Charts
| Chart (2007) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
86 |
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
18 |
| US Top Electronic Albums | 1 |
| US Top Rock Albums | 5 |
| US Top Alternative Albums | 5 |