Dirty Projectors
Encyclopedia
The Dirty Projectors aka David Longstreth (birthdate December 17, 1981) includes Amber Coffman (vocals, guitar), Angel Deradoorian
(vocals, keyboard, samples, guitar, bass), Brian McOmber (drums), Nat Baldwin (bass), and Haley Dekle (vocals) during live performances. He has released seven full-length albums through 2010.
, was released in 2002 under his own name and introduced his distinctive use of song arrangements and his combination of lo-fi and hi-fi production. The album was a project Longstreth began as a freshman while studying at Yale University. With the help of Adam Forkner
of Yume Bitsu
, Longstreth recorded and released The Glad Fact
on the Western Vinyl
label under the name "The Dirty Projectors." In 2005, the band released The Getty Address
, a concept album about musician Don Henley
that features extensive orchestral and choral accompaniment. The diverse, stripped-down New Attitude EP
followed in 2006 and featured inklings of the band's later vocal interplay and guitar work.
In 2007, the band released Rise Above
, an album of Black Flag
songs as re-imagined from memory. The album introduced the band's distinctive contrast between Longstreth's vocals and the harmonies of Amber Coffman and Susanna Waiche, who was later replaced by Angel Deradoorian
. In support of the album, the band performed songs for a Take-Away Show acoustic video session shot by Vincent Moon
.
In April 2008, The Dirty Projectors signed with Domino Records, and the label announced the release of their next full-length album, Bitte Orca, for June 9, 2009. That year, the band also collaborated with David Byrne
on the song "Knotty Pine" for the compilation album, Dark Was the Night
produced by the Red Hot Organization
. Byrne joined the Dirty Projectors onstage to perform this song, along with "Ambulance Man," another collaborative track not included on the compilation, at the "Dark Was the Night Live" concert at New York City's Radio City Music Hall on May 3, 2009. “Stillness Is the Move” was the first single released from "Bitte Orca", a West African - R&B influenced hybrid, sung by Coffman. The song was inspired by the Wim Wenders film “Wings of Desire
”.
On May 8, 2009, members of Dirty Projectors collaborated with Björk
to perform an original composition by Longstreth, written for five voices and acoustic guitar, as part of a charity concert to benefit Housing Works
, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter for homeless men, women, and children suffering from AIDS. The concert was held at the Housing Works Bookstore & Café in downtown New York City.
The band was to release a new EP in September 2009 entitled Temecula Sunrise. While the EP was never released, two of its tracks, "Ascending Melody" and "Emblem of the World," were released as a free download single by the band in early 2010.
Amber Coffman was featured on "Hold On", a track from Rusko
's debut album, OMG
, released in June 2010 by Diplo's Mad Decent record label.
In June 2010, Dirty Projectors announced the release of Mount Wittenberg Orca
, a digital-only EP
with Björk
. The album, based on the artists' previous collaboration in 2009, was released on June 30.
Dirty Projectors released an expanded edition of Bitte Orca on September 28, 2010. The double album included live performances, several B-sides, and a Bob Dylan
cover.
artists David Byrne
and Squeeze, pop stars Beyoncé and Mariah Carey
, and Progressive rock
musicians Frank Zappa
and Yes
. In a 2009 interview, Longstreth embraced some such comparisons but expressed a strong dislike for classic rock, commenting, "Steely Dan
is a band I’m not that into," "I’m not a huge Yes
guy," and "Frank Zappa
I fucking hate."
Angel Deradoorian
Angel Deradoorian is a Brooklyn-based musician best known for her work with Dirty Projectors. Deradoorian's debut EP, Mind Raft, was released under her surname on May 5, 2009 by Lovepump United Records. Her last name is of Armenian heritage...
(vocals, keyboard, samples, guitar, bass), Brian McOmber (drums), Nat Baldwin (bass), and Haley Dekle (vocals) during live performances. He has released seven full-length albums through 2010.
Biography
Longstreth's first album, The Graceful Fallen MangoThe Graceful Fallen Mango
The Graceful Fallen Mango is the first album by experimental rock band Dirty Projectors. However, it was released under head Projector Dave Longstreth's name. The album is a collection of tunes recorded in Longstreth's bedroom on a 4-track machine and in his brother's basement on a computer...
, was released in 2002 under his own name and introduced his distinctive use of song arrangements and his combination of lo-fi and hi-fi production. The album was a project Longstreth began as a freshman while studying at Yale University. With the help of Adam Forkner
Adam Forkner
Adam Forkner is a musician from Portland, Oregon who, since 2003, has performed as White Rainbow.-as White Rainbow:*"Humidifier Plaza" digital, self-released via whiterainbowpizza.bandcamp.com 2011...
of Yume Bitsu
Yume Bitsu
Yume Bitsu , was a psychedelic rock/space rock band from Portland, Oregon active between 1995 and 2002.Their debut Giant Surface Music Falling to Earth Like Jewels From the Sky was self-released in 1998 and was re-released by BaBaBing! Records in 1999...
, Longstreth recorded and released The Glad Fact
The Glad Fact
The Glad Fact is the second album by experimental rock band Dirty Projectors and the first released under the band's name and not just front man Dave Longstreth's. It is the first album to contain songs about finches, a recurring theme on all albums by the band, as well as the first album to...
on the Western Vinyl
Western Vinyl
Western Vinyl is an independent record label based in Austin Texas. It was founded in 1998.-Bands and Artists Associated with Western Vinyl:*Anomoanon*Appendix Out*Balmorhea*Bexar Bexar*Botany*Bonnie Prince Billy*Callers*Carter Tanton*Chas. Mtn....
label under the name "The Dirty Projectors." In 2005, the band released The Getty Address
The Getty Address
The Getty Address is an album by indie band Dirty Projectors. It is described as "a glitch opera" about musician Don Henley, although it also explores themes like ancient Mexico, post-9/11 America, and oil. The album boasts over 25 musicians on it, most of whom contributed to the orchestral and...
, a concept album about musician Don Henley
Don Henley
Donald Hugh "Don" Henley is an American singer, songwriter and drummer, best known as a founding member of the Eagles before launching a successful solo career. Henley was the drummer and lead vocalist for the Eagles from 1971–1980, when the band broke up...
that features extensive orchestral and choral accompaniment. The diverse, stripped-down New Attitude EP
New Attitude EP
New Attitude is an album by indie band Dirty Projectors. It is a combination of rock songs, orchestral songs like those on Slaves' Graves and Ballads, and one live song recorded in 2006...
followed in 2006 and featured inklings of the band's later vocal interplay and guitar work.
In 2007, the band released Rise Above
Rise Above (Dirty Projectors album)
Rise Above is an album by indie rock band Dirty Projectors, released on September 11, 2007. The album is an attempt by band leader Dave Longstreth to remember and reinterpret the entire Black Flag album Damaged after not hearing it for almost 15 years...
, an album of Black Flag
Black Flag (band)
Black Flag was an American punk rock band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California. The band was established by Greg Ginn, the guitarist, primary songwriter and sole continuous member through multiple personnel changes in the band...
songs as re-imagined from memory. The album introduced the band's distinctive contrast between Longstreth's vocals and the harmonies of Amber Coffman and Susanna Waiche, who was later replaced by Angel Deradoorian
Angel Deradoorian
Angel Deradoorian is a Brooklyn-based musician best known for her work with Dirty Projectors. Deradoorian's debut EP, Mind Raft, was released under her surname on May 5, 2009 by Lovepump United Records. Her last name is of Armenian heritage...
. In support of the album, the band performed songs for a Take-Away Show acoustic video session shot by Vincent Moon
Vincent Moon
Vincent Moon is an independent filmmaker from Paris mainly known for his field work music videos of indie rock related musicians as well as some notable mainstream artists like Tom Jones, R.E.M. or Arcade Fire. Besides making music videos he also makes experimental films and documentaries...
.
In April 2008, The Dirty Projectors signed with Domino Records, and the label announced the release of their next full-length album, Bitte Orca, for June 9, 2009. That year, the band also collaborated with David Byrne
David Byrne
David Byrne may refer to:*David Byrne , musician and former Talking Heads frontman**David Byrne , his eponymous album*David Byrne , Irish footballer*David Byrne , English footballer...
on the song "Knotty Pine" for the compilation album, Dark Was the Night
Dark Was the Night
Dark Was the Night is the twentieth compilation release benefiting the Red Hot Organization, an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS...
produced by the Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization is a not-for-profit, 501 3, international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.Since its inception in 1989, over 400 artists, producers and directors have contributed to over 15 compilation albums, related television programs and media events to raise...
. Byrne joined the Dirty Projectors onstage to perform this song, along with "Ambulance Man," another collaborative track not included on the compilation, at the "Dark Was the Night Live" concert at New York City's Radio City Music Hall on May 3, 2009. “Stillness Is the Move” was the first single released from "Bitte Orca", a West African - R&B influenced hybrid, sung by Coffman. The song was inspired by the Wim Wenders film “Wings of Desire
Wings of Desire
Wings of Desire is a 1987 Franco-German romantic fantasy film directed by Wim Wenders. The film is about invisible, immortal angels who populate Berlin and listen to the thoughts of the human inhabitants and comfort those who are in distress...
”.
On May 8, 2009, members of Dirty Projectors collaborated with Björk
Björk
Björk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk...
to perform an original composition by Longstreth, written for five voices and acoustic guitar, as part of a charity concert to benefit Housing Works
Housing Works
Housing Works is a New York City based non-profit fighting the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness. The charity is well-known for its operations, which have recently included outreach to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake....
, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter for homeless men, women, and children suffering from AIDS. The concert was held at the Housing Works Bookstore & Café in downtown New York City.
The band was to release a new EP in September 2009 entitled Temecula Sunrise. While the EP was never released, two of its tracks, "Ascending Melody" and "Emblem of the World," were released as a free download single by the band in early 2010.
Amber Coffman was featured on "Hold On", a track from Rusko
Rusko (musician)
Christopher Mercer, more commonly known as Rusko, is an English dubstep record producer and DJ who was born on 26 January 1985 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.-History:Rusko graduated from Leeds College of Music with a degree in Music Performance...
's debut album, OMG
OMG (album)
O.M.G.! is the debut album by British dubstep musician Rusko. It was released May 3rd 2010 for the UK, and May 4th 2010 for the US. The first singles from the album are Woo Boost and Hold On.-Track listing:# "Woo Boost"...
, released in June 2010 by Diplo's Mad Decent record label.
In June 2010, Dirty Projectors announced the release of Mount Wittenberg Orca
Mount Wittenberg Orca
-Personnel:The following people contributed to Mount Wittenberg Orca:*Written by: David Longstreth*Performed by: Nathaniel Baldwin, Björk, Amber Coffman, Haley Dekle, Angel Deradoorian, David Longstreth and Brian McOmber....
, a digital-only EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
with Björk
Björk
Björk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk...
. The album, based on the artists' previous collaboration in 2009, was released on June 30.
Dirty Projectors released an expanded edition of Bitte Orca on September 28, 2010. The double album included live performances, several B-sides, and a Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
cover.
Musical Style & Aesthetic
While often associated with the late 2000s New York indie rock scene, critics have likened The Dirty Projectors to musicians from many genres. For example, critics have compared them to New WaveNew Wave music
New Wave is a subgenre of :rock music that emerged in the mid to late 1970s alongside punk rock. The term at first generally was synonymous with punk rock before being considered a genre in its own right that incorporated aspects of electronic and experimental music, mod subculture, disco and 1960s...
artists David Byrne
David Byrne
David Byrne may refer to:*David Byrne , musician and former Talking Heads frontman**David Byrne , his eponymous album*David Byrne , Irish footballer*David Byrne , English footballer...
and Squeeze, pop stars Beyoncé and Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
, and Progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
musicians Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa
Frank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, singer-songwriter, electric guitarist, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, orchestral and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed...
and Yes
Yes (band)
Yes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, elaborate album art, and live stage sets...
. In a 2009 interview, Longstreth embraced some such comparisons but expressed a strong dislike for classic rock, commenting, "Steely Dan
Steely Dan
Steely Dan is an American rock band; its core members are Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. The band's popularity peaked in the late 1970s, with the release of seven albums blending elements of jazz, rock, funk, R&B, and pop...
is a band I’m not that into," "I’m not a huge Yes
Yes (band)
Yes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, elaborate album art, and live stage sets...
guy," and "Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa
Frank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, singer-songwriter, electric guitarist, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, orchestral and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed...
I fucking hate."
Discography
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 2003 in music -January:* January – following an investigation by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry and London detectives, police raids in England and the Netherlands recover nearly 500 original Beatles studio tapes, recorded during the Let It Be sessions. Five people are arrested... |
The Glad Fact The Glad Fact The Glad Fact is the second album by experimental rock band Dirty Projectors and the first released under the band's name and not just front man Dave Longstreth's. It is the first album to contain songs about finches, a recurring theme on all albums by the band, as well as the first album to... |
Western Vinyl Western Vinyl Western Vinyl is an independent record label based in Austin Texas. It was founded in 1998.-Bands and Artists Associated with Western Vinyl:*Anomoanon*Appendix Out*Balmorhea*Bexar Bexar*Botany*Bonnie Prince Billy*Callers*Carter Tanton*Chas. Mtn.... |
| 2003 2003 in music -January:* January – following an investigation by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry and London detectives, police raids in England and the Netherlands recover nearly 500 original Beatles studio tapes, recorded during the Let It Be sessions. Five people are arrested... |
Morning Better Last! Morning Better Last! Morning Better Last! is an album by indie rock band Dirty Projectors. It is a compilation of three tapes recorded by Dave Longstreth that were given to friends of his... |
States Rights Records States Rights Records States Rights Records is an independent record label founded in 2001 by Steve Schroeder. The Portland, Oregon label's premier release was "Come Along" by Little Wings. Later that year, the label released "Tongue and Tooth" by The Badger King. Bobby Birdman, Yacht, Lucky Dragons, The Blow, The... |
| 2004 2004 in music See also:* 2004 in music Record labels established in 2004-January:*January 1**The Vienna New Year's Concert is conducted by Riccardo Muti.**Kurt Nilsen wins World Idol.... |
Slaves' Graves and Ballads Slaves' Graves and Ballads Slaves' Graves & Ballads is the third album by experimental rock band Dirty Projectors. It is a combination of two EPs released in 2004, titled Slaves' Graves and Ballads, hence the name of the LP combination of the two... |
Western Vinyl Western Vinyl Western Vinyl is an independent record label based in Austin Texas. It was founded in 1998.-Bands and Artists Associated with Western Vinyl:*Anomoanon*Appendix Out*Balmorhea*Bexar Bexar*Botany*Bonnie Prince Billy*Callers*Carter Tanton*Chas. Mtn.... |
| 2005 2005 in music -Events:*During the year 2005, 12 rock music albums scored number 1 in the USA. This was the first time even ten albums have scored number 1 since 1996.-January:... |
The Getty Address The Getty Address The Getty Address is an album by indie band Dirty Projectors. It is described as "a glitch opera" about musician Don Henley, although it also explores themes like ancient Mexico, post-9/11 America, and oil. The album boasts over 25 musicians on it, most of whom contributed to the orchestral and... |
Western Vinyl Western Vinyl Western Vinyl is an independent record label based in Austin Texas. It was founded in 1998.-Bands and Artists Associated with Western Vinyl:*Anomoanon*Appendix Out*Balmorhea*Bexar Bexar*Botany*Bonnie Prince Billy*Callers*Carter Tanton*Chas. Mtn.... |
| 2006 2006 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 2006.-January:*January 10 – Eric Burdon releases his album Soul of a Man and begins touring with a new band.... |
Highlights from the Getty Address | Bad Vugum / BV2 Produktions (Finland) |
| 2006 2006 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 2006.-January:*January 10 – Eric Burdon releases his album Soul of a Man and begins touring with a new band.... |
New Attitude EP New Attitude EP New Attitude is an album by indie band Dirty Projectors. It is a combination of rock songs, orchestral songs like those on Slaves' Graves and Ballads, and one live song recorded in 2006... |
Marriage Records Marriage Records Marriage Records is a small, independent record label based in Portland, Oregon, USA. It was founded in late 2002 by Curtis Knapp and Adrian Orange. The first release was a cd-r entitled Nothing by Thanksgiving. Marriage releases vinyl records, compact discs, CD-Rs, tapes, skateboards, books,... |
| 2007 2007 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 2007.-January:*January 1 - George Shearing is knighted for services to music in the Queen's New Year Honours List. Evelyn Glennie becomes a Dame... |
Rise Above Rise Above (Dirty Projectors album) Rise Above is an album by indie rock band Dirty Projectors, released on September 11, 2007. The album is an attempt by band leader Dave Longstreth to remember and reinterpret the entire Black Flag album Damaged after not hearing it for almost 15 years... |
Dead Oceans Dead Oceans Dead Oceans is an independent record label based jointly in Bloomington, Indiana and Austin, Texas. The label has a small, but powerful roster of well-known acts including Akron/Family, John Vanderslice, Califone, Phosphorescent, Bishop Allen, Casey Dienel's band White Hinterland, Bowerbirds, and... |
| 2009 2009 in music The following is a list of notable events and releases in 2009 in music. Susan Boyle's album I Dreamed a Dream became the biggest selling album in the world for 2009, selling 8.3 million copies in five weeks; more than any other artist's in the whole year... |
Bitte Orca | Domino Records |
| 2010 2009 in music The following is a list of notable events and releases in 2009 in music. Susan Boyle's album I Dreamed a Dream became the biggest selling album in the world for 2009, selling 8.3 million copies in five weeks; more than any other artist's in the whole year... |
Ascending Melody | Domino Records |
| 2010 2009 in music The following is a list of notable events and releases in 2009 in music. Susan Boyle's album I Dreamed a Dream became the biggest selling album in the world for 2009, selling 8.3 million copies in five weeks; more than any other artist's in the whole year... |
Mount Wittenberg Orca Mount Wittenberg Orca -Personnel:The following people contributed to Mount Wittenberg Orca:*Written by: David Longstreth*Performed by: Nathaniel Baldwin, Björk, Amber Coffman, Haley Dekle, Angel Deradoorian, David Longstreth and Brian McOmber.... (w/ Björk Björk Björk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk... ) |
Digital Only (Initial Release)/Domino Records (2011 Physical Release) |
External links
- Dirty Projectors Domino Records page
- Dirty Projectors Western Vinyl page
- Useful Chamber - a Dirty Projectors resource
- [ Dirty Projectors at Allmusic]
- Dirty Projectors in concert on NPR Music
- Dirty Projectors on Beyond Race Magazine (BRM).
- Dead Oceans Page
- Dirty Projectors & Björk on the Rob da Bank show