Street Sweeper Social Club
Encyclopedia
Street Sweeper Social Club is an American Rap Rock
supergroup
, formed in Los Angeles, California
in 2006
. The band primarily consists of guitarist
Tom Morello
of Rage Against the Machine
and vocalist/emcee Boots Riley
of The Coup
. The band has been testing songs out during Tom Morello's Nightwatchman
tour and released an album on June 16, 2009. Stanton Moore
drummed for the group for the recording of the album although did not join the band for the following tour. Street Sweeper Social Club opened for Nine Inch Nails
and Jane's Addiction
in May 2009. Street Sweeper Social Club describes itself as "more than a band, it's a social club." Their 2010 EP The Ghetto Blaster EP
includes covers of M.I.A.
"Paper Planes
" and LL Cool J
's "Mama Said Knock You Out
".
's Tell Us the Truth Tour in 2003 where Morello often joined Riley on stage as his acoustic folk alter ego the Nightwatchman
playing acoustic versions of The Coup's songs. After a Coup show in Los Angeles Morello approached Riley over a dinner with the idea of forming a band to play "anthems for the revolution". Morello gave Riley a cassette with instrumental demo songs asking Riley to listen to it, write something and then get back to him. On the 2008 Nightwatchman tour, Riley made frequent appearances on stage to play the song "100 Little Curses
" with Morello, which later became the first single released off their debut album. After playing the song, Morello confirmed that an album was in the works and would be out in early 2009. In the Spring of 2009, Street Sweeper Social Club announced a summer tour of the United States with Nine Inch Nails
and the recently reunited Jane's Addiction
. On March 21, a Nine Inch Nails tour sampler EP
titled NINJA
was released via digital download containing both Nine Inch Nails, Jane's Addiction and the songs "The Oath" and "Clap for the Killers" from the band which at that time still called themselves Street Sweeper.
For the recording of the bands debut album the duo enlisted the help of drummer Stanton Moore
while Morello handled both the guitar and bass playing throughout the recording. It was announced on April 14, 2009 that the band was changing their name from Street Sweeper to Street Sweeper Social Club via Trent Reznor
's official blog. In late April 2009, the band revealed details and the release date for the band's self-titled debut album. Warner Music Group
released the album on June 16, 2009. In April 2009, former Satellite Party and Freedom Fighter Orchestra instramentalist Carl Restivo
revealed, via his MySpace
page, that he has been asked to join the band. Later Eric Gardner and Dave Gibbs
joined to play drums and bass respectively completing the bands touring line-up. On June 11, 2009, Street Sweeper Social Club put their entire new album on their MySpace
page, before the official release five days later. On June 17, 2009, appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
, playing their debut single "100 Little Curses
". On October 14, 2009, Tom Morello and Boots Riley performed alongside Public Enemy at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors
.
" by M.I.A
and "Mama Said Knock You Out
" by LL Cool J
. Besides Morello and RIley the album was recorded with touring members Carl Restivo, Dave Gibbs and Eric Gardner. They have performed at Coachella and performed at the 2010 Rock The Bells
festival as well as the Voodoo Experience
. On August 2, 2010, the band performed their cover of M.I.A's "Paper Planes" on Lopez Tonight to promote the EP. When asked what's next for Street Sweeper Social Club, Riley confirmed that there will be another full length Street Sweeper Social Club album. Street Sweeper Social Club's music video of their cover of MIA's Paper Planes was released on Oct. 5th, 2010 via YouTube
.
Touring members
Other contributors
EPs
Other appearances
Singles
Rap rock
Rap rock is a cross-genre fusing vocal and instrumental elements of hip hop with various forms of rock. Rap rock is often confused with rap metal and rapcore, subgenres that include heavy metal-oriented and hardcore punk-oriented bands, respectively....
supergroup
Supergroup (music)
In the late 1960s, the term supergroup was coined to describe "a rock music group whose performers are already famous from having performed individually or in other groups"....
, formed in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
in 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....
. The band primarily consists of guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
Tom Morello
Tom Morello
Thomas Baptiste "Tom" Morello is a Grammy Award-winning American guitarist best known for his tenure with the bands Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, his acoustic solo act The Nightwatchman, and his newest group, Street Sweeper Social Club...
of Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
and vocalist/emcee Boots Riley
Boots Riley
Boots Riley is an American musician, vocalist, writer, and public speaker most known for being the front man and producer of The Coup as well as the front man for Street Sweeper Social Club.-Biography:...
of The Coup
The Coup
The Coup is a political hip hop group based in Oakland, California. It formed as a three-member group in 1992 with emcees Raymond "Boots" Riley and E-Roc along with DJ Pam the Funkstress. E-Roc left on amicable terms after the group's second album but appears on the track "Breathing Apparatus" on...
. The band has been testing songs out during Tom Morello's Nightwatchman
The Nightwatchman
The Nightwatchman is the alter-ego and solo act of Rage Against the Machine, Street Sweeper Social Club and former Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello...
tour and released an album on June 16, 2009. Stanton Moore
Stanton Moore
Stanton Moore is a drummer raised in Metairie, Louisiana. Most widely known as a founding member of Galactic, Moore has also pursued a solo recording career and recorded with bands as diverse as jazz-funk keyboardist Robert Walter and heavy metal act Corrosion of Conformity...
drummed for the group for the recording of the album although did not join the band for the following tour. Street Sweeper Social Club opened for Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
and Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction is an American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1985. The band's original line-up featured Perry Farrell , Dave Navarro , Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins . After breaking up in 1991, Jane's Addiction briefly reunited in 1997 and again in 2001, both times...
in May 2009. Street Sweeper Social Club describes itself as "more than a band, it's a social club." Their 2010 EP The Ghetto Blaster EP
The Ghetto Blaster EP
The Ghetto Blaster EP is the first EP from the rap rock supergroup Street Sweeper Social Club, released on August 10, 2010. It features covers of "Paper Planes" by M.I.A. and "Mama Said Knock You Out" by LL Cool J as well a remix of the band's second single "Promenade." They also cover The Coup...
includes covers of M.I.A.
M.I.A. (artist)
Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam , better known by her stage name M.I.A. , is an English singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, painter and director of Sri Lankan Tamil descent. Her compositions combine elements of hip hop, electronica, dance, alternative and world music. M.I.A...
"Paper Planes
Paper Planes
"Paper Planes" is a song recorded by musician M.I.A. for her second studio album Kala released in 2007. The song was written by Maya "M.I.A." Arulpragasam, Topper Headon, Mick Jones, Wesley "Diplo" Pentz, Paul Simonon, Joe Strummer and produced by Diplo with additional production by Switch...
" and LL Cool J
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
's "Mama Said Knock You Out
Mama Said Knock You Out (song)
"Mama Said Knock You Out" is a hit single by LL Cool J from his album of the same name. The song famously begins with the line "Don't call it a comeback/I've been here for years." Before "Mama Said Knock You Out" was released, many people felt that LL Cool J's career was waning; his grandmother,...
".
Formation and debut album (2006-2009)
Morello and Riley first met during Billy BraggBilly Bragg
Stephen William Bragg , better known as Billy Bragg, is an English alternative rock musician and left-wing activist. His music blends elements of folk music, punk rock and protest songs, and his lyrics mostly deal with political or romantic themes...
's Tell Us the Truth Tour in 2003 where Morello often joined Riley on stage as his acoustic folk alter ego the Nightwatchman
The Nightwatchman
The Nightwatchman is the alter-ego and solo act of Rage Against the Machine, Street Sweeper Social Club and former Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello...
playing acoustic versions of The Coup's songs. After a Coup show in Los Angeles Morello approached Riley over a dinner with the idea of forming a band to play "anthems for the revolution". Morello gave Riley a cassette with instrumental demo songs asking Riley to listen to it, write something and then get back to him. On the 2008 Nightwatchman tour, Riley made frequent appearances on stage to play the song "100 Little Curses
100 Little Curses
"100 Little Curses" is the first single by Street Sweeper Social Club, from their self-titled album. The song made its debut on the band's . The song contains a sing-a-long chorus, arena rock style, with a digitally edited voice then speaking the words "100 Little Curses." It was released as a...
" with Morello, which later became the first single released off their debut album. After playing the song, Morello confirmed that an album was in the works and would be out in early 2009. In the Spring of 2009, Street Sweeper Social Club announced a summer tour of the United States with Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
and the recently reunited Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction is an American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1985. The band's original line-up featured Perry Farrell , Dave Navarro , Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins . After breaking up in 1991, Jane's Addiction briefly reunited in 1997 and again in 2001, both times...
. On March 21, a Nine Inch Nails tour sampler 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...
titled NINJA
NINJA 2009 Tour Sampler
-External links:*...
was released via digital download containing both Nine Inch Nails, Jane's Addiction and the songs "The Oath" and "Clap for the Killers" from the band which at that time still called themselves Street Sweeper.
For the recording of the bands debut album the duo enlisted the help of drummer Stanton Moore
Stanton Moore
Stanton Moore is a drummer raised in Metairie, Louisiana. Most widely known as a founding member of Galactic, Moore has also pursued a solo recording career and recorded with bands as diverse as jazz-funk keyboardist Robert Walter and heavy metal act Corrosion of Conformity...
while Morello handled both the guitar and bass playing throughout the recording. It was announced on April 14, 2009 that the band was changing their name from Street Sweeper to Street Sweeper Social Club via Trent Reznor
Trent Reznor
Michael Trent Reznor is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, record producer, and leader of industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. Reznor is also a member of How to Destroy Angels alongside his wife, Mariqueen Maandig, and Atticus Ross. He was previously associated with bands Option 30,...
's official blog. In late April 2009, the band revealed details and the release date for the band's self-titled debut album. Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group is the third largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry, making it one of the big four record companies...
released the album on June 16, 2009. In April 2009, former Satellite Party and Freedom Fighter Orchestra instramentalist Carl Restivo
Carl Restivo
Carl Restivo is an American born musician, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and sound engineer. His unique abilities as a lead singer, multi-instrumentalist , songwriter, producer, and arranger have landed him spots on tour with Perry Farrell's Satellite Party and Tom Morello's...
revealed, via his 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, that he has been asked to join the band. Later Eric Gardner and Dave Gibbs
Dave Gibbs
Dave Gibbs, born August 22, 1965, is an American singer-songwriter, best known for his work in the Boston-based power-pop band, Gigolo Aunts....
joined to play drums and bass respectively completing the bands touring line-up. On June 11, 2009, Street Sweeper Social Club put their entire new album on their 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, before the official release five days later. On June 17, 2009, appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is an American late-night talk show hosted by Jimmy Fallon on NBC. The show premiered on March 2, 2009, as the third incarnation of the Late Night franchise originated by David Letterman....
, playing their debut single "100 Little Curses
100 Little Curses
"100 Little Curses" is the first single by Street Sweeper Social Club, from their self-titled album. The song made its debut on the band's . The song contains a sing-a-long chorus, arena rock style, with a digitally edited voice then speaking the words "100 Little Curses." It was released as a...
". On October 14, 2009, Tom Morello and Boots Riley performed alongside Public Enemy at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors
Vh1 Hip Hop Honors
Vh1 Hip Hop Honors is an annual event that airs on VH1. The television special honors old school and golden age hip hop rappers and contributors. It features live performances by most of the honorees along with new school artists who have been influenced by them...
.
The Ghetto Blaster EP (2010 and onwards)
The band released The Ghetto Blaster EP in August 2010, the EP features covers of "Paper PlanesPaper Planes
"Paper Planes" is a song recorded by musician M.I.A. for her second studio album Kala released in 2007. The song was written by Maya "M.I.A." Arulpragasam, Topper Headon, Mick Jones, Wesley "Diplo" Pentz, Paul Simonon, Joe Strummer and produced by Diplo with additional production by Switch...
" by M.I.A
M.I.A. (artist)
Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam , better known by her stage name M.I.A. , is an English singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, painter and director of Sri Lankan Tamil descent. Her compositions combine elements of hip hop, electronica, dance, alternative and world music. M.I.A...
and "Mama Said Knock You Out
Mama Said Knock You Out (song)
"Mama Said Knock You Out" is a hit single by LL Cool J from his album of the same name. The song famously begins with the line "Don't call it a comeback/I've been here for years." Before "Mama Said Knock You Out" was released, many people felt that LL Cool J's career was waning; his grandmother,...
" by LL Cool J
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
. Besides Morello and RIley the album was recorded with touring members Carl Restivo, Dave Gibbs and Eric Gardner. They have performed at Coachella and performed at the 2010 Rock The Bells
Rock The Bells
Rock the Bells is an annual hip hop festival that originally took place in Southern California only, but has since toured throughout the world. The concert features a lineup of high-profile alternative hip hop artists, often headlined by a more mainstream artist...
festival as well as the Voodoo Experience
Voodoo Experience
Voodoo Experience, also commonly referred to as Voodoo or Voodoo Fest, is a multi-day music and arts festival held in City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana. It was first held on Halloween weekend in 1999. It has since moved between the weekend before Halloween and Halloween weekend throughout the years...
. On August 2, 2010, the band performed their cover of M.I.A's "Paper Planes" on Lopez Tonight to promote the EP. When asked what's next for Street Sweeper Social Club, Riley confirmed that there will be another full length Street Sweeper Social Club album. Street Sweeper Social Club's music video of their cover of MIA's Paper Planes was released on Oct. 5th, 2010 via YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
.
Band members
Official members- Boots RileyBoots RileyBoots Riley is an American musician, vocalist, writer, and public speaker most known for being the front man and producer of The Coup as well as the front man for Street Sweeper Social Club.-Biography:...
- lead vocals (2006–present) - Tom MorelloTom MorelloThomas Baptiste "Tom" Morello is a Grammy Award-winning American guitarist best known for his tenure with the bands Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, his acoustic solo act The Nightwatchman, and his newest group, Street Sweeper Social Club...
- guitar, bass (2006–present)
Touring members
- Carl RestivoCarl RestivoCarl Restivo is an American born musician, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and sound engineer. His unique abilities as a lead singer, multi-instrumentalist , songwriter, producer, and arranger have landed him spots on tour with Perry Farrell's Satellite Party and Tom Morello's...
a.k.a "the wizard" - guitar (2009–present) - Dave GibbsDave GibbsDave Gibbs, born August 22, 1965, is an American singer-songwriter, best known for his work in the Boston-based power-pop band, Gigolo Aunts....
a.k.a "kid lightning" - bass (2009–present) - Eric Gardner a.k.a "the claw"- drums and percussion (2009–present)
Other contributors
- Stanton MooreStanton MooreStanton Moore is a drummer raised in Metairie, Louisiana. Most widely known as a founding member of Galactic, Moore has also pursued a solo recording career and recorded with bands as diverse as jazz-funk keyboardist Robert Walter and heavy metal act Corrosion of Conformity...
- drums on self-titled albumStreet Sweeper Social Club (album)-Chart performance:-Personnel:*Tom Morello - guitars, bass, background vocals*Boots Riley - vocals, lyrics*Stanton Moore - drums, percussion-Additional personnel:*Eric Gardner - additional drums on 100 Little Curses...
Discography
Studio albums| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Street Sweeper Social Club Street Sweeper Social Club (album) -Chart performance:-Personnel:*Tom Morello - guitars, bass, background vocals*Boots Riley - vocals, lyrics*Stanton Moore - drums, percussion-Additional personnel:*Eric Gardner - additional drums on 100 Little Curses...
|
EPs
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2010 | The Ghetto Blaster EP The Ghetto Blaster EP The Ghetto Blaster EP is the first EP from the rap rock supergroup Street Sweeper Social Club, released on August 10, 2010. It features covers of "Paper Planes" by M.I.A. and "Mama Said Knock You Out" by LL Cool J as well a remix of the band's second single "Promenade." They also cover The Coup...
|
Other appearances
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2009 | NINJA 2009 Tour Sampler NINJA 2009 Tour Sampler -External links:*...
|
Singles
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2009 | "100 Little Curses 100 Little Curses "100 Little Curses" is the first single by Street Sweeper Social Club, from their self-titled album. The song made its debut on the band's . The song contains a sing-a-long chorus, arena rock style, with a digitally edited voice then speaking the words "100 Little Curses." It was released as a... " |
| 2010 | "Promenade Promenade (Street Sweeper Social Club song) Promenade is the second single by rap rock supergroup Street Sweeper Social Club from their debut self-titled album. The version that was released as a single differs from that on the album, the original version on the album is 2:31 in length where as the extended version is 3:40 in length... " |
| "Paper Planes Paper Planes "Paper Planes" is a song recorded by musician M.I.A. for her second studio album Kala released in 2007. The song was written by Maya "M.I.A." Arulpragasam, Topper Headon, Mick Jones, Wesley "Diplo" Pentz, Paul Simonon, Joe Strummer and produced by Diplo with additional production by Switch... " |
External links
- Official website
- Live tour pix and review
- Street Sweeper Social Club interview July 2009
- Consequence of Sound: interview
- AV Club: article
- Blabbermouth: article
- "Revolutionary Party Music" - video report by Democracy Now!Democracy Now!Democracy Now! and its staff have received several journalism awards, including the Gracie Award from American Women in Radio & Television; the George Polk Award for its 1998 radio documentary Drilling and Killing: Chevron and Nigeria's Oil Dictatorship, on the Chevron Corporation and the deaths of...