TV on the Radio
Encyclopedia
TV on the Radio is an American art rock
band formed in 2001 in Brooklyn
, New York
, whose music spans numerous diverse genres, from post-punk
to electro
and free jazz
to soul music.
The group has released several EPs
including their debut Young Liars
(2003), and four critically acclaimed studio albums: Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
(2004), Return to Cookie Mountain
(2006), Dear Science
(2008), and Nine Types of Light
(2011).
For the bulk of their existence, the core TV on the Radio lineup has been Tunde Adebimpe
(vocals/loops), David Andrew Sitek
(guitars/keyboards/loops), Kyp Malone
(vocals/guitars/bass/loops), Jaleel Bunton (drums/vocals/loops/guitars) and Gerard Smith
(bass/keyboards) as official members. Smith died from lung cancer
on April 20, 2011. The band has replaced Smith for their current tour but have not yet announced their long term plans as a band without him.
Other contributors have included David Bowie
, Nick Zinner
of Yeah Yeah Yeahs
, Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead
, Martin Perna
of Antibalas and Katrina Ford of Celebration
.
(the title being a reference to Radiohead
's album OK Computer
) They were later joined by Kyp Malone, and released the Young Liars
EP
in 2003 to critical acclaim. This was followed by the full-length Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
which earned the band the 2004 Shortlist Music Prize
. They released a second EP, New Health Rock, later that year.
Their third album, Return to Cookie Mountain
, leaked in early 2006 and garnered pre-release praise from such outlets as Pitchfork Media
before its official release in July overseas. U.S. and Canadian release was in September on Interscope
. The album received critical acclaim after its release from many sources, including Spin
magazine which named Return to Cookie Mountain its Album of the Year for 2006. The album features guest appearances from David Bowie
, Celebration
, Dragons of Zynth
, Martin Perna
and Stuart D. Bogie
of Antibalas, Blonde Redhead
, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
' Nick Zinner. Bowie contributed back-up vocals on the song "Province". In promotion of the album, the band performed " Wolf Like Me
" on the Late Show with David Letterman
, which has garnered over 1.5 million views on YouTube
. During the U.S. tour, the band performed a few covers with Bauhaus
singer Peter Murphy
and Nine Inch Nails
frontman Trent Reznor
.
The band's 4th album, Dear Science
, was released September 23, 2008 on Interscope. It was made available for streaming on their Myspace
page and subsequently leaked onto the internet on September 6, 2008. The album received widespread critical acclaim. It was named the best album of 2008 by Rolling Stone
, The Guardian
,
Spin
magazine, The Onion AV Club, MTV
, Entertainment Weekly
, the Pitchfork Media
's readers poll as well as the Pazz and Jop critic's poll. It was also named the second best album of 2008 by NME
and the fourth best album of 2008 by Planet Sound
.
On September 22, 2008, they performed "Dancing Choose" in the setting of a flight of outer apartment stairs on the Late Show with David Letterman
. They also appeared on Later... with Jools Holland on September 30, 2008, performing "Golden Age
" and "Dancing Choose", which were the same songs they performed on Saturday Night Live
on February 7, 2009. The band performed "Dancing Choose" on the February 9, 2009 episode of The Colbert Report.
On September 3, 2009, Tunde Adebimpe announced that TV on the Radio would be taking a year long hiatus. Guitarist Kyp Malone's solo album, under the name Rain Machine, was released on September 22, 2009 on ANTI-
. A solo album by Dave Sitek, Maximum Balloon, was released August 24, 2010 on Interscope
, featuring a variety of guest vocals by many of his musician friends such as Karen O
, David Byrne
, and both of his TV on the Radio vocalist bandmates, and numerous others.
In addition, Sitek produced Holly Miranda
's album The Magician's Private Library
, which also featured fellow TV on the Radio members Jaleel Bunton and Kyp Malone.
On February 7, 2011, the band announced an end to their hiatus, along with their upcoming album Nine Types of Light
.
On April 12, 2011, the album Nine Types of Light was released along with a one-hour film under the same name containing music videos for all the songs on the album as well as interviews with various New Yorkers. The film was directed by various directors under the supervision of Tunde Adebimpe.
It was announced in March, 2011, that the band's bassist, Gerard Smith
, was diagnosed with lung cancer
. On April 20, 2011 the band issued a statement of the passing of Gerard Smith on their homepage: "We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer. Gerard passed away the morning of April 20th, 2011. We will miss him terribly."
, Earth, Wind & Fire
, Nancy Sinatra
, Serge Gainsbourg
, Brian Eno
, and the Pixies. Adebimpe covered the Pixies song "Mr. Grieves" under the TV on the Radio moniker at the beginning of his career, layering his voice over forty times. The band has also cited Prince
's "Purple Rain
" as a classic.
As references for their catchy beats and verses, TV on the Radio also named post-punk acts Wire
and Siouxsie and the Banshees. They stated that they have "always tried to make a song that begins like (Siouxsie) "Kiss Them For Me".
2003–2005
2005–2008
2008–2011
2011–present
Art rock
Art rock is a subgenre of rock music that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, with influences from art, avant-garde, and classical music. The first usage of the term, according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, was in 1968. Influenced by the work of The Beatles, most notably their Sgt...
band formed in 2001 in Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, whose music spans numerous diverse genres, from post-punk
Post-punk
Post-punk is a rock music movement with its roots in the late 1970s, following on the heels of the initial punk rock explosion of the mid-1970s. The genre retains its roots in the punk movement but is more introverted, complex and experimental...
to electro
Electro (music)
Electro is a genre of electronic dance music directly influenced by the use of TR-808 drum machines, Moog keytar synthesizers and funk sampling...
and free jazz
Free jazz
Free jazz is an approach to jazz music that was first developed in the 1950s and 1960s. Though the music produced by free jazz pioneers varied widely, the common feature was a dissatisfaction with the limitations of bebop, hard bop, and modal jazz, which had developed in the 1940s and 1950s...
to soul music.
The group has released several EPs
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...
including their debut Young Liars
Young Liars
Young Liars was the first major release by the New York City band TV on the Radio. Released in 2003 on Touch & Go Records, the EP helped establish the band's distinctive blending of electronica, doo wop, post-rock, and avant-garde styles...
(2003), and four critically acclaimed studio albums: Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes is a 2004 album by the American art rock band, TV on the Radio. The album, recorded at Headgear Studio in Brooklyn, was awarded the Shortlist Music Prize for 2004. It was released on CD, 12" vinyl and MP3 download formats. The CD is enhanced with two different...
(2004), Return to Cookie Mountain
Return to Cookie Mountain
Return to Cookie Mountain is the second studio album by American art rock group TV on the Radio. It was released July 6, 2006 worldwide by 4AD, and issued in the U.S. and Canada on September 12, 2006 by Interscope Records and Touch and Go Recordings. However, an unmastered version of the album...
(2006), Dear Science
Dear Science
Dear Science is the third album by American art rock band TV on the Radio. It was released via Interscope Records in the United States, Touch and Go Records on iTunes and was licensed through 4AD in Europe and all remaining territories. Despite the marketed release date of September 22–23, the...
(2008), and Nine Types of Light
Nine Types of Light
Nine Types of Light is the fourth studio album by American art rock band TV on the Radio, released on April 11, 2011. The band released "Will Do", a song from the album, on February 23. Another song, "Caffeinated Consciousness", was made available for free download on March 10, 2011...
(2011).
For the bulk of their existence, the core TV on the Radio lineup has been Tunde Adebimpe
Tunde Adebimpe
Babatunde Omoroga "Tunde" Adebimpe is an American musician, actor, and director best known as the lead singer of the Brooklyn-based band TV on the Radio. His vocal method often involves improvisation, the use of effects and repeating sampled loops....
(vocals/loops), David Andrew Sitek
David Andrew Sitek
David Andrew Sitek is a guitarist and record producer based in New York City, best known as a member of the band TV on the Radio. He has also worked with bands such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Liars, Foals, Celebration, and most recently Jane's Addiction, and produced free jazz-influenced remixes of songs...
(guitars/keyboards/loops), Kyp Malone
Kyp Malone
David Kyp Joel Malone is a multi-instrumentalist and member of the bands TV on the Radio and Iran.Malone formed Iran with film director/singer/songwriter Aaron Aites in the year 2000...
(vocals/guitars/bass/loops), Jaleel Bunton (drums/vocals/loops/guitars) and Gerard Smith
Gerard Smith (musician)
Gerard Smith was an American visual artist, musician, and member of the celebrated Brooklyn-based band TV on the Radio. He recorded an album of original music as with Shannon Funchess of Light Asylum and also produced music with Midnight Masses. He died at age 36 from lung cancer...
(bass/keyboards) as official members. Smith died from lung cancer
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. If left untreated, this growth can spread beyond the lung in a process called metastasis into nearby tissue and, eventually, into other parts of the body. Most cancers that start in lung, known as primary...
on April 20, 2011. The band has replaced Smith for their current tour but have not yet announced their long term plans as a band without him.
Other contributors have included David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
, Nick Zinner
Nick Zinner
Nicholas Joseph Zinner is the guitarist for the New York rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs. He is known for his "unmistakable" wild hair, skinny physique, and pale appearance...
of Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Yeah Yeah Yeahs are an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 2000. The group is composed of vocalist and pianist Karen O, guitarist and keyboardist Nick Zinner, and drummer Brian Chase. They are complemented in live performances by second guitarist David Pajo, who joined as a touring...
, Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead
Blonde Redhead
Blonde Redhead is an American alternative rock band composed of vocalist/rhythm guitarist Kazu Makino and twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace , which formed in New York City in 1993....
, Martin Perna
Martín Perna
Martin Perna is an educator, social entrepreneur, and multidisciplinary artist living in Austin, Texas.-Music:He is founder of the musical groups Antibalas and Ocote Soul Sounds, and has written for and/or recorded with Sharon Jones, Scarlett Johansson, Baaba Maal, Angelique Kidjo, The Whitefield...
of Antibalas and Katrina Ford of Celebration
Celebration (band)
Celebration is a psychedelic soul band based out of Baltimore, Maryland.-History:Celebration is composed of singer Katrina Ford, multi-instrumentalist Sean Antanaitis and drummer David Bergander, with a number of additional rotating members: Walker Teret plays bass, sometimes guitar, percussion and...
.
History
The first release from TV on the Radio (initially just founding members Adebimpe and Sitek) was the self-released OK CalculatorOK Calculator
OK Calculator is a demo collection from TV on the Radio which they self-released in 2002. The album's title alludes to Radiohead's album OK Computer.-Track listing:#"Freeway" – 2:19#"Say You Do" – 5:19...
(the title being a reference to Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
's album OK Computer
OK Computer
OK Computer is the third studio album by the English alternative rock band Radiohead, released on 16 June 1997 on Parlophone in the UK and 1 July 1997 by Capitol Records in the US. It marks a deliberate attempt by the band to move away from the introspective guitar-oriented sound of their previous...
) They were later joined by Kyp Malone, and released the Young Liars
Young Liars
Young Liars was the first major release by the New York City band TV on the Radio. Released in 2003 on Touch & Go Records, the EP helped establish the band's distinctive blending of electronica, doo wop, post-rock, and avant-garde styles...
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...
in 2003 to critical acclaim. This was followed by the full-length Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes is a 2004 album by the American art rock band, TV on the Radio. The album, recorded at Headgear Studio in Brooklyn, was awarded the Shortlist Music Prize for 2004. It was released on CD, 12" vinyl and MP3 download formats. The CD is enhanced with two different...
which earned the band the 2004 Shortlist Music Prize
Shortlist Music Prize
The Shortlist Music Prize, stylized as , was an annual music award for the best album released in the United States that had sold fewer than 500,000 copies at the time of nomination...
. They released a second EP, New Health Rock, later that year.
Their third album, Return to Cookie Mountain
Return to Cookie Mountain
Return to Cookie Mountain is the second studio album by American art rock group TV on the Radio. It was released July 6, 2006 worldwide by 4AD, and issued in the U.S. and Canada on September 12, 2006 by Interscope Records and Touch and Go Recordings. However, an unmastered version of the album...
, leaked in early 2006 and garnered pre-release praise from such outlets as Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
before its official release in July overseas. U.S. and Canadian release was in September on Interscope
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:...
. The album received critical acclaim after its release from many sources, including Spin
Spin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
magazine which named Return to Cookie Mountain its Album of the Year for 2006. The album features guest appearances from David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
, Celebration
Celebration (band)
Celebration is a psychedelic soul band based out of Baltimore, Maryland.-History:Celebration is composed of singer Katrina Ford, multi-instrumentalist Sean Antanaitis and drummer David Bergander, with a number of additional rotating members: Walker Teret plays bass, sometimes guitar, percussion and...
, Dragons of Zynth
Dragons of Zynth
Dragons of Zynth is an American indie rock band from Cleveland, Ohio.-History:Dragons of Zynth's frontmen, Aku and Akwetey, are twins and were raised in Cleveland, OH. The group first won notice opening for TV on the Radio in 2005...
, Martin Perna
Martín Perna
Martin Perna is an educator, social entrepreneur, and multidisciplinary artist living in Austin, Texas.-Music:He is founder of the musical groups Antibalas and Ocote Soul Sounds, and has written for and/or recorded with Sharon Jones, Scarlett Johansson, Baaba Maal, Angelique Kidjo, The Whitefield...
and Stuart D. Bogie
Stuart D. Bogie
Stuart Bogie is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and producer. Originally from Evanston, IL, Bogie has become a staple in the Brooklyn music scene, as part of Antibalas, as well as TV on the Radio, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and many other acts....
of Antibalas, Blonde Redhead
Blonde Redhead
Blonde Redhead is an American alternative rock band composed of vocalist/rhythm guitarist Kazu Makino and twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace , which formed in New York City in 1993....
, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Yeah Yeah Yeahs are an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 2000. The group is composed of vocalist and pianist Karen O, guitarist and keyboardist Nick Zinner, and drummer Brian Chase. They are complemented in live performances by second guitarist David Pajo, who joined as a touring...
' Nick Zinner. Bowie contributed back-up vocals on the song "Province". In promotion of the album, the band performed " Wolf Like Me
Wolf Like Me
"Wolf Like Me" is the first single from the TV on the Radio album Return to Cookie Mountain, released in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2006 on 4AD Records. The single's B-side was the song "Things You Can Do", which was also available as a bonus track on the U.S. release of Return to Cookie...
" on the Late Show with David Letterman
Late Show with David Letterman
Late Show with David Letterman is a U.S. late-night talk show hosted by David Letterman on CBS. The show debuted on August 30, 1993, and is produced by Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated. The show's music director and band-leader of the house band, the CBS Orchestra, is...
, which has garnered over 1.5 million views on 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....
. During the U.S. tour, the band performed a few covers with Bauhaus
Bauhaus (band)
Bauhaus was an English rock band formed in Northampton in 1978. The group consisted of Peter Murphy , Daniel Ash , Kevin Haskins and David J . The band was originally Bauhaus 1919 before they dropped the numerical portion within a year of formation...
singer Peter Murphy
Peter Murphy (musician)
Peter John Murphy is an English rock vocalist. He was the vocalist of the rock group Bauhaus, and later went on to release a number of solo albums, such as Deep and Love Hysteria...
and 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...
frontman 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,...
.
The band's 4th album, Dear Science
Dear Science
Dear Science is the third album by American art rock band TV on the Radio. It was released via Interscope Records in the United States, Touch and Go Records on iTunes and was licensed through 4AD in Europe and all remaining territories. Despite the marketed release date of September 22–23, the...
, was released September 23, 2008 on Interscope. It was made available for streaming 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 and subsequently leaked onto the internet on September 6, 2008. The album received widespread critical acclaim. It was named the best album of 2008 by Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
, The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
,
Spin
Spin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
magazine, The Onion AV Club, MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
, Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
, the Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
's readers poll as well as the Pazz and Jop critic's poll. It was also named the second best album of 2008 by NME
NME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
and the fourth best album of 2008 by Planet Sound
Planet Sound
Planet Sound was a Teletext music page on ITV and Channel 4 in the UK. It was broadcast on analogue Teletext from page 340, and on digital Teletext from page 820. From May 24, 2007, Planet Sound was also available to read online via the Teletext website...
.
On September 22, 2008, they performed "Dancing Choose" in the setting of a flight of outer apartment stairs on the Late Show with David Letterman
Late Show with David Letterman
Late Show with David Letterman is a U.S. late-night talk show hosted by David Letterman on CBS. The show debuted on August 30, 1993, and is produced by Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated. The show's music director and band-leader of the house band, the CBS Orchestra, is...
. They also appeared on Later... with Jools Holland on September 30, 2008, performing "Golden Age
Golden Age (TV on the Radio song)
"Golden Age" is a 2008 single by the band TV on the Radio. It was number 12 on Rolling Stones list of the 100 Best Songs of 2008. Spin magazine chose the song as the 8th best song of the year. MTV ranked it as the 20th best song of the year, and Pitchfork chose it as the 51st best song of the...
" and "Dancing Choose", which were the same songs they performed on Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
on February 7, 2009. The band performed "Dancing Choose" on the February 9, 2009 episode of The Colbert Report.
On September 3, 2009, Tunde Adebimpe announced that TV on the Radio would be taking a year long hiatus. Guitarist Kyp Malone's solo album, under the name Rain Machine, was released on September 22, 2009 on ANTI-
ANTI-
ANTI- is an American record label founded in 1999 as a sister label of Epitaph Records.While Epitaph's focus has shifted over the last decade from mostly punk rock, nowadays ANTI- has a more diverse roster, ranging from country , hip hop , reggae , Soul , folk , rap-rock , indie rock...
. A solo album by Dave Sitek, Maximum Balloon, was released August 24, 2010 on Interscope
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:...
, featuring a variety of guest vocals by many of his musician friends such as Karen O
Karen O
Karen Lee Orzolek , better known by her stage name Karen O, is the vocalist for New York rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs.-Early life:...
, 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 both of his TV on the Radio vocalist bandmates, and numerous others.
In addition, Sitek produced Holly Miranda
Holly Miranda
Holly Miranda is an American singer-songwriter and musician. Besides being trained in piano, Holly is a self-taught guitar and trumpet player. In 2001, she recorded "High Above The City", a 20-track solo album available only at shows. In the fall of 2003, Holly met and teamed up with Alex Lipsen,...
's album The Magician's Private Library
The Magician's Private Library
The Magician's Private Library is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Holly Miranda, released 23 February 2010 in the United States by XL Recordings...
, which also featured fellow TV on the Radio members Jaleel Bunton and Kyp Malone.
On February 7, 2011, the band announced an end to their hiatus, along with their upcoming album Nine Types of Light
Nine Types of Light
Nine Types of Light is the fourth studio album by American art rock band TV on the Radio, released on April 11, 2011. The band released "Will Do", a song from the album, on February 23. Another song, "Caffeinated Consciousness", was made available for free download on March 10, 2011...
.
On April 12, 2011, the album Nine Types of Light was released along with a one-hour film under the same name containing music videos for all the songs on the album as well as interviews with various New Yorkers. The film was directed by various directors under the supervision of Tunde Adebimpe.
It was announced in March, 2011, that the band's bassist, Gerard Smith
Gerard Smith (musician)
Gerard Smith was an American visual artist, musician, and member of the celebrated Brooklyn-based band TV on the Radio. He recorded an album of original music as with Shannon Funchess of Light Asylum and also produced music with Midnight Masses. He died at age 36 from lung cancer...
, was diagnosed with lung cancer
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. If left untreated, this growth can spread beyond the lung in a process called metastasis into nearby tissue and, eventually, into other parts of the body. Most cancers that start in lung, known as primary...
. On April 20, 2011 the band issued a statement of the passing of Gerard Smith on their homepage: "We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer. Gerard passed away the morning of April 20th, 2011. We will miss him terribly."
Style and influences
TV on the Radio has said that their eclectic music is due for their liking of very diverse bands, including Bad BrainsBad Brains
Bad Brains is an American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C., in 1977. They are widely regarded as among the pioneers of hardcore punk, though the band's members objected to this term to describe their music. They are also an adept reggae band, while later recordings featured elements of...
, Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire is an American soul and R&B band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1969 by Verdine and Maurice White. Also known as EWF, the band has won six Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. They have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of...
, Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sandra Sinatra is an American singer and actress. She is the daughter of singer/actor Frank Sinatra, and remains best known for her 1966 signature hit "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'"....
, Serge Gainsbourg
Serge Gainsbourg
Serge Gainsbourg, born Lucien Ginsburg was a French singer-songwriter, actor and director. Gainsbourg's extremely varied musical style and individuality make him difficult to categorize...
, Brian Eno
Brian Eno
Brian Peter George St. John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno , commonly known as Brian Eno or simply as Eno , is an English musician, composer, record producer, singer and visual artist, known as one of the principal innovators of ambient music.Eno studied at Colchester Institute art school in Essex,...
, and the Pixies. Adebimpe covered the Pixies song "Mr. Grieves" under the TV on the Radio moniker at the beginning of his career, layering his voice over forty times. The band has also cited Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
's "Purple Rain
Purple Rain (song)
"Purple Rain" is a power ballad by Prince and The Revolution. It is the title track from the 1984 album of the same name, which in turn is the soundtrack album for the 1984 film of the same name, and was released as the third single from that album. The song is a combination of rock, pop, gospel,...
" as a classic.
As references for their catchy beats and verses, TV on the Radio also named post-punk acts Wire
Wire (band)
Wire are an English rock band, formed in London in October 1976 by Colin Newman , Graham Lewis , Bruce Gilbert , and Robert Gotobed...
and Siouxsie and the Banshees. They stated that they have "always tried to make a song that begins like (Siouxsie) "Kiss Them For Me".
Line-ups
2000–2003- Tunde AdebimpeTunde AdebimpeBabatunde Omoroga "Tunde" Adebimpe is an American musician, actor, and director best known as the lead singer of the Brooklyn-based band TV on the Radio. His vocal method often involves improvisation, the use of effects and repeating sampled loops....
– Vocals, loops - David Andrew SitekDavid Andrew SitekDavid Andrew Sitek is a guitarist and record producer based in New York City, best known as a member of the band TV on the Radio. He has also worked with bands such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Liars, Foals, Celebration, and most recently Jane's Addiction, and produced free jazz-influenced remixes of songs...
– Guitar, Keyboards, drums
2003–2005
- Tunde AdebimpeTunde AdebimpeBabatunde Omoroga "Tunde" Adebimpe is an American musician, actor, and director best known as the lead singer of the Brooklyn-based band TV on the Radio. His vocal method often involves improvisation, the use of effects and repeating sampled loops....
– Vocals, loops - David Andrew Sitek – Guitar, keyboards, drums, loops, bass, synthesizer
- Kyp Malone – Vocals, guitar, loops
2005–2008
- Tunde Adebimpe – Vocals, percussion
- David Andrew Sitek – Sampler, guitar, bass, flute, keyboards, synthesizer
- Kyp Malone – Vocals, bass, guitar
- Gerard SmithGerard Smith (musician)Gerard Smith was an American visual artist, musician, and member of the celebrated Brooklyn-based band TV on the Radio. He recorded an album of original music as with Shannon Funchess of Light Asylum and also produced music with Midnight Masses. He died at age 36 from lung cancer...
– Piano, bass, organ, vocals, guitar, sitar - Jaleel Bunton – Drums, guitar, piano, percussion, vocals, Rhodes
- Contributing artists:
- Kazu Makino – Vocals
- Jeremy Wilms – Cello
- David BowieDavid BowieDavid Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
– Vocals - Omega Moon – Vocals
- Katrina Ford – Vocals
- Martin PernaMartín PernaMartin Perna is an educator, social entrepreneur, and multidisciplinary artist living in Austin, Texas.-Music:He is founder of the musical groups Antibalas and Ocote Soul Sounds, and has written for and/or recorded with Sharon Jones, Scarlett Johansson, Baaba Maal, Angelique Kidjo, The Whitefield...
– Saxophone, horns - Dragons of ZynthDragons of ZynthDragons of Zynth is an American indie rock band from Cleveland, Ohio.-History:Dragons of Zynth's frontmen, Aku and Akwetey, are twins and were raised in Cleveland, OH. The group first won notice opening for TV on the Radio in 2005...
– Vocals, percussion - Aaron Tites – Vocals
- Chris Taylor – Horns, clarinet
- Stuart Bogie – Bass, harmonica, clarinet
2008–2011
- Tunde Adebimpe – Vocals
- Kyp Malone – Vocals, guitar, bass, synthesizer, strings
- David Andrew Sitek – Programmer, guitar, sampler, bass, synthesizer, horns
- Gerard Smith – Bass, organ, synthesizer, sampler, Rhodes
- Jaleel Bunton – Drums, guitar, Rhodes, organ, synthesizer, bass, programmer, strings
- Contributing artists:
- Katrina Ford – Vocals
- Eleanore Everdell – Vocals
- David Bergander – Drums
- Yoshi Takamasa – Percussion
- Stuart Bogie – Saxophone, horns
- Colin StetsonColin StetsonColin Stetson, born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and currently based in Montreal, Quebec, is a bass saxophone player and touring member of Arcade Fire, Bell Orchestre and Bon Iver...
– Saxophone - Matana RobertsMatana RobertsMatana Roberts is a jazz saxophonist, composer and improviser based in New York City. She is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians...
– Saxophone, clarinet - Leah Paul – Horns
- Eric Biondo – Trumpet
- Aaron Johnson – Trombone
- Martin PernaMartín PernaMartin Perna is an educator, social entrepreneur, and multidisciplinary artist living in Austin, Texas.-Music:He is founder of the musical groups Antibalas and Ocote Soul Sounds, and has written for and/or recorded with Sharon Jones, Scarlett Johansson, Baaba Maal, Angelique Kidjo, The Whitefield...
– Flute - Claudia Chopek – Violin, strings
- Janis Shen – Violin, strings
- Perry Serpa – Strings
- Lara Hicks – Viola
- Eleanor Norton – Cello
2011–present
- Tunde Adebimpe – Vocals
- Kyp Malone – Vocals, guitar, bass, synthesizer, strings
- David Andrew Sitek – Programmer, guitar, sampler, bass, synthesizer, horns
- Jaleel Bunton – Drums, guitar, Rhodes, organ, synthesizer, bass, programmer, strings
- Contributing artists:
- Katrina Ford – Vocals
- Eleanore Everdell – Vocals
- David Bergander – Drums
- Yoshi Takamasa – Percussion
- Stuart Bogie – Saxophone, horns
- Colin StetsonColin StetsonColin Stetson, born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and currently based in Montreal, Quebec, is a bass saxophone player and touring member of Arcade Fire, Bell Orchestre and Bon Iver...
– Saxophone - Matana RobertsMatana RobertsMatana Roberts is a jazz saxophonist, composer and improviser based in New York City. She is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians...
– Saxophone, clarinet - Leah Paul – Horns
- Eric Biondo – Trumpet
- Aaron Johnson – Trombone
- Martin PernaMartín PernaMartin Perna is an educator, social entrepreneur, and multidisciplinary artist living in Austin, Texas.-Music:He is founder of the musical groups Antibalas and Ocote Soul Sounds, and has written for and/or recorded with Sharon Jones, Scarlett Johansson, Baaba Maal, Angelique Kidjo, The Whitefield...
– Flute - Claudia Chopek – Violin, strings
- Janis Shen – Violin, Strings
- Perry Serpa – Strings
- Lara Hicks – Viola
- Eleanor Norton – Cello
- Priscilla AhnPriscilla AhnPriscilla Ahn is an American singer-songwriter.-Early life and education:Ahn was born Priscilla Natalie Hartranft in Fort Stewart, Georgia to Kay and Harry Hartranft and spent her childhood living in the USA and South Korea. She lived in Berks County, Pennsylvania for several years and attended...
– Vocals
Albums
| Year | Name | Charts | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. 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... |
AUS 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... |
CAN Canadian Albums Chart The Canadian Albums Chart is the official album sales chart in Canada. It is compiled every Wednesday by U.S.-based music sales tracking company Nielsen Soundscan, and published every Thursday by Jam! Canoe and Billboard, along with its sister charts the Canadian Singles Chart and the Canadian BDS... |
UK UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
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| 2002 | OK Calculator OK Calculator OK Calculator is a demo collection from TV on the Radio which they self-released in 2002. The album's title alludes to Radiohead's album OK Computer.-Track listing:#"Freeway" – 2:19#"Say You Do" – 5:19...
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| 2004 | Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes is a 2004 album by the American art rock band, TV on the Radio. The album, recorded at Headgear Studio in Brooklyn, was awarded the Shortlist Music Prize for 2004. It was released on CD, 12" vinyl and MP3 download formats. The CD is enhanced with two different... Touch and Go Records Touch and Go Records is an independent record label based in Chicago, Illinois, USA.After its genesis as a hand-made fanzine in 1979, it grew into one of the key record labels in the American 1980s alternative and underground rock scenes, Touch & Go carved out a reputation for releasing adventurous... , 4AD 4AD 4AD is a British independent record label that was started in 1979 by Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent, funded by Beggars Banquet Records, and is still active today... Gramophone record A gramophone record, commonly known as a phonograph record , vinyl record , or colloquially, a record, is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove... , CD Compact Disc The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,... , download Music download A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment... |
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| 2006 | Return to Cookie Mountain Return to Cookie Mountain Return to Cookie Mountain is the second studio album by American art rock group TV on the Radio. It was released July 6, 2006 worldwide by 4AD, and issued in the U.S. and Canada on September 12, 2006 by Interscope Records and Touch and Go Recordings. However, an unmastered version of the album... September 12, 2006 (U.S./Canada) 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:... , 4AD |
41 | 50 | — | 90 | |||||
| 2008 | Dear Science Dear Science Dear Science is the third album by American art rock band TV on the Radio. It was released via Interscope Records in the United States, Touch and Go Records on iTunes and was licensed through 4AD in Europe and all remaining territories. Despite the marketed release date of September 22–23, the... September 23, 2008 (U.S./Canada) |
12 | 26 | 26 | 33 | |||||
| 2011 | Nine Types of Light Nine Types of Light Nine Types of Light is the fourth studio album by American art rock band TV on the Radio, released on April 11, 2011. The band released "Will Do", a song from the album, on February 23. Another song, "Caffeinated Consciousness", was made available for free download on March 10, 2011... April 12, 2011 (U.S./Canada) |
12 | 25 | — | 33 | |||||
EPs
| Release date | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| July 8, 2003 | Young Liars Young Liars Young Liars was the first major release by the New York City band TV on the Radio. Released in 2003 on Touch & Go Records, the EP helped establish the band's distinctive blending of electronica, doo wop, post-rock, and avant-garde styles... |
Touch and Go |
| June 25, 2004 | "Staring at the Sun" | 4AD |
| 2007 – iTunes | Live Sessions | Touch and Go |
| March 27, 2007 | Live at Amoeba Music Live at Amoeba Music Live at Amoeba Music is a live EP by the New York City band TV on the Radio. Released in 2007 on Interscope Records, the EP contains four live tracks recorded during an in-store performance at Los Angeles music store Amoeba Music on September 22, 2006. It is only available through Indie Record Shops... |
Interscope |
| April 14, 2009 | Read Silence Read Silence Read Silence is a digital-only EP compilation of three song remixes from TV on the Radio's third studio album, Dear Science. It was released on April 14, 2009... |
Interscope |
Singles
- "Staring at the SunStaring at the Sun (TV on the Radio song)"Staring at the Sun" is a 2004 single by the American indie rock band TV on the Radio. The CD single is enhanced with two different quality Quicktime video files of the title track's music video...
" [CD & 7"] (2004), 4AD4AD4AD is a British independent record label that was started in 1979 by Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent, funded by Beggars Banquet Records, and is still active today... - "New Health Rock" [CD & 7"] (2004), Touch and GoTouch and Go RecordsTouch and Go Records is an independent record label based in Chicago, Illinois, USA.After its genesis as a hand-made fanzine in 1979, it grew into one of the key record labels in the American 1980s alternative and underground rock scenes, Touch & Go carved out a reputation for releasing adventurous...
#76 UK - "Dry Drunk Emperor" (2005) (free download)
- "Wolf Like MeWolf Like Me"Wolf Like Me" is the first single from the TV on the Radio album Return to Cookie Mountain, released in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2006 on 4AD Records. The single's B-side was the song "Things You Can Do", which was also available as a bonus track on the U.S. release of Return to Cookie...
" [CD & 7"] (2006), 4AD, (#37 Hot Modern Rock Tracks) #89 UK - "ProvinceProvince (song)"Province" is the second single from TV on the Radio's album Return to Cookie Mountain.-Track listing :A1. Province *guitar, synthesizer, sampler, bass: David Andrew Sitek...
" [7"] (2007), 4AD - "Golden AgeGolden Age (TV on the Radio song)"Golden Age" is a 2008 single by the band TV on the Radio. It was number 12 on Rolling Stones list of the 100 Best Songs of 2008. Spin magazine chose the song as the 8th best song of the year. MTV ranked it as the 20th best song of the year, and Pitchfork chose it as the 51st best song of the...
" (2008), 4AD - "Dancing Choose" [12"] (2008), 4AD
- "Crying" (2009), 4AD
- "Family Tree" (2009), 4AD
- "Will Do" (2011), 4AD, (#48 Rock SongsRock SongsRock Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks the airplay of songs on alternative, mainstream rock and triple A radio stations. The first chart was published in the issue dated June 20, 2009. "Know Your Enemy" by Green Day was the first number-one song. The Rock Songs...
, #36 Hot Modern Rock Tracks) - "Chemical Peels" (2011), 4AD
Other
- The Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered CoveredThe Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered CoveredThe Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Covered is a 2004 Gammon Records two-disc set. The first disc features covers of Daniel Johnston songs by a variety of different artists...
(cover album) – "Walking the Cow" - Warm & Scratchy (Adult SwimAdult SwimAdult Swim is an adult-oriented Cable network that shares channel space with Cartoon Network from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am ET/PT in the United States, and broadcasts in countries such as Australia and New Zealand...
compilation album) – "Me – I" (featuring Derek Thomas Ambrosi) - War Child Presents Heroes (charity covers compilation) – "Heroes" (David Bowie cover)
Remixes
- BeckBeckBeck Hansen is an American musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known by the stage name Beck...
"Dark Star (TV on the Radio Remix)" (2007), Interscope RecordsInterscope RecordsInterscope 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:... - Bumblebeez 81Bumblebeez 81The Bumblebeez is an Australian indie band, formed by Christopher Colonna and his sister Pia Colonna...
"Pony Ride (TV on the Radio Remix)" - FischerspoonerFischerspoonerFischerspooner is an electroclash duo and performance troupe formed in 1998 in New York. The name is a portmanteau of the founders' last names, Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner...
"Never Win (Dave Sitek Remix)" (2005), FS Studios - The KnifeThe KnifeThe Knife are a Swedish electronic music duo from Gothenburg, formed in 1999. The group consists of siblings Karin Dreijer Andersson and Olof Dreijer, who together also run their own record company, Rabid Records. They first received international attention after their song "Heartbeats", covered by...
"Marble House (Dave Sitek Remix)" (2007), Brille RecordsBrille RecordsBrille Records is an independent record label based in the UK, which has released work from bands including Whirlwind Heat, Good Shoes, Envelopes, Operator Please, The Bridge Gang and The Knife. It was in partnership with EMI Records UK from August 2005 until February 2008. It was started in 2004... - Nine Inch NailsNine Inch NailsNine 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...
"Survivalism (Dave Sitek Remix)" (2007), Interscope Records - Lee "Scratch" Perry "Fire In Babylon (Dave Sitek Remix)" (2006), Narnack RecordsNarnack RecordsNarnack Records is an independent record label founded in 2002. The label developed in NYC & Brooklyn’s underground music scene, quickly becoming known for its ability for developing new artists, but also working with established bands like The Fall and The Slits...
- Nat King ColeNat King ColeNathaniel Adams Coles , known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. Although an accomplished pianist, he owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres...
"Nature Boy" (TV On The Radio Remix) (2009) Capitol RecordsCapitol RecordsCapitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine... - Steven WilsonSteven WilsonSteven John Wilson is an English musician, best known as the founder, lead guitarist, singer and songwriter of progressive rock band Porcupine Tree...
"Harmony Korine (David A. Sitek Magnetized Nebula Mix)" (2009), KscopeKscopeKscope is a division or sub-label of independent record label Snapper Music dedicated to artists in the Post-Progressive genre.Artists that the label has issued albums for to date include Anathema, Anekdoten, Engineers, Lunatic Soul, No-Man, North Atlantic Oscillation, Nosound, Porcupine Tree,... - Tegan and SaraTegan and SaraTegan and Sara are a Canadian indie band composed of identical twin sisters Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Keirsten Quin . Both Tegan and Sara play guitar and keyboard and write songs.-History:...
"Alligator" (Dave Sitek Remix) (2010)
Videography
- "Staring at the Sun" (March 2004, directed by Elliot Jokelson)
- "Dreams" (May 2004, directed by Elliot Jokelson & UVPhactory)
- "Wolf Like Me" (August 2006, directed by Lee Lennox)
- "Wolf Like Me" (September 2006, directed by Jon Watts)
- "Province" (January 2007, directed by Jeff Scheven)
- "Me - I" (May 2007, directed by Daniel GarciaDaniel Garcia (director)Daniel Garcia is a music video and commercial director and co-founder of the international production company Super-Fi, which has offices in New York and Vienna, Austria....
& Mixtape Club - "Golden Age" (September 2008, directed by Petro Papahadjopoulos)
- "Dancing Choose" (September 2008, directed by Brad & Brian Palmer)
- "Will Do" (March 2011, directed by Dugan O'Neal)
- "Nine Types of Light" (April 2011, directed by Tunde Adebimpe)
External links
- Interscope Records profile
- Interview (November 2008) at Webcuts
- Nov 2008 Interview with L.A. RecordL.A. RecordL.A. Record is an independent music magazine originally published weekly as a broadsheet poster. The poster usually depicts a local Los Angeles musicians and according to the magazine editors is meant to recreate an iconic album cover. In March 2008, it began publishing as a monthly magazine with a...
- Interview with Gerard & Tunde Brooklyn Rail 2008 – contains details of band's formation.
- Kyp Malone discusses his favorite songs with NPR Music