Drop Nineteens, an American shoegaze band, had a notable journey through the music industry, marked by evolution and reinvention. Their story begins with the release of their first demos, which gained critical attention, particularly for the song “Mayfield.” The band’s initial lineup included Greg ackell, Paula Kelley, and Chris Roof. Kelley, who had sung on the demos, treated the band as a side project and was more focused on touring with local heavyweights Crab Daddy.
After the critical success of “Mayfield,” Ackell decided to take the band more seriously and sought to improve their sound. He reportedly needed to listen to Slowdive, a prominent shoegaze band, to refine their musical direction. The band held out for a proper album contract rather of releasing their existing demos. This led to the recording of the summer session EP, which was written quickly but played languidly, emphasizing mood and dynamics.
The Summer Session EP featured Hannah Yampolsky on vocals, replacing Kelley, who was busy with Crab Daddy. Songs like “Daymom” and ”Song for J.J.” showcase Yampolsky and Ackell’s harmonious vocals and the band’s ability to create a woozy, dreamy atmosphere. “Back in Our Old Bed” attempts to replicate the intense, fuzzed-out sound of My Bloody Valentine (MBV), with Ackell using backmasking and Roof providing a powerful drum performance.The EP also includes “Soapland,” which maintains a wintry,austere feel with yampolsky’s vocals cycling through minor-key awe and dream-pop bliss over a Bo Diddley beat. This track highlights the band’s ability to blend different influences into their unique shoegaze sound.
For more information on Drop nineteens,you can visit their official site [here][2] or read about their journey through the peaks and valleys of the music industry [here][3].
[1]: https://www.guitarworld.com/features/drop-nineteen-american-shoegaze-pioneers
[2]: https://www.dropnineteens.com/
[3]: https://shoegazeforever.com/content/drop-nineteens/
Unveiling the Dreamy Soundscapes of Drop Nineteens: A shoegaze Pioneers’ Journey
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Shoegaze, a mesmerizing subgenre of rock known for its ethereal sounds and introspective lyrics, continues to captivate music lovers worldwide.This interview delves into the engaging journey of Drop Nineteens,an American band widely recognized as pioneers of the shoegaze sound.
We spoke with Rhys Morgan, a renowned music journalist and historian, who has dedicated himself to documenting the evolution of shoegaze music.
The Dawn of Drop Nineteens and “Mayfield”
senior Editor: Rhys, let’s begin with the origins of Drop Nineteens. What were the formative years like for this American shoegaze band?
Rhys Morgan: Drop Nineteens emerged in the vibrant musical scene of their hometown, with Greg Ackell, Paula Kelley, and Chris Roof forming the core lineup. they quickly gained recognition for their early demos, especially the standout track “Mayfield.” This song showcased their nascent sonic aesthetic—layers of ethereal guitars, haunting vocals, and a dreamy atmosphere that would come to define their sound.
Evolution and Reinvention: The “Summer Session” EP
Senior Editor: From demos to a full EP, what were the major turning points that shaped Drop Nineteens’ early trajectory?
Rhys Morgan: The success of “Mayfield” was pivotal. Ackell, driven by a passion for pushing the band further, sought to refine their sound. He delved into the music of Slowdive, a prominent shoegaze band, seeking inspiration and guidance. This artistic exploration lead them to a pivotal decision: to hold out for a properalbum contract rather than releasing the existing demos. This period of anticipation birthed the “Summer Session” EP, a remarkable showcase of their evolving sound.
Melding Influences and Crafting a Unique Identity
Senior Editor: The “Summer Session” EP features a distinctive range of sounds.How did Drop Nineteens blend diffrent musical influences to create their unique shoegaze style?
Rhys Morgan: This EP stands as a testament to Drop Nineteens’ willingness to experiment. Hannah Yampolsky joined the band on vocals, adding a new dimension to their harmonies. The EP bursts forth with tracks like ”Daymom” and “Song for J.J.,” where Ackell and Yampolsky’s vocals intertwine seamlessly, creating a dreamy, woozy atmosphere. “Back in Our Old Bed” pushes their boundaries by directly channeling the intense, fuzzed-out sound of My Bloody Valentine, with Ackell utilizing backmasking and Roof delivering a powerful drum performance. Tracks like “Soapland” showcase their ability to weave in unexpected influences like the Bo Diddley rhythm, resulting in a sound both familiar and refreshingly unique.
Drop Nineteens: A Lasting Legacy
Senior Editor: Do you think Drop Nineteens’ impact on the shogaze genre is lasting?
Rhys Morgan: Absolutely. Drop nineteens helped define American shoegaze, and their music continues to resonate with fans today. Their influence is evident in the music of many contemporary artists who have embraced the genre’s dreamy, atmospheric qualities. Their blend of musical innovation and emotional depth set a high bar for future generations of shoegaze enthusiasts.
Their journey, marked by evolution and reinvention, serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians, proving that dedication and a willingness to explore can lead to sonic masterpieces.