Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
2 days ago
United States Grandaddy has cultivated a unique sound combining indie rock with elements of electronica and cosmic country.
Grandaddy signed to Will Records, an indie label, for their early releases, including their mini-album 'A Pretty Mess by This One Band' and their debut full-length 'Under the Western Freeway'. Will Records was instrumental in the band's initial distribution before their move to major labels.
After self-released records and a deal with indie label Will Records, Grandaddy secured an exclusive worldwide deal with V2 Records in 1999. This partnership led to broader distribution and critical success for albums like 'The Sophtware Slump' and 'Sumday'. V2 also reissued 'Under the Western Freeway'.
Grandaddy signed a UK deal with Big Cat Records, a subsidiary of V2 Records, which reissued their debut album 'Under the Western Freeway' and contributed to their growing popularity in Europe.
Spearheaded by Danger Mouse, 30th Century Records signed Grandaddy for the release of their fifth studio album, 'Last Place' in 2017. This partnership marked a new phase for the band after their reunion.
Dangerbird Records released Grandaddy's 'The Sophtware Slump... On a Wooden Piano' in 2021 and their seventh album 'Blu Wav' in 2024. Jim Fairchild's solo album 'Ten Readings of a Warning' was also released on Dangerbird Records.
Grandaddy partnered with Sweet Relief Musicians Fund to raise money for their Mental Health Fund, providing resources for musicians.
Grandaddy, an American indie rock band, was formed in 1992 in Modesto, California, by Jason Lytle, Kevin Garcia, and Aaron Burtch. Lytle, a former professional skateboarder, turned to music after a knee injury. The band began by self-producing early recordings from a studio in the Lytle family home, including the 1992 cassette ‘Prepare to Bawl’ and the 1994 cassette ‘Complex Party Come Along Theories’. This hands-on approach established their distinctive lo-fi sound. The band expanded in 1995 with the addition of guitarist Jim Fairchild and keyboardist Tim Dryden, broadening their musical scope.
In 1997, Grandaddy released their debut full-length album, ‘Under the Western Freeway’, through Will Records. This album marked a creative breakthrough for the band and was subsequently reissued by V2 Records in 1998, leading to increased popularity in Europe. A significant milestone was the inclusion of their single ‘A.M. 180′ in the 2002 British film ’28 Days Later’ and its adoption as the theme song for ‘Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe’. Their second album, ‘The Sophtware Slump’, released in 2000 under V2 Records, received critical acclaim and significantly expanded their fanbase, reaching number 36 on the UK Albums Chart. The band released their third album, ‘Sumday’, in 2003, further solidifying their unique sound. Despite continued success, Grandaddy announced their disbandment in 2006 due to financial pressures and touring fatigue, with their album ‘Just Like the Fambly Cat’ serving as a farewell release.
The band reformed in 2012 for a series of shows, including performances at the End of the Road Festival and Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival. This reunion sparked discussions about new material, leading to the release of their fifth studio album, ‘Last Place’, in March 2017. Tragically, shortly after the album’s release, bassist Kevin Garcia passed away due to a stroke, leading to the cancellation of their touring plans and a subsequent hiatus. In 2024, Lytle revived the Grandaddy name to release the project’s sixth studio album, ‘Blu Wav’, ahead of a planned 2025 reunion tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of ‘The Sophtware Slump’. This latest album showcases a shift towards cosmic country with waltz-time songs and significant pedal steel guitar contributions. Throughout their career, Grandaddy has maintained a distinctive lyrical focus on technology, environmental themes, and human introspection, often delivered with a blend of melancholy and humor.
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