Mates Of State

Mates of State, formed by Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, began their musical journey in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1997. The husband-and-wife team, married in 2001, initially played in a four-piece band called Vosotros before focusing on their duo project. Their early sound was characterized by drums and electric organ, a unique combination that defined their initial releases. As their career progressed, they expanded their instrumentation to include synthesizers, pianos, and occasional guitars, moving away from a solely organ-dominated sound with albums like “Bring It Back” (2006) and “Re-Arrange Us” (2008), where the organ was not used at all. Their music is known for male/female vocal harmonies, intricate rhythms, and distinct song structures, often featuring intense vocal performances and complementary melodies.

Over the years, Mates of State have released seven full-length albums and four EPs, consistently evolving their sound while maintaining their core identity. Notable albums include “My Solo Project” (2000), “Our Constant Concern” (2002), and “Team Boo” (2003) released through Omnibus and Polyvinyl Records. They later signed with Barsuk Records, releasing “Bring It Back” (2006), “Re-Arrange Us” (2008), and “Mountaintops” (2011). In addition to their studio work, they have toured extensively across the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia, sharing stages with artists such as Superdrag, Jimmy Eat World, Death Cab for Cutie, and The Postal Service. Their commitment to their music and family led Kori Gardner to document their experiences of touring with their three daughters, Magnolia (born 2004), June Elizabeth (born 2008), and Phoebe Ann (born 2017), in a blog titled ‘Band on the Diaper Run’ for Babble.com.

Further demonstrating their versatility, Mates of State released “Crushes (The Covers Mixtape)” in 2010, an album entirely composed of cover songs, including tracks by Tom Waits and Nick Cave. They have engaged in various creative endeavors beyond music, including starring in, producing, and composing the soundtrack for the indie film “The Rumperbutts” (2015). Their music has also been featured in television, such as the theme music for an episode of “Weeds” and performances on “Yo Gabba Gabba!” in 2010 and BYUtv’s “Studio C” in 2013 and 2014. These achievements highlight their enduring presence in the independent music scene and their continuous exploration of creative outlets.