Menomena

Menomena formed in Portland, Oregon, in late 2000, consisting of multi-instrumentalists Justin Harris, Brent Knopf, and Danny Seim. The band quickly established a reputation for its unorthodox musical arrangements, often created using a custom-built computer program named Deeler, developed by Knopf. Their debut album, “I Am the Fun Blame Monster!”, self-released in 2003, featured innovative packaging in the form of a hand-assembled flipbook. This album garnered critical attention, including an 8.7/10 rating from Pitchfork Media, which contributed to its national release in 2004 through FILMguerrero, followed by a national tour. In 2005, they released “Under an Hour”, an instrumental album composed for a modern dance performance.

The band’s career progressed with their signing to Barsuk Records in August 2006, leading to the release of “Friend and Foe” in 2007. This album, with artwork by graphic novelist Craig Thompson, received an 8.5/10 from Pitchfork and a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Recording Package.” Menomena continued to innovate with their fourth album, “Mines”, released in 2010. Following this release, Brent Knopf departed the band in 2011 to pursue his solo project, Ramona Falls. Harris and Seim continued as a duo, releasing “Moms” in 2012, an album noted for its personal lyrical themes.

After a hiatus, Menomena reunited in 2024, surprise-releasing “The Insulation EP” and announcing live performances of their debut album with Brent Knopf rejoining. Individual members have also been active in other projects; Justin Harris joined UK rock band Bloc Party for eight years, contributing to two albums. Danny Seim has developed his solo project Lackthereof, formed Pfarmers with Bryan Devendorf of The National, and is currently involved in co-directing the Portland Museum. These diverse activities reflect the members’ ongoing creative engagement within the music industry and beyond.