Warpaint

Warpaint formed in Los Angeles on Valentine’s Day 2004, initially comprising Emily Kokal (vocals, guitar), Theresa Wayman (vocals, guitar), Jenny Lee Lindberg (bass, vocals), and Shannyn Sossamon (drums). The band spent its early years developing their sound through performances in Los Angeles, leading to the self-release of their debut EP, “Exquisite Corpse,” in 2008. This early work featured contributions from Josh Klinghoffer on drums and guitar, and was mixed and mastered by John Frusciante. The EP garnered attention, reaching number one on the Los Angeles Amoeba Records local artist chart, and was subsequently re-released worldwide by Manimal Vinyl in 2009. The addition of Australian drummer Stella Mozgawa in 2009 solidified the band’s core lineup and marked a significant turning point in their musical evolution.

Following their signing with Rough Trade Records, Warpaint released their debut album, “The Fool,” in October 2010. This album received positive critical reception, including a favorable review from NME, and achieved commercial success, charting on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums and the UK Independent Albums Chart. “The Fool” led to extensive touring across the U.S. and Europe, including appearances at major festivals such as Glastonbury, Coachella, and Electric Picnic. The band’s creative approach involves collaborative songwriting, often developed through jamming and free-flowing sessions, which shaped their subsequent releases. Their self-titled second album, “Warpaint,” released in 2014, showcased a more refined sound influenced by hip-hop and electronic music, and achieved Top Ten status in the UK. This was followed by “Heads Up” in 2016, which continued to reflect their evolving sound and live energy.

The group’s touring schedule included opening for high-profile acts like The xx, Depeche Mode, and Harry Styles, demonstrating their growing appeal to diverse audiences. In 2017, Warpaint made history as the first band to play four consecutive shows at the Hollywood Bowl while opening for Depeche Mode. Their most recent album, “Radiate Like This,” released in 2022, was notably recorded remotely by the band members in their individual home studios during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing their adaptability and continued commitment to their musical craft. In 2024, to mark their 20th anniversary, Warpaint released the single “Common Blue” on Rough Trade, which performed well on the UK Singles Sales Chart, affirming their enduring presence in the indie music scene.