The Microphones
| The Microphones | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Olympia, Washington, United States |
| Genres | Indie rock, indie folk, noise pop, lo-fi |
| Years active | 1996–2003, 2007 |
| Labels | KNW-YR-OWN Elsinor Records K Records Yoyo Records |
| Associated acts | Mount Eerie |
| Past members |
Phil Elverum Mirah Zeitlyn Anna Oxygen Khaela Maricich Calvin Johnson Karl Blau Adam Forkner Kyle Field Justyn Pogue Dennis Driscoll Jenn Kliese Bronwyn Holm |
The Microphones was an American rock band from Olympia, Washington, founded in 1996 and ended in 2003, with a short reunion following in 2007. The band was fronted by Phil Elvrum, who was the principal songwriter and producer behind the Microphones' albums, but he also collaborated with other local musicians on his recordings and on tour. Many of Elvrum's recordings from this period were released by the label K Records. Since 2003, Elvrum (who now spells his surname Elverum) has recorded and performed under the name Mount Eerie.
Phil Elvrum became involved in the Washington music scene while working at The Business, a record store in his home town of Anacortes, in the mid-1990s. Elvrum began experimenting with recording equipment in the back of the store, which led to the store's owner Bret Lunsford releasing two cassettes (Microphone and Wires and Cords) on his label, KNW-YR-OWN. Elvrum also played drums in Lunsford's band, D+, before moving to Olympia in 1997 to attend Evergreen State College.
Whilst in Olympia, Elvrum caught the attention of K Records owner and musician Calvin Johnson. After recording for some time at the Dub Narcotic studios, Elvrum was able to complete his first full-length album, a CD entitled Tests, which was released in 1998 on Elsinor Records. Tests combined songs from his earlier cassette releases and the recently recorded Dub Narcotic recordings. At the same time, Elvrum released his first 7" single, "Bass Drum Dream" on Up Records.
Elvrum slowly gained recognition as a talented producer and recording engineer in the studio. While helping, often anonymously, with many of the area's artists, he began work on his second full-length, Don't Wake Me Up, released on K Records in 1999. Elvrum toured for a few months following the release with fellow K Records artist Mirah, and, showcasing his talents on the road, was able to build a small but loyal fanbase and gain appreciation in the indie music scene. While performing in another K Records band, Old Time Relijun, Elvrum began recording It Was Hot, We Stayed in the Water. Released on K Records in 2000, the album was Elvrum's most ambitious yet, featuring layers of harmonic guitars, noise, and Beach Boys-esque harmonies.
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