The Negatones

The Negatones is a Brooklyn, New York based band, founded by siblings Jay Braun (vocals, guitar, synthesizers) and Justin Braun (vocals, bass, synthesizers) with Jun Takeshta (guitar, synthesizers, vocals, mallet instruments) and Jesse Wallace (drums, electronic drums, percussion, vocals).

The Negatones have developed a unique, genre-crossing style that often features frenetic performances and recordings. Their sound combines elements of rock and roll, progressive rock, electronica, glitch, blaxploitation, metal, and punk. In step with their stylistic dichotomies, they are known for both championing analog gear such as Moog synthesizers and magnetic tape recorders, as well as forging unmistakably digital mixes using the nonlinear computer recording platform Pro Tools. Using the benefits of combined analog and digital recording techniques, their songs often feature dense and busy orchestrations of traditional rock instruments performing live, layered with synthesizers, Beatle-esque harmonies, electronics, percussion, and occasionally a horn section. Jay Braun credits Latin-style Big Band, Electronica, and The Beatles as strong influences on the Negatones' busy and frenetic mixes. This heavily edited and densely layered style is also used on production and mixes by Jay for other artists (see releases with other artists).

The Brauns formed the Negatones in 1997 following stints playing local shows and touring internationally in several other NYC bands. Former high school classmate Jun Takeshta moved from Tokyo to New York City to join the Negatones after receiving a demo tape from the Brauns in the mail.

A noted anomaly amongst the Music of New York City, they have remained largely independent and defiant of local band trends yet maintain a loyal following, receive substantial broadcasts (both radio and podcasts) and enjoy regular press mention ranging from Spin Magazine and The Village Voice to a front page feature in The New York Times. The final episode of Dr. Katz features an animated thug wearing a Negatones T-shirt.

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