Kurt Vile

Not to be confused with Kurt Weill or Curt Vile.
Kurt Vile

Vile performing at Roskilde Festival in 2011
Background information
Birth name Kurt Samuel Vile
Also known as El Cabrito Matador
Born (1980-01-03) January 3, 1980
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania
Origin Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US[1]
Genres Indie rock, indie folk, lo-fi
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, musician
Instruments Vocals, guitar, trumpet, banjo, keyboards
Years active 2003-present
Labels Matador, Gulcher, Mexican Summer
Associated acts Kurt Vile & The Violators, The War on Drugs
Website www.kurtvile.com

Kurt Samuel Vile (born January 3, 1980)[2] is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is best known for his solo career. Both in the studio and during live performances, Vile is accompanied by his backing band, The Violators, which currently includes Jesse Trbovich (bass, guitar, saxophone), Rob Laakso (guitar, bass) and Kyle Spence (drums).

Influenced by Pavement, Neil Young, Tom Petty, and John Fahey,[3] Vile began his musical career creating lo-fi home recordings with frequent collaborator Adam Granduciel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Focusing on his solo career, Vile released two albums, Constant Hitmaker (2008) and God Is Saying This to You... (2009), compiling various home recordings dating back to 2003. Vile signed to Matador Records in 2009, and released his third album, Childish Prodigy, that same year. The album was his first recorded in a studio and with the full participation of The Violators.

In 2011, Vile released his fourth studio album, Smoke Ring for My Halo, which significantly increased his exposure. His fifth studio album, Wakin on a Pretty Daze, was released in 2013, with Laakso replacing Granduciel in his backing band. In 2015, Vile released his sixth studio album, b'lieve I'm goin down....

Biography

Beginnings (1994–2002)

At the age of fourteen, Kurt Vile was given a banjo by his father, with Vile noting, "I kind of wished [it] was a guitar. So I'd kind of just play it like a guitar anyway. I was really into writing pretty primitive tunes, and really into recording. I pretty much knew I was going to do music [with my life] then."[4] Vile began writing songs on the banjo, describing his first self-penned track as: "a joke song. It was a good instrumental; I knew all these chords, but then I was quoting a cartoon as the lyrics on top of it. I had seen this cartoon about Superman and Lex Luthor; it was like the back history of why Lex Luthor hated Superman. They used to be friends, and then some giant stone of kryptonite fell and it made Lex Luthor's hair fall out, and he was like, "You made all my hair fall out!" It was a really stupid cartoon, but that was my song, 'You Made All My Hair Fall Out'."[5]

Three years later, Vile created his first "mass-produced" tape at the age of seventeen. Influenced by Pavement, Beck, (Smog) and the record label, Drag City, Vile noted, "I really thought I could be on Drag City. I really wanted that. I heard these people that made good music but it was still pretty raw, and had this real cult quality."[4]

While working on his home recordings, Vile worked as a forklift driver, from 2000 to 2002.[6] Regarding this time in his life, Vile noted "It was a really fast-paced job, unloading trucks. Though music was my passion, I had a long way to go then and a lot to learn. I got depressed so many times by my blue-collar life, and self-conscious about the fact that I didn't go to college. I was always working super low-end jobs, being the complete opposite of what I wanted to be. But I just fell into it, and I was also sorta shy. It was definitely a pretty rough time."[7]

The War on Drugs and Constant Hitmaker (2003–2008)

In 2003, after staying in Boston for two years, Vile moved back to his hometown of Philadelphia, and began collaborating with musician and songwriter Adam Granduciel. The duo subsequently formed the indie rock band The War on Drugs in 2005. Regarding his friendship with Granduciel, Vile noted, "We're essentially best friends. He was backing me up in my band when he started working on his own music, so I thought I’d return the favor."[4] Granduciel and Vile released their debut studio album, Wagonwheel Blues, in 2008 and embarked on a tour in support of its release.[8]

At this time, Vile's debut solo album, Constant Hitmaker (2008), was released on Gulcher Records.[9] Vile subsequently decided to leave The War on Drugs to concentrate on his solo career. The album was compiled from various home recordings and one studio recording of the song "Freeway".[10] In 2009, Vile noted, "The War On Drugs got put out on a bigger label first, so, in the blogosphere, some claim that The War on Drugs was my first, main band. But that’s just the way it looks. I've made more music than Adam has, and have been doing my Kurt Vile thing for a little bit longer. And Constant Hitmaker came out around that same time. Right when that [War on Drugs] record came out, I went to Europe with them, and also opened as Kurt Vile. That was right when I decided I wanted to concentrate on doing my own thing."[4] Despite Vile's departure, Granduciel remained a member of his backing band, The Violators, with Granduciel noting, "There was never, despite what lazy journalists have assumed, any sort of falling out, or resentment."[11]

God Is Saying This to You... and Childish Prodigy (2009–2010)

In April 2009, Mexican Summer released God Is Saying This to You...; a collection of Vile's home recordings dating back to 2003 on vinyl only.[12] Upon its release, Vile had already recorded a studio album, Childish Prodigy, which Vile described as "definitely not as lo-fi" as his previous releases.[6] After shopping the record to various labels, Vile signed with Matador Records in May 2009. Vile noted, "It's a perfect fit. They were my number one choice. I don't really consider my music indie rock or think that Matador cater only to indie rock, but I still feel I can relate most to Matador, more than any other label. Not to mention the fact that they are way on top of their shit."[6]

Recorded with backing band The Violators, Childish Prodigy was released on October 6, 2009, and increased Vile's exposure significantly. Support slots with Dinosaur Jr, Thurston Moore and Fucked Up followed the album's release. Regarding his new position, Vile stated, "Obviously there's more touring, more press and more hype which I won't say is not deserved. There's like a faction of people, too, who like to talk shit, which is kind of new. When I was more independent, there were people who got really excited and there still are but once I got more press people started to comment on blogs. People like to talk shit. [...] It's like climbing a ladder. I like to climb it really slowly. I could probably get really professional right away, but I like to take baby steps and find my own way."[13]

Smoke Ring for My Halo (2011–2012)

Vile released his fourth studio album, Smoke Ring for My Halo, in 2011. The album peaked at #154 on the Billboard Top 200 and placed highly on many end-of-year lists. Later in the year, Vile released a companion EP, So Outta Reach, and appeared on his former band The War on Drugs' second studio album, Slave Ambient. Shortly after the release of Smoke Ring for My Halo, longtime Violators guitarist Adam Granduciel departed from the band to fully focus on The War on Drugs, with Vile noting, "Adam, he plays in The War on Drugs, his record came out a little after mine did, so at first he toured, and now he’s obviously busy with that and now he’s working on his new record."

Wakin on a Pretty Daze (2013–2014)

Wakin on a Pretty Daze was released on April 9, 2013. Regarding the current line-up of his backing band, Vile noted, "I’m playing with Jesse [Trbovich] and Rob [Laakso]. [...] Rob Laakso is the newest member and Jesse has been a member forever. They’re steady members. Our drummer is no longer with us, but other than that, different friends played drums on the record and we’re doing rehearsals with that right now. But other than that, the Violators are me, Jesse, and Rob and we’ll see how it evolves."[14] Priestess drummer Vince Nudo subsequently joined the band on drums and percussion, after performing on two of Wakin on a Pretty Daze's tracks.

Steve Gunn joined the band as an "auxiliary Violator", during the band's May 2013 tour dates, with Vile noting, "It’s impossible to just talk about Steve. He’s too good! He’s so good; just listen to him. What can I even say about him that touches that? I just want to listen to him."[15]

On September 24, 2013, Vile announced the release of a new EP, It's a Big World Out There (And I Am Scared), and a deluxe edition of Wakin on a Pretty Daze.[16]

b'lieve i'm goin down... (2015 – present)

On March 6, 2015, Vile announced that he was working on his sixth studio album, with recording taking place across different locations in the United States. b'lieve i'm goin down...was released September 25, 2015, on Matador Records. Vile has described it as "All over the place. Everything you can imagine I've done... That's where I'm at now, that I can sort of tap into every world and make it cohesive."[17] Still in Rock has ranked this LP as the 2nd best of 2015.[18]

Personal life

Vile is married to Suzanne, a teacher, and has two daughters.[19]

The Violators

Vile's backing band, The Violators, consists of:

  • Jesse Trbovich – guitars, bass guitar, saxophone (2006–present)
  • Rob Laakso – guitars, bass guitar, keyboards, various instruments (2011–present)[20]
  • Kyle Spence – drums, percussion (2013–present)[21]

Former members

  • Vince Nudo – drums (2013)
  • Mike Zanghi – drums, percussion (2007–2012)[14]
  • Adam Granduciel – guitars, various instruments (2003–2011)[14]
  • "Cousin" Dan Bower – drums, percussion (2003–2006)
  • Jay Ganas – bass guitar (2003)[22]
  • Michael Johnson – drums[22]
  • Robert Robinson – percussion, guitar, effects

Additional live members

Discography

Solo

Studio albums
Year Album Peak positions sales
US
[23]		 BEL
(Fl)
[24]		 BEL
(Wa)
[25]		 DEN
[26]		 FIN
[27]		 NED
[28]		 NOR
[29]		 SWE
[30]		 SWI
[31]		 UK
[32]
2008 Constant Hitmaker — — — — — — — — — —
2009 God Is Saying This to You... — — — — — — — — — —
2009 Childish Prodigy — — — — — — — — — —
2011 Smoke Ring for My Halo 154 — — — — — — — — —
2013 Wakin on a Pretty Daze 47 23 81 33 40 53 21 25 64 41
2015 b'lieve I'm goin down... 40 8 44 — — 15 18 26 45 25
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
EPs
Singles
List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak positions Album
US
AAA
[34]		 US
Alt
[35]		 Rock
Air.
[36]		 BEL
[24]
"Freeway" 2008 — — — — Constant Hitmaker
"He's Alright" 2009 — — — — Childish Prodigy
"In My Time" 2010 — — — — Smoke Ring for My Halo
"Never Run Away" 2013 — — — — Wakin on a Pretty Daze
"Pretty Pimpin" 2015 1 33 33 95 b'lieve I'm goin down...
"Life Like This" — — — —
"I'm an Outlaw" 2016 — — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

The War on Drugs

Studio albums
EPs

References

  1. ↑ "Shaggy, Yes, but Finessed Just So" Interview with The New York Times, October 25, 2009.
  2. ↑ Dunning, JJ (May 2013). "Kurt Vile Interview". The Fly (160): 24.
  3. ↑ "Questions of Doom with Kurt Vile". Bad Vibes. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Carew, Anthony. "An Interview with Kurt Vile". altmusic.about.com. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  5. ↑ Greene, Jayson. "Q&A: Kurt Vile on His Favorite Bob Seger Song and the Neil Young Solo That Changed His Life". villagevoice.com. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  6. 1 2 3 Steeply, M. Hugh. "Interview: Kurt Vile". tinymixtapes.com. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  7. ↑ Laura Barton (March 29, 2013). "Kurt Vile: from Boston forklift driver to the Hotel California | Music". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  8. ↑ "The War On Drugs - Wagonwheel Blues". Discogs. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  9. ↑ "Kurt Vile - Constant Hitmaker". Discogs. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  10. ↑ McKay, Sarah (March 16, 2009). "Kurt Vile: No, Don't Bring Me Weed". larecord.com. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  11. ↑ Ubaghs, Charles. "Sincerely Ambient: An Interview with The War on Drugs". thequietus.com. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  12. ↑ "Kurt Vile - God Is Saying This To You...". Discogs. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  13. ↑ Serota, Maggie. "Philadelphia's Kurt Vile writes hits, takes shit". avclub.com. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  14. 1 2 3 Rachel, T. Cole. "Progress Report:Kurt Vile". stereogum.com. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
  15. 1 2 "Steve Gunn's Time Off set for June 18 release; Steve to tour with Kurt Vile.". Paradise of Bachelors. 2013-04-04. Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  16. ↑ "Wakin On A Pretty Daze: Deluxe Daze (Post Haze)". Wakin On A Pretty Daze: Deluxe Daze (Post Haze) by Kurt Vile on store.matadorrecords.com. Retrieved September 11, 2015.
  17. ↑ "Kurt Vile Talks 'All Over the Place' New Album". Spin. Retrieved September 11, 2015.
  18. ↑ Best LPs of 2015 – Top 20 “Still in Rock”
  19. ↑ Lindsay, Cam (April 17, 2013). "Parenting Tips... With Kurt Vile". NOISEY. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  20. ↑ Power, Ian. "Kurt Vile: The extended interview". citypages.com. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  21. ↑ Archived October 25, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
  22. 1 2 "Interview: Kurt Vile". owl and bear. Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  23. ↑ "Kurt Vile Album & Song Chart History - Billboard 200". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media.
  24. 1 2 "Discografie Kurt Vile". Ultratop.
  25. ↑ "Discographie Kurt Vile". Ultratop.
  26. ↑ "Discography Kurt Vile". Danish Charts. Hung Medien.
  27. ↑ "Discography Kurt Vile". Finnish Charts. Hung Medien.
  28. ↑ "Discografie Kurt Vile". Dutch Charts. Hung Medien.
  29. ↑ "Discography Kurt Vile". Norwegian Charts. Hung Medien.
  30. ↑ "Discography Kurt Vile". Swedish Charts. Hung Medien.
  31. ↑ "Discographie Kurt Vile". hitparade.ch.
  32. ↑ "Kurt Vile". The Official Charts Company.
  33. ↑ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on September 3, 2015.
  34. ↑ "Kurt Vile – Chart History: Adult Alternative Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
  35. ↑ "Kurt Vile – Chart History: Alternative Rock". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  36. ↑ "Kurt Vile – Chart History: Rock Airplay". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
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