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Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends

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Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends is a rock band formed in Oakland, California in 2015 by vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Conan Neutron and intended as a vehicle for his songwriting. Featuring Melvins drummer Dale Crover on drums and Tony Ash on bass and with production work by Toshi Kasai, their style is influenced by classic rock, noise rock and post-punk, and the live shows feature a revolving cast of players. They are a touring act predominately based in Wisconsin.

Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends
Background information
OriginOakland, California, United States
Genres
Years active2014–present
Labels
  • Learning Curve Records
  • Seismic Wave Entertainment
Members
Current members
  • Conan Neutron – lead vocals, guitar (2014–present)
  • Tony Ash– bass, vocals (2014–present)
  • Dale Crover – drums, percussion, (2014–present)
Live members
  • Mindee Jorgensen - Drums
  • Jordan Sobolew – Drums
  • Nick Erickson – Drums
  • Chris Bolig – Drums
  • Jonathan Brown – Drums
  • Dusty Rose - Guitar
  • Erica Strout – Guitar
  • Ryan Werner – Guitar
  • Michael Marchant – Guitar
  • Dylan Trost – Guitar
  • Evan Rowe – Guitar
  • Chris Williams – Guitar
  • Joseph Cannon – Guitar
  • Jason Myles – Guitar
  • Kevin Seal – Keyboards
  • Lindsey Charles – Vocals
  • Steph Donoma – Vocals
Websiteneutronfriends.com

Band name

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Although the first record was produced in secret, the band's name is in fact a reference to the comic series The Maxx by Sam Kieth and the concept of a "Secret Friend".

A 'secret friend' is somebody in high school, an artist, or free spirit or deviant that the jock or popular kid recognizes is somebody special but will not publicly acknowledge being friends with due to social pressure. The same person that will likely go on to do great things in the future, but in the cloistered lair of high school popularity is a "freak, nerd or weirdo." who associating with lowers one social capital.[1]

History

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The band revealed itself to the world in January 2015,[2] releasing a full-length record entitled The Enemy of Everyone, a 9-song full length that featured guest vocals by Eugene Robinson of Oxbow on the song "Fight Math". the record was dedicated to Neutron's friend Clay Wofford. R.I.P. (1977–2014), it was produced and engineered by Toshi Kasai at the Sound of Sirens studio.

2016 brought the release of the second record Art of Murder. A record directly inspired by the Hannibal Lecter series of books by Thomas Harris. Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal and the interpersonal dynamics between the characters within. As well as some of the other associated material around the characters of said stories. The band cites that "Certain phrases are cited in the lyrical content and are done so with the utmost respect and admiration."[3] It was once again produced and engineered by Toshi Kasai at Sound of Sirens.

The song "Avid Fan" was premiered on the website I Heart Noise on February 23, 2016,[4] featuring backup vocals by Buzz Osborne of the Melvins, the critical reception was positive.

Sporadic live appearances of the band began in 2016 in cities such as Chicago, Louisville, Oakland, San Francisco and elsewhere in a "UFO like appearance schedule" On September 17, 2016 Neutron gave an interview with[5] Shiny Grey Monotone where he likened the band lineup to comic book heroes The Avengers.

Further national touring ensued, as well as several single releases.[6][7] this was followed by a relocation to Wisconsin by core members Tony Ash and Conan Neutron.[8]

On August 6, 2017 a digital single entitled "Conversion" was released[9] in conjunction with Bandcamp's day of action for Trans Rights,[10] the song sung by Transgendered singer Ashley Altadonna of the Glacial Speed consists of lyrical matter directly related to Conversion Therapy, a pseudo-scientific practice that tries to change an individual's sexual orientation using psychological or spiritual interventions.

These songs were later issued on as part of a digital B-Sides ep entitled "Perfectly Reasonable Deviations From the Beaten Track"[11] along with a cover of the protopunk band Death.

2018 and 2019 brought the next set of Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends releases, a series of split singles entitled "Protons and Electrons.[8]

Ensuing "Protons and Electrons" tours covered the Mountain West and Pacific Northwest[12] followed by additional national and international touring in the Midwest, East Coast and Canada,[13][14] mid-west and West Coast regions and more releases of these singles, including an addition on bandcamp "New and Notable"[15] for the song Jilted dragon, followed by a video[16] A longer run of dates, including New York City,[17] SE Canada,[18] west coast,[19] mid-west and select areas of the south accompanied the release of the Protons and Electrons 2 X LP/2 X CD compilation of the singles.[20] The compilation was largely well received[21] one review stating:[22]

"The big point here is that each of these Neutronian tracks are singular events, tirades of sharply cut and intentionally faceted perspective each attempting to see light by way of precarious manipulated shadows, the full listen is inspired and ‘lost’ in its own head to great effect."

Further media appearances included appearances on Live From the Barrage, TOMORROW WE DIE!,[23] and The Operative,[24][25] where he discussed small scale corollaries with the band and both Nick Cave as well as the work of the Birthday Party (Band), Grinderman, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

The band started off 2020 with scheduled touring,[26] including the No Coast 2020 fest in Arlington, TX and others, but like all bands, the tour was cut short and subsequently cancelled due to COVID-19 global pandemic.[27][28] This was discussed in multuple media appearances as well as Neutron's participation in the band Household Gods with David Pajo of Slint, Vern Rumsey of Unwound and Lauren K. Newman.

The third record Dark Passengers, produced with Toshi Kasai was released on Learning Curve Records.[29] Several songs were premiered in various outlets to positive reception, mostly noting the darker tone of the songs subject matter.[30][31][32][33][34] Described as: "A concept record about depression, imposter complex and other mental health issues."[35][36][37][38][39]

In April 2021, Neutron appeared on The Watt from Pedro Show and announced that new material was forthcoming.[40]

2022 revealed this to be the split ep Dangerous Nomenclature with Chicago's Erratic Retaliator Strategy and 2023's Adult Prom, a split LP with the Cincinnati, Ohio band Lung, both once again released on Learning Curve Records.[41] [42] [43]

Music style

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Conan Neutron & the Secret Friend's music style has been compared to the likes of Cheap Trick, Queens of the Stone Age, Afghan Whigs and The Minutemen among others, often with references to both Modern rock, Power Pop, Noise-rock and Classic rock as musical touch points.[44][45]

Live performance

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Live performances by Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends feature a number of different lineups, in an interview with the Milwaukee Record, this point was clarified citing drummer Crover's busy Melvins schedule as the reason behind the shifting lineups and a desire to work flexibly.[46]

Live reviews often reference that there is rock and roll music being played and express the opinion that the show is entertaining and worthwhile.

"There never seemed to be a moment when Neutron was off — a perpetual showman in the best way. Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends proved that not all class clowns and creative thinkers were silenced by the Ritalin-dispensing '90s. Some of them still hit the stage and play rock music."[47] A human wrecking ball comprised of sequined jackets, sweat, and song, Neutron has an enthusiasm on stage that is more than infectious, it's downright plague-inducing – incurable, unstoppable.[48]

Podcast

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Conan Neutron is also the host of the Conan Neutron's Protonic Reversal podcast.

Discography

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Year Title Label
2015 The Enemy of Everyone Seismic Wave Entertainment SW013
2016 The Art of Murder Seismic Wave Entertainment SW014
2017 Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track online only
2019 Protons and Electrons Compilation Seismic Wave Entertainment SW027
2020 Dark Passengers Learning Curve Records LCR077-1
2022 Dangerous Nomenclature Learning Curve Records LCR-080-1
2023 Adult Prom Learning Curve Records LCR-090-1

References

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  1. ^ [1] [dead link]
  2. ^ "The Enemy Of Everyone, by Conan Neutron & The Secret Friends". Neutronfriends.bandcamp.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  3. ^ "The Art of Murder, by Conan Neutron & The Secret Friends". Neutronfriends.bandcamp.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  4. ^ "Premiere – Conan Neutron & The Secret Friends – Avid Fan – I Heart Noise". 30 March 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-03-30. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  5. ^ "[shiny grey monotone]: conan neutron". Shinygreymonotone.blogspot.com. 17 September 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  6. ^ [2] [dead link]
  7. ^ "UNPRESIDENTED: DIY vs. Donald Trump, by Unintimidated: Wisconsin Musicians Against Scott Walker". Unintimidatedscottwalker.bandcamp.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  8. ^ a b Wild, Matt (15 March 2018). "Weird music by weirdos, for weirdos: Chatting with Milwaukee-via-Oakland musician Conan Neutron". Milwaukeerecord.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  9. ^ "Conversion". Neutronfriends.com. 6 August 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  10. ^ "Today, Stand with Bandcamp in Support of Trans Rights « Bandcamp Daily". Archived from the original on 2018-02-20. Retrieved 2018-04-09.
  11. ^ "Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track, by Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends". Neutronfriends.bandcamp.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  12. ^ "Noise-Rock Hero Plays Homecoming Bay Area Shows – KPIX-CBS SF Bay Area, March 18, 2018". Sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  13. ^ ""incurable, unstoppable" – Pittsburgh Post Gazette". post-gazette.com. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  14. ^ "Montreal Picks". cultmtl.com. 24 October 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  15. ^ "Bandcamp". Bandcamp.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  16. ^ ""Jilted Dragon Video, Directed by Rick Valentin"". YouTube. 6 September 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  17. ^ "Live From the Barrage Ep275: Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends". Radionope.com. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  18. ^ Cummins, Johnson (24 October 2019). "The Queen of All Things Dark, just in time for Halloween". Cultmtl.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  19. ^ "Noise-Rock Hero Plays Homecoming Show In Oakland". Sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com. 29 October 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  20. ^ ""Record Recommends: Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends" November 6th 2019". Milwaukeerecord.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  21. ^ "The Big Takeover: News". Bigtakeover.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  22. ^ "Conan Neutron & The Secret Friends – Protons and Electrons [Vinyl] (2019) | REVIEW". Grizzlybutts.com. 2020-01-08. Retrieved 2020-06-21.
  23. ^ "TOMORROW WE DIE! podcast". Ruinousmedia.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  24. ^ "Conan Neutron on Nick Cave « The Operative". Radionope.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  25. ^ "Conan Neutron on Nick Cave Part 2 « The Operative". Radionope.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  26. ^ "Search for setlists: artist:(Conan Neutron)". Setlist.fm. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  27. ^ "Conan Neutron | The Ron Purtee Show". Ronhasawebsite.com. 12 May 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  28. ^ "Special Guest: Conan Neutron by Undetermined: The Podcast • A podcast on Anchor". Anchor.fm. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  29. ^ "Learning Curve Records: Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends: Dark Passengers". bandcamp.com. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  30. ^ "Song Premiere: "Without the Poison… What Am I?" by Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends". bigtakeover.com. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  31. ^ "SPB Premiere – "Misery Machine" by Conan Neutron & The Secret Friends". scenepointblank.com. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  32. ^ "CONAN NEUTRON & THE SECRET FRIENDS (+ AMAZING INTERVIEW)". fuzzy-sun.com. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  33. ^ "TRACK PREMIERE: CONAN NEUTRON & THE SECRET FRIENDS SHARE 'DARK PASSENGERS'". fuzzy-sun.com. 24 September 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  34. ^ "Undetermined Interview: 10/2020". iheart.com. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  35. ^ "Track-by-Track // Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends – Dark Passengers". ihrtn.com. 6 March 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  36. ^ "Chin Music, Episode 6: The Funny Looking Guy Is Good". fangraphs.com. 26 March 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  37. ^ "Conan Neutron Interview – Shape of Rock Dec. 2020". wmse.org. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  38. ^ "Ep250: Gerald Casale of DEVO interviews Conan Neutron". protonicreversal.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  39. ^ "Songwriting Malpractice Ep#51: Conan Neutron". podbay.fm. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  40. ^ "2021-04-21 The Watt from Pedro Show". podchaser.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  41. ^ "Performance Anxiety Podcast- Conan Neutron". Performance Anxiety. 13 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  42. ^ "Video Premiere: "We Were Wolves" by Conan Neutron & The Secret Friends". The Big Takeover. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  43. ^ "Video Premiere - Conan Neutron & The Secret Friends, Crybullies". ghettoblastermagazine.com/. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  44. ^ "Conan Neutron & The Secret Friends- The Art of Murder". Howmuchlongermustwetoleratemassculture.wordpress.com. 9 April 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  45. ^ "Conan Neutron and the Secret Friends- Protons & Electrons Compilation". Howmuchlongermustwetoleratemassculture.wordpress.com. 15 September 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  46. ^ "Weird music by weirdos, for weirdos: Chatting with Milwaukee-via-Oakland musician Conan Neutron". milwaukeerecord.com. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  47. ^ "Review + Photos: Taxes pay their dues while Poster Children light up Bottom of the Hill". Thebaybridged.com. 17 October 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  48. ^ Kemp|March 28, SarahJayn; Neutron, 2018|Comments Off on Review + Photos: Conan; Room, the Secret Friends at the Elbo (28 March 2018). "Review + Photos: Conan Neutron and the Secret Friends at the Elbo Room". Thebaybridged.com. Retrieved 11 September 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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