Wikipedia

Strictly Ballroom (band)

Strictly Ballroom was a Los Angeles, California underground emo/hardcore punk/indie rock band active between 1994 and 1999.[1]

Strictly Ballroom
Strictly Ballroom live at the Jabberjaw in Los Angeles (1995)
Background information
Also known asArca
OriginLos Angeles, California
Genres
Years active
  • 1994-1999
  • 2001
Past membersChris Gunst
Jimmy Tamborello
Paul Larson
Jimi Hey
Chris Hathwell
Brian Tamborello
Ian MacKinnon
Koji Motonishi
Jose Salguero

History

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The group was formed in 1994 by Chris Gunst (guitar/vocals) and Jimmy Tamborello (bass/vocals), who met while they were both college radio DJs at KXLU in Los Angeles.[2] The band's sound was described as "Enocore" by the press and some fans at the time, due to their use of Brian Eno-like soundscapes merged with the sounds of hardcore punk rock. Strictly Ballroom was affiliated with the emo hardcore scene of the mid-to-late 1990s and played at known clubs such as Los Angeles' Jabberjaw.[3] Gunst went on to form Beachwood Sparks, and Tamborello went on to form the Postal Service. Both projects subsequently release albums on Sub Pop Records, the latter of which received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.[4][5][6][7]

According to Tony Kiewel, president of Sub Pop Records, "Strictly Ballroom didn't really get out of California much but they were a fairly influential part of the local music scene while they were around. Suffice to say, there's an odd crew of folks who were all really close and involved in this little scene who all went on to do relatively interesting stuff."[8]

The original line-up included Tamborello's younger brother, Brian Tamborello, on drums. Ian MacKinnon (also a KXLU DJ at the time) later replaced the younger Tamborello. Koji Motonishi joined on guitar in 1995. Motonishi left in 1996, replaced by Paul Larson. Around 1997, Jose Salguero (also a KXLU DJ at the time) joined on turntables, and Jimi Hey joined on drums and keyboards. In 1998, Jimmy LaValle joined on keyboards, and MacKinnon left, replaced by Chris Hathwell. Strictly Ballroom broke up in 1999, but members have continued to collaborate and join or start other musical projects.[9]

Song usage in other media

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In 2022, Vans used two Strictly Ballroom songs, “Fire (Remix) (1997)” and “New Angels (1995),” in the Vans snowboarding short film, “It’s Love.” The short film, directed by Tanner Pendleton and parts of which were shot in Iceland, features streetstyle snowboarding.[10][11][12][13]

In 2023, Thrasher Magazine used the Strictly Ballroom song, “New Angels (1995),” in skateboarding video part, “Lad is Pro as,” which features newly-turned professional Australian skateboarder, Rowan Davis, in his debut professional video part for Girl Skateboards.[14][15][16][17][18]

Members

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  • Chris Gunst - guitar/vocals
  • Jimmy Tamborello - bass/vocals
  • Brian Tamborello - drums (1994–95)
  • Ian MacKinnon - drums (1995–98)
  • Koji Motonishi - guitar (1995–96)
  • Chris Hathwell - drums (1998–99)
  • Paul Larson - guitar (1996–99)
  • Jose Salguero - turntables (1996–97)
  • Jimi Hey - drums/keyboards (1997–99)
  • Jimmy LaValle - keyboards (1998–99)

Discography

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Albums

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Singles & EPs

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Compilations

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  • Collected Recordings (1994-1999) (2013, Tenderness)

Compilation appearances

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  • "Second Hand Fiasco" on Hand Made Words (1995, Toyland)
  • "Instrumental" on KXLU 88.9 FM Los Angeles Live Volume 2 (1996, KXLU)
  • "Escape Plan #4" on Zum Audio Vol. 1 (1997, Zum)
  • "Untitled" on Soccocore (1997)

Members' other projects

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References

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  1. ^ "Strictly Ballroom". Discogs.
  2. ^ Prato, Greg (July 13, 2001). "Strictly Ballroom". AllMusic. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  3. ^ "Breaking Common Ground: An Interview with Some of the Dudes of Strictly Ballroom". April 15, 2013.
  4. ^ Perry, Kevin EG (January 22, 2013). "(This Is) The Dream Of Jimmy and Ben: 10 years of The Postal Service". DrownedInSound. Archived from the original on October 27, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  5. ^ Records, Sub Pop. "Fire". Sub Pop Records.
  6. ^ Stutz, Colin (November 1, 2012). "Postal Service's 'Give Up' Goes Platinum Just in Time for Album's 10th Anniversary". The Hollywood Reporter.
  7. ^ Frank, Aaron (August 3, 2012). "Beachwood Sparks Are One of L.A.'s Most Influential Bands You Don't Know - LA Weekly". www.laweekly.com.
  8. ^ Perry, Kevin (2013-01-22). "(This Is) The Dream of Jimmy and Ben: 10 years of The Postal Service". Drowned In Sound. Retrieved 2024-04-06.
  9. ^ Prato, Greg. "Strictly Ballroom Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-04-06.
  10. ^ "It's Love". www.vans.eu.
  11. ^ "Vans Snowboarding presents: It's Love". www.methodmag.com.
  12. ^ "Vans Snow Presents "It's Love"". Torment Magazine.
  13. ^ "Vans Snowboarding Presents: It's Love". Pleasure Snowboard Mag.
  14. ^ "Rowan Davis' "Lad is Pro as" Girl Part" – via www.thrashermagazine.com.
  15. ^ "Rowan Davis PRO Part for Girl Skateboards". The Berrics. May 9, 2023.
  16. ^ "ROWAN DAVIS "LAD IS PRO AS" GIRL PART". May 8, 2023.
  17. ^ "Rowan Davis". Route One. May 18, 2023. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  18. ^ "Rowan Davis: Lad is Pro | BOARDWORLD". www.boardworld.com.au.
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