Uke-Hunt is a ukulele-based cover band fronted by Spike Slawson from Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. Although both this and the Gimmes are cover bands, they have very different approaches. While the Gimmes generally pick non-rock songs, rock them out and speed them up to turn them into punk music, the songs picked for this band are generally upbeat songs that are then slowed down and mellowed out.[1]

Uke-Hunt
OriginSan Francisco, California
GenresFolk music
Years active2013–present
LabelsFat Wreck Chords
MembersSpike Slawson
Randy Burk
Jamin Barton
Joe Raposo

History

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The band's origins start with Slawson learning to play ukulele when Me First and the Gimme Gimmes would perform their cover of R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" live. Slawson would then learn different songs on ukulele which led to this band. The band initially played on the San Francisco Wharf under the name Uke Hammer.[citation needed] The band was initially made up of Slawson on ukulele and vocals, Randy Burk on percussion and vocals and Jamin Barton on various instruments, including saxophone, melodica and harmonica.[2]

The band first appeared on the 2013 Fat Music for Fest People III compilation before releasing their debut single, "The Prettiest Star", in April 2014, followed by their debut, self-titled album in June 2014. The following year, the band went on their first national tour.[3]

Members

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Discography

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"The Prettiest Star" 7" (2014)

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"The Prettiest Star"
Single by Uke-Hunt
from the album Uke-Hunt
B-side"Ben"
ReleasedApril 29, 2014 (2014-04-29)
Length2:50
LabelFat Wreck Chords
Songwriter(s)David Bowie

"The Prettiest Star" was the first release by the band. It was released on April 29, 2014 by Fat Wreck Chords.

Track listing

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No.TitleWriter(s)Original artistLength
1."The Prettiest Star"David BowieDavid Bowie2:50
2."Ben"Donald Black/Walter ScharfMichael Jackson2:04

Uke-Hunt (2014)

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Uke-Hunt
Studio album by
Uke-Hunt
ReleasedJune 10, 2014 (2014-06-10)
Length25:38
LabelFat Wreck Chords

Uke-Hunt is the debut album by the band. It was released on June 10, 2014 by Fat Wreck Chords.

Track listing

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Compilation appearances

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The following releases feature songs by the band.

  • Fat Music for Fest People III (2013, Fat Wreck Chords)
    • Features "Animal Farm", later released on Uke-Hunt
  • Fat Music for Fest People IV (2014, Fat Wreck Chords)
    • Features "Needles and Pins" from Uke-Hunt
  • Mild in the Streets: Fat Music Unplugged (2016, Fat Wreck Chords)
    • Features the exclusive "Xanadu"

References

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  1. ^ "Interview: Inside Uke-Hunt with Spike Slawson". riffyou.com. May 28, 2015. Archived from the original on 2016-12-25. Retrieved 2015-06-02.
  2. ^ "Drag The River, Uke-Hunt, Frankie Boots and the County Line (Record Release)". Thee Parkside. Archived from the original on 2016-12-25. Retrieved 2015-06-02.
  3. ^ "UKE-HUNT TOUR!". April 1, 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-06-07. Retrieved 2015-06-02.
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