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'''Estradasphere''' was an [[Experimental music|experimental]] band that originated in [[Santa Cruz, California]] during the late 1990s. The band, which in its last incarnation was based in [[Seattle]], consisted of 6 multi-instrumentalists from a variety of musical backgrounds trained in disciplines ranging from [[classical music]] and [[jazz]] to [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.estradasphere.com/frame_band.php|title = Estradasphere's website|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote = Estradasphere is a band of multi-instrumentalists from an unlikely variety of musical backgrounds. Timb Harris (violin/trumpet), Jason Schimmel (guitar/banjo/keyboards/vocals), Tim Smolens (upright and electric bass/vocals), Kevin Kmetz (Tsugaru Shamisen/guitar/keyboards), Adam Stacey (accordion/keyboards/clavinet), and Lee Smith (drums/percussion) were trained in disciplines ranging from classical and jazz to metal. This diverse instrumental and stylistic palette enables them to execute a vast array of orchestrations and even forge entirely new genres such as "Bulgarian Surf," "Romanian Gypsy-Metal," and "Spaghetti Eastern."}}</ref>
'''Estradasphere''' was an [[Experimental music|experimental]] band that originated in [[Santa Cruz, California]] during the late 1990s. The band, which in its last incarnation was based in [[Seattle]], consisted of 6 multi-instrumentalists from a variety of musical backgrounds trained in disciplines ranging from [[classical music]] and [[jazz]] to [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.estradasphere.com/frame_band.php|title = Estradasphere's website|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote = Estradasphere is a band of multi-instrumentalists from an unlikely variety of musical backgrounds. Timb Harris (violin/trumpet), Jason Schimmel (guitar/banjo/keyboards/vocals), Tim Smolens (upright and electric bass/vocals), Kevin Kmetz (Tsugaru Shamisen/guitar/keyboards), Adam Stacey (accordion/keyboards/clavinet), and Lee Smith (drums/percussion) were trained in disciplines ranging from classical and jazz to metal. This diverse instrumental and stylistic palette enables them to execute a vast array of orchestrations and even forge entirely new genres such as "Bulgarian Surf," "Romanian Gypsy-Metal," and "Spaghetti Eastern."}}</ref>


==Band history==
In November 2007, members of Estradasphere started touring with [[Amanda Palmer]] of [[The Dresden Dolls]],<ref>[http://threeimaginarygirls.com/liveshowreview/2007nov/amandapalmerwithestradasphere Live show review of Amanda Palmer with Estradasphere @ 608 Club in Ballard by [[Three Imaginary Girls]]]</ref> as well as helping to produce her debut solo album ''[[Who Killed Amanda Palmer]]''.<ref>[http://www.estradasphere.com/news.php Estradasphere touring with Amanda Palmer]</ref>
In November 2007, members of Estradasphere started touring with [[Amanda Palmer]] of [[The Dresden Dolls]],<ref>[http://threeimaginarygirls.com/liveshowreview/2007nov/amandapalmerwithestradasphere Live show review of Amanda Palmer with Estradasphere @ 608 Club in Ballard by [[Three Imaginary Girls]]]</ref> as well as helping to produce her debut solo album ''[[Who Killed Amanda Palmer]]''.<ref>[http://www.estradasphere.com/news.php Estradasphere touring with Amanda Palmer]</ref>


The band is on a "''permanent hiatus''"<ref name="hiatus">{{cite web|url = http://www.facebook.com/pages/Estradasphere/8327820635|title = Estradasphere's [[Facebook]]|accessdate = 2011-08-03}}</ref> since 2010.
The band is on a "''permanent hiatus''"<ref name="hiatus">{{cite web|url = http://www.facebook.com/pages/Estradasphere/8327820635|title = Estradasphere's [[Facebook]]|accessdate = 2011-08-03}}</ref> since 2010.


==Musical style and influences==
Estradasphere were influenced by many different artists from many different subgenres, such as [[jazz]], [[funk]], [[techno]], [[classical music]], [[Pop music|pop]], [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]], [[New Age]], [[Latin American music|Latin]], [[Music of Southeastern Europe|Balkan]], [[Music of Greece|Greek]] and [[Roma music|gypsy]].<ref name=offical>{{cite web|url = http://www.myspace.com/estradasphere|title = Estradasphere's [[MySpace]]|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote =Estradasphere is a band trained in disciplines ranging from classical and jazz to metal.}}</ref> They were influenced by artists such as [[The Beach Boys]] and [[Secret Chiefs 3]], and have been compared to [[Mr. Bungle]],<ref>{{cite web|url = {{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p459926/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title = Biography @ Allmusic|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote =Unmistakably derived from the genre-bending loins of experimental rockers Mr. Bungle and Secret Chiefs 3, Estradasphere respectfully lives up to the ambitious musical aims of their wildly talented mentors.}}</ref> [[Frank Zappa]] and [[John Zorn]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.ssmt-reviews.com/db/searchrev.php?artistID=408&showReview=true|title = SSMT Reviews|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote =Estradasphere returns with another collection of Zappa-esquely varied songs spanning almost every musical genre invented since early homo sapiens individuals first blew into hollow branches recreationally. |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927141556/http://www.ssmt-reviews.com/db/searchrev.php?artistID=408&showReview=true <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-09-27}}</ref> Similarly to Mr. Bungle and Secret Chiefs 3, the band mixes several genres in its songs.<ref>{{cite web|url = {{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p459926/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title = Biography @ Allmusic|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote = Their hectic mix of jazz, metal, video game themes, and bluegrass was eaten up by hardcore Mr. Bungle fans, but went largely unnoticed elsewhere.}}</ref> The band was a self-proclaimed inventor of bizarre genres such as "Bulgarian Surf", "Romanian Gypsy-Metal", and "Spaghetti Eastern"<ref name=offical /> and sounded like "Psychedelic-Sci-fi", "Gypsy-Metal-Jazz" and "Epic-Cinema-Thon", according to its [[MySpace]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.myspace.com/estradasphere|title = Estradasphere's [[MySpace]]|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote =Sounds like a Psychedelic-Sci-fi... Gypsy-Metal-Jazz... Epic-Cinema-Thon.}}</ref>
Estradasphere were influenced by many different artists from many different subgenres, such as [[jazz]], [[funk]], [[techno]], [[classical music]], [[Pop music|pop]], [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]], [[New Age]], [[Latin American music|Latin]], [[Music of Southeastern Europe|Balkan]], [[Music of Greece|Greek]] and [[Roma music|gypsy]].<ref name=offical>{{cite web|url = http://www.myspace.com/estradasphere|title = Estradasphere's [[MySpace]]|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote =Estradasphere is a band trained in disciplines ranging from classical and jazz to metal.}}</ref> They were influenced by artists such as [[The Beach Boys]] and [[Secret Chiefs 3]], and have been compared to [[Mr. Bungle]],<ref>{{cite web|url = {{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p459926/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title = Biography @ Allmusic|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote =Unmistakably derived from the genre-bending loins of experimental rockers Mr. Bungle and Secret Chiefs 3, Estradasphere respectfully lives up to the ambitious musical aims of their wildly talented mentors.}}</ref> [[Frank Zappa]] and [[John Zorn]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.ssmt-reviews.com/db/searchrev.php?artistID=408&showReview=true|title = SSMT Reviews|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote =Estradasphere returns with another collection of Zappa-esquely varied songs spanning almost every musical genre invented since early homo sapiens individuals first blew into hollow branches recreationally. |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927141556/http://www.ssmt-reviews.com/db/searchrev.php?artistID=408&showReview=true <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-09-27}}</ref> Similarly to Mr. Bungle and Secret Chiefs 3, the band mixes several genres in its songs.<ref>{{cite web|url = {{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p459926/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title = Biography @ Allmusic|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote = Their hectic mix of jazz, metal, video game themes, and bluegrass was eaten up by hardcore Mr. Bungle fans, but went largely unnoticed elsewhere.}}</ref> The band was a self-proclaimed inventor of bizarre genres such as "Bulgarian Surf", "Romanian Gypsy-Metal", and "Spaghetti Eastern"<ref name=offical /> and sounded like "Psychedelic-Sci-fi", "Gypsy-Metal-Jazz" and "Epic-Cinema-Thon", according to its [[MySpace]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.myspace.com/estradasphere|title = Estradasphere's [[MySpace]]|accessdate = 2007-07-21|quote =Sounds like a Psychedelic-Sci-fi... Gypsy-Metal-Jazz... Epic-Cinema-Thon.}}</ref>



Revision as of 19:30, 18 October 2012

Estradasphere
Estradasphere performing in 2007.
Estradasphere performing in 2007.
Background information
OriginSanta Cruz, California, USA
Seattle, Washington, USA (now)
GenresExperimental music
Experimental rock
Various others
Years active1998–2008
LabelsThe End
Mimicry
MembersTim Smolens
Jason Schimmel
Timb Harris
Kevin Kmetz
Adam Stacey
Lee Smith
Past membersDavid Murray
John Whooley
WebsiteOfficial website

Estradasphere was an experimental band that originated in Santa Cruz, California during the late 1990s. The band, which in its last incarnation was based in Seattle, consisted of 6 multi-instrumentalists from a variety of musical backgrounds trained in disciplines ranging from classical music and jazz to heavy metal.[1]

In November 2007, members of Estradasphere started touring with Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls,[2] as well as helping to produce her debut solo album Who Killed Amanda Palmer.[3]

The band is on a "permanent hiatus"[4] since 2010.

Estradasphere were influenced by many different artists from many different subgenres, such as jazz, funk, techno, classical music, pop, heavy metal, New Age, Latin, Balkan, Greek and gypsy.[5] They were influenced by artists such as The Beach Boys and Secret Chiefs 3, and have been compared to Mr. Bungle,[6] Frank Zappa and John Zorn.[7] Similarly to Mr. Bungle and Secret Chiefs 3, the band mixes several genres in its songs.[8] The band was a self-proclaimed inventor of bizarre genres such as "Bulgarian Surf", "Romanian Gypsy-Metal", and "Spaghetti Eastern"[5] and sounded like "Psychedelic-Sci-fi", "Gypsy-Metal-Jazz" and "Epic-Cinema-Thon", according to its MySpace.[9]

Band members

Members

According to www.estradasphere.com:

Former members

Discography

Title Release Date Label
It's Understood (LP) June 26, 2000 Mimicry
These are the Days (VHS) 2000
The Silent Elk of Yesterday (EP) September 18, 2001 Mimicry
Buck Fever (LP) 2001 Mimicry
Quadropus (LP) October 28, 2003 Mimicry
Passion for Life (LP/DVD) March 9, 2004 Mimicry
These are the Days (DVD Reissue) October 3, 2005
Palace of Mirrors (LP) September 19, 2006 The End
Palace of Mirrors - Live (DVD) 2007 The End
The Pegasus Vault EP (EP) February, 2008 Lobefood

Notes

  1. ^ "Estradasphere's website". Retrieved 2007-07-21. Estradasphere is a band of multi-instrumentalists from an unlikely variety of musical backgrounds. Timb Harris (violin/trumpet), Jason Schimmel (guitar/banjo/keyboards/vocals), Tim Smolens (upright and electric bass/vocals), Kevin Kmetz (Tsugaru Shamisen/guitar/keyboards), Adam Stacey (accordion/keyboards/clavinet), and Lee Smith (drums/percussion) were trained in disciplines ranging from classical and jazz to metal. This diverse instrumental and stylistic palette enables them to execute a vast array of orchestrations and even forge entirely new genres such as "Bulgarian Surf," "Romanian Gypsy-Metal," and "Spaghetti Eastern."
  2. ^ Live show review of Amanda Palmer with Estradasphere @ 608 Club in Ballard by Three Imaginary Girls
  3. ^ Estradasphere touring with Amanda Palmer
  4. ^ "Estradasphere's [[Facebook]]". Retrieved 2011-08-03. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  5. ^ a b "Estradasphere's [[MySpace]]". Retrieved 2007-07-21. Estradasphere is a band trained in disciplines ranging from classical and jazz to metal. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  6. ^ "Biography @ Allmusic". Retrieved 2007-07-21. Unmistakably derived from the genre-bending loins of experimental rockers Mr. Bungle and Secret Chiefs 3, Estradasphere respectfully lives up to the ambitious musical aims of their wildly talented mentors.
  7. ^ "SSMT Reviews". Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-07-21. Estradasphere returns with another collection of Zappa-esquely varied songs spanning almost every musical genre invented since early homo sapiens individuals first blew into hollow branches recreationally.
  8. ^ "Biography @ Allmusic". Retrieved 2007-07-21. Their hectic mix of jazz, metal, video game themes, and bluegrass was eaten up by hardcore Mr. Bungle fans, but went largely unnoticed elsewhere.
  9. ^ "Estradasphere's [[MySpace]]". Retrieved 2007-07-21. Sounds like a Psychedelic-Sci-fi... Gypsy-Metal-Jazz... Epic-Cinema-Thon. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)