Stepdad (band)
Stepdad | |
|---|---|
 Stepdad in 2011 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States |
| Genres | Synthpop, electronic |
| Years active | 2009-present |
| Labels | Quite Scientific Black Bell Records |
| Members | Mark "ultramark" Tafel Ryan McCarthy Ben Weissenborn Nathan K. |
| Past members | Jeremy Malvin Alexander Fives |
Stepdad is an American electronic/pop band based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The group consists of Mark "ultramark" Tafel, Ryan McCarthy, Nathan K, and Ben Weissenborn[1] Their sound has been described as "8-bit power pop".[2]
History
Originally a duo, Stepdad was formed in Chicago, Illinois during the summer of 2009 when Mark Tafel and Ryan McCarthy, who were roommates at the time, began writing songs together in their apartment. They initially gained exposure in early 2010 when they composed a theme song for the popular web comic "Axe Cop". [3] The comic became an internet sensation and the duo's song became the official theme song for the "Axe Cop" comic and motion comic,[4] as well as the comic's official podcast.[5]
In April 2010, the band released their first EP, Ordinaire, independently via Bandcamp.[6] The EP was met with critical praise from several online music publications[7][8][9][10][11] and spawned two singles, "Jungles" and "My Leather, My Fur, My Nails", the latter of which was voted as the #7 song of the year by The Pop Sucker's Top 100 songs of 2010.[12] They were part of the 2012 Warped Tour.
In June 2012, Stepdad released their first LP, Wildlife Pop, under Black Bell Records.[13] The album was recorded with producer Chris Zane.[14]
Use in other media
- "My Leather, My Fur, My Nails" was featured in the series finale of Weeds.
- "Jungles" appears in FIFA 13.
- "Magic Stones" is featured on the final episode of the YouTube series Past Bing Future Bing.[15]
- "Pick & Choose" and "Warrior" were featured in Season 6, Episode 4 of Gossip Girl.
- "Must Land Running" was featured in a BMW TV spot called "Moments"[16] that began airing in December 2013.
- "Find Love" was featured in Season 2, Episode 14 of The Mindy Project.
- "Warrior" was featured in Season 2, Episode 7 of Teen Wolf.
- "Will I Ever Dance Again" was featured in Season 2, Episode 9 of Teen Wolf.
Discography
- Ordinaire EP (2010)
- Wildlife Pop (2012)
- Strange Tonight EP (2014)
- Masterbeast Theatre EP (2016)
References
- ^ "Stepdad – Discover music, videos, concerts, stats, & pictures". Last.fm. 2009-02-11. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
- ^ Finley, Adam (March 24, 2014). "Stepdad: Strange Tonight EP". Pop Matters. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
- ^ Aaron Poehler (2010-02-16). "'Axe Cop' Fans Furnish Their Own Theme Song - ComicsAlliance | Comic book culture, news, humor, commentary, and reviews". ComicsAlliance. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
- ^ "Axe Cop Episode ONE". YouTube. 2010-02-22. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
- ^ "The Axe Cop Podcast: CHOP!". Chopcast.com. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
- ^ Stepdad at Bandcamp
- ^ "Music Review: Stepdad - Ordinaire EP - Blogcritics Music". Blogcritics.org. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
- ^ "AEM096 Stepdad". Ampeatermusic.com. 2010-05-04. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
- ^ "Blog Archive » Stepdad "Ordinaire" EP review". Mostly Midwest. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
- ^ "Blog | The Latest Music News, Album Reviews, Interviews & More". VEOBA. 2010-12-14. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
- ^ "STEPDAD stole MY LEATHER jacket and then bought MY mom a FUR coat and..." Theburningear.com. 2010-12-14. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
- ^ "the Pop Sucker: top songs of 2010, part 3: the top 10". Thepopsucker.blogspot.com. 2010-12-09. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
- ^ "Stepdad". stepdad.tumblr.com. Retrieved 2011-04-02.
- ^ "Chris Zane - Selected Discography".
- ^ http://pbfb.smzv.com
- ^ http://www.ispot.tv/ad/75Zo/bmw-happier-new-year-moments-song-by-stepdad