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Wikipedia

Kurt Vile

Kurt Samuel Vile (born January 3, 1980)[2] is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He is known for his solo work, music released under the name "Kurt Vile and The Violators," and as the former lead guitarist of rock band the War on Drugs. Both in the studio and during live performances, Vile is accompanied by his backing band, the Violators, which currently includes Jesse Trbovich (guitar, saxophone), Kyle Spence (drums) and Adam Langellotti (bass, keyboards).

Kurt Vile
Vile performing at Roskilde Festival in 2011
Background information
Birth nameKurt Samuel Vile
Born (1980-01-03) January 3, 1980 (age 44)
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, United States
OriginPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, US[1]
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer-songwriter
  • musician
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • trumpet
  • banjo
  • keyboards
  • harmonica
Years active2003–present
Labels
Formerly of

Influenced by Pavement, John Prine, Neil Young, Ween, Tom Petty, Dinosaur Jr., Bruce Springsteen and John Fahey,[3] Vile began his musical career creating lo-fi home recordings with frequent collaborator Adam Granduciel in Philadelphia, with whom he has participated in early work by the War on Drugs as well as various solo projects. Focusing on his solo career, Vile released two albums, Constant Hitmaker (2008) and God Is Saying This to You... (2009), compiling various home recordings dating back to 2003. Vile signed to Matador Records in 2009, and released his third album, Childish Prodigy, that same year. The album was his first recorded in a studio and with the full participation of the Violators.

In 2011, Vile released his fourth studio album, Smoke Ring for My Halo, which significantly increased his exposure. His fifth studio album, Wakin on a Pretty Daze, was released in 2013, with Rob Laakso replacing Granduciel in his backing band. In 2015, Vile released his sixth studio album, B'lieve I'm Goin Down.... The lead single from the album, "Pretty Pimpin", was Vile's best performing song to date, topping the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart in March 2016. His 2017 release, Lotta Sea Lice, is a collaboration with Australian singer and guitarist Courtney Barnett. In 2018, he released his eighth studio album, Bottle It In, followed by a country-influenced EP, Speed, Sound, Lonely KV, in 2020.[4]

Vile's ninth studio album, (watch my moves) (2022), was recorded mostly at a Vile's home studio during COVID-19 lockdowns. In May 2023, his longtime Violators bandmate and recording partner Rob Laakso died from cholangiocarcinoma. That same year, he released the 52-minute-long EP, Back to Moon Beach.

Biography edit

Beginnings (1994–2002) edit

Vile grew up in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, and is the third oldest of ten children born to Charles and Donna Vile.[5][6] Although his surname is occasionally assumed to be a pseudonym and a pun on German composer Kurt Weill, it is his real birth name and the similarity to Weill's name is a coincidence.[6][7]

At the age of fourteen, Kurt Vile was given a banjo by his father, with Vile noting, "I kind of wished [it] was a guitar. So I'd kind of just play it like a guitar anyway. I was really into writing pretty primitive tunes, and really into recording. I pretty much knew I was going to do music [with my life] then."[8] Vile began writing songs on the banjo, describing his first self-penned track as: "a joke song. It was a good instrumental; I knew all these chords, but then I was quoting a cartoon as the lyrics on top of it. I had seen this cartoon about Superman and Lex Luthor; it was like the back history of why Lex Luthor hated Superman. They used to be friends, and then some giant stone of kryptonite fell and it made Lex Luthor's hair fall out, and he was like, 'You made all my hair fall out!' It was a really stupid cartoon, but that was my song, 'You Made All My Hair Fall Out'."[9]

Three years later, Vile created his first "mass-produced" tape at the age of seventeen. Influenced by Pavement, Beck, Smog and the record label, Drag City, Vile noted, "I really thought I could be on Drag City. I really wanted that. I heard these people that made good music but it was still pretty raw, and had this real cult quality."[8]

While working on his home recordings, Vile worked as a forklift driver, from 2000 to 2002.[10] Regarding this time in his life, Vile noted "It was a really fast-paced job, unloading trucks. Though music was my passion, I had a long way to go then and a lot to learn. I got depressed so many times by my blue-collar life, and self-conscious about the fact that I didn't go to college. I was always working super low-end jobs, being the complete opposite of what I wanted to be. But I just fell into it, and I was also sorta shy. It was definitely a pretty rough time."[11]

The War on Drugs and Constant Hitmaker (2003–2008) edit

In 2003, after staying in Boston for two years, Vile moved back to Philadelphia, and began collaborating with musician and songwriter Adam Granduciel. The duo subsequently formed the indie rock band The War on Drugs in 2005. Regarding his friendship with Granduciel, Vile noted, "We're essentially best friends. He was backing me up in my band when he started working on his own music, so I thought I’d return the favor."[8] Granduciel and Vile released their debut studio album, Wagonwheel Blues, in 2008 and embarked on a tour in support of its release.[12]

At this time, Vile's debut solo album, Constant Hitmaker (2008), was released on Gulcher Records.[13] Vile subsequently decided to leave The War on Drugs to concentrate on his solo career. The album was compiled from various home recordings and one studio recording of the song "Freeway".[14] In 2009, Vile noted, "The War On Drugs got put out on a bigger label first, so, in the blogosphere, some claim that The War on Drugs was my first, main band. But that's just the way it looks. I've made more music than Adam has, and have been doing my Kurt Vile thing for a little bit longer. And Constant Hitmaker came out around that same time. Right when that [War on Drugs] record came out, I went to Europe with them, and also opened as Kurt Vile. That was right when I decided I wanted to concentrate on doing my own thing."[8] Despite Vile's departure, Granduciel remained a member of his backing band, The Violators, with Granduciel noting, "There was never, despite what lazy journalists have assumed, any sort of falling out, or resentment."[15]

God Is Saying This to You... and Childish Prodigy (2009–2010) edit

In April 2009, Mexican Summer released God Is Saying This to You...; a collection of Vile's home recordings dating back to 2003 on vinyl only.[16] Upon its release, Vile had already recorded a studio album, Childish Prodigy, which Vile described as "definitely not as lo-fi" as his previous releases.[10] After shipping the record to various labels, Vile signed with Matador Records in May 2009. Vile noted, "It's a perfect fit. They were my number one choice. I don't really consider my music indie rock or think that Matador cater only to indie rock, but I still feel I can relate most to Matador, more than any other label. Not to mention the fact that they are way on top of their shit."[10]

Recorded with backing band The Violators, Childish Prodigy was released on October 6, 2009, and increased Vile's exposure significantly. Support slots with Dinosaur Jr, Thurston Moore and Fucked Up followed the album's release. Regarding his new position, Vile stated, "Obviously there's more touring, more press and more hype which I won't say is not deserved. There's like a faction of people, too, who like to talk shit, which is kind of new. When I was more independent, there were people who got really excited and there still are but once I got more press people started to comment on blogs. People like to talk shit. [...] It's like climbing a ladder. I like to climb it really slowly. I could probably get really professional right away, but I like to take baby steps and find my own way."[17]

Smoke Ring for My Halo (2011–2012) edit

Vile released his fourth studio album, Smoke Ring for My Halo, in 2011. The album peaked at #154 on the Billboard Top 200 and placed highly on many end-of-year lists, and in 2013 was named at number 475 in NME's '500 Greatest Albums of All Time'.[18] Later in 2011, Vile released a companion EP, So Outta Reach, and appeared on his former band The War on Drugs' second studio album, Slave Ambient. Shortly after the release of Smoke Ring for My Halo, longtime Violators guitarist Adam Granduciel departed from the band to fully focus on The War on Drugs, with Vile noting, "Adam, he plays in The War on Drugs, his record came out a little after mine did, so at first he toured, and now he's obviously busy with that and now he's working on his new record."

Wakin on a Pretty Daze (2013–2014) edit

Wakin on a Pretty Daze was released on April 9, 2013. Regarding the current line-up of his backing band, Vile noted, "I'm playing with Jesse [Trbovich] and Rob [Laakso]. [...] Rob Laakso is the newest member and Jesse has been a member forever. They're steady members. Our drummer is no longer with us, but other than that, different friends played drums on the record and we're doing rehearsals with that right now. But other than that, the Violators are me, Jesse, and Rob and we'll see how it evolves."[19] Priestess drummer Vince Nudo subsequently joined the band on drums and percussion, after performing on two of Wakin on a Pretty Daze's tracks.

Steve Gunn joined the band as an "auxiliary Violator", during the band's May 2013 tour dates, with Vile noting, "It's impossible to just talk about Steve. He's too good! He's so good; just listen to him. What can I even say about him that touches that? I just want to listen to him."[20]

On September 24, 2013, Vile announced the release of a new EP, It's a Big World Out There (And I Am Scared), and a deluxe edition of Wakin on a Pretty Daze.[21]

B'lieve I'm Goin Down... (2015–2017) edit

On March 6, 2015, Vile announced that he was working on his sixth studio album, with recording taking place across different locations in the United States. B'lieve I'm Goin Down... was released September 25, 2015, on Matador Records. Vile has described it as "All over the place. Everything you can imagine I've done... That's where I'm at now, that I can sort of tap into every world and make it cohesive."[22] Still in Rock ranked this LP as the 2nd best of 2015.[23]

Vile is featured on the song "Let Me Get There" by the band Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions released in 2016.[24]

Vile sings lead vocals on The Sadies song "It's Easy (Like Walking)" on their 2017 album Northern Passages.

Lotta Sea Lice and Bottle It In (2017–2019) edit

In 2017, Vile and Courtney Barnett recorded the collaborative album Lotta Sea Lice, released on October 13. The lead single "Over Everything" was released on August 30, 2017, accompanied by the music video directed by Danny Cohen.

In 2018, Vile announced his seventh solo studio album, Bottle It In, released on October 12, 2018.

(watch my moves), Laakso's death, and Back to Moon Beach (2020–present) edit

Vile produced and appeared on Sweep It Into Space, the twelfth album by Dinosaur Jr. which was released on April 23, 2021.[25] On April 20, Verve Records announced that they had signed Vile after 11 years with Matador.[26] Vile cited the Velvet Underground as an inspiration for his signing.[27] On April 15, 2022, Verve Records released (watch my moves), Vile's ninth studio album.[28] The album was mostly recorded during COVID-19 lockdowns at Vile's new home studio, OKV Central. Upon the album's release, Adam Langellotti, who had previously helped Vile build his home studio, joined the Violators on bass guitar and keyboards.

On May 4, 2023, Vile's longtime Violators bandmate and recording partner Rob Laakso passed away from cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer of the bile duct.[29] In a lengthy tribute post, Vile described Laakso as a "Musical genius. Recording whizz. Best husband and father," noting that "Rob and I worked close together on the albums B’lieve and Bottle (him co-producing many of the tracks alongside me, engineering often, playing many different instruments, slaying with ease.) But Wakin' was his first full-time Violator record and you can see the shift to epic proportions from Smoke Ring to it. I’ve clocked in so many hours on the road and in front of amps with him but so have the Violators, Jesse first and Kyle later."[30]

On November 17, 2023, Vile released a 52-minute-long EP, Return to Moon Beach, which was mostly recorded from September 2019 to May 2023. Upon the EP's release, Vile noted: "[My manager] called this an EP by only my standards, haha (cuz the long length) but really if I got around to it again, I wouldn’t say anything, ya know, just put it out and just see what happens. The first six tracks are brand new to the world and blend so sweet together and span from September 2019 to May 2023. If we wanna get technical, let’s call those songs the EP and the last three songs the extended compilation (but they blend so smooth too, right?!) because, well, life in the studio is an extended compilation."[31]

Personal life edit

Vile is married to Suzanne Lang, a teacher, and has two daughters.[32] He cites songwriters Randy Newman, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen as influences in his lyrics and music.[33] During a 2022 episode of Rolling Stone's Music Now podcast, Vile stated that he stopped drinking alcohol sometime "around the tour for Bottle It In" (in late 2018 or early 2019), but noted that he still occasionally consumes cannabis.[34]

The Violators edit

Current members

  • Jesse Trbovich – guitars, bass guitar, saxophone, keyboards (2006–present)
  • Kyle Spence – drums, percussion (2013–present)[35]
  • Adam Langellotti – bass guitar, keyboards (2022–present)[36]

Former members

  • Rob Laakso – guitars, bass guitar, keyboards, various instruments (2011–2021, died 2023)
  • Vince Nudo – drums (2013)
  • Mike Zanghi – drums, percussion (2007–2012)[19]
  • Adam Granduciel – guitars, various instruments (2003–2011)[19]
  • "Cousin" Dan Bower – drums, percussion (2003)
  • Jay Ganas – bass guitar (2003)[37]
  • Michael Johnson – drums (2003–2006)[37]

Former touring musicians

Timeline edit

Discography edit

Solo edit

Studio albums edit

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and sales
Year Album Peak positions Sales
US
[38]
AUS
[39]
BEL
(FL)

[40]
BEL
(WA)

[41]
DEN
[42]
NED
[43]
NOR
[44]
SWE
[45]
SWI
[46]
UK
[47]
2008 Constant Hitmaker
2009 God Is Saying This to You...
2009 Childish Prodigy
2011 Smoke Ring for My Halo 154
2013 Wakin on a Pretty Daze 47 23 81 33 53 21 25 64 41
2015 B'lieve I'm Goin Down... 40 27 8 44 15 18 26 45 25
2017 Lotta Sea Lice
(with Courtney Barnett)
51 5 26 89 27 35 11
2018 Bottle It In 79 66 10 81 26 34 50 24
2022 Watch My Moves 185 100 15 90 39 26 33
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

EPs edit

Singles edit

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak positions Certifications Album
US
AAA

[50]
US
Alt

[51]
US
Rock
Air.

[52]
BEL
(FL)

[40]
MEX
Air.

[53]
"Freeway" 2008 Constant Hitmaker
"He's Alright" 2009 Childish Prodigy
"In My Time" 2010 Smoke Ring for My Halo
"Never Run Away" 2013 Wakin on a Pretty Daze
"Pretty Pimpin" 2015 1 33 33 95 44 B'lieve I'm Goin Down...
"Life Like This"
"I'm an Outlaw" 2016
"Over Everything"
(with Courtney Barnett)
2017 32 Lotta Sea Lice
"Continental Breakfast"
(with Courtney Barnett)
97
"Loading Zones"[56] 2018 4 78 Bottle It In
"Bassackwards"[57]
"One Trick Ponies"[58] 69
"How Lucky"[59]
(with John Prine)
2020 17 Speed, Sound, Lonely EP
"Run Run Run"[60] 2021 I'll Be Your Mirror: A Tribute to The Velvet Underground & Nico
"Like Exploding Stones"[61] 2022 33 Watch My Moves
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

The War on Drugs edit

Studio albums edit

EPs edit

Dinosaur Jr. edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Shaggy, Yes, but Finessed Just So" Interview with The New York Times, October 25, 2009.
  2. ^ Dunning, JJ (May 2013). "Kurt Vile Interview". The Fly (160): 24.
  3. ^ . Bad Vibes. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  4. ^ a b Menagh, Douglas (September 28, 2020). "News: Listen to Kurt Vile Sing "How Lucky" with John Prine, Speed, Sound, Lonely KV EP Out 10/2". New Noise. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  5. ^ Bevan, David (18 June 2013). "Kurt Vile: Lost in the Stars?". Spin. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  6. ^ a b WEINER, JONAH (22 October 2009). "Kurt Vile: Classic Rock Meets Indie in the Ether". The New York Times. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  7. ^ "Fucked Up and Kurt Vile". CityBeat Cincinnati. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  8. ^ a b c d Carew, Anthony (September 29, 2009). . altmusic.about.com. Archived from the original on February 16, 2016.
  9. ^ Greene, Jayson. . villagevoice.com. Archived from the original on 2 May 2013. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  10. ^ a b c Steeply, M. Hugh. "Interview: Kurt Vile". tinymixtapes.com. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  11. ^ Barton, Laura (March 29, 2013). "Kurt Vile: from Boston forklift driver to the Hotel California". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  12. ^ "The War On Drugs – Wagonwheel Blues". Discogs. 19 June 2008. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  13. ^ "Kurt Vile – Constant Hitmaker". Discogs. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  14. ^ McKay, Sarah (March 16, 2009). "Kurt Vile: No, Don't Bring Me Weed". larecord.com. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  15. ^ Ubaghs, Charles. "Sincerely Ambient: An Interview with The War on Drugs". thequietus.com. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  16. ^ "Kurt Vile – God Is Saying This To You..." Discogs. 14 April 2009. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  17. ^ Serota, Maggie (5 November 2009). "Philadelphia's Kurt Vile writes hits, takes shit". avclub.com. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  18. ^ "The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time: 500-401 - NME". Nme.com. 21 October 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
  19. ^ a b c Rachel, T. Cole (26 February 2013). "Progress Report:Kurt Vile". stereogum.com. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
  20. ^ a b "Steve Gunn's Time Off set for June 18 release; Steve to tour with Kurt Vile". Paradise of Bachelors. 2013-04-04. Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  21. ^ "Wakin On A Pretty Daze: Deluxe Daze (Post Haze)". Wakin On A Pretty Daze: Deluxe Daze (Post Haze) by Kurt Vile on store.matadorrecords.com. Retrieved September 11, 2015.
  22. ^ "Kurt Vile Talks 'All Over the Place' New Album". Spin. Retrieved September 11, 2015.
  23. ^ Best LPs of 2015 – Top 20 "Still in Rock"
  24. ^ Sacher, Andrew (August 22, 2016). "Kurt Vile sings on new Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions single". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  25. ^ "Sweep It Into Space". Pop Market. March 30, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  26. ^ Willman, Chris (20 April 2021). "Kurt Vile Signs With Verve Records". Variety. Retrieved 20 April 2021.
  27. ^ Moreland, Quinn (20 April 2022). "Kurt Vile Signs With Legendary Jazz Label Verve Records". Pitchfork. Retrieved 20 April 2021.
  28. ^ "Kurt Vile: (watch my moves) Album Review". Pitchfork. 15 April 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
  29. ^ Pearis, Bill (May 5, 2023). "Rob Laakso (Kurt Vile & The Violators, Swirlies) has died". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  30. ^ Bloom, Madison (May 8, 2023). "Kurt Vile Remembers the Violators and Swirlies Guitarist Rob Laakso". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  31. ^ Vile, Kurt (May 8, 2023). "Kurt Vile Back to Moon Beach Instagram Post". Instagram. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  32. ^ Lindsay, Cam (April 17, 2013). "Parenting Tips... With Kurt Vile". NOISEY. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  33. ^ "Kurt Vile: My biggest influences come from the roots of Rock and Country". qobuz. 16 November 2018. Retrieved 2022-01-18.
  34. ^ Rolling Stone Music Now episode: "Kurt Vile Wants Miley Cyrus to Cover His Songs, and Four Other Things We Learned From the Indie-Rock Hero." - "Around the time I toured Bottle It In, I quit drinking actually..." (21:50 mark)
  35. ^ [1] October 25, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  36. ^ Power, Ian. . citypages.com. Archived from the original on 19 August 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  37. ^ a b "Interview: Kurt Vile". Owlandbear.com. January 2010. Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  38. ^ "Kurt Vile Chart History – Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  39. ^ Peaks in Australia:
    • All except noted: "Discography Kurt Vile". australian-charts.com. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
    • Bottle It In: "ARIA Chart Watch #495". auspOp. October 20, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
    • Watch My Moves: "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 25 April 2022". The ARIA Report. No. 1677. Australian Recording Industry Association. April 25, 2022. p. 6.
  40. ^ a b "Discografie Kurt Vile". Ultratop. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  41. ^ "Discographie Kurt Vile". Ultratop.
  42. ^ "Discography Kurt Vile". Danish Charts. Hung Medien.
  43. ^ "Discografie Kurt Vile". Dutch Charts. Hung Medien.
  44. ^ "Discography Kurt Vile". Norwegian Charts. Hung Medien.
  45. ^ "Discography Kurt Vile". Swedish Charts. Hung Medien.
  46. ^ "Discographie Kurt Vile". Hitparade.ch.
  47. ^ "Kurt Vile". The Official Charts Company.
  48. ^ Lynskey, Dorian (16 January 2012). "Indie rock's slow and painful death". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  49. ^ . Hits Daily Double. Archived from the original on September 3, 2015.
  50. ^ "Kurt Vile Chart History: Adult Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  51. ^ "Kurt Vile Chart History: Alternative Rock". Billboard. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  52. ^ "Kurt Vile Chart History: Rock Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  53. ^ "Kurt Vile Chart History: Mexico Ingles Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  54. ^ "Canadian certifications – Kurt Vile". Music Canada. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  55. ^ "American certifications – Kurt Vile". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  56. ^ "Kurt Vile Returns With New Song "Loading Zones": Listen". Pitchfork. 16 August 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  57. ^ "Kurt Vile's New Song "Bassackwards" Is as Floaty As You'd Hope - Noisey". Noisey. 10 September 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  58. ^ "Listen to Kurt Vile's New Song "One Trick Ponies"". Pitchfork. 4 October 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
  59. ^ "Kurt Vile's 'Speed, Sound, Lonely' EP: John Prine Duets on 'How Lucky' - Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone. 24 September 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  60. ^ Young, Alex (July 14, 2021). "The Velvet Underground & Nico Covers Album Features Michael Stipe, Iggy Pop, Thurston Moore & St. Vincent". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
  61. ^ Sherburne, Philip (February 16, 2022). "Kurt Vile: "Like Exploding Stones" Track Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved March 17, 2022.

External links edit

  • Official website
  • Kurt Vile discography at Discogs
  • Kurt Vile at IMDb

kurt, vile, confused, with, kurt, weill, curt, vile, kurt, weil, kurt, samuel, vile, born, january, 1980, american, singer, songwriter, multi, instrumentalist, record, producer, known, solo, work, music, released, under, name, violators, former, lead, guitaris. Not to be confused with Kurt Weill Curt Vile or Kurt Weil Kurt Samuel Vile born January 3 1980 2 is an American singer songwriter multi instrumentalist and record producer He is known for his solo work music released under the name Kurt Vile and The Violators and as the former lead guitarist of rock band the War on Drugs Both in the studio and during live performances Vile is accompanied by his backing band the Violators which currently includes Jesse Trbovich guitar saxophone Kyle Spence drums and Adam Langellotti bass keyboards Kurt VileVile performing at Roskilde Festival in 2011Background informationBirth nameKurt Samuel VileBorn 1980 01 03 January 3 1980 age 44 Lansdowne Pennsylvania United StatesOriginPhiladelphia Pennsylvania US 1 GenresIndie rockfolk rocklo fipsychedelic rockOccupation s Singer songwritermusicianInstrument s VocalsguitartrumpetbanjokeyboardsharmonicaYears active2003 presentLabelsVerveMatadorGulcherMexican SummerThree Lobed RecordingsFormerly ofKurt Vile amp The ViolatorsThe War on Drugs Influenced by Pavement John Prine Neil Young Ween Tom Petty Dinosaur Jr Bruce Springsteen and John Fahey 3 Vile began his musical career creating lo fi home recordings with frequent collaborator Adam Granduciel in Philadelphia with whom he has participated in early work by the War on Drugs as well as various solo projects Focusing on his solo career Vile released two albums Constant Hitmaker 2008 and God Is Saying This to You 2009 compiling various home recordings dating back to 2003 Vile signed to Matador Records in 2009 and released his third album Childish Prodigy that same year The album was his first recorded in a studio and with the full participation of the Violators In 2011 Vile released his fourth studio album Smoke Ring for My Halo which significantly increased his exposure His fifth studio album Wakin on a Pretty Daze was released in 2013 with Rob Laakso replacing Granduciel in his backing band In 2015 Vile released his sixth studio album B lieve I m Goin Down The lead single from the album Pretty Pimpin was Vile s best performing song to date topping the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart in March 2016 His 2017 release Lotta Sea Lice is a collaboration with Australian singer and guitarist Courtney Barnett In 2018 he released his eighth studio album Bottle It In followed by a country influenced EP Speed Sound Lonely KV in 2020 4 Vile s ninth studio album watch my moves 2022 was recorded mostly at a Vile s home studio during COVID 19 lockdowns In May 2023 his longtime Violators bandmate and recording partner Rob Laakso died from cholangiocarcinoma That same year he released the 52 minute long EP Back to Moon Beach Contents 1 Biography 1 1 Beginnings 1994 2002 1 2 The War on Drugs and Constant Hitmaker 2003 2008 1 3 God Is Saying This to You and Childish Prodigy 2009 2010 1 4 Smoke Ring for My Halo 2011 2012 1 5 Wakin on a Pretty Daze 2013 2014 1 6 B lieve I m Goin Down 2015 2017 1 7 Lotta Sea Lice and Bottle It In 2017 2019 1 8 watch my moves Laakso s death and Back to Moon Beach 2020 present 2 Personal life 3 The Violators 3 1 Timeline 4 Discography 4 1 Solo 4 1 1 Studio albums 4 1 2 EPs 4 1 3 Singles 4 2 The War on Drugs 4 2 1 Studio albums 4 2 2 EPs 4 3 Dinosaur Jr 5 References 6 External linksBiography editBeginnings 1994 2002 edit Vile grew up in Lansdowne Pennsylvania a suburb of Philadelphia and is the third oldest of ten children born to Charles and Donna Vile 5 6 Although his surname is occasionally assumed to be a pseudonym and a pun on German composer Kurt Weill it is his real birth name and the similarity to Weill s name is a coincidence 6 7 At the age of fourteen Kurt Vile was given a banjo by his father with Vile noting I kind of wished it was a guitar So I d kind of just play it like a guitar anyway I was really into writing pretty primitive tunes and really into recording I pretty much knew I was going to do music with my life then 8 Vile began writing songs on the banjo describing his first self penned track as a joke song It was a good instrumental I knew all these chords but then I was quoting a cartoon as the lyrics on top of it I had seen this cartoon about Superman and Lex Luthor it was like the back history of why Lex Luthor hated Superman They used to be friends and then some giant stone of kryptonite fell and it made Lex Luthor s hair fall out and he was like You made all my hair fall out It was a really stupid cartoon but that was my song You Made All My Hair Fall Out 9 Three years later Vile created his first mass produced tape at the age of seventeen Influenced by Pavement Beck Smog and the record label Drag City Vile noted I really thought I could be on Drag City I really wanted that I heard these people that made good music but it was still pretty raw and had this real cult quality 8 While working on his home recordings Vile worked as a forklift driver from 2000 to 2002 10 Regarding this time in his life Vile noted It was a really fast paced job unloading trucks Though music was my passion I had a long way to go then and a lot to learn I got depressed so many times by my blue collar life and self conscious about the fact that I didn t go to college I was always working super low end jobs being the complete opposite of what I wanted to be But I just fell into it and I was also sorta shy It was definitely a pretty rough time 11 The War on Drugs and Constant Hitmaker 2003 2008 edit In 2003 after staying in Boston for two years Vile moved back to Philadelphia and began collaborating with musician and songwriter Adam Granduciel The duo subsequently formed the indie rock band The War on Drugs in 2005 Regarding his friendship with Granduciel Vile noted We re essentially best friends He was backing me up in my band when he started working on his own music so I thought I d return the favor 8 Granduciel and Vile released their debut studio album Wagonwheel Blues in 2008 and embarked on a tour in support of its release 12 At this time Vile s debut solo album Constant Hitmaker 2008 was released on Gulcher Records 13 Vile subsequently decided to leave The War on Drugs to concentrate on his solo career The album was compiled from various home recordings and one studio recording of the song Freeway 14 In 2009 Vile noted The War On Drugs got put out on a bigger label first so in the blogosphere some claim that The War on Drugs was my first main band But that s just the way it looks I ve made more music than Adam has and have been doing my Kurt Vile thing for a little bit longer And Constant Hitmaker came out around that same time Right when that War on Drugs record came out I went to Europe with them and also opened as Kurt Vile That was right when I decided I wanted to concentrate on doing my own thing 8 Despite Vile s departure Granduciel remained a member of his backing band The Violators with Granduciel noting There was never despite what lazy journalists have assumed any sort of falling out or resentment 15 God Is Saying This to You and Childish Prodigy 2009 2010 edit In April 2009 Mexican Summer released God Is Saying This to You a collection of Vile s home recordings dating back to 2003 on vinyl only 16 Upon its release Vile had already recorded a studio album Childish Prodigy which Vile described as definitely not as lo fi as his previous releases 10 After shipping the record to various labels Vile signed with Matador Records in May 2009 Vile noted It s a perfect fit They were my number one choice I don t really consider my music indie rock or think that Matador cater only to indie rock but I still feel I can relate most to Matador more than any other label Not to mention the fact that they are way on top of their shit 10 Recorded with backing band The Violators Childish Prodigy was released on October 6 2009 and increased Vile s exposure significantly Support slots with Dinosaur Jr Thurston Moore and Fucked Up followed the album s release Regarding his new position Vile stated Obviously there s more touring more press and more hype which I won t say is not deserved There s like a faction of people too who like to talk shit which is kind of new When I was more independent there were people who got really excited and there still are but once I got more press people started to comment on blogs People like to talk shit It s like climbing a ladder I like to climb it really slowly I could probably get really professional right away but I like to take baby steps and find my own way 17 Smoke Ring for My Halo 2011 2012 edit Vile released his fourth studio album Smoke Ring for My Halo in 2011 The album peaked at 154 on the Billboard Top 200 and placed highly on many end of year lists and in 2013 was named at number 475 in NME s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 18 Later in 2011 Vile released a companion EP So Outta Reach and appeared on his former band The War on Drugs second studio album Slave Ambient Shortly after the release of Smoke Ring for My Halo longtime Violators guitarist Adam Granduciel departed from the band to fully focus on The War on Drugs with Vile noting Adam he plays in The War on Drugs his record came out a little after mine did so at first he toured and now he s obviously busy with that and now he s working on his new record Wakin on a Pretty Daze 2013 2014 edit Wakin on a Pretty Daze was released on April 9 2013 Regarding the current line up of his backing band Vile noted I m playing with Jesse Trbovich and Rob Laakso Rob Laakso is the newest member and Jesse has been a member forever They re steady members Our drummer is no longer with us but other than that different friends played drums on the record and we re doing rehearsals with that right now But other than that the Violators are me Jesse and Rob and we ll see how it evolves 19 Priestess drummer Vince Nudo subsequently joined the band on drums and percussion after performing on two of Wakin on a Pretty Daze s tracks Steve Gunn joined the band as an auxiliary Violator during the band s May 2013 tour dates with Vile noting It s impossible to just talk about Steve He s too good He s so good just listen to him What can I even say about him that touches that I just want to listen to him 20 On September 24 2013 Vile announced the release of a new EP It s a Big World Out There And I Am Scared and a deluxe edition of Wakin on a Pretty Daze 21 B lieve I m Goin Down 2015 2017 edit On March 6 2015 Vile announced that he was working on his sixth studio album with recording taking place across different locations in the United States B lieve I m Goin Down was released September 25 2015 on Matador Records Vile has described it as All over the place Everything you can imagine I ve done That s where I m at now that I can sort of tap into every world and make it cohesive 22 Still in Rock ranked this LP as the 2nd best of 2015 23 Vile is featured on the song Let Me Get There by the band Hope Sandoval amp The Warm Inventions released in 2016 24 Vile sings lead vocals on The Sadies song It s Easy Like Walking on their 2017 album Northern Passages Lotta Sea Lice and Bottle It In 2017 2019 edit In 2017 Vile and Courtney Barnett recorded the collaborative album Lotta Sea Lice released on October 13 The lead single Over Everything was released on August 30 2017 accompanied by the music video directed by Danny Cohen In 2018 Vile announced his seventh solo studio album Bottle It In released on October 12 2018 watch my moves Laakso s death and Back to Moon Beach 2020 present edit Vile produced and appeared on Sweep It Into Space the twelfth album by Dinosaur Jr which was released on April 23 2021 25 On April 20 Verve Records announced that they had signed Vile after 11 years with Matador 26 Vile cited the Velvet Underground as an inspiration for his signing 27 On April 15 2022 Verve Records released watch my moves Vile s ninth studio album 28 The album was mostly recorded during COVID 19 lockdowns at Vile s new home studio OKV Central Upon the album s release Adam Langellotti who had previously helped Vile build his home studio joined the Violators on bass guitar and keyboards On May 4 2023 Vile s longtime Violators bandmate and recording partner Rob Laakso passed away from cholangiocarcinoma a rare and aggressive form of cancer of the bile duct 29 In a lengthy tribute post Vile described Laakso as a Musical genius Recording whizz Best husband and father noting that Rob and I worked close together on the albums B lieve and Bottle him co producing many of the tracks alongside me engineering often playing many different instruments slaying with ease But Wakin was his first full time Violator record and you can see the shift to epic proportions from Smoke Ring to it I ve clocked in so many hours on the road and in front of amps with him but so have the Violators Jesse first and Kyle later 30 On November 17 2023 Vile released a 52 minute long EP Return to Moon Beach which was mostly recorded from September 2019 to May 2023 Upon the EP s release Vile noted My manager called this an EP by only my standards haha cuz the long length but really if I got around to it again I wouldn t say anything ya know just put it out and just see what happens The first six tracks are brand new to the world and blend so sweet together and span from September 2019 to May 2023 If we wanna get technical let s call those songs the EP and the last three songs the extended compilation but they blend so smooth too right because well life in the studio is an extended compilation 31 Personal life editVile is married to Suzanne Lang a teacher and has two daughters 32 He cites songwriters Randy Newman Bob Dylan Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen as influences in his lyrics and music 33 During a 2022 episode of Rolling Stone s Music Now podcast Vile stated that he stopped drinking alcohol sometime around the tour for Bottle It In in late 2018 or early 2019 but noted that he still occasionally consumes cannabis 34 The Violators editCurrent members Jesse Trbovich guitars bass guitar saxophone keyboards 2006 present Kyle Spence drums percussion 2013 present 35 Adam Langellotti bass guitar keyboards 2022 present 36 Former members Rob Laakso guitars bass guitar keyboards various instruments 2011 2021 died 2023 Vince Nudo drums 2013 Mike Zanghi drums percussion 2007 2012 19 Adam Granduciel guitars various instruments 2003 2011 19 Cousin Dan Bower drums percussion 2003 Jay Ganas bass guitar 2003 37 Michael Johnson drums 2003 2006 37 Former touring musicians Robert Robinson percussion guitar effects 2003 2004 Steve Gunn additional live guitars 2013 20 Timeline editDiscography editSolo edit Studio albums edit List of studio albums with selected chart positions and sales Year Album Peak positions SalesUS 38 AUS 39 BEL FL 40 BEL WA 41 DEN 42 NED 43 NOR 44 SWE 45 SWI 46 UK 47 2008 Constant Hitmaker 2009 God Is Saying This to You 2009 Childish Prodigy 2011 Smoke Ring for My Halo 154 UK 14 000 48 2013 Wakin on a Pretty Daze 47 23 81 33 53 21 25 64 41 US 62 000 49 2015 B lieve I m Goin Down 40 27 8 44 15 18 26 45 252017 Lotta Sea Lice with Courtney Barnett 51 5 26 89 27 35 112018 Bottle It In 79 66 10 81 26 34 50 242022 Watch My Moves 185 100 15 90 39 26 33 denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory EPs edit 2003 Ten Songs 2003 Rarities amp Rejects EP 2003 Fingers Cut Megamachine Kurt Vile split 2004 Kurt Vile amp Family Vol 1 2004 9 Home Recordings 2005 Trial amp Error EP 2006 Accidents 2007 Kurt Vile Beat Jams split 2008 Overnite KV 2009 Fall Demons 2009 The Hunchback EP 2010 Square Shells 2011 So Outta Reach 2013 It s a Big World Out There And I Am Scared 2013 Jamaica Plain with Sore Eros 2015 Parallelogram with Steve Gunn 2016 Spotify Sessions 2020 Speed Sound Lonely KV 4 2023 Back to Moon BeachSingles edit List of singles with selected chart positions and certifications showing year released and album name Title Year Peak positions Certifications AlbumUSAAA 50 USAlt 51 USRockAir 52 BEL FL 40 MEXAir 53 Freeway 2008 Constant Hitmaker He s Alright 2009 Childish Prodigy In My Time 2010 Smoke Ring for My Halo Never Run Away 2013 Wakin on a Pretty Daze Pretty Pimpin 2015 1 33 33 95 44 MC Gold 54 RIAA Gold 55 B lieve I m Goin Down Life Like This I m an Outlaw 2016 Over Everything with Courtney Barnett 2017 32 Lotta Sea Lice Continental Breakfast with Courtney Barnett 97 Loading Zones 56 2018 4 78 Bottle It In Bassackwards 57 One Trick Ponies 58 69 How Lucky 59 with John Prine 2020 17 Speed Sound Lonely EP Run Run Run 60 2021 I ll Be Your Mirror A Tribute to The Velvet Underground amp Nico Like Exploding Stones 61 2022 33 Watch My Moves denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory The War on Drugs edit Studio albums edit Wagonwheel Blues 2008 Slave Ambient 2011 EPs edit Barrel of Batteries 2007 Dinosaur Jr edit Sweep It Into Space 2021 References edit Shaggy Yes but Finessed Just So Interview with The New York Times October 25 2009 Dunning JJ May 2013 Kurt Vile Interview The Fly 160 24 Questions of Doom with Kurt Vile Bad Vibes Archived from the original on 11 July 2011 Retrieved 13 August 2011 a b Menagh Douglas September 28 2020 News Listen to Kurt Vile Sing How Lucky with John Prine Speed Sound Lonely KV EP Out 10 2 New Noise Retrieved November 19 2021 Bevan David 18 June 2013 Kurt Vile Lost in the Stars Spin Retrieved 15 October 2017 a b WEINER JONAH 22 October 2009 Kurt Vile Classic Rock Meets Indie in the Ether The New York Times Retrieved 15 October 2017 Fucked Up and Kurt Vile CityBeat Cincinnati Retrieved 15 October 2017 a b c d Carew Anthony September 29 2009 An Interview with Kurt Vile altmusic about com Archived from the original on February 16 2016 Greene Jayson Q amp A Kurt Vile on His Favorite Bob Seger Song and the Neil Young Solo That Changed His Life villagevoice com Archived from the original on 2 May 2013 Retrieved 24 April 2013 a b c Steeply M Hugh Interview Kurt Vile tinymixtapes com Retrieved 13 August 2012 Barton Laura March 29 2013 Kurt Vile from Boston forklift driver to the Hotel California The Guardian London Retrieved 2021 05 06 The War On Drugs Wagonwheel Blues Discogs 19 June 2008 Retrieved 2016 01 30 Kurt Vile Constant Hitmaker Discogs Retrieved 2016 01 30 McKay Sarah March 16 2009 Kurt Vile No Don t Bring Me Weed larecord com Retrieved 2016 01 30 Ubaghs Charles Sincerely Ambient An Interview with The War on Drugs thequietus com Retrieved 13 August 2012 Kurt Vile God Is Saying This To You Discogs 14 April 2009 Retrieved 2016 01 30 Serota Maggie 5 November 2009 Philadelphia s Kurt Vile writes hits takes shit avclub com Retrieved 13 August 2012 The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time 500 401 NME Nme com 21 October 2013 Retrieved 12 October 2018 a b c Rachel T Cole 26 February 2013 Progress Report Kurt Vile stereogum com Retrieved 16 April 2013 a b Steve Gunn s Time Off set for June 18 release Steve to tour with Kurt Vile Paradise of Bachelors 2013 04 04 Retrieved 2013 05 12 Wakin On A Pretty Daze Deluxe Daze Post Haze Wakin On A Pretty Daze Deluxe Daze Post Haze by Kurt Vile on store matadorrecords com Retrieved September 11 2015 Kurt Vile Talks All Over the Place New Album Spin Retrieved September 11 2015 Best LPs of 2015 Top 20 Still in Rock Sacher Andrew August 22 2016 Kurt Vile sings on new Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions single BrooklynVegan Retrieved September 13 2016 Sweep It Into Space Pop Market March 30 2021 Retrieved March 30 2021 Willman Chris 20 April 2021 Kurt Vile Signs With Verve Records Variety Retrieved 20 April 2021 Moreland Quinn 20 April 2022 Kurt Vile Signs With Legendary Jazz Label Verve Records Pitchfork Retrieved 20 April 2021 Kurt Vile watch my moves Album Review Pitchfork 15 April 2022 Retrieved 15 April 2022 Pearis Bill May 5 2023 Rob Laakso Kurt Vile amp The Violators Swirlies has died BrooklynVegan Retrieved May 6 2023 Bloom Madison May 8 2023 Kurt Vile Remembers the Violators and Swirlies Guitarist Rob Laakso Pitchfork Retrieved November 19 2023 Vile Kurt May 8 2023 Kurt Vile Back to Moon Beach Instagram Post Instagram Retrieved November 17 2023 Lindsay Cam April 17 2013 Parenting Tips With Kurt Vile NOISEY Retrieved 2016 01 30 Kurt Vile My biggest influences come from the roots of Rock and Country qobuz 16 November 2018 Retrieved 2022 01 18 Rolling Stone Music Now episode Kurt Vile Wants Miley Cyrus to Cover His Songs and Four Other Things We Learned From the Indie Rock Hero Around the time I toured Bottle It In I quit drinking actually 21 50 mark 1 Archived October 25 2013 at the Wayback Machine Power Ian Kurt Vile The extended interview citypages com Archived from the original on 19 August 2012 Retrieved 11 August 2012 a b Interview Kurt Vile Owlandbear com January 2010 Retrieved 2013 05 12 Kurt Vile Chart History Billboard 200 Billboard Retrieved October 23 2018 Peaks in Australia All except noted Discography Kurt Vile australian charts com Retrieved October 2 2023 Bottle It In ARIA Chart Watch 495 auspOp October 20 2018 Retrieved October 2 2023 Watch My Moves The ARIA Report Week Commencing 25 April 2022 The ARIA Report No 1677 Australian Recording Industry Association April 25 2022 p 6 a b Discografie Kurt Vile Ultratop Retrieved September 14 2018 Discographie Kurt Vile Ultratop Discography Kurt Vile Danish Charts Hung Medien Discografie Kurt Vile Dutch Charts Hung Medien Discography Kurt Vile Norwegian Charts Hung Medien Discography Kurt Vile Swedish Charts Hung Medien Discographie Kurt Vile Hitparade ch Kurt Vile The Official Charts Company Lynskey Dorian 16 January 2012 Indie rock s slow and painful death The Guardian Retrieved 14 February 2019 Upcoming Releases Hits Daily Double Archived from the original on September 3 2015 Kurt Vile Chart History Adult Alternative Songs Billboard Retrieved November 20 2018 Kurt Vile Chart History Alternative Rock Billboard Retrieved October 9 2018 Kurt Vile Chart History Rock Airplay Billboard Retrieved October 9 2018 Kurt Vile Chart History Mexico Ingles Airplay Billboard Retrieved September 21 2018 Canadian certifications Kurt Vile Music Canada Retrieved 4 January 2021 American certifications Kurt Vile Recording Industry Association of America Retrieved December 14 2023 Kurt Vile Returns With New Song Loading Zones Listen Pitchfork 16 August 2018 Retrieved September 13 2018 Kurt Vile s New Song Bassackwards Is as Floaty As You d Hope Noisey Noisey 10 September 2018 Retrieved September 13 2018 Listen to Kurt Vile s New Song One Trick Ponies Pitchfork 4 October 2018 Retrieved November 2 2018 Kurt Vile s Speed Sound Lonely EP John Prine Duets on How Lucky Rolling Stone Rolling Stone 24 September 2020 Retrieved October 12 2020 Young Alex July 14 2021 The Velvet Underground amp Nico Covers Album Features Michael Stipe Iggy Pop Thurston Moore amp St Vincent Consequence of Sound Retrieved September 25 2021 Sherburne Philip February 16 2022 Kurt Vile Like Exploding Stones Track Review Pitchfork Retrieved March 17 2022 External links editOfficial website Kurt Vile discography at Discogs Kurt Vile at IMDb Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Kurt Vile amp oldid 1190755273, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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