Deadsy Explained

Deadsy
Image Upright:1.2
Alias:
  • DÆDSY
Origin:Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genre:Electronic rock,[1] Gothic rock,[2] industrial rock, nu metal[3]
Website:
Child:yes
Header:Logo
Headerstyle:background:#b0c4de
Current Members:Elijah Blue Allman
Alec Puro
Carlton Bost
Craig Riker
Past Members:Jens Funke
Ashburn Miller
Renn Hawkey

Deadsy is an American industrial rock band from Los Angeles.[4] The band is known for its visual appearance and unique musical style the band self-describes as "undercore". The band has released two major studio albums.

The band was initially signed to Sire Records, but the band's self-titled debut album for the label was shelved shortly before its 1997 release. After attempting to re-work the album, they were ultimately dropped from the label in 1999. After eventually signing to Jonathan Davis' Elementree Records, and finally releasing the album, now known as Commencement, in 2002, Deadsy toured across the United States, most notably performing on the Family Values Tour.[5] [6] [7] After the release of Phantasmagore on Immortal Records/Elementree in 2006, the band took a hiatus in 2007. In 2020, it was reported the band had plans for a 2021 release of its third album titled "Subterfugue", ahead of its re-release of Phantasmagore.[8] The album has not yet been released. However, on February 8, 2024, the band would release their first single in 18 years, titled "(study for a portrait of) Napolean In Rags".[9]

History

Early years and formation (1995–1996)

Deadsy formed in the summer of 1995, when Elijah Blue Allman (son of Cher and Gregg Allman) started recording a handful of demos (including "Flowing Glower", "Dear" and a cover of Pavement's "Texas Never Whispers") with Alec Puro on drums and producer Josh Abraham. He later sent a Juno 106 keyboard to his longtime friend from prep school Renn Hawkey (Dr. Nner) as an invitation to join the band.[10] The three members evolved their sound in the studio and sought out a record deal out of, among other things, "adolescent necessity".[11] [12]

Sire Records (1996–1999)

While Deadsy shopped for its first record deal, Seymour Stein, President of Sire/Elektra Records, signed the band. Because they had no bass player at the time, Jay Gordon (of Orgy) was asked to play bass for their short self-titled album.[13] After the album was recorded and released for promotion, the band temporarily relocated to New York City. Deadsy performed an impromptu showcase at Coney Island in 1997. Deadsy's self-titled album was slated for a release in the Spring of 1997, but due to Sire Records separating from Elektra Records, Seymour Stein halted plans for the release, and the band continued recording with Abraham. They also contributed the song "Replicas" to the Gary Numan tribute album Random on Beggars Banquet Records. London Records absorbed Sire Records and folded the label, leaving Deadsy at Warner Bros.[14] They gave the band the option to leave with full ownership of their master recordings.[15] [16]

In 1998, Craig Riker joined as the bassist full-time and the band would continue writing and recording songs (including "Commencement", "She Likes Big Words" and "Seagulls") for the album which would now be titled 'Commencement.[17] [18]

Commencement (1999–2003)

In April 2000, Deadsy signed to Elementree Records, a label owned by longtime supporter Jonathan Davis of Korn,[19] and by June 2000 the band secured the album's widespread distribution through DreamWorks Records.[20] Ashburn Miller replaced Riker on bass in January 2002. With help from friend and Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst, they filmed a music video for "The Key To Gramercy Park".[21] [22] After multiple delays, Commencement was released on May 14, 2002, and the album debuted at number 100 of the Billboard 200 chart.[23] A second video was filmed for their second single, a cover of Sebadoh's "Brand New Love". They were invited to perform on the 2001 Family Values Tour, and the band toured throughout 2002 with bands including Korn and Mindless Self Indulgence.[24] [25] The band recorded additional songs for the album with Jay Baumgardner and Josh Abraham (including a cover of Rush's "Tom Sawyer", "Winners" and the lead single "The Key to Gramercy Park").[26] [27] [28]

Phantasmagore (2003–2007)

After DreamWorks Records was merged into Interscope in late 2003, Deadsy moved on from Dreamworks Records and signed with Immortal Records in 2006.[29] Phantasmagore was released on August 22, 2006, and featured the 5 band members on the album cover in black and white. The album debuted on the Billboard 200 chart[30] and Deadsy was asked back to appear on the Family Values Tour in 2006. Deadsy co-headlined a nationwide tour with the Deftones and also appeared at Lollapalooza that year.[31] In January 2007, Deadsy parted ways with bassist Ashburn Miller, and added Jens Funke to their tour line up.[32]

Hiatus (2007–2017)

In February 2007, a short statement from Allman confirmed that the band was taking a hiatus. Carlton Bost then joined The Dreaming full-time. On April 16, 2007, a MySpace bulletin was posted with a statement by Alec Puro, who wrote, "As you all know we are going to be taking a short break from Deadsy so Elijah can make a solo record and I can continue scoring projects I wasn't able to do from the road". In early 2008, Elijah Blue and the Trapezoids was revealed as the name of Allman's solo project, though as of 2016, the project has yet to release anything more than three demos on its MySpace page.[33] He also was reported as following a career in visual art.[34]

In February 2010, Allman claimed, "Deadsy is sleeping at the moment".[35] Ashburn Miller and Carlton Bost joined Orgy's new line-up in September 2012.

Reformation (2018–2024)

On November 16, 2018, Deadsy (Allman, Hawkey, Puro and Bost) played a semi-acoustic show alongside Queens of the Stone Age at San Quentin State Prison. This marked the band's first appearance since 2006.[36] [37]

On July 14, 2020, Deadsy (now stylized as DÆDSY) announced on social media that their forthcoming album titled Subterfugue, was to be released in early 2021. They also announced that Phantasmagore would be remastered and returning to digital platforms and receiving a vinyl release.[38] Craig Riker rejoined the band on bass, and Phantasmagore was re-released on Deadsy's own Tran Kilo label on November 2.[39] [40] The album was expected to receive a vinyl release, which never materialized after three years of pre-orders and waiting.[41] In April 2023, Hawkey announced on Instagram that he was no longer a member of Deadsy.[42] On January 9, 2024, Allman apologized to Deadsy's fanbase for the Phantasmagore vinyl reissue and took sole responsibility for the delays, saying that he had "dishonored you all, and dishonored myself by my inaction and silence". On February 1, 2024, Deadsy's official Instagram page posted an announcement for their first release since 2006.[43] A single titled "(study for a portrait of) Napolean In Rags", which was released February 8, on Spotify.[44] Q said that the song title may be a reference to the Bob Dylan song "Like a Rolling Stone".

Musical style and lyrical themes

Allman describes the band's low and dissonant style as "undercore".[45] His baritone singing style and guitars, Hawkey's synthesizers, Puro's drums and Bost's Z-Tar all contribute to the sound. Allman stated, "We wanted to make something that was transcendental, really rule-defying, and very against the grain and when people listened to it at first, it would just feel very like a sense of foreignness, almost like watching a David Lynch film.

The lyrics and imagery of the songs sometimes focused on many subjects in either sexual, religious, magical or popular culture contexts. Occasionally, there are references to esoterica, secret societies, The Urantia Book, The Holy Mountain (1973 film), the novel Dune by Frank Herbert, and even Walt Disney's 101 Dalmatians.

Members and visual appearances

Allman has often called the band an "art project" complete with a manifesto and visual iconography. The band was once described as "monied prep school secret society crossed with teenage fascist group."[46] Each band member represents one element or "entity" that drives human society. Each entity is also represented by their own color and unique appearance. Many of the multi-color ideas were influenced directly from the 1955 film This Island Earth. Blue represented International Klein Blue and academia, Puro represented green and leisure, Hawkey represented yellow and science and medicine, Bost represented grey and war, and Riker represented red and horror. The band members also carry a white plastic chain accessory.[47]

Blue and Hawkey, former students at Maine's Hyde School, stated being "fascinated by Skull and Bones and other secret societies and all that stuff that people are very curious about that create an air of mystique". Blue continued by saying: "I often call this band 'a perversion of privilege'."[48]

Current members

Former members

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"
Album detailsPeak chart positions
US
[49] 		US
Ind.
[50]
Deadsy
  • Unreleased
  • Label: Sire, WitcHouse
  • Formats: CD
— —
Commencement
  • Released: May 14, 2002
  • Label: Elementree, DreamWorks
  • Formats: CD
100 —
Phantasmagore
  • Released: August 22, 2006
  • Label: Elementree, Immortal
  • Formats: CD, LP
176 17
Subterfugue
  • Released: TBA
  • Label: Tran Kilo
  • Formats: TBA
TBA
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

Title! scope="col"
YearAlbum
"The Elements"[51] 1997Deadsy
"The Key to Gramercy Park" / "Mansion World"2001Commencement
"Brand New Love"[52] 2002
"Friends"2006Non-album single
"(study for a portrait of) Napolean In Rags"2024Subterfugue

Extras

Music videos

Title! scope="col"
YearDirector(s)
"She Likes Big Words"2001
"The Key to Gramercy Park"2002Fred Durst[53]
"Brand New Love"Deadsy Legions
"Babes in Abyss"2005rowspan="2"
"Razor Love"2006

Notes

Notes and References

  1. Web site: First New Deadsy Single Since 2006 Due Out This Month . wookubus24 . February 1, 2024 . ThePRP . Blastbeat Network . July 16, 2024 . The gothic electro rock band last released a new body of music back in 2006.
  2. Web site: Deadsy Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More . Bush . John . February 27, 2013 . www.allmusic.com . Netaktion LLC . May 6, 2024 . Poppy goth rock band of the 1990s, lead singer descended from pop royalty. . May 7, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240507095300/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/deadsy-mn0000186440 . live .
  3. Book: Udo, Tommy. Brave Nu World. 2002. Sanctuary Publishing. 1-86074-415-X. 176–77. registration.
  4. Web site: Garbarino. Steve. Parking Strictly Prohibited. September 2, 2011. The New York Times. September 23, 2001. May 14, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210514112053/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/23/magazine/parking-strictly-prohibited.html. live.
  5. Web site: Johnson. Tina. Korn, Limp Bizkit, Orgy, Sugar Ray Come Out For Deadsy. September 3, 2011. MTV News. December 6, 1999. November 7, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107222649/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427938/korn-limp-bizkit-orgy-sugar-ray-come-out-deadsy.jhtml. dead.
  6. Web site: Moss. Corey. Deadsy Hold Their Breath For Durst-Directed Video. September 3, 2011. MTV News. April 3, 2002. February 4, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120204053520/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1453237/deadsy-hold-their-breath-durstdirected-video.jhtml. dead.
  7. Web site: Family Values Tour 2001. September 3, 2011. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20011201013357/http://familyvaluestour.com/. December 1, 2001.
  8. Web site: Deadsy To Release First Album In More Than 14 Years. Blabbermouth. July 15, 2020. April 12, 2022. July 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200715202851/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/deadsy-to-release-first-album-in-more-than-14-years/. live.
  9. Web site: Archived copy . February 12, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240212173620/https://www.theprp.com/2024/02/08/news/deadsy-release-their-first-single-since-2006-study-for-a-portrait-of-napoleon-in-rags/ . live .
  10. Web site: Deadsy Biography. playityet.com. September 4, 2011. February 3, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170203114611/http://www.playityet.com/artists/deadsy/about. dead.
  11. Web site: Elijah Blue Allman Deadsy Interview Uncensored!. Stance. September 4, 2011. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115058/http://www.robbrink.com/2005/07/12/elijah-blue-allman-deadsy-interview-uncensored/. dead.
  12. Web site: DeRiso . Nick . How Gregg Allman's Sons Forged Their Own Musical Paths . UCR . May 30, 2017 . September 23, 2021 . September 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210924091934/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/gregg-allman-sons-music/ . live .
  13. Web site: Quelland. Sarah. Dawn of the Deadsy. MetroActive.com. September 6, 2011. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304131240/http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/05.02.02/aural-0218.html. live.
  14. Web site: D'Angelo. Joe. Korn's Jonathan Davis Sings On Deadsy Track. https://archive.today/20130205164555/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1445500/20010730/deadsy.jhtml. dead. February 5, 2013. September 4, 2011. MTV News. July 31, 2001.
  15. Morris . Chris . Sire To Become Stand-Alone Label Again . Billboard . May 3, 2003 . September 26, 2021.
  16. Web site: Pollack . Marc . London-sire's Burning . Hits daily trouble . September 26, 2021 . September 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210927235850/https://hitsdailydouble.com/news%26id%3D275660%26title+LONDON-SIRE%27S-BURNING . live .
  17. Web site: deadsy-she likes big words. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/4_nyMDwMkW4 . December 21, 2021 . live. YouTube. September 6, 2011.
  18. Web site: Testi . T Michael . Music Review: Deadsy - Phantasmagore . Blog critics . December 27, 2006 . September 26, 2021 . September 26, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210926095845/https://blogcritics.org/music-review-deadsy-phantasmagore/ . live .
  19. Web site: http://phillipsexeter.tripod.com/kerrang00.html . April 10, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20011010230402/http://phillipsexeter.tripod.com/kerrang00.html . October 10, 2001 . dead.
  20. Web site: February 6, 2022 . Alternative Press . April 10, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220206124648/https://phillipsexeter.tripod.com/ap00.html . February 6, 2022 . dead.
  21. Web site: Childers . Chad . Watch John Travolta as a Stalker in Fred Durst-Directed 'The Fanatic' Film Trailer . Loudwire . July 24, 2019 . October 4, 2021 . October 5, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211005232729/https://loudwire.com/john-travolta-fred-durst-the-fanatic-trailer/ . live .
  22. Web site: Moss . Corey . DEADSY HOLD THEIR BREATH FOR DURST-DIRECTED VIDEO . MTV . October 4, 2021 . December 11, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151211134241/http://www.mtv.com/news/1453237/deadsy-hold-their-breath-for-durst-directed-video/ . dead .
  23. Web site: Testi . T. Michael . Music Review: Deadsy - Phantasmagore . Blogcritics . December 27, 2006 . October 4, 2021 . September 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210927235829/https://blogcritics.org/music-review-deadsy-phantasmagore/ . live .
  24. Dansby. Andrew. Korn's Davis Exhumes Deadsy. September 6, 2011. Rolling Stone. October 31, 2001. September 24, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924202309/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/korns-davis-exhumes-deadsy-20011031. live.
  25. Web site: Lamothe . Dan . Family Values rocked . The Massachusetts Daily Collegian . October 4, 2021 . June 22, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230622031414/https://dailycollegian.com/2001/10/family-values-rocked/ . live .
  26. Web site: Dangelo . Joe . KORN'S JONATHAN DAVIS SINGS ON DEADSY TRACK . MTV . October 4, 2021 . October 5, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211005232730/http://www.mtv.com/news/1445500/korns-jonathan-davis-sings-on-deadsy-track/ . dead .
  27. News: Nichols . Natalie . Blue Man's Group . LA Times . October 4, 2021 . October 5, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211005232730/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-aug-29-wk-nichols29-story.html . live .
  28. Web site: DEADSY Confirm Split With DREAMWORKS RECORDS . BlabberMouth . April 29, 2004 . October 4, 2021 . October 5, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211005232731/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/deadsy-confirm-split-with-dreamworks-records/ . live .
  29. Web site: KORN Frontman: 'I Love Giving Artists A Chance To Get Their Stuff Out There'. August 24, 2006. RoadrunnerRecords.com. Blabbermouth.net. September 6, 2011.
  30. Chart History Deadsy . Billboard . October 13, 2021.
  31. Web site: DEADSY To Release First Album In More Than 14 Years . BlabberMouth . July 15, 2020 . October 13, 2021 . July 15, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200715202851/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/deadsy-to-release-first-album-in-more-than-14-years/ . live .
  32. Web site: DEADSY Parts Ways With Bassist, Announces Replacement. January 14, 2007. RoadrunnerRecords.com. Blabbermouth.net. September 6, 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20070327105915/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=65281. March 27, 2007.
  33. Web site: Elijah Blue Allman Vermögen – Das Hat Elijah Blue Allman Bisher Verdient . Android Kosmos . October 5, 2020 . October 21, 2021 . October 22, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211022025157/https://www.androidkosmos.de/elijah-blue-allman-vermoegen-das-hat-elijah-blue-allman-bisher-verdient/ . live .
  34. Web site: DeRiso . Nick . How Gregg Allman's Sons Forged Their Own Musical Path . UCR . May 30, 2017 . October 21, 2021 . September 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210924091936/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/gregg-allman-sons-music/ . live .
  35. Web site: Lecaro. Lina. Nightranger: Steppin' Out. September 4, 2011. LA Weekly. March 6, 2010.
  36. Web site: Deadsy to Perform at San Quentin State Prison With Queens of the Stone Age. Broadway World. November 14, 2018. November 15, 2018. December 6, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221206123449/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Deadsy-to-Perform-at-San-Quentin-State-Prison-With-Queens-of-the-Stone-Age-20181114. live.
  37. Web site: Henderson . Marcus . Queens of the Stone Age, Deadsy & Queeny King rock out at SQ . San Quentin News . October 25, 2021 . October 26, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211026064657/https://sanquentinnews.com/queens-stone-age-deadsy-queeny-king-rock-sq/ . live .
  38. Web site: imgur.com. Imgur.com. October 11, 2020. December 6, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221206123446/https://imgur.com/JSK74Yj. live.
  39. Web site: DÆDSY on Instagram: "#Beast". https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CC4c2AfnzI7 . December 24, 2021 . limited. Instagram.com. October 11, 2020.
  40. Web site: wookubus . Deadsy Announce New Album "Subterfugue" . ThePRP . July 15, 2020 . October 25, 2021 . October 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211024181707/https://www.theprp.com/2020/07/15/news/deadsy-announce-new-album-subterfugue/ . live .
  41. Web site: wookubus . 2024-01-09 . Deadsy's Elijah Blue Allman Apologizes For Long-Delayed "Phantasmagore" Vinyl: "I Have Dishonored You All" . 2024-05-26 . Theprp.com . en-US . May 26, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526101605/https://www.theprp.com/2024/01/09/news/deadsys-elijah-blue-allman-apologizes-for-long-delayed-phantasmagore-vinyl-i-have-dishonored-you-all/ . live .
  42. Web site: Zucker . Noah . 2024-01-29 . What Went Wrong With Elijah Blue Allman's Metal Band Deadsy? . 2024-05-26 . . en-US . May 26, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526101606/https://qthemusic.com/p/deadsy-review-elijah-blue-allman-cher-conservator/ . live .
  43. Web site: wookubus . 2024-02-02 . First New Deadsy Single Since 2006 Due Out This Month . 2024-05-26 . Theprp.com . en-US . February 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240222215113/https://www.theprp.com/2024/02/01/news/first-new-deadsy-single-since-2006-due-out-this-month/ . live .
  44. Web site: Zucker . Noah . 2024-02-08 . Elijah Blue Allman Releases New Deadsy Track Amid Legal Battle With Mother Cher . 2024-05-26 . . en-US . May 26, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526101606/https://qthemusic.com/p/elijah-blue-allman-cher-deadsy-napoleon-in-rags/ . live .
  45. Web site: Jeslis . Scott . DEADSY – Phantasmagore . Metal Express Radio . August 22, 2006 . October 25, 2021 . October 26, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211026064319/https://www.metalexpressradio.com/2015/09/06/deadsy-phantasmagore/ . live .
  46. Book: Tommy Udo. Brave Nu World. 2002. Sanctuary. 978-1-86074-415-0.
  47. Web site: Milligan . Kaitlin . Deadsy to Perform at San Quentin State Prison With Queens of the Stone Age . Broadway World . October 25, 2021 . December 6, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221206123449/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Deadsy-to-Perform-at-San-Quentin-State-Prison-With-Queens-of-the-Stone-Age-20181114 . live .
  48. Dansby . Andrew . Korn's Davis Exhumes Deadsy . Rolling Stone . October 21, 2021 . October 22, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211022025140/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/korns-davis-exhumes-deadsy-235402/ . live .
  49. [{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=deadsy|chart=Billboard 200}} Deadsy – Chart History: Billboard 200]. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. January 30, 2013.
  50. Deadsy – Chart History: Independent Albums. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. January 30, 2013. November 21, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211121092638/https://www.billboard.com/artist/deadsy/chart-history/independent-albums/. live.
  51. Deadsy. 1997. The Elements. track listing. Sire Records. PRCD 9746-2.
  52. Deadsy. 2002. Brand New Love. track listing. DreamWorks Records.
  53. Web site: Deadsy Hold Their Breath For Durst-Directed Video. MTV News. April 3, 2002. December 15, 2012. Moss. Corey. Napoli. Antonia. November 7, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107120904/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1453237/deadsy-hold-their-breath-durst-directed-video.jhtml. dead.
  54. Deadsy. 2001. The Key to Gramercy Park / Mansion World. track listing. DreamWorks Records. DRMR-13623-2.
  55. Deadsy. 2002. The Key to Gramercy Park. track listing. DreamWorks Records. DRMR-13915-2.

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