Blondfire Explained

Blondfire
Origin:New York City
Genre:Indie pop, electronica, alternative rock, dance
Associated Acts:Avicii, Ivy, Freedom Fry, Arty
Years Active:2004–present
Label:Warner Bros., Primary Wave, WAX LTD
Current Members:Erica Driscoll
Past Members:Bruce Driscoll
Alias:Astaire

Blondfire is an American indie pop band from Los Angeles, California, United States. It started as a duo of brother and sister Bruce and Erica Driscoll, under the name Astaire,[1] [2] and since 2015 has been a solo act with Erica Driscoll.[3]

Early life

Erica Driscoll was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States[4] to an American father and a Brazilian mother. She spent many summers in northern Brazil, and is a citizen of both countries. Erica and her brother and founding member Bruce Driscoll cite Antonio Carlos Jobim, Caetano Veloso, and Astrud Gilberto as musicians that they listened to often while growing up.[5] In high school, Erica and her older sister Monica formed the band Nectar, along with Arland Nicewander, Ryan Butts, and Jason Drost. The band eschewed classes to tour nationally. In addition to that, their song In The Shadows was chosen to be used in WGRD Radioactiv 4 compilation series, which also includes Mustard Plug and Epic Records recording artists Papa Vegas and Getaway Cruiser. [6] [7] [8]

History

Astaire

Erica and Bruce formed Astaire and toured locally behind songs recorded in the basement of their parents' home. During this time, the siblings were featured in many music and fashion publications, such as z!nk, America, YRB, College Music Journal, and Entertainment Weekly.[9] The Driscolls relocated to New York City and recorded "Weightless" with Ivy's Andy Chase.[10] They released their first EP, Don't Whisper Lies, on their own record label, Wax Divine.

The EP's single, "L-L-Love" became an iTunes Free Single of the Week and the band embarked on a national tour with Ivy, Robbers on High Street, and Stars.[11] [12]

Change to Blondfire, My Someday

In the middle of the tour, the Driscolls were contacted by the representatives of the estate of Fred Astaire, asking the band to stop using the name immediately. Facing expensive legal fees, the siblings changed the band's name to Blondfire. They announced the name change with the release of a new iTunes-exclusive acoustic live EP. It featured "L-L-Love" and three new songs, "Paper Doll", "Running Back", and "Fade to Pale".[13] [14]

In October 2006, Blondfire signed a record deal with EMI Records UK. Their debut album, My Someday, was released in 2008. Among the people thanked in the album liner notes was Fred Astaire. In a May 2008 interview, Bruce Driscoll stated that the band had parted ways with the label.[13]

Young Heart

In November 2011, Blondfire released the single and accompanying video for "Where The Kids Are" to much critical acclaim.[15]

In August 2012, Blondfire signed with Warner Bros. Records and Primary Wave Music.[16]

In February 2013, Blondfire released a new music video for their song "Where the Kids Are".[17] The track featured heavily in the 2012 Honda Civic television spots.[18]

On 11 February 2014, Blondfire's second album, Young Heart, was released. It produced two singles, "Where the Kids Are" and "Waves".[19]

Split, True Confessions

In 2015, Bruce left the band as a full-time member to focus on his band Freedom Fry.[20] He continues to collaborate with Erica as a songwriter and on other creative projects.

Live show

Blondfire's live lineup consists of Erica singing and playing guitar backed by a group of hand-picked musicians.

Discography

Albums

Singles

Other appearances

Notes and References

  1. http://www.mtvhive.com/2011/11/15/blondfire-where-the-kids-are-song/
  2. Web site: Blue Microphones | Blondfire . Bluemic.com . 2014-03-06.
  3. Web site: Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear. 9 February 2016. digitalspy.com.
  4. Web site: Brother-Sister Band Astaire Fighting For Attention . . September 26, 2004.
  5. Web site: Sibling duo keeps rhythm all in the family. Emily. Zemler. The Eagle. September 8, 2004. November 11, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20110716081222/http://www.theeagleonline.com/scene/story/sibling-duo-keeps-rhythm-all-in-the-family/. July 16, 2011. dead.
  6. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/astaire-mn0000930593/biography}
  7. Web site: [Interview] Blondfire's Kindred Spirit Breaks Through With Flavorful Indie-Pop « The World Famous KROQ |publisher=Kroq.cbslocal.com |date=2012-01-17 |accessdate=2014-03-06].
  8. Web site: Blondfire: Where The Kids Are . Trendland . 2011-11-03 . 2014-03-06.
  9. News: Published on Oct 01, 2004 . Download This . https://web.archive.org/web/20081202134307/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,701458,00.html . dead . December 2, 2008 . EW.com . 2004-10-01 . 2014-03-06.
  10. News: Unsigned, Astaire makes its own way with slinky electro-pop - The Boston Globe . Boston.com . 2005-04-29 . 2014-03-06 . James . Reed.
  11. Web site: The . Burn . Burn the Bowery: Blondfire - Interview . Burnthebowery.blogspot.com . 2008-03-29 . 2014-03-06.
  12. Web site: Blondfire ambition . Jim . Ray . Today.com . August 5, 2005.
  13. Web site: Dodge on April 16, 2010 . Pop Dee-Lite : Interview with Blondfire « My Old Kentucky Blog . Myoldkentuckyblog.com . 2010-04-16 . 2014-03-06.
  14. Web site: Blondfire - Live Session EP (iTunes Exclusive) (File) at Discogs . Discogs.com . 2005-07-19 . 2014-03-06.
  15. Web site: Interview: Blondfire . become your drum . 2012-04-20 . 2014-03-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140307021313/http://www.becomeyourdrum.com/2012/04/interview-blondfire.html . 2014-03-07 . dead .
  16. Web site: Blondfire . Primary Wave Music . 2014-03-06 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130603040354/http://www.primarywavemusic.com/artist/OTc3My05NTdhNmU/ . 2013-06-03 .
  17. Web site: Blondfire - Where The Kids Are (Official Music Video) . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/xVKFmNMQVTg . 2021-12-21 . live. YouTube . 2013-02-08 . 2014-03-06.
  18. Web site: Heard "Where the Kids Are" on TV? | The Official Blondfire Website . Blondfiremusic.tumblr.com . 2014-03-06.
  19. Web site: Blondfire: Young Heart. 5 January 2015. Inyourspeakers Media. 17 November 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161118162922/http://inyourspeakers.com/content/review/231-blondfire-young-heart-02222014. 18 November 2016. dead.
  20. Web site: The "Domino" Effect: True Confessions With Blondfire . Mosk . Mitch . Atwood Magazine . 2016-07-29 . 2017-11-09 . ...Blondfire became Erica Driscoll’s artistic identity in 2015 after Bruce left to focus on his band Freedom Fry. .
  21. Web site: 106.3 The Shore WJSE. theshore.fm.
  22. Web site: Free Download: Blondfire's 'Where the Kids Are' | Music News . Rolling Stone . 2011-11-22 . 2014-03-06.
  23. Web site: Blondfire Premieres 'Pleasure' Inspired by 'Manchester Drug Scene': Exclusive. billboard.com.

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