| Headset | |
|---|---|
| Origin | California, USA |
| Genres | Alternative |
| Years active | 1996 – 2001 |
| Labels | Centipede Records |
| Members | |
| Ryan Kirk – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards Taylor Stacy – Bass, Vocals Sean Furlong – Drums Chris Fudurich – Keyboards |
|
| Past members | |
| Don Knotts Overdrive Howard Hallis Bobby Hecksher Daniel Myer Bob Mustachio Anthony Scarpa Joh Kaizen Pititia Alcala Chicken John Mike Gump Adam Bregman |
|
Headset was an American alternative rock band based in California, USA.
Contents |
Originally known as DKO, this Hollywood-based performance art/rock ensemble began their career in 1993, consisting of Howard Hallis (today, an artist), Taylor Stacy (Magic Pacer, Erin Martin Band, Deletists, Reverz Engineers, Electromagnetic), Bobby Hecksher (Charles Brown Superstar, Magic Pacer, The Warlocks), Bob Mustachio (Magic Pacer, The Warlocks) and Daniel Meyer (Dashboard Prophets, Farflung).
Originally visually and shock-rock based, dressing as monsters, superheroes, animals, naked, etc., the LA party band released a 7" single in 1994 on Wrong Dimension Records.
In 1995, Hallis and Hecksher left the group as their full length CD debut was released nationally.
Ditching the expensive and annoying costume and visual art component, the group were pegged by Trey Parker and Exene Cervenka to pen tunes for their next projects. Next, the group reworked "Snowball" for the official tribute to DEVO, "We Are Not Devo." Several other tv, film and internet licensing deals followed.
Due to legal challenges from the actual Don Knotts, the group changed their moniker to The Headset.
In 1997, out of the ashes of the Big Bang of the Silverlake Underground Movement, 4 "heads" and rock soldiers retooled and stepped up to the challenge of producing the definitive sound of tomorrow. The Head Set's first release, the World-Famous "Twisted Steel, Leather Donut" appeared courtesy of their association with Mitchell Frank, Spaceland founder, King of Club Echo and modern age genius. Heady? Quixote-like? Yes. Trey Parker, Matt Stone and the Dust Brothers found it hilarious and infectious Kraut Kampf to include in Nickelbag/Universal's "ORGAZMO!" soundtrack. Recordings of "Snowball" for the Devo-Blessed and supervised "We Are Not Devo" CD comp and FGTH's "Relax" for Exene Cervenka's KPNK CD comp soon followed.
The group, initially performing as DKO, played sold-out shows from Spaceland to the Whisky to The Viper Room, were heralded by KROQ, KLOS, and KCRW, no less, as a new artist to watch — a can't miss glimpse of the future of L.A. alternative rock. The reclusive four-piece instead signed an indie contract giving them more creative control. Centipede Records and Producer Jim Goodwin released "Brownout" with major college radio backing.
Don Knotts Overdrive 7" single (1994) Wrong Dimension Records Track Listing
Acid Caboose (featuring Dr. Timothy Leary) Pfunny Bunny (featuring Kill Whitey) Loopy Bird (featuring Genesis P. Orridge)
The Patio Collection (1995) "Electric Treechrome Disco Girl"
Juggernaut CD (1996) 13 songs
We Are Not Devo (1997) "Snowball"
KPNK (Compilation) 1997 Producer: Exene Cervenka Don Knotts Overdrive- "Relax" Frankie Goes to Hollywood cover
Brownout CD (2000)