Blondfire

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Blondfire
Origin New York, NY
Genres Indie pop, electronica, alternative rock, dance
Years active 2004–present
Labels Warner Bros. Records
Associated acts Avicii

Blondfire is an indie pop band from Los Angeles whose music is written and produced by the brother-and-sister duo of Bruce and Erica Driscoll.[1][2]

Childhood

The Driscolls were born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan,[3] to an American father and a Brazilian mother. They spent many summers in northern Brazil, and are citizens of both countries. Both Erica and Bruce cite Antonio Carlos Jobim, Caetano Veloso, and Astrud Gilberto as musicians that they listened to often while growing up.[4] In high school, Erica, Bruce, and their older sister Monica formed the band Nectar and eschewed classes to tour nationally.[5][6][7]

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.[8] The Driscolls relocated to New York City and recorded "Weightless" with Ivy's Andy Chase.[9] They released their first EP, Don't Whisper Lies,[5] 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.[10][11]

Blondfire

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.[11] 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".[12][13]

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.[12]

In November 2011 Blondfire released the single and accompanying video for Where The Kids Are to much critical acclaim.[14] In August 2012 Blondfire signed with Warner Bros. Records and Primary Wave Music.[15]

In February 2013, Blondfire released a new music video for their song "Where the Kids Are".[16] The track is also featured heavily in the 2012 Honda Civic television spots.[17]

Blondfire's second album "Young Heart" will be released on February 11, 2014.

Live Show

Blondfire's live lineup consists of Erica singing and playing guitar backed by a group of musicians who have been hand-picked and musically directed by Bruce. Regular musicians include guitarist Steve Stout and drummer Kiel Feher who also played on their album Young Heart.[18][19]

Discography

Albums

  • My Someday (2008, Tender Tender Rush)
  • Young Heart (Blondfire Album) (2014, Tender Tender Rush)

Singles and EPs

  • "Don't Whisper Lies" (2004, Tender Tender Rush)
  • "Pretty Young Thing" (2008, Tender Tender Rush)
  • "Where The Kids Are" (2011, Tender Tender Rush)
  • "Waves" (2013, Tender Tender Rush)

[20]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.mtvhive.com/2011/11/15/blondfire-where-the-kids-are-song/
  2. ↑ http://www.bluemic.com/bluemob/blondfire/
  3. ↑ "Brother-Sister Band Astaire Fighting For Attention", BMI.com, September 26, 2004.
  4. ↑ "Sibling duo keeps rhythm all in the family", Emily Zemler, The Eagle, September 8, 2004.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Astaire at AllMusic
  6. ↑ http://kroq.cbslocal.com/2012/01/17/interview-blondfires-kindred-spirit-breaks-through-with-flavorful-indie-pop/
  7. ↑ http://trendland.com/blondfire-where-the-kids-are/
  8. ↑ , Entertainment Weekly, October 01, 2004.
  9. ↑ , Boston Globe, April 29, 2005
  10. ↑ Source: http://burnthebowery.blogspot.com/2008/03/blondfire-interview.html
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Blondfire ambition", Jim Ray, MSNBC.com, August 5, 2005.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Source: http://www.myoldkentuckyblog.com/?p=2379
  13. ↑ Source: http://www.discogs.com/Blondfire-Live-Session-EP-iTunes-Exclusive/release/1033459
  14. ↑ http://www.becomeyourdrum.com/2012/04/interview-blondfire.html
  15. ↑ http://www.primarywavemusic.com/artist/OTc3My05NTdhNmU/
  16. ↑ Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVKFmNMQVTg
  17. ↑ http://blondfiremusic.tumblr.com/post/42933700388/heard-where-the-kids-are-on-tv
  18. ↑ Source: http://www.discogs.com/Blondfire-Where-The-Kids-Are-Ep/release/4130230
  19. ↑ Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-chattman/blondfire_b_2166768.html
  20. ↑ http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/free-download-blondfires-where-the-kids-are-20111122

External links

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