Brian Karscig

Last updated

Brian Karscig
Brihat.jpg
Background information
Birth nameBrian Joseph Karscig
Also known asB Joseph Karscig, brianxiv, bxiv
Genres Rock, post-punk revival, alternative rock, glam rock, indie rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, producer
Instrument(s)Guitar, Piano, vocals, Bass
Years active1994–present
Labels Atlantic Records, Pineapple Recording Group
Formerly of Convoy, Louis XIV, The Killers, The Nervous Wreckords
Website http://www.plusmusic.ai

Brian Joseph Karscig is a musician, songwriter, and record producer, but is mostly recognized as the co-singer/guitarist/songwriter for the American rock band Louis XIV signed to Atlantic Records. [1] He also is the singer/guitarist/songwriter of the American rock band The Nervous Wreckords. Karscig owns Nervous Productions, and co-owner of "The Pineapple Recording Group", and has produced records for artists such as Anya Marina (Slow and Steady Seduction: Phase II) for Chopshop/Atlantic Records, The Silent Comedy, Transfer, Les Gars, Apes of Wrath, Republic of Letters, and Subsurfer. Aside from his songwriting with LOUIS XIV, and The Nervous Wreckords, Karscig is also known for his co-writes with Brandon Flowers of The Killers ("Thief in the Choir" and "Turn the Light On"), and Sam Endicott of The Bravery ("Send it in a Letter"), as well as Anya Marina ("Afterparty at Jimmy's) and A.J. Croce's 2013 single "Keep the Change". Karscig is also credited with additional vocals on The Killers 2006 release "Sam's Town". Most recently Karscig toured South America as the piano/guitar player for Brandon Flowers "Desired Effect" Tour, and also joined The Killers as 2nd guitar player for their 2016 US/Canada tour.

Contents

Biography

Karscig was known for his high-pitched singing voice in the group LOUIS XIV and his voice was often confused with that of a female singer. He currently resides in San Diego, California where he moved at age 10. He began playing music with piano lessons and singing in the church choir at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School in Toledo, OH at age 7. He picked up the guitar at age 15, and decided at that age he wanted to be a songwriter/musician.

Career

Brian Karscig along with other founding members Hill and Maigaard started LOUIS XIV in April 2003. [2] After the break-up of alt country/alternative act CONVOY, the three left the project to pursue a more stripped down sound and recorded their debut on their own record label (Pineapple Recording Group) self-titled LOUIS XIV. [3] Selling more than 10,000 copies on their own and achieving radio success with their follow-up EP's the Pink EP and the Blue EP with a song called, "Finding Out True Love Is Blind", the band was signed to Atlantic records in 2004. [4] In 2005 the songwriting team of Hill/Karscig along with drummer Mark Maigaard released and EP Illegal Tender on Pineapple Recording Group/Vice which was then followed up by their major label release of LP The Best Little Secrets are Kept by Atlantic Records. [5] In 2007 The Distances from Everyone to You EP was released which featured a cover of Queen's song Flash Gordon, [6] and shortly after began touring supporting their follow-up LP to The Best Little Secrets Are Kept called Slick Dogs and Ponies. [7] Karscig appeared with Louis XIV on Late Night with Conan O'Brien performing "Finding Out True Love is Blind" [8] as well as Friday Night with Jonathan Ross in the UK, [9] Jimmy Kimmel Live! [10] and Last Call with Carson Daly. [11] He also performed "Air Traffic Control" and "There's a Traitor in this Room" on Last call with Carson Daly as well as Late Night with Conan O'Brien [12]

Karscig is now working as a record producer/performer and is the co-founder of PlusMusic.ai. In addition to additional production on Louis XIV's "Slick Dogs and Ponies," [13] Karscig recently completed production with artists Anya Marina's Slow and Steady Seduction Phase II, [14] The Silent Comedy, [15] Transfer, [16] Les Gars, [17] Maren Parusel, [18] Apes of Wrath, [19] and just recently completed production of Republic of Letters "Painted Hour" CD, and Subsurfer's "We Are Stars" LP. Karscig can also be heard singing on the two tracks "Sams Town" and "My List" on The Killers 2007 LP release Sam's Town. [20] In 2009, after LXIV taking a hiatus, Karscig started a new band called The Nervous Wreckords. The Nervous Wreckords toured the US supporting The Killers on their 2010 "Day and Age" Tour, as well as Brandon Flowers solo tour for "Flamingo". In 2012 after sharing the stage with Cee-Lo Green for his Grammy warm up show, they embarked on a tour of the Caribbean with alt/rock act Weezer and other supporting acts Wavves, Free Energy, Yuck, and Antlers. THE NERVOUS WRECKORDS [21] have recently appeared in Season 8 of Showtime's series Weeds with their song "Classy Girls", which also appears on the "Weeds: An Eight of the Greatest" music soundtrack. The Nervous Wreckords plan on touring in release of their new record "Let them All Talk" which features the single of the same name, and the video is currently being showcased on MTV.com VH1.com and CMT.com. 2013 also saw Karscig reuniting with LOUIS XIV for their "Return of the King" arena tour through Europe, Latin America, and Mexico supporting The Killers.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greg Ginn</span> American musician

Gregory Regis Ginn is an American musician and songwriter, best known for being the leader, primary songwriter, and the only continuous member of the hardcore punk band Black Flag, which he founded and led from 1976 to 1986, and again in 2003. The band announced another reunion in 2013. Since the breakup of Black Flag, Ginn has recorded solo albums, and performed with such bands as October Faction, Gone, Confront James, Mojack, and others. He was 99th on Rolling Stone's list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Killers</span> American rock band

The Killers are an American rock band formed in Las Vegas in 2001 by Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning. After going through a number of short-term bass players and drummers in their early days, both Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. joined the band in 2002. The band's name is derived from a logo on the bass drum of a fictitious band portrayed in the music video for the New Order song "Crystal".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Louis XIV (band)</span> American rock band

Louis XIV is an American rock band from San Diego, California. The band has released four EPs between 2003 and 2007, and three albums between 2003 and 2008, the latter two of which were distributed by Atlantic Records. The band broke up in 2009, but in 2013, in an interview with The Reno Dispatch, Jason Hill confirmed that the band had decided to reunite.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Format</span> American indie rock band

The Format is an American indie rock band formed by Nate Ruess and Sam Means. Their style can be considered a mixture of indie, alternative, punk and folk music, with elements of 1960s and 1970s pop music. Though Means and Ruess are the foremost members of the band, they have played, toured, and recorded with Mike Schey, Mark Buzard, Don Raymond, and for the DVD recording and summer 2007 tour, The Honorary Title's drummer Adam Boyd. The Format chose their name to make fun of the music industry's inclination towards a cookie-cutter "format" for a hit. Formed in 2002, the band announced a hiatus on February 4, 2008. On February 4, 2020, they announced a return from their hiatus for a tour of special shows that were later cancelled due to the pandemic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Pajo</span> American alternative rock musician

David Pajo is an American alternative rock musician. He has played a wide variety of music, loosely fitting into several other genres such as hardcore punk, math rock, post-rock, electronica, folk rock and indie pop. Though a multi-instrumentalist, he is best known for his guitar work, most notably with Slint. He is currently a member of Gang of Four.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Articles of Faith (band)</span> American hardcore punk band

Articles of Faith was a Chicago-based hardcore punk band originally active between 1981 and 1985. The band's later work is credited with superior songwriting and with foreshadowing the emo sound. Originally a Springsteen/Clash cover band called Direct Drive, the group changed both its music and name after frontman Vic Bondi visited Washington, D.C. in 1981 and saw a Bad Brains show that he describes as an “epiphany.” AoF typically showed funk, reggae and jazz influences, accompanied by lyrics bemoaning the difficulty of finding freedom and fulfillment in consumer society. While the band's influence was blunted by being based in Chicago, it maintained close musical and thematic ties to the Washington DC / Dischord Records scene. Drummer Bill Richman, a member of the Revolutionary Communist Party briefly left the band in 1984 due to the waning of the band's political emphasis; he returned later to record In This Life. Bondi had already left Chicago by the time AoF disbanded in 1985; In This Life was issued two years later. The original lineup reunited for a European tour in 1991. The final show of this tour was recorded and issued as part of the Your Choice Live series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Pond PA</span> Band that plays indie rock

Matt Pond PA is a New York-based band formed in Philadelphia by singer-songwriter Matt Pond. It has released numerous LPs and numerous EPs between 1998 and 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earl Slick</span> American guitarist

Earl Slick is an American guitarist best known for his collaborations with David Bowie, John Lennon, Yoko Ono and Robert Smith. He has also worked with other artists including John Waite, Tim Curry and David Coverdale, in addition to releasing several solo recordings, and two records with Phantom, Rocker & Slick, the band he formed with Slim Jim Phantom & Lee Rocker.

Convoy was a rock band based out of San Diego, CA, releasing a total of three albums from 1997 to 2003.

Bulldozer is an Italian heavy metal band from Milan originally active from 1980 to 1990. They have reunited as of 2008.

Rock Kills Kid was an American art punk/alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California that consisted of Jeff Tucker, Shawn Dailey (bass), Sean Stopnik (guitar), Reed Calhoun (keyboards/vocals), and Mike Balboa (drums). Their music often drew comparisons to The Cure, Echo & the Bunnymen, Duran Duran, Modern English and U2, as well as new bands such as The Killers and Franz Ferdinand. They were named one of Rolling Stone magazine's "10 Artists to Watch in 2006". The group disbanded in 2010, ending their short-lived career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anya Marina</span> American musician

Anya Marina is an American singer-songwriter, based in New York City. Her music has been featured on several television shows, including Grey's Anatomy,How I Met Your Mother, The Real World, Castle, United States of Tara, Gossip Girl, Batwoman, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural. Her songs have been featured on the soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack and 13 Reasons Why Season 2 soundtrack.

Mercy Killers is an American goth band from Los Angeles, California, United States. It was formed in 2004 by future members of alternative rock band +44 Craig Fairbaugh and Shane Gallagher. Other members were Sam Soto aka Sampire on bass, Colin Barill on drums. They released their album Bloodlove on June 6th 2006.

<i>Louis XIV</i> (album) 2003 studio album by Louis XIV

Louis XIV is the first album made by the band Louis XIV. Released in November 2003, it was recorded and released independently through the band's record label, Pineapple Recording Group. Selling only a thousand copies, the album was discontinued after the band's signing to major label Atlantic Records in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Virgins</span> American indie rock/punk band

The Virgins were an American indie rock band formed in 2006 in New York City. The band split up in November 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ray Suen</span> Musical artist

Ray Suen is an American musician based in Los Angeles, California, best known for his work with Childish Gambino, Lorde and Mariachi El Bronx.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Dustland Fairytale</span> Single by The Killers

"A Dustland Fairytale" is a song by American rock band The Killers, released as the fourth single from the band's third studio album, Day & Age (2008). The Killers performed the song live on The Late Show with David Letterman accompanied by an orchestra in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Stoermer</span> American musician, songwriter

Mark August Stoermer is an American musician and songwriter. He was best known as the bassist for the rock band the Killers, with whom he has recorded six studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Pardey</span> American singer-songwriter

Ryan Pardey is a musician, singer, songwriter, promoter, tour manager, actor, left-handed guitar player, and DJ from Las Vegas. He is best known as the singer and songwriter for Halloween Town, which has featured members of The Killers, Louis XIV, and The Shys. Pardey is also well known for portraying Santa Claus on A Great Big Sled (2006) and Don't Shoot Me Santa (2007), two Christmas music videos released by The Killers. Pardey appeared as Santa again for The Killers in the two sequel Christmas singles, I Feel It in My Bones (2012) and Dirt Sledding (2015). He also appears in the videos and as illustrations in the artwork for both singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">X Ambassadors</span> American rock band

X Ambassadors is an American pop rock band from Ithaca, New York that consists of lead vocalist Sam Harris, keyboardist Casey Harris, and drummer Adam Levin. Russ Flynn is a touring member who plays guitar and bass. Their most notable songs include "Jungle", "Renegades", and "Unsteady". The band's debut full-length album, VHS, was released on June 30, 2015. Their second album, Orion, came out on June 14, 2019. Their third album, The Beautiful Liar, was issued on September 24, 2021.

References

  1. Loftus, Johnny. "Biography: Louis XIV". AMG . Retrieved May 17, 2010.
  2. LOUIS XIV formed 2003 Accessed June 14, 2009
  3. LOUIS XIV hailed from alt band Convoy Accessed June 14, 2009
  4. LOUIS XIV signed to Atlantic Records in 2005 "Atlantic Records :: Louis XIV Biography". Archived from the original on November 22, 2008. Retrieved 2009-06-18. Accessed June 14, 2009
  5. LXIV release Illegal Tender and Best Little Secrets Are Kept: Accessed June 14, 2009
  6. Flash Gordon Cover/The Distances From Everyone to you: Accessed June 14, 2009
  7. Slick Dogs and Ponies release Accessed June 14, 2009
  8. Conan O'Brien performing FOTLIB Accessed June 14, 2009
  9. Friday Night with Jonathan Ross Accessed June 14, 2009
  10. Jimmy Kimmel Live! Performance Accessed June 14, 2009
  11. Last call with Carson Daly performance Accessed June 14, 2009
  12. Conan Performance Air Traffic Control Accessed June 14, 2009
  13. Additional production SDAP Accessed June 14, 2009
  14. Producing Anya Marina (SSPII): Accessed June 14, 2009
  15. The Silent Comedy Producer [ permanent dead link ] Accessed June 14, 2009
  16. Transfer production "Transfer set to tour UK with Leeds band Vib Gyor - Band Weblogs - the Music Blog | Music News". Archived from the original on July 5, 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-18. Accessed June 14, 2009
  17. Les Gars Production "Altsounds.com News | Introducing les Gars". Archived from the original on June 18, 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-18. Accessed June 14, 2009
  18. Maren Parusel production Archived June 2, 2009, at the Wayback Machine Accessed June 14, 2009
  19. Apes of Wrath Production Accessed June 14, 2009
  20. Performing with LXIV on Kilers Sam's Town LP Accessed June 14, 2009
  21. "Log in or sign up to view". www.facebook.com.