Kristina Esfandiari

Last updated
Kristina Esfandiari
OriginUnited States
Genres Shoegaze, doom metal, R&B, hip hop, experimental noise
Occupation(s)Singer, musician, producer
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active2009–present
Labels Relapse, The Native Sound, Sargent House, Dero Arcade, Genie Mob
Member ofKing Woman
Formerly of Whirr

Kristina Esfandiari (born 4 March) is an American singer-songwriter and producer who writes music and performs under the monikers Dalmatian, [1] Miserable, and NGHTCRWLR, [2] and with the bands King Woman and Sugar High. [3]

Contents

Early life

Kristina Esfandiari was born to immigrant parents, an Iranian father and a Serbian mother. [2] They raised her in a Charismatic Christian church. [4] [5] She was raised in Sacramento. [6] At 22, she moved to the Bay Area. [7]

Career

Esfandiari began her musical career as a vocalist for shoegaze band Whirr from 2012 to 2013 and was featured on the EP Around, [8] before moving onto her own projects. [9]

In her early years as a performer, Esfandiari became well known for her heavy and dramatic vocals during live shows.[ citation needed ] As of June 2021, Esfandiari releases music under a multitude of personas: Miserable, KRIS, Dalmatian, Sugar High, and NGHTCRWLR.

Esfandiari is best known as the lead vocalist for the band King Woman. Esfandiari began King Woman as a solo project in 2009. [10] The project later became a band, after she was joined by her childhood friend, Joey Raygoza. [9] [5]

Dalmatian

Esfandiari debuted her Dalmatian persona via her social media channels. Dalmatian is a rap project, inspired by artists including Elkk and JRAL. [1] Dalmatian's first release was single "Pain Thresold", followed by "Friday the 13th", released October 2020. [11] Speaking to Revolver in October 2020, Esfandiari said that she was working on Dalmatian's first album, featuring JRAL and Elkk. [11]

King Woman

King Woman released their first successful EP, Doubt, with The Flenser [12] in 2015. [13] The EP was inspired by Esfandiari's experiences of trying to leave her religious upbringing. [14]

King Woman signed to Relapse Records [15] and released their debut LP, Created in the Image of Suffering, [16] which was labelled by Pitchfork as one of the best rock albums of 2017. [17] [18] Writing for Beats Per Minute’s "Darkest Albums" feature, John Amen called the album "a disturbing journey through consternation, despair, and heretical inquiry." [19] King Woman's second album, Celestial Blues , was announced in June 2021, as was its July 2021 oncoming release by Relapse Records. The first single from the album, "Morning Star", was released ahead of the LP. [20] This was followed by a second single, "Psychic Wound", [21] and a third single, "Boghz". [22] The album was released to positive reviews. [23] [24]

Miserable

Miserable is a shoegaze project debuted by Esfandiari in 2014 with EPs Halloween Dream and Dog Days. [25] Uncontrollable, Miserable's debut album, was released via The Native Sound in April 2016. [25] [26] [27] [28] Written and recorded over the course of a year, the LP is the most emotional release in Esfandiari's history as an artist. The album quickly became a fan favourite and her breakthrough record, [29] [30] according to most mainstream media. Pitchfork [31] and Spin [32] praised her work. She later toured extensively in the US. [33]

NGHTCRWLR

NGHTCRWLR has been described as a "mixture of drone, harsh noise and industrial sounds".

Sugar High

Sugar High is a collaboration with producer and singer-songwriter Darcy Baylis, who Esfandiari met over Instagram in 2018. [3] The duo released their debut album, Love Addict, in 2020 on Dero Arcade. [3] "Losing" and "Ugly" were released as singles from the album. [34]

Discography

Dalmatian

Singles / EPs

King Woman

Albums

Singles / EPs

Miserable

Albums

Singles / EPs

NGHTCRWLR

Albums

Sugar High

Albums

Whirr

Singles / EPs

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Extended play</span> Musical recording longer than a single but shorter than a full album

An extended play (EP) is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP record. Contemporary EPs generally contain up to eight tracks and have a playing time of 15 to 30 minutes. An "EP" is usually less cohesive than an album and more "non-committal".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LP (singer)</span> American musician (born 1981)

LP, sometimes credited by their birth name Laura Pergolizzi, is an American singer, musician and songwriter. LP has released seven albums and three EPs. LP has written songs for other artists including Cher, Rihanna, the Backstreet Boys, Leona Lewis, Mylène Farmer, Céline Dion and Christina Aguilera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Rose (guitarist)</span> American guitarist

Jack Rose was an American guitarist originally from Virginia and later based in Philadelphia. Rose is best known for his solo acoustic guitar work. He was also a member of the noise/drone band Pelt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wolves in the Throne Room</span> American black metal band

Wolves in the Throne Room is an American black metal band formed in 2002 in Olympia, Washington, by brothers Aaron and Nathan Weaver. They have released seven full-length albums, two live albums, and two EPs to date. They have stated one of the founding concepts of the band to be channeling the "energies of the Pacific Northwest's landscape" into musical form.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jucifer</span> American sludge metal band

Jucifer is an American doom metal duo, which was founded in 1993. The band's members are Gazelle Amber Valentine on lead guitar and vocals, and her husband Edgar Livengood on drums. Jucifer is notable for the extreme volume at which they perform, and the gigantic wall of amplification used for Valentine's guitar, as well as the dichotomy that has existed between much of the recorded material and their live shows. They are also notable for incessant touring beginning in the mid-1990s. In 2000 Jucifer moved into an RV and became completely "nomadic in nature", preferring to tour constantly, living in their tour vehicle, rather than following the normal practice of album release/tour/time at home.

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

Woods is an American folk rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2005. The band consists of Jeremy Earl, Jarvis Taveniere, Aaron Neveu (drums), Chuck Van Dyck (bass), and Kyle Forester. The band's former bassist, Kevin Morby, left the band in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Fang</span> American rock band

Red Fang is an American rock band from Portland, Oregon, formed in 2005. It is composed of guitarist and vocalist Bryan Giles, bassist and vocalist Aaron Beam, guitarist David Sullivan and drummer John Sherman. The band has released five studio albums: Red Fang (2009), Murder the Mountains (2011), Whales and Leeches (2013), Only Ghosts (2016) and Arrows (2021).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shabazz Palaces</span> American hip hop duo

Shabazz Palaces is an American hip hop group from Seattle led by Ishmael Butler a.k.a. Palaceer Lazaro. Much of the Butler's work as Shabazz Palaces has been made in collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Tendai "Baba" Maraire, son of mbira master Dumisani Maraire. Active since 2009, Shabazz Palaces has released five studio albums on Sub Pop after self-releasing two EPs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whirr</span> American shoegaze band

Whirr is a shoegaze band from Modesto, California. The group formed in 2010, originally as Whirl, but had to legally change its name after a woman performing acoustic covers of Black Sabbath songs trademarked the name and threatened a lawsuit. Whirr's shoegaze sound is often compared to My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. Founding guitarist Nick Bassett also played in the band Deafheaven surrounding and including the release of their 2011 album Roads to Judah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nothing (band)</span> American rock band

Nothing is an American shoegaze band that formed in 2010. The band self-released several EPs before signing to Relapse Records. They released their debut studio album, Guilty of Everything, in 2014. The follow-up album, Tired of Tomorrow, was released on in 2016. Nothing's third studio album, Dance on the Blacktop, was released in 2018, and their fourth studio album, The Great Dismal, was released in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drowse</span>

Drowse is the musical project of American musician and producer Kyle Bates. Based in Portland, Oregon, Bates founded the project in 2013 and released the debut album, Soon Asleep, in 2015.

Gatecreeper is an American death metal band from Phoenix, Arizona.

<i>The Tyranny of Will</i> 2014 studio album by Iron Reagan

The Tyranny of Will is the second studio album by American crossover thrash band Iron Reagan. Released in September 2014, it was their first under the Relapse Records label and the first to feature bassist Rob Skotis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qveen Herby</span> American rapper and singer

Amy Renee HeidemannNoonan, better known professionally as Qveen Herby, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Seward, Nebraska, she first gained fame as part of the music duo Karmin, with which she released two studio albums. Following the duo's hiatus in 2017, she began the solo project, Qveen Herby, which incorporated R&B and hip hop influences. She released her first solo extended play, EP 1 on June 2, 2017. She released her debut album, A Woman, on May 21, 2021.

<i>Sugar & Spice</i> (EP) 2018 EP by Hatchie

Sugar & Spice is the debut extended play (EP) by Australian singer-songwriter Hatchie, released on 25 May 2018 through Double Double Whammy, Ivy League, and Heavenly Recordings. All five songs from the EP were released as singles and were accompanied by music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelly Lee Owens</span> Welsh electronic musician and producer

Kelly Lee Owens is a Welsh electronic musician and producer. She released her self-titled first album in 2017 to critical praise, her follow-up album Inner Song was released in August 2020. Her third studio album LP.8 was released on 29 April 2022.

<i>Created in the Image of Suffering</i> 2017 King Woman album

Created in the Image of Suffering is the debut studio album by American doom metal band King Woman, released on February 24, 2017, through Relapse Records. The album has strong religious themes, inspired by the band's lead member Kristina Esfandiari's upbringing in a Charismatic Christian church. The album was recorded with producer Jack Shirley at the Atomic Garden in Palo Alto, California. King Woman supported Created in the Image of Suffering with an international tour, including a performance at Roadburn Festival.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boy Harsher</span> American electronic music band

Boy Harsher is an American electronic music group formed in 2013 in Savannah, Georgia. Currently based in Northampton, Massachusetts, the band consists of vocalist Jae Matthews and producer Augustus Muller. The band has amassed a cult following since their formation, and their song "Pain" has become an underground hit. Matthews and Muller own and run the label Nude Club, which is exclusively devoted to Boy Harsher and related artists.

<i>Celestial Blues</i> 2021 studio album by King Woman

Celestial Blues is the second studio album by Kristina Esfandiari-fronted American doom metal band King Woman, released on July 30, 2021 through Relapse Records. It follows King Woman's debut album, 2017's Created in the Image of Suffering. The album was recorded by Jack Shirley in December 2019 at The Atomic Garden in Oakland, California. Like Created in the Image of Suffering, Celestial Blues is thematically-inspired by Esfandiari's childhood with her charismatic Christian parents.

References

  1. 1 2 Jones, Cat. "HEAR DALMATIAN, THE TERRIFYING NEW RAP PROJECT FROM KING WOMAN'S KRIS ESFANDIARI". KERRANG. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  2. 1 2 Moen, Matt. "Christian Brainwashing Videos Inspired NGHTCRWLR's Album". Paper Magazine. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 LeSuer, Mike. "PREMIERE: Sugar High Announce Debut LP "Love Addict," Share Single "Losing"". FLOOD.
  4. ↑ Mejia, Paula (27 September 2017). "Metal Singer Kristina Esfandiari on Using Dark Sounds to Heal". Rolling Stone. Penske Business Media. Retrieved 2018-07-26.
  5. 1 2 Reveron, Sean (11 May 2016). "CVLT NATION INTERVIEWS KRISTINA ESFANDIARI". Cvlt Nation. Retrieved 2018-07-26.
  6. ↑ Interview with King Woman Episode 9 of Dante & Leanne In the Mourning , retrieved 2021-09-17
  7. ↑ Lefebvre, Sam (11 March 2015). "King Woman Vanquishes the Holy Spirit". East Bay Express. Retrieved 2018-07-26.
  8. ↑ "Whirr: Around Album Review – Pitchfork". Pitchfork . Retrieved September 6, 2022.
  9. 1 2 Ruskin, Zack (March 28, 2018). "Kristina Esfandiari's path to King Woman was a painful one". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  10. ↑ Esfandiari, Kristina (17 November 2017). "A Jonestown Survivor and King Woman's Kristina Esfandiari Discuss Healing from Trauma". Vice. Vice Media. Retrieved 2018-07-26.
  11. 1 2 "See King Woman Singer Wield Sword to Slay Monsters in Dalmatian's Eerie New Video". Revolver. 2020-10-31. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  12. ↑ "King Woman – Doubt | The Flenser". theflenser.com. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  13. ↑ ""Burn" by King Woman Review | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  14. ↑ Noblé, Summer (27 April 2015). "Darkness Disguised As Light: An Interview With King Woman". Huffington Post.
  15. ↑ "King Woman – Relapse Records". Relapse Records Official Website.
  16. ↑ "How Kristina Esfandiari Balances King Woman and Miserable". CLRVYNT. 8 February 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  17. ↑ "The Month in Metal: The Hopelessness of Slayer, King Woman, and Shaarimoth | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. February 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  18. ↑ "King Woman: Created in the Image of Suffering Album Review | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  19. ↑ Wohlmacher, John; Amen, John; Kenny, Brody; Finlayson, Ray; Dedman, Todd; Smirnov, Aleksandr; Sentz, Tim; Barton, Matthew; WIllems, Jasper (2021-05-31). "BPM's Darkest Albums | Beats Per Minute – Page 2". beatsperminute.com. Retrieved 2021-07-17.
  20. ↑ "King Woman announce new album Celestial Blues, unveil first single "Morning Star": Stream". Consequence. 2021-06-02. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  21. ↑ "King Woman – "Psychic Wound"". Stereogum. 2021-06-30. Retrieved 2021-07-07.
  22. ↑ "King Woman's "Boghz" is Another Stunner". MetalSucks. 2021-07-14. Retrieved 2021-07-16.
  23. ↑ "King Woman: Celestial Blues". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2021-08-11.
  24. ↑ "Album review: King Woman – Celestial Blues". Kerrang!. 29 July 2021. Retrieved 2021-08-11.
  25. 1 2 "Miserable Finds Grace in the Profane on 'Uncontrollable' LP". SPIN. April 28, 2016.
  26. ↑ "The Native Sound". The Native Sound. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  27. ↑ Kelley, Quinn. "Miserable's Kristina Esfandiari on the relief of finishing her debut album". baltimoresun.com. Archived from the original on 2018-07-27. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  28. ↑ "Uncontrollable, by Miserable". Miserable. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  29. ↑ "Miserable's Shoegazey "Violet" Will Destroy Your Heart". The FADER. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  30. ↑ "9 Best Songs of the Week: Billboard.com Editors' Picks – April 15". Billboard. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  31. ↑ ""Violet" by Miserable Review | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  32. ↑ "Miserable's Kristina Esfandiari Makes Death Sound Like a Dream with "Oven"". Noisey. 24 February 2016. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  33. ↑ "Miserable touring behind 'Uncontrollable' (dates, LP stream)". BrooklynVegan. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  34. ↑ "King Woman Singer's New Project Sugar High: Hear Brooding New Song "Ugly"". Revolver. 2020-04-02. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.