Sorry About Your Daughter

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Sorry About Your Daughter
SAYD.jpg
Sorry About Your Daughter in Wheaton, Maryland, 1995
Background information
Origin Washington, D.C., U.S.
Genres
Years active1992–1997, 2019, 2025–present
Labels
Members
  • Glenn Hall
  • Jeff Aug
  • Aaron Wertlieb
  • Karl Hill
Website sorryaboutyourdaughter.com

Sorry About Your Daughter is an American alternative rock and post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., United States. Known for their melodic yet intense sound, they gained recognition in the 1990s through extensive college and European touring. The band released two full-length albums on the German label Edel/Marlboro Music, and their videos for “You Gave Up” and “Scapegoat” received rotation on MTV Europe and MuchMusic. After disbanding in 1997, the members pursued separate musical projects before reuniting in 2019 and again in 2025.

Contents

History

Formation and early years (1992–1994)

Sorry About Your Daughter formed in 1992 in the Washington, D.C., area. Their music blended elements of alternative rock and post-hardcore, reflecting influences from local bands such as Jawbox and Shudder to Think. Vocalist Glenn Hall credited Fugazi’s Ian MacKaye as an early mentor and influence on the band’s DIY ethic. [1]

The band quickly developed a following through energetic live performances across D.C. clubs and U.S. college campuses. Their debut album, Aquarium Center, was released independently in 1994 on Diesel Boy Records.

European success and touring (1995–1997)

In 1995, the group signed to the German label Edel through its Marlboro Music imprint, which reissued Aquarium Center in Europe. [2] The band toured extensively throughout Europe to support the release. Their second album, Face (1996), featured the single “Scapegoat,” accompanied by a music video that appeared on MTV Europe and MuchMusic.

Sorry About Your Daughter’s sound evolved during this period, combining melodic hooks with dynamic post-hardcore structures. Their touring and international exposure helped build a cult following overseas, particularly in Germany and the U.K.

The band disbanded in 1997 following their European tour.

Member projects and hiatus (1998–2018)

After the breakup, members pursued separate musical paths. Guitarist Jeff Aug released a series of instrumental albums and began performing with British spoken-word and electronic artist Anne Clark. [3] Drummer Karl Hill joined John Stabb’s post-hardcore project The Factory Incident [4] and later performed with a reformed lineup of Government Issue. [5]

Reunions (2019–present)

On August 17, 2019, the band reunited for a sold-out performance at The Soundry in Columbia, Maryland, marking their first show in 22 years. [6] The group announced additional performances in 2026.

Members

Discography

TitleYearLabel(s)Format(s)Notes
Aquarium Center1994Diesel Boy RecordsCD, CassetteReissued 1995 by Edel/Marlboro Music/IDE
Face1996Edel/Marlboro Music/IDECDIncludes singles “You Gave Up” and “Scapegoat”
Afterbirth2019Sorry About Your Daughter MediaDigital EPReunion release

EPs and singles

TitleYearLabelTypeNotes
Six Bucks1995Diesel Boy RecordsEPEarly independent release [7]
You Gave Up1995Edel/Marlboro Music/IDESingleVideo aired on MTV Europe
Scapegoat1996Edel/Marlboro Music/IDESingleVideo aired on MTV Europe
Something About '941996Edel/Marlboro Music/IDESingleEuropean release

References

  1. Gill, J. Doug (May 18, 1996). "Diversity is the second thing you notice about Sorry About Your Daughter" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  2. "Jeff Aug: Six Concerts, Six Countries, 24 Hours". NPR. September 5, 2009. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  3. "Jeff Aug – Anne Clark Official Site". anneclarkofficial.com. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  4. Jenkins, Mark (February 4, 2000). "John Stabb's Bad Trip". Washington City Paper. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  5. "Government Issue announce NYC 2015 reunion show". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  6. Jones, Katie V. (August 15, 2019). "Sorry About Your Daughter reunites for anniversary concert in Columbia". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  7. Jenkins, Mark (January 5, 1996). "The Buck Starts Here". Washington City Paper. Retrieved June 7, 2025.