Velocity Girl

Last updated

Velocity Girl
Also known asThe Gotterdammacrats
Origin College Park, Maryland
Genres
Years active
  • 1989–1996
  • 2002
  • 2023–2024
Labels
Past members
  • Sarah Shannon
  • Archie Moore
  • Kelly Young
  • Brian Nelson
  • Jim Spellman
  • Bridget Cross

Velocity Girl was an American indie rock band formed in 1989 in College Park, Maryland, and active in the Washington, D.C., area. [1] The band released three albums before splitting up in 1996. The band reunited for a one-off concert in 2002 and for a few concerts in 2023 and 2024.

Contents

History

1989–1996: Formation and initial run

The band started as the duo of Kelly Young (formerly Riles) and guitarist/singer Archie Moore (ex-Black Tambourine) in 1989 (the two having met at the University of Maryland [1] ), [2] initially going by the name the Gotterdammacrats. They became Velocity Girl with the addition of Brian Nelson (ex-Black Tambourine, Whorl), Jim Spellman (of High Back Chairs), and lead singer Bridget Cross (soon to join Unrest). [3] The band took its name from a Primal Scream B-side which appeared on the C86 compilation album. [2] Sarah Shannon replaced Cross after the release of the band's debut single, "I Don't Care If You Go." [3]

Unlike some 1990s rock music that featured an abrasive vocal and instrumental style, Velocity Girl's sound, especially post-1993, was more melodic and typically featured "clean" (non-distorted) electric guitar sounds and two-part harmonies. [2] The band described their influences as "the Rough Trade and Postcard labels and some of the early Creation bands", [3] as well as the Wedding Present. [4] However, on their first seven-inch records on Slumberland and Merge, as well as their first Sub Pop album, Copacetic, Velocity Girl were noted for their shoegaze influences. The band was noted for its love of releasing a steady stream of 7-inch vinyl singles. Slumberland Records was formed in 1989 by members of several D.C.-area bands, including Velocity Girl. Velocity Girl's songs often featured female/male vocals, sometimes simultaneously, with Archie Moore providing the male vocals.

Velocity Girl toured frequently, releasing three full-length recordings on the Sub Pop label. Music videos were released for "Crazy Town," (1993),"Audrey's Eyes," (directed by Phil Harder) (1993) "Sorry Again," (1994) "I Can't Stop Smiling," (directed by Spike Jonze) (1994) and "Nothing" (1996). The group disbanded in late 1996 after playing their last show "The Buzz Bakesale" in West Palm Beach, Florida. Shannon, Riles and Spellman reunited in a short-lived project called Starry Eyes, releasing one EP in 1998. [5] Moore had already formed Heartworms before Velocity Girl split up, and later formed The Saturday People with Terry Banks of Tree Fort Angst. [5]

Since 2002: Subsequent activity and reunions

Sarah Shannon went on to release her self-titled album in 2002. There was one Velocity Girl reunion show played at the Black Cat in Washington, DC on June 9, 2002. [6]

Jim Spellman, now a CGTN correspondent, went on to play guitar in the Washington, D.C.–based power-pop bands Julie Ocean and Foxhall Stacks.

Velocity Girl performed a reunion concert in Washington D.C. for the Black Cat's 30th anniversary celebration on September 9, 2023. [7] A second concert followed at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on September 30, 2023. [8] After the success of the Black Cat anniversary show, Velocity Girl performed two more shows at the Black Cat in December 2023, with the recently reunited Tuscadero opening. [9]

In September 2023, the band announced they had remixed their debut album Copacetic to better suit how they want the album to sound. In that process, they discovered old recordings with alternate takes, covers, and unreleased material, which the band is reworking for release to streaming services. [10] UltraCopacetic (Copacetic Remixed and Expanded) was released by Sub Pop on August 16, 2024. [11]

Band members

Discography

Albums

Singles & EPs

Compilation appearances

References

  1. 1 2 "Secret History: Velocity Girl's ¡Simpatico!". DCist. Archived from the original on November 17, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 Colin Larkin, ed. (2000). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Nineties Music (First ed.). Virgin Books. p. 414. ISBN   0-7535-0427-8.
  3. 1 2 3 Bonner, Michael (1993) "Velocity Girl: Cop This", Lime Lizard, May 1993, p. 74
  4. Gilstrap, Peter (March 30, 1993). "Velocity Girl: Fuzzy Favorite". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  5. 1 2 Strong, Martin C. (2003) The Great Indie Discography, Canongate, ISBN   1-84195-335-0, p. 1050
  6. "Comments on 16930". Metafilter.com. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  7. Brodsky, Rachel (September 10, 2023). "Velocity Girl Reunited For Their First Show In 21 Years: Watch". Stereogum. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  8. Pearis, Bill (July 24, 2023). "Velocity Girl add NYC reunion show". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  9. "Tuscadero Announce First Show In Nine Years Opening For Reunited Velocity Girl". Stereogum.com. September 15, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  10. Jenkins, Mark (September 6, 2023). "Legendary D.C. indie band Velocity Girl is back with old songs, new gigs". The Washington Post . ISSN   0190-8286 . Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  11. Records, Sub Pop. "Sub Pop To Release Velocity Girl's UltraCopacetic (Copacetic Remixed and Expanded) Worldwide on Friday, August 16th, 2024". Sub Pop Records. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  12. "Sound file : I Don't Care If You Go" (MP3). Slumberlandrecords.com. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  13. "Sound file : My Forgotten Favorite" (MP3). Slumberlandrecords.com. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  14. Various Artists - Simple Machines: 1990-1993 Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic , retrieved December 11, 2023
  15. John Peel Sub Pop Sessions 1989–1993 (AllMusic)
  16. ":: beck :: diskobox :: compilations :: cmj new music monthly, volume 13". Diskobox.org. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  17. Golden Jam: General Mills' Golden Grahams (AllMusic)
  18. Poptopia! Power Pop Classics of the '90s (AllMusic)