Small Black

Small Black is an American indie band from Brooklyn, New York.[2] They are currently signed to the 100% Electronica record label. The band consists of Josh Kolenik (lead vocals/guitar), Ryan Heyner (guitar/keyboards), Juan Pieczanski (bass/guitar), and Jeff Curtin (drums).

Small Black
OriginBrooklyn, New York
GenresChillwave,[1] synth pop, indie pop
Labels100% Electronica, Jagjaguwar
MembersRyan Heyner
Josh Kolenik
Juan Pieczanski
Jeff Curtin
Websitesmall-black.com

After releasing the critically acclaimed Small Black EP, the band signed to Jagjaguwar to release their debut full length, New Chain (2010).

Their second full length, Limits of Desire was released in May 2013, with the single "No Stranger" a mainstay on satellite radio.

The band has toured consistently since 2010, participating in numerous festivals such as Primavera Sound Festival, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Capitol Hill Block Party, and the SXSW Music Festival.[3]

History

Josh Kolenik and Ryan Heyner formed the band while experimenting with lo-fi and loop-based recording techniques. Kolenik cites the Human League, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), David Bowie and Wu-Tang Clan as influences on the group.[4]

The initial EP was recorded in Kolenik's uncle's attic with vintage keyboards and samplers, during the winter of 2008-2009 as Uncle Matt made surfboards underneath them. Guitarist Juan Pieczanski and drummer Jeff Curtin, both from Washington D.C., met while attending Columbia University. The earliest collaborations of the entire group began years prior to the band's formation during after-hours recording sessions in a post-production film studio located in the Brill Building.

After the band's initial release, they supported Washed Out on tour in 2010, also performing with him on stage during that tour.

Musical style

Their sound is commonly described as belonging to the chillwave genre though the band's members don't label themselves as such. The band began with an emphasis on lo-fi sounds and distorted textures in their initial release, but has since adopted a more varied approach, expanding to include a mix of hi and lo-fi sounds, synthetic and acoustic instruments. The underlying elements of synth-heavy production and melodic, lyrical vocal style have been a fixture of the band’s sound throughout their entire catalogue. All the band's releases to date have been self-produced.

Other contributions/collaborations

The band has provided remixes for Health, Washed Out, and Frankie Rose.

In 2010 they released the Moon Killer mixtape, a loose collection of sample-based tracks featuring contributions from Heems and Star Slinger.

Jeff Curtin provided the drums for Wild Nothing’s second studio release, Nocturne (2012), and is credited as a sound engineer/producer for his work with Vampire Weekend and Those Darlins.

Discography

Studio albums
  • New Chain (Jagjaguwar, 2010)[5][6]
  • Limits Of Desire (Jagjaguwar, 2013)[7]
  • Best Blues (Jagjaguwar, 2015)
  • Cheap Dreams (100% Electronica, 2021)[8]

Extended plays
  • Small Black EP (CassClub/Jagjaguwar, 2009) [9]
  • Real People EP (Jagjaguwar, 2014)

Mixtapes
  • Moon Killer Mixtape (Free download, 2011)[10]

Singles
  • Despicable Dogs EP (Transparent Records, 2009)
  • Photojournalist b/w Sun Was High (So Was I) 7-inch EP (Jagjaguwar, 2010) [11]

Splits
  • Washed Out/Small Black split (Lovepump United Records), 2010

References
  1. Goble, Corban (April 1, 2011). "R.I.P., chillwave: the top 10 chillwave artists, and where they are now". The Pitch.
  2. "Small Black".
  3. Arielle Castillo. "Small Black Laugh at 'Chillwave' Label -- Top 100 Acts at SXSW 2011". Spinner.com. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
  4. "Songs You Must Hear Now!". Spin. July 2010. p. 52.
  5. Zach Kelly (October 26, 2010). "New Chain Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
  6. David Morris. "Small Black - New Chain Music Review". Tinymixtapes. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
  7. Erik Thompson (May 29, 2013). "Small Black Review". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
  8. Arnone, Joey (January 19, 2021). "Small Black Announce New Album, Share Video for New Single "Duplex"". Under the Radar. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  9. Zach Kelly (April 12, 2010). "Small Black Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
  10. Tom Breihan (November 16, 2011). "Mixtape of the Week". Stereogum. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  11. "Small Black -"Photojournalist"". Stereogum. August 17, 2010. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
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