DeVotchka

DeVotchka is a band from Denver, United States, active since 1997. Its members are Nick Urata, Jeanie Schroder, Shawn King and Tom Hagerman. The group works across world music, folk, Gypsy, indie, cabaret and alternative sounds, and blends a range of influences into a rock and roll-based style.

Background and early years

In its early years, DeVotchka spends much of its time touring highways and byways in search of work and a clearer musical direction. The band begins as a backing group for burlesque shows and also tours with fetish model Dita von Teese. A run of nationwide tours in support of self-released records helps it build an underground following.

Collaborations and influences

DeVotchka develops significant links with Calexico and Gogol Bordello, touring internationally with Gogol Bordello and recording with Calexico. The band also works with producer Craig Schumacher on its fifth album, drawing on the Arizona desert as an influence. Arcade Fire singer Win Butler suggests that DeVotchka cover Siouxsie and the Banshees’ “The Last Beat of My Heart”, and the group records it for the Curse Your Little Heart EP.

Breakthrough and wider recognition

The song “How It Ends” brings DeVotchka to a wider audience after it appears in the trailer for Everything Is Illuminated, in a Gears of War 2 trailer called “The Last Day”, and in an episode of Everwood. Another boost comes when Nic Harcourt plays the band on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic, leading filmmakers Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton to use its sound for Little Miss Sunshine. The film receives an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, and the soundtrack also receives a Grammy nomination.

Albums, tours and live reputation

A Mad & Faithful Telling, released on Anti-, reaches No. 9 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and No. 29 on the Top Independent Albums chart. The band tours widely in support of that record and later makes 100 Lovers, an album featuring guests from Calexico as well as percussionist Mauro Refosco. Its songs “New World” and “Head Honcho” also appear in a season four episode of Weeds. Over time, DeVotchka plays major festivals including Coachella, Bumbershoot, Lollapalooza, Mile High Music Festival, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits Music Festival, and also sells out shows at venues such as the Fillmore in San Francisco and First Avenue in Minneapolis.

Line-up and instrumentation

DeVotchka’s line-up includes Nick Urata on vocals, guitars, theremin, trumpet and piano; Jeanie Schroder on acoustic bass and sousaphone; Shawn King on drums, percussion and trumpet; and Tom Hagerman on violin, viola, accordion and piano.