Phonograph

Phonograph is a Brooklyn, United States-based group active since 2005. The band begins as Matthew Welsh’s solo project, with help from Pere Ubu’s Tony Maimone, before developing into a quintet. Its line-up settles with Welsh on vocals and songwriting, John Davis, guitarist Abe Seiferth, drummer Dave Burnett and multi-instrumentalist Phil Sterk.

Style and instrumentation

The group describes its music as rooted in alt-country and stripped-down Americana, while also drawing on psychedelic sounds and a wider range of instrumentation. Welsh says the songs combine these elements with straightforward songwriting. John Davis also plays Moog parts for background textures, while Seiferth uses multiple pedal combinations, with some sounds that resemble synth lines actually produced by guitar effects.

Releases and recording

Phonograph’s self-titled debut album is released through Arclight Records in 2007. The album includes “T.V. Screens”, which Welsh and Davis both identify as a favourite track. Davis says the song’s intro comes from Welsh playing an Optagon, a 1970s home organ that uses transparent records.

Recognition and associations

Before the debut album appears, Phonograph already attracts attention in New York music and culture media, including mention in L Magazine’s list of bands to hear, a profile in Relix Magazine and a place on Jane Magazine’s fall CD sampler. The band also earns support from Jon Langford of the Mekons and Waco Brothers, who discovers them by chance in the studio and helps them secure airplay on Chicago’s WXRT. John Stirratt of Wilco, along with Laurie Stirratt of Broadmoor Records, also supports the group and helps arrange openings for Wilco.

Live work and activity

By 2007, Phonograph has already played Irving Plaza, headlined Mercury Lounge and taped a session for WNYC. The group also performs at SXSW and tours nationally in March 2007. Members of the band also appear in an all-star line-up on The Book of Knots release on Tom Waits’ ANTI label.