Superchunk

Superchunk are an indie rock band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, formed in 1989. The group’s core line-up includes Mac McCaughan on vocals and guitar, Laura Ballance on bass, Jim Wilbur on guitar and Jon Wurster on drums. Their listed members also include Jack McCook and Chuck Garrison.

Formation and label work

McCaughan and Ballance found Merge Records in 1989, initially to handle the band’s own releases. The label later grows into one of the largest independent labels in the United States. Superchunk remain associated with independent releases rather than major-label recording.

Early releases and reputation

After a pair of singles, the band releases its self-titled debut album in 1990. That is followed by No Pocky for Kitty, Tossing Seeds, On the Mouth and Foolish. The band also backs the minor hit “Hyper Enough,” from Here’s Where the Strings Come In, and appears on Lollapalooza.

Later work

In 1999, Superchunk release Come Pick Me Up. They continue touring and recording, and in 2008 announce live shows and new material. That material appears in the Leaves in the Gutter EP in 2009 and a full-length release in 2010. In 2018 they release What a Time to be Alive.

Related projects

McCaughan also records as Portastatic, which begins as a solo project and becomes a full band. Portastatic includes Jim Wilbur. McCaughan is also a former member of Seam, and before Superchunk he plays in the Slushpuppies, Wwax and Bricks.

Membership changes

In 2013, Ballance announces that she no longer tours because of a worsening hearing condition, hyperacusis.