AstroPuppees

The astroPuppees emerged from Los Angeles as a basement-based endeavor launched by singer/songwriter/guitarist Kelley Ryan. Her performances of original material soon drew in fellow musicians, among them songwriter Steve Toland. Together the pair composed “It’s Not Christmas,” which they forwarded to the Shoes; the track subsequently appeared on a holiday collection issued by Black Vinyl Records, the Shoes’ own imprint. Ryan continued basement sessions with additional collaborators, notably bassist/vocalist Maureen Serrao and drummer Dan McCarroll.

Once Serrao departed for culinary school and McCarroll joined a touring act, the astroPuppees entered a period of inactivity. Ryan traveled to Ireland, where she pursued cooking studies while continuing to write material and perform guitar sets in local pubs. Upon her return she connected with longtime associate singer/songwriter/producer Don Dixon, who handled mixing duties on several new recordings. Serrao rejoined the lineup, after which Ryan circulated the resulting mixes among acquaintances; one copy reached Hightone Records, prompting the label to sign the astroPuppees. Their debut album, You Win the Bride, arrived in 1996, followed in 1999 by Pet, which included guest appearances from Marshall Crenshaw and Don Dixon. The 2002 release Little Chick Tsunami became the band’s first project on Manatee, the imprint established by Kelley Ryan. With Sugar Beat, issued in 2005, astroPuppees delivered a more mature and streamlined collection of songs.