Biography
Being Dead transform ordinary moments through a blend of retro surf-tinged garage rock, bright melodic pop, punk edge, and hazy introspective vibes. Their initial outing, the lively When Horses Would Run, appeared in 2023, after which the group leaned harder into 1960s textures while refreshing their approach on the 2024 album EELS, shaped by producer John Congleton.
The Austin, Texas outfit came together around 2017 with singer/guitarist Falcon Bitch (Juli Keller) and singer/drummer Shmoofy (aka Gumball) (Cody Dosier). They issued their first single, "Perks of Death" b/w "Slow Dance," in February 2018. Daniel McNeill (White Denim, Mamalarky) handled production, setting an early tone of fervent, harmony-laden 1960s psychedelia. McNeill continued to oversee later singles and the duo’s debut EP, Fame Money Death by Drive By, which arrived in April 2019 and whose themes aligned with its title. Writing together, the pair kept generating infectious, twisted, mischievously dark material that led to their 13-song Bayonet Records debut, When Horses Would Run, released in July 2023. The band and McNeill associate Jim Vollentine produced the album, with McNeill supplying additional production. During this period Being Dead earned notice for their energetic live performances, an aspect they felt the record had not fully conveyed.
Completing tracks just before entering the studio, Keller and Dosier opted to heighten the rawness on their follow-up LP and headed to Los Angeles to work with Grammy-winning producer John Congleton. Touring bassist Nicole Roman-Johnston joined the sessions, co-writing and playing on multiple cuts. The resulting EELS, containing 16 songs and led by the brisk single "Firefighters," emerged on Bayonet in September 2024 with a bolder, more spontaneous feel and stylistic range that stretched from buoyant indie pop to echoing balladry and ragged rock. A headlining North American tour followed the release.
The Austin, Texas outfit came together around 2017 with singer/guitarist Falcon Bitch (Juli Keller) and singer/drummer Shmoofy (aka Gumball) (Cody Dosier). They issued their first single, "Perks of Death" b/w "Slow Dance," in February 2018. Daniel McNeill (White Denim, Mamalarky) handled production, setting an early tone of fervent, harmony-laden 1960s psychedelia. McNeill continued to oversee later singles and the duo’s debut EP, Fame Money Death by Drive By, which arrived in April 2019 and whose themes aligned with its title. Writing together, the pair kept generating infectious, twisted, mischievously dark material that led to their 13-song Bayonet Records debut, When Horses Would Run, released in July 2023. The band and McNeill associate Jim Vollentine produced the album, with McNeill supplying additional production. During this period Being Dead earned notice for their energetic live performances, an aspect they felt the record had not fully conveyed.
Completing tracks just before entering the studio, Keller and Dosier opted to heighten the rawness on their follow-up LP and headed to Los Angeles to work with Grammy-winning producer John Congleton. Touring bassist Nicole Roman-Johnston joined the sessions, co-writing and playing on multiple cuts. The resulting EELS, containing 16 songs and led by the brisk single "Firefighters," emerged on Bayonet in September 2024 with a bolder, more spontaneous feel and stylistic range that stretched from buoyant indie pop to echoing balladry and ragged rock. A headlining North American tour followed the release.
Albums
EELS
2024
Boxes On The Ground
2023
When Horses Would Run
2023
Fame Money Death By Drive By
2019
Hot Car
2019
Apostles' Prom
2019
Rocky Mountain Cowboy Blues
2018
Wild Man
2018
Perks of Death
2018
Singles
