Biography
A Brooklyn-rooted multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer, David Nagler first gained notice by establishing and fronting the electronic pop duo Nova Social alongside Thom Soriano, whom he met in 1998, yet he continues to issue an eclectic range of solo material. His independent recordings include the guest-laden 2016 set Carl Sandburg's Chicago Poems and the 2022 album Mortal Enemies, whose character-focused songs were shaped with producer Josh Kaufman.
The Nova Social partnership yielded several EPs, full-length albums, and retrospective compilations. Beyond that collaboration, Nagler acts as musical director for Wesley Stace, also known as John Wesley Harding, on the vaudevillian variety program Cabinet of Wonders and hosts the Oracle Show at the New York piano bar Sid Gold's Request Room. He further participates in assorted New York ensembles such as Tape Hiss, whose members have included Sonic Youth's Steve Shelley and former Modern Lover Ernie Brooks, and a Dexy's Midnight Runners tribute act fronted by Ted Leo.
Marking the centenary of Carl Sandburg's first poetry volume, Nagler released the 2016 LP Carl Sandburg's Chicago Poems under the David Nagler & Friends moniker; sixteen poems received original musical settings from an eleven-piece group featuring Chicago contributors Jeff Tweedy, Robbie Fulks, Jon Langford, Sally Timms, Kelly Hogan, Daniel Knox, Nora O'Connor, and additional performers. His next politically charged solo effort, The Appointees, Volumes 1 & 2, appeared in 2018, followed in 2020 by the EP Songs of Advice and Adversity credited to David Nagler & The Legistlation. The more introspective 2022 album Mortal Enemies turned toward personal vignettes and confessional songwriting, with Nagler collaborating closely on the project with producer and multi-instrumentalist Josh Kaufman, whose prior credits encompass The National, Josh Ritter, and Taylor Swift.
The Nova Social partnership yielded several EPs, full-length albums, and retrospective compilations. Beyond that collaboration, Nagler acts as musical director for Wesley Stace, also known as John Wesley Harding, on the vaudevillian variety program Cabinet of Wonders and hosts the Oracle Show at the New York piano bar Sid Gold's Request Room. He further participates in assorted New York ensembles such as Tape Hiss, whose members have included Sonic Youth's Steve Shelley and former Modern Lover Ernie Brooks, and a Dexy's Midnight Runners tribute act fronted by Ted Leo.
Marking the centenary of Carl Sandburg's first poetry volume, Nagler released the 2016 LP Carl Sandburg's Chicago Poems under the David Nagler & Friends moniker; sixteen poems received original musical settings from an eleven-piece group featuring Chicago contributors Jeff Tweedy, Robbie Fulks, Jon Langford, Sally Timms, Kelly Hogan, Daniel Knox, Nora O'Connor, and additional performers. His next politically charged solo effort, The Appointees, Volumes 1 & 2, appeared in 2018, followed in 2020 by the EP Songs of Advice and Adversity credited to David Nagler & The Legistlation. The more introspective 2022 album Mortal Enemies turned toward personal vignettes and confessional songwriting, with Nagler collaborating closely on the project with producer and multi-instrumentalist Josh Kaufman, whose prior credits encompass The National, Josh Ritter, and Taylor Swift.
Albums
Mortal Enemies
2022
Songs of Advice and Adversity
2020
The Appointees, Vol. 1 & 2
2018
The Appointees, Vol. 2
2018
The Appointees, Vol. 1
2017
Carl Sandburg's Chicago Poems
2016
Singles
