Biography
Diskothi Q emerged from Upland, California, as one of the 1990s' most eloquent and perceptive indie rock quartets before their run ended in the early 2000s. Brothers Peter Hughes, handling guitar and vocals, and bassist Kevin Hughes led the group, with drummer Kevin Trapp completing the three-piece lineup. Initial 1993 releases appeared on the Shrimper, Sonic Enemy, and Volvolo labels, triggering an intense period of productivity. The lo-fi movement and growing access to home-recording gear allowed the musicians to issue cassettes, vinyl singles, and compact discs in whatever quantity they chose. Their first full-length effort, The Wandering Jew, came out on Shrimper in 1994 and drew widespread praise while expanding their audience internationally. EPs followed in 1995 on Wabana Records and Xmas Records. After an ill-fated 1996 tour of Germany, the band abandoned live shows and withdrew into Upland's local scene, which produced their 1997 Shrimper album Waterworld. The ironic title referenced the project's numerous delays and inflated costs, echoing the Kevin Costner film. Despite those obstacles, the record stood as their finest work and contained some of their most penetrating songs. Intended follow-up Sad Truths never reached completion for reasons that stayed private. Their last statement arrived instead as thirty-two tracks divided between two albums honoring every National Football League franchise: The Football Albums: American Conference and The Football Albums: National Conference. Peter Hughes released both on his Sonic Enemy label; among the songs were the caustic "Los Angeles," which addressed the departure of local teams, and the reflective "Browns," tracing the history of the Cleveland Browns. Soon afterward the members suspended activity, with Trapp departing for Israel and Peter Hughes settling in Rochester, New York, closing the chapter on their decade together. Peter went on to play bass in Nothing Painted Blue and added musical contributions to the Mountain Goats.
Albums