Biography
Seattle outfit Waxwing forged a singular style by merging punk, folk, rock, and Southwestern elements into one cohesive voice. Around the turn of the century the quartet emerged among Seattle’s most compelling young acts alongside Juno, Death Cab for Cutie, and Pedro the Lion, having already issued two full-length albums and several EPs.
The project began after Lying on Loot disbanded in 1996, a band that had included future Red Stars Theory violinist Seth Warren. Singer-guitarist Rocky Votolato and drummer Rudy Gajadhar then joined bassist Andrew Hartley to launch Waxwing. Rocky’s younger brother Cody soon added second guitar, and the group cut its first 7-inch for Henry’s Finest. In 1999 Second Nature issued the debut album For Madmen Only. The record fused the Replacements’ straightforward rock attack and emotional directness with Black Sabbath’s brooding atmosphere, drawing strong critical notice and a loyal hometown following.
Waxwing’s profile rose markedly by the late-2000 release of One for the Ride. Rocky had already put out several well-received solo albums, while Cody’s arty hardcore band the Blood Brothers built its own audience. Gajadhar also drummed in Bugs in Amber, fronted by older brother Sonny Votolato, and Andrew played bass in Lightheavyweight. The new album expanded the band’s dynamic range, incorporated fresh stylistic touches that might fit comfortably on a Calexico record, and emphasized greater textural variety. Waxwing supported the release with Midwest and West Coast dates alongside the Casket Lottery, then returned to Seattle to write new material and tend to side projects.
In 2002 the group revisited its foundations on the animated album Nobody Can Take What Everybody Owns before entering an extended hiatus. The band formally disbanded in late 2005; Rocky continued his solo career, Cody stayed with the Blood Brothers, and Gajadhar joined Gatsbys American Dream.
The project began after Lying on Loot disbanded in 1996, a band that had included future Red Stars Theory violinist Seth Warren. Singer-guitarist Rocky Votolato and drummer Rudy Gajadhar then joined bassist Andrew Hartley to launch Waxwing. Rocky’s younger brother Cody soon added second guitar, and the group cut its first 7-inch for Henry’s Finest. In 1999 Second Nature issued the debut album For Madmen Only. The record fused the Replacements’ straightforward rock attack and emotional directness with Black Sabbath’s brooding atmosphere, drawing strong critical notice and a loyal hometown following.
Waxwing’s profile rose markedly by the late-2000 release of One for the Ride. Rocky had already put out several well-received solo albums, while Cody’s arty hardcore band the Blood Brothers built its own audience. Gajadhar also drummed in Bugs in Amber, fronted by older brother Sonny Votolato, and Andrew played bass in Lightheavyweight. The new album expanded the band’s dynamic range, incorporated fresh stylistic touches that might fit comfortably on a Calexico record, and emphasized greater textural variety. Waxwing supported the release with Midwest and West Coast dates alongside the Casket Lottery, then returned to Seattle to write new material and tend to side projects.
In 2002 the group revisited its foundations on the animated album Nobody Can Take What Everybody Owns before entering an extended hiatus. The band formally disbanded in late 2005; Rocky continued his solo career, Cody stayed with the Blood Brothers, and Gajadhar joined Gatsbys American Dream.
Albums
Nobody Can Take What Everybody Owns
2002
Intervention: Collection + Remix
2002
One For The Ride
2002
For Madmen Only
1999
Singles
