Botanica (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Botanica was a band originating from New York, initially formed in Los Angeles in 1999 and fronted by keyboardist and vocalist Paul Wallfisch, also known for his work with Firewater. The group’s name was inspired by Botánica shops that offer traditional remedies and alternative goods. On January 15, 2014, Botanica declared an "indefinite hiatus."
Between 1999 and 2002, Botanica’s touring was mainly concentrated in the United States, where they supported artists such as 16 Horsepower, Super Furry Animals, and Rocket From the Crypt. Following this period, Wallfisch moved to Europe and held the position of musical director at Theater Dortmund in Germany from 2010 until 2015. Later releases appeared under the Rent A Dog/Alive labels, with touring activities centered predominantly in Europe, particularly Germany.
The band's compositions were featured in films including Men Cry Bullets and The Takedown, as well as in Greg Pritikin’s movie Dummy, which starred former Jesus Lizard member David Sims; Wallfisch also provided the film’s score.
Their final album, titled What Do You Believe, came out in 2012, followed by a European tour that concluded in July 2013. Subsequently, Wallfisch directed his efforts toward the project The Ministry of Wolves, collaborating with Alexander Hacke, Mick Harvey, and Danielle de Picciotto. Since then, his focus has shifted primarily to composing soundtracks and performing live alongside various artists.
Members and Collaborators
Throughout its existence, Botanica experienced several lineup changes. From 2002 onward, the central members were Wallfisch alongside guitarist and songwriter John Andrews. Around this time, Dana Schechter (from Bee and Flower) took over bass duties from Christian Bongers and remained until the release of the 2010 album Who You Are. Jason Binnick played bass on that record and succeeded Schechter for live performances as well as on the 2012 album What Do You Believe. For that album’s recording and subsequent tour, Brian Viglione of The Dresden Dolls joined the band, replacing drummer Dave Berger.
Discography
- Malediction — Checkered Past Records [1999]
- With All Seven Fingers — Subway Records/Alive Distribution [2002]
- Botanica vs. the Truth Fish — Rent A Dog/Alive Distribution [2005]
- Berlin Hi Fi — Rent A Dog/Alive [2006]
- The Magnetic Waltz — Rent A Dog/Alive/Different [2007]
- americanundone — Rent A Dog/Alive [2009]
- Who You Are — Rent A Dog/Alive [2010]
- What Do You Believe — Rent A Dog/Alive [2012]
Compilations & Soundtracks
- "Broken Bicycles" featured on the compilation New Coat of Paint—Manifesto Records [2000]
- "e—Rent" included on Ox Fanzine compilation #49—Cargo Germany [2003]
- Soundtrack for the film Dummy, containing "Dead Prophet," "Let's Go," and other pieces—Jellybean/Sony [2004]
- "Three Women" appearing on the Between the Lines compilation—Vienna Songwriting Association/EMI Austria [2008]