Butterfly Child
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 in Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, singles, EPs |
Butterfly Child was a band originating from Northern Ireland, fronted by vocalist and songwriter Joe Cassidy, and later based in Chicago, Illinois. The group gained recognition for their "shimmering, oceanic rock" sound, producing three studio albums alongside various singles and EPs.
History
Established in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1984, Butterfly Child initially toured across Ireland before unveiling the Toothfairy EP through A.R. Kane's H.ark! label in 1991. The EP's unique sonic character caught the attention of BBC radio host John Peel, resulting in their inaugural Peel Session recorded at Maida Vale Studios in January 1992. Later that year, they followed up with the Eucalyptus EP.
By 1993, the band had secured a contract with Rough Trade Records, releasing both the Ghetto Speak EP and their first full-length album, Onomatopoeia. They returned to record a second Peel Session towards the end of 1993, featuring songs that were included on their subsequent album.
In 1994, work commenced on The Honeymoon Suite, though disagreements with the label concerning track selection and order caused delays. Eventually issued by Dedicated Records in 1995, this album represented a significant stage in their discography.
Following challenges with the album's release, Cassidy moved to Chicago in 1997 to focus on creating their third album. Released in late 1998 by Chicago’s HitIt! Recordings—which had previously managed US distributions of earlier works—Soft Explosives marked this period.
After a break from recording, Butterfly Child released the single "No Longer Living In Your Shadow" on Dell'Orso Records in 2012.
Joe Cassidy died on 15 July 2021 at age 51 due to heart-related issues and sepsis.
Discography
| Title | Format | Label | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onomatopoeia | LP/CD | Rough Trade Records | 1993 |
| The Honeymoon Suite | CD/cassette | Dedicated Records | 1995 |
| Soft Explosives | CD | HitIt! | 1998 |
| Futures | LP/CD | Dell'Orso | 2015 |
| Title | Format | Label | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toothfairy EP | 12" | H.ark! | 1991 |
| Eucalyptus EP | 12"/CD | H.ark! | 1992 |
| Juice | 7" | Rough Trade Records | 1992 |
| Ghetto Speak EP | 12"/CD | Rough Trade Records | 1993 |
| Beaujolais EP | 10"/CD | Dedicated Records | 1994 |
| Flaming Burlesque | 10"/CD | Dedicated | 1995 |
| No Longer Living In Your Shadow | 7" | Dell'Orso | 2012 |