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DNA (American band)

From Alfawiki
DNA
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1977
FounderArto Lindsay, Robin Crutchfield
Defunct1982
Headquarters
New York City
,
United States
ProductsMusic recordings, live performances

DNA was a pioneering American no wave group established in 1977 by guitarist Arto Lindsay alongside keyboardist Robin Crutchfield. The ensemble later expanded to include drummer Ikue Mori and bassist Tim Wright. They emerged as significant contributors to the late 1970s New York City no wave movement and were featured on the influential 1978 compilation No New York.

History

The original DNA lineup consisted of Lindsay, Crutchfield, Gordon Stevenson, and Mirielle Cervenka, with the band's name inspired by a track from the no wave band Mars. Stevenson eventually joined Teenage Jesus and the Jerks as bassist, while Cervenka was the sibling of Exene Cervenka from X. Following their debut performance, organized by Terry Ork at Max's Kansas City, both Cervenka and Stevenson departed. Subsequently, Lindsay and Crutchfield brought in Ikue Mori as drummer, despite her limited English proficiency and musical background.

This formation played at prominent venues including Tier 3, CBGB, and Max's Kansas City, releasing a single 7" record. Within a year, DNA gained prominence as a defining force in no wave when Brian Eno selected them for inclusion on the No New York compilation LP. This album introduced no wave to a wider audience alongside bands such as The Contortions, Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, and Mars.

Following the release of No New York, Crutchfield exited to establish Dark Day and was succeeded by Tim Wright, formerly of Cleveland’s Pere Ubu, on bass. Wright’s more traditional playing style guided DNA’s sound toward a sharper, minimalist approach characterized by concise, abstract compositions often likened to haiku poetry.

Between 1979 and 1982, the trio of Lindsay, Mori, and Wright cultivated a dedicated cult audience predominantly within art circles rather than mainstream rock fans. Their live shows were mainly held at venues such as CBGB, Mudd Club, and Tier 3.

Their first full-length release, A Taste of DNA, was recorded under Kip Hanrahan's American Clavé label and distributed by Rough Trade in 1980. Additional live recordings surfaced on various compilations throughout their active period.

DNA dissolved in 1982 after performing three consecutive sold-out concerts at CBGB. Their final encore featured a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s "Whole Lotta Love", which was omitted from the later CD release Last Live at CBGB issued by John Zorn’s Avant label.

Following DNA’s breakup, Lindsay, Mori, and Crutchfield continued their careers as musicians.

In 2004, No More Records issued DNA on DNA, an extensive CD anthology compiling the band’s body of work.

In popular culture

DNA is portrayed in the film Downtown 81, which stars Jean-Michel Basquiat. Additionally, the alternative rock band Blonde Redhead derived their name from one of DNA’s songs.

Live albums

Compilation albums

Collaboration

EPs

Singles

  • "You & You" b/w "Little Ants" (1978), Lust/Unlust Music, 11-CAN-234

Compilation appearances

  • No New York: various artists (four DNA tracks) (1978), Antilles, AN 7067 (LP)
  • The Fruit of Original Sin: various artists (three DNA tracks) (1981), Les Disques Du Crepuscule, twi 035 (2xLP)
  • American Clavé Sampler: various artists (one DNA track) (1993), American Clave (USA), AMCL 1020/1026 (2xCD)

References

External links

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