Dada (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Alternative rock music |
| Website | dadaforever |
Dada (presented in lowercase as dada) is an alternative rock trio originating from Los Angeles, California. The lineup features Michael Gurley on guitar and co-lead vocals, Joie Calio handling bass and co-lead vocals, along with Phil Leavitt on drums. Renowned for their melodic compositions enriched with harmonies, the band has built a loyal following through rigorous touring, often delivering performances that extend up to three hours.
History
The band's first album, Puzzle, was released in 1992. Its lead track, "Dizz Knee Land", achieved substantial airplay across the United States and garnered international attention, particularly on Australia's Triple J radio station. The single climbed to number 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, reached number 5 on the Modern Rock chart, and peaked at number 27 on the Mainstream Rock Chart. Puzzle surpassed sales of 500,000 copies, earning an RIAA Gold certification. During this period, dada toured alongside acts such as Crowded House, Izzy Stradlin & the Ju Ju Hounds, and Sting.
Their sophomore release in 1994, American Highway Flower, included the track "All I Am," which remained on modern rock charts for eight weeks. Unfortunately, their label at the time, I.R.S. Records, was experiencing financial instability. By the time their third album, El Subliminoso (1996), arrived, I.R.S. was nearing collapse. After signing with MCA Records in 1997, they produced their fourth album titled dada, released in 1998; however, further challenges arose when MCA’s parent company was sold. Despite these obstacles, the band continued touring across the U.S. until they paused activities in 1999 following a final concert attended by approximately 14,000 fans.
During this hiatus, Calio took on a role as an A&R scout for MCA and released solo work including The Complications of Glitter. Meanwhile, Gurley and Leavitt collaborated in Butterfly Jones, producing the album Napalm Springs, and Leavitt briefly joined the Blue Man Group.
In 2003, dada reunited and released Dada Live: Official Bootleg (Vol. 1), embarking on extensive tours once again. The following year saw the release of How To Be Found, a collection of previously unreleased tracks from their 1998 recording sessions, accompanied by additional U.S. touring. Their live appearances became more sporadic during 2005 and 2006.
Gurley adapted his guitar setup to manage persistent carpal tunnel syndrome effectively, enabling continued live performances.
November 2006 brought forth the EP A Friend Of Pat Robertson, followed by a tour in early 2007 that included shows at Los Angeles’ Whisky a Go Go.
Between 2008 and 2010, Calio focused on solo endeavors under X Levitation Cult and his own name. In May 2010 he announced plans for new dada recordings; however, these sessions did not result in any official releases.
Utilizing available studio time in 2011, Calio and Leavitt formed 7horse, independently releasing Let The 7Horse Run and conducting national tours. Their track "Meth Lab Zoso Sticker" gained notable exposure by featuring prominently in Martin Scorsese’s film The Wolf of Wall Street as well as its promotional trailers. Subsequent albums included Songs For a Voodoo Wedding (2014) and Living In a Bitch of a World (2016), supported by U.S. tours opening for Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Whiskey Meyers.
In late 2012, dada embarked on a "20th Anniversary Tour" throughout the United States with 7Horse opening. They commemorated their 25th anniversary with another nationwide tour in 2017.
That same year saw dada issue a limited edition vinyl single featuring "The Bluebird" alongside "Take Me To The Song". Gurley released solo albums titled Ultrasound (2020) and Campfire Singin' Cowboy (2023). Meanwhile, Calio and Leavitt continue to develop new material with 7Horse planned for release in 2025.
On December 8, 2023, dada announced their "Return to dizz knee land" tour across multiple U.S. cities beginning February 24, 2024 in San Juan Capistrano, California and concluding January 18, 2025 at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown, CA.
Studio albums
| Release Year | Album Name | Chart Rankings |
|---|---|---|
| US | ||
| 1992 | Puzzle | 111 |
| 1994 | American Highway Flower | 178 |
| 1996 | El Subliminoso | — |
| 1998 | Dada | — |
| 2004 | How to Be Found | — |
EPs
- A Friend of Pat Robertson (independently released, 2006)
Live albums
- Live: Official Bootleg (Vol.1) (Coach House Records, 2003)
Singles
| Release Year | Song Title | Chart Positions | Associated Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US Rock | US Alternative | UK | |||
| 1992 | "Dizz Knee Land" | 102 | 27 | 5 | 85 | Puzzle |
| 1993 | "Dog" | — | — | — | 71 | |
| "Dim" | — | — | 24 | 92 | ||
| "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Dorina" | — | — | — | — | ||
| "My Baby Fell for Ol' St. Nick" | — | — | — | — | non-album single | |
| 1994 | "All I Am" | — | — | 27 | — | American Highway Flower |
| "Feet to the Sun" | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Feel Me Don't You" | — | — | — | — | ||
External links
- Official Dada Myspace
- DADA OFFICIAL SITE - http://dadaforever.com/
- Interview featuring Dada
- Articles with short description
- Alternative rock groups from California
- I.R.S. Records artists
- Musical groups established in 1992
- Musical groups disbanded in 1999
- Musical groups reformed in 2003
- MCA Records artists
- Geffen Records artists
- Musical groups originating from Los Angeles
- Musical groups disestablished in 1999