Daddy's Hands (band)

Daddy's Hands

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1996
Founder	Dave Wenger, Emily Bauslaugh, Jonah Fortune, Jonathan Pollard
Defunct	2006
Headquarters	Victoria , Canada
Products	Demo recordings, extended play, studio albums

Daddy's Hands was an experimental rock ensemble originating from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The group was founded by vocalist and guitarist Dave Wenger, bassist Emily Bauslaugh, drummer Jonah Fortune, and saxophonist Jonathan Pollard. Prior to forming Daddy's Hands, Wenger and Bauslaugh were active in British Columbia's hardcore punk and emo scenes through their participation in bands such as M Blanket, Ache Hour Credo, and Floragore. Over their career, Daddy's Hands produced two demo recordings, one extended play (EP), and two full-length studio albums. The band maintained an extensive touring schedule throughout the 1990s, which included a live radio session with Nardwuar the Human Serviette. While their commercial impact was modest, Daddy's Hands is regarded as a significant influence within the West Coast music community. Critics have drawn comparisons between lead vocalist Wenger and Montreal artist Peter Laughner.

Releases

The year 1996 saw the release of two demo tapes from the band: a self-titled debut and Intelligent and Powerful. Their first full-length album, Tutankhamun, came out in 2000, followed by a four-track EP named Ghost in the Bong in 2002. The original band lineup persisted until 2002 when bassist Emily Bauslaugh passed away due to a drug overdose at her residence in Montreal. This tragedy precipitated a decline in Wenger’s personal well-being, marked by increased alcohol consumption. In May 2005, Wenger reunited with original members alongside two new musicians to commence recording what would become the band’s final album, Welcome Kings. Prior to its official release, Wenger tragically died in a hit-and-run incident in Montreal on November 23, 2006. The album Welcome Kings was subsequently released posthumously in July 2007.

Members and influence

In addition to the founding members, Daddy's Hands featured several prominent Canadian artists during its tenure. Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade referenced his involvement with the band during a 2010 interview. Brooke Cannon from Atlas Strategic joined the lineup in 2002. According to reports from the Times Colonist, musicians from Hank and Lily also collaborated with Daddy's Hands.

Several members went on to contribute significantly to other key Canadian post-punk and indie rock projects. Jonathan Pollard co-founded Atlas Strategic alongside Boeckner and Cannon. Drummer Jonah Fortune and another member later became part of Pink Mountaintops.