Drop Nineteens
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Greg Ackell, Chris Roof |
| Headquarters | Boston, Massachusetts , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Drop Nineteens is a shoegaze group originating from Boston, Massachusetts, established in 1990 by Boston University classmates Greg Ackell (vocals, guitar) and Chris Roof (drums). The lineup expanded to include Paula Kelley (vocals, guitar), Motohiro Yasue (guitar), and Steve Zimmerman (bass). Ackell characterized the band as "the American outlier in a largely British scene."
Initially active between 1990 and 1995, the band experienced significant personnel shifts following their debut album Delaware (1992). After releasing two albums, they disbanded in 1995. In 2022, Ackell revealed plans for a reunion, and in 2023, they unveiled their third studio album, Hard Light, marking their first new release in three decades.
Overview
Drop Nineteens originated at Boston University under the name April Rain, spearheaded by Greg Ackell. The founding lineup featured drummer Chris Roof, bassist Steve Zimmerman, guitarist Motohiro Yasue, with Paula Kelley contributing as a guest vocalist. The band’s name stems from Ackell’s childhood recollection of dropping objects from his apartment on the nineteenth floor.
The group garnered early attention through their Mayfield demo, which caught the eye of NME and led to their inaugural gig at the University of New Hampshire. Following their Summer Session demo, they secured a contract with Caroline Records after performing a cover of Madonna's "Angel" alongside Chapterhouse.
Their debut album Delaware was recorded at Boston's Cyclorama Building studio, notable for its association with the Pixies. The lead single "Winona" received airplay on MTV’s 120 Minutes. Although the album achieved greater commercial success in Europe compared to the U.S., this disparity caused friction with local Boston bands due to their limited participation in local venues. NME linked them to the burgeoning shoegaze movement; they performed at London venues accommodating around 2,000 attendees while drawing smaller audiences elsewhere. That year, Radiohead and The Cranberries served as opening acts for them.
Following the release of the Your Aquarium EP and a European tour, Paula Kelley departed citing feelings of emotional isolation as the sole female member; Roof exited shortly after. They supported The Smashing Pumpkins during a 1993 Atlanta show; subsequently, Yasue left. Megan Gilbert, Pete Koeplin, and Justin Crosby joined amidst reports of internal conflicts.
For their sophomore album National Coma, Ackell aimed to distance the band from My Bloody Valentine comparisons. Although producers Jimmy Destri and J Mascis were considered, scheduling conflicts prevented collaboration. The label promoted "Limp" as the album’s single. Their performances included England’s Reading Festival and North America’s Lollapalooza; they also opened for Blur during the Modern Life Is Rubbish tour and for PJ Harvey on her French Rid of Me tour.
After completing the National Coma tour, Zimmerman and Gilbert left late in 1993, leaving Ackell as the last original member until the band's breakup in 1995.
Following the split, Ackell and Koeplin recorded an unreleased album under the name Fidel. Meanwhile, Kelley led projects Hot Rod and Boy Wonder before embarking on a solo career with the Paula Kelley Orchestra.
In January 2022, Ackell announced Drop Nineteens’ reformation with original members Zimmerman, Koeplin, Yasue, and Kelley rejoining. On August 2, 2023, they released "Scapa Flow," their first single in thirty years, alongside news of their forthcoming album Hard Light, set for November via Wharf Cat Records. On March 28, 2024, they issued a cover of Lana Del Rey’s "White Dress" backed with "Heat," which Ackell suggested might be their final release.
Their first concert in three decades took place on April 17, 2024 at The Atlantis in Washington, D.C.
Influences
Ackell acknowledged a range of inspirations such as My Bloody Valentine, Pixies, Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, The Cure, New Order, The Go-Betweens, and The Clash.
In popular culture
The music of Drop Nineteens gained notable exposure through its inclusion in the American comedy series The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Additionally, British songwriter Owen Tromans composed "Greg," a track inspired by Ackell and the band, featured on his 2013 EP For Haden.
Current members
- Greg Ackell – vocals and guitar (1990–1995, 2022–present)
- Paula Kelley – guitar and vocals (1990–1993, 2022–present)
- Motohiro Yasue – lead guitar (1990–1993, 2022–present)
- Steve Zimmerman – bass guitar (1990–1994, 2022–present)
- Pete Koeplin – drums (1993–1995, 2022–present)
Former members
- Chris Roof – drums (1990–1993)
- Justin Crosby – lead guitar (1993–1995)
- Megan Gilbert – vocals and guitar (1993–1994)
Studio albums
- Delaware (1992, Caroline/Hut/Cherry Red)
- National Coma (1993, Caroline/Hut/Virgin) #US CMJ #24
- Hard Light (2023, Wharf Cat)
- 1991 (2025, Wharf Cat)
Singles and EPs
- "Winona" single (1992, Hut)
- Your Aquarium EP (1992, Caroline/Hut)
- Limp EP (1993, Hut/Virgin; 1994, Caroline)
- "Scapa Flow" single (2023, Wharf Cat)
- "A Hitch" single (2023, Wharf Cat)
- "The Price Was High" single (2023, Wharf Cat)
- "Tarantula" single (2024, Wharf Cat)
- "White Dress" single (2024, Wharf Cat)
Demos
- Mayfield (1991, self-released)