Film School (band)
| Company type | Indie rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | Greg Bertens |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles and San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
| Website | www |
Film School is an indie rock ensemble consisting of five members, originating from both Los Angeles and San Francisco.
History
Established in 1998 by frontman Greg Bertens, Film School's initial work on their debut album Brilliant Career (2001), released through MeToo! records, included collaborations with artists from Fuck and Pavement. By the end of that year, Jason Ruck (keyboards), Nyles Lannon (guitar), Justin Labo (bass), and Ben Montesano (drums) had become permanent members.
In 2003, the band issued the EP Alwaysnever under Amazing Grease Records, a label founded by Pavement's Scott Kannberg. Subsequently, Donny Newenhouse took over drumming duties from Montesano. Their self-titled album appeared in January 2006 via Beggars Banquet Records. Additionally, Film School provided tracks for Demetri Martin's "Clearification" short films featured in a Windows Vista marketing campaign.
Following lineup adjustments and relocation to Los Angeles, their third album Hideout was released in September 2007. The new configuration included Lorelei Plotczyk on bass replacing Labo, Dave Dupuis on guitar succeeding Lannon, and James Smith on drums taking over from Newenhouse. Bertens was primarily responsible for the songwriting on Hideout, which was produced by Dan Long and mixed by Phil Ek.
Their fourth studio effort, Fission, launched in August 2010 through Hi-Speed Soul, marked a shift in musical style and garnered varied critical responses.
After what seemed to be their concluding performance in February 2011, Film School entered a period of inactivity until the original lineup reunited for a special event in September 2014 at San Francisco's Bottom of the Hill, celebrating Newenhouse's 40th birthday. This occasion sparked an official reunion.
Albums
- Brilliant Career (April 1, 2001)
- Film School (January 24, 2006)
- Hideout (September 11, 2007)
- Fission (August 31, 2010)
- Bright to Death (September 14, 2018)
- We Weren't Here (September 24, 2021)
- Field (August 25, 2023)
EPs
- I'm Not Working (2000)
- Alwaysnever (March 23, 2003)
- June (February 12, 2016)
Singles
- "Harmed" (2004)
- "On & On" (November 7, 2005)
- "11:11" (May 1, 2006)
- "Dear Me" (August 28, 2007)
- "When I'm Yours" (2010)
- "Bye Bye Bird" (2017)
- "Crushin'" (May 2018)
- "Go Low" (June 2018)
- "Influencer" (April 2019)
- "Go (But Not Too Far)" (April 2019)
- "Swim" (February 6, 2020)
- "Tape Rewind" (July 21, 2023)
External links
- Film School (official website)
- Bandega: Interview with Greg Bertens of Film School (August 2007)
- Film School on Bandcamp