Gods Child
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Chris Seefried, Gary DeRosa |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Gods Child was a rock ensemble originating from New York City, established in 1991 by Chris Seefried (vocals, guitar) and Gary DeRosa (keyboards, backing vocals). Their manager, Steve Tayler Barrett, significantly influenced both the artistic direction and business decisions, shaping the lyrics, song arrangements, image, lineup, and conceptual approach.
The group achieved initial acclaim with their debut record, Everybody (1994), which included the popular track "Everybody's 1". Their sophomore album, Aluminum, earned praise from critics though it experienced less commercial impact. After extensive touring, the band moved to Los Angeles and adopted the name Joe 90, releasing their debut under that moniker, Dream This, through Geffen Records, followed by additional independent releases.
Their musical inspirations encompassed artists such as T.Rex, Lou Reed, Prince, Patti Smith, Sly and The Family Stone, The Doors, Curtis Mayfield, U2, early works of Blue Öyster Cult, and The Beatles.
Origins
Chris Seefried and Gary DeRosa, both hailing from Dix Hills, New York, performed in local groups Mercury and Random Speed. Upon completing their studies at Long Island University and Hofstra University, they relocated to Manhattan and formed the duo Brother Brother. They produced demo recordings at their Westbeth studio, a creative space also frequented by artists like The Lounge Lizards and Suzanne Vega.
These demos caught the attention of British producer Michael Baker, noted for his work with Wet, Wet, Wet. Under Baker’s Simple Simon production company, Brother Brother released two singles that charted in the UK: a rendition of "Temptation Eyes" originally by The Grass Roots and Seefried’s composition "All American". Although they recorded a complete album, it was never officially released.
Desiring greater autonomy over their music following this major label experience, Seefried connected with Steve Tayler Barrett. Barrett guided their sound toward glam rock influences inspired by T.Rex, Lou Reed, and Patti Smith—laying the groundwork for Gods Child’s distinctive style.
With drummer Shawn Pelton and bassist/producer Mark Plati joining the lineup, Gods Child began playing at Manhattan venues such as CBGB, supporting national acts at locations including Irving Plaza and the Academy.
Encouraged by favorable responses to their new songs, Seefried and DeRosa recorded seven tracks at Westbeth. Pelton added drum overdubs at various New York City studios. In preparation for a residency in the Czech Republic, final mixes were completed with Plati at Arthur Baker’s Shakedown studio in New Jersey. As mixing wrapped up, the band departed for Europe.
Concurrently, Barrett sparked a competitive bidding process among major record labels. Negotiations with Hugo Burnham (A&R at Qwest Records) developed into a lasting partnership that ultimately led to Gods Child signing with Qwest/Warner Bros.
Everybody
After independently finishing half of their album, Seefried and DeRosa—performing as Bullfrog and The Elephant—completed their debut alongside new drummer Alex Alexander, who had joined during their time in the Czech Republic. The album featured a blend of rock songs enhanced with loops as well as extended psychedelic instrumentals and poetic improvisations drawn from live performances. New bassist Craig Ruda from Dix Hills made his recording debut on the track "Sey". Mixing was handled by Robbie Adams, renowned for his contributions to U2’s Achtung Baby and Zooropa, both albums noted for integrating drum loops into rock music.
The release garnered significant media attention and yielded a minor hit single. "Everybody's 1" appeared on Billboard's "Modern Rock" and "Album Rock" charts. The band produced three music videos for "Everybody's 1", "Stone Horses", and "Slide".
By the end of that year, they performed on NBC’s Late Night with Conan O'Brien and took part in a WNEW radio Christmas event held at New York’s Roseland Ballroom.
Aluminum
Following an 18-month period of nationwide touring both as an opening act and headliner, Gods Child began demo sessions with producer Tony Mangurian of Luscious Jackson. The group relocated to Los Angeles to write new material, perform live shows, and initiate work on their second album.
Drummer Alex Alexander remained in New York; Tony Mangurian provided drums for the recordings. Producer Tim Palmer, recognized for his work with bands such as Pearl Jam, Sponge, and Mission UK, sifted through over thirty songs created during sessions in New York and Los Angeles to select those best suited for production.
The resulting Los Angeles recordings preserved raw textures but showcased more polished arrangements. Critics praised the album for its expansive, atmospheric sound. Its lead single "Female Elvis (I'm the man)" received airplay on L.A.’s influential station KROQ but did not replicate the chart success of "Everybody's 1". Additionally, the track "Need" was featured on Fox’s television series Melrose Place.
Touring continued with new drummer Adam Hamilton, originally from Shreveport but now based in Los Angeles.
Back in Los Angeles, fresh demos were produced under the alias The Amazing Adventures of Joe 90. Their song "Sleeping Pill" appeared on an Album Network compilation sampler. With a new base of operations in L.A. and a contract through Geffen Records via Adam Duritz’s imprint, the band rebranded as Joe 90 to record their next release, Dream This.
Band members
| (1991–1992) |
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|---|---|
| (1992–1993) |
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| (1994–1995) |
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| (1995–1996) |
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Albums
| Year | Album title | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Everybody | Released under Gods Child |
| 1996 | Aluminum | Released under Gods Child |
| 1999 | Dream This | Released as Joe 90 |
| 2000 | A Raccoons Lunch | Released as Joe 90 |
| 2000 | Boys and Girls | Contribution to soundtrack |
Singles
| Year | Track | US Main. Rock | US Modern Rock | Album association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | "Everybody's 1" | 18 | 25 | Everybody |
| "Stone Horses" | — | — | ||
| 1996 | "Female Elvis (I'm the Man)" | — | — | Aluminum |
| "This Is the Real World?" | — | — |
Promotional videos
- "Everybody's 1" (1994)
- "Stone Horses" (1994)
- "Slide" (1995)