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LCD Soundsystem

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LCD Soundsystem
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
FoundedJanuary 1, 2002; 24 years ago (2002-01-01) in Brooklyn, New York, United States
FounderJames Murphy
Headquarters
Brooklyn
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
James Murphy, Nancy Whang, Pat Mahoney, Tyler Pope, Al Doyle, Korey Richey
ProductsMusic albums, singles, live performances
ParentDFA Records (co-founded by James Murphy), Columbia Records (since 2016)

LCD Soundsystem is a Brooklyn-based American band known for their role in the dance-punk revival movement, established in 2002 by James Murphy, who also co-founded DFA Records. The group consists of Murphy (vocals and multiple instruments), Nancy Whang (synthesizer, keyboards, vocals), Pat Mahoney (drums), Tyler Pope (bass, guitar, synthesizer), Al Doyle (guitar, synthesizer, percussion), and Korey Richey (synthesizer, piano, percussion). Since their formation, they have been affiliated with DFA Records and expanded their label partnership by signing with Columbia Records in 2016.

Between 2002 and 2004, the band released a series of singles including the defining track "Losing My Edge". Their debut album, titled LCD Soundsystem, arrived in 2005 to widespread critical praise and was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Electronic/Dance Album category. The single "Daft Punk Is Playing at My House" achieved commercial success and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording. In 2006, they created "45:33", a continuous 45-minute piece commissioned by Nike as part of their Nike+ Original Run series. Their follow-up album in 2007, Sound of Silver, received further critical acclaim and secured another Grammy nomination.

The band's third studio album, This Is Happening, released in 2010, became their first to reach the top ten on the U.S. charts. In early 2011, LCD Soundsystem announced their breakup and performed a farewell show at Madison Square Garden on April 2, which was later captured in the documentary film Shut Up and Play the Hits and issued as the live album The Long Goodbye in April 2014.

Following speculation about a reunion, LCD Soundsystem unveiled their first new track in five years, "Christmas Will Break Your Heart", in December 2015. They officially confirmed their return with an extended tour featuring major festival appearances and released their fourth studio album, American Dream, in September 2017. This album became their first to top the U.S. charts and received a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album; its lead single "Tonite" won the Grammy for Best Dance Recording.

Initial singles and debut album (2002–2005)

James Murphy established LCD Soundsystem in 2002 in Brooklyn, New York.[1] The band's name "LCD" derives from "Liquid Christmas Display," inspired by early performances covering material from Liquid Liquid.[2]

Under Murphy’s co-founded label DFA Records, they issued several singles.[3] Their first single "Losing My Edge" peaked at number 115 on the UK charts,[4] earning underground recognition for its fusion of electronic rhythms and clever lyrics.[5] Following singles such as "Give It Up", "Yeah", and "Movement" also charted well in the UK at numbers 77 and 52 respectively.[4]

Their critically praised debut studio album was released in January 2005,[6] accompanied by a bonus disc containing various non-album tracks.[7] In February of that year, they issued the single "Daft Punk Is Playing at My House", which became their first UK top-40 hit at number 29,[4] and achieved international commercial success across Australia,[8] Belgium,[9] and the Netherlands.[10] Following the album's release, they toured alongside M.I.A..[11] In June 2005, as a B-side to "Disco Infiltrator", they recorded a cover of Siouxsie and the Banshees' song "Slowdive".[12]

In December of that year, LCD Soundsystem received two Grammy Award nominations: one for Best Electronic/Dance Album for their debut record and another for Best Dance Recording with "Daft Punk Is Playing at My House".[13] Additionally, their debut ranked number 94 on Amazon.com’s "Top 100 Editor’s Picks" list for 2005.[14]

"45:33" and Sound of Silver (2006–2008)

In October 2006, LCD Soundsystem introduced "45:33" as part of Nike's Original Run collection, made available for digital download on iTunes. Although the title suggests a duration of 45 minutes and 33 seconds, the track actually extends to 45 minutes and 58 seconds, alluding to the two common vinyl record speeds (45 and 33 RPM). Originally marketed as a running soundtrack, it was later disclosed that James Murphy intended it as an extended musical composition influenced by Manuel Göttsching's E2-E4.

Their sophomore album, Sound of Silver, was released on March 20, 2007, garnering widespread critical praise. The album earned distinctions such as Mixmag's Album of the Month, a 9.2 score from Pitchfork, and a five-star rating from The Guardian. Preceding the album was the February 2007 single "North American Scum". The subsequent single "All My Friends" inspired covers by Franz Ferdinand and John Cale; the digital EP also included a rendition of Joy Division's "No Love Lost". In September 2007, they issued the A Bunch of Stuff EP and toured alongside Arcade Fire. Later that year, "Someone Great" was released as the third single, and "45:33" was reissued in CD and vinyl formats through DFA Records. December marked the North American release of Confuse the Marketplace, a 12-inch compilation featuring B-sides from European singles.

In December 2007, Sound of Silver received a Grammy nomination for Best Electronic/Dance Album and was designated album of the year by outlets including The Guardian, Uncut, and Drowned in Sound. It was shortlisted for the 2007 Shortlist Prize, which was ultimately awarded to Feist's The Reminder. Additionally, "All My Friends" was ranked fourth on Time magazine’s list of The 10 Best Songs of 2007 for its emotional depth, while Pitchfork later positioned it as the second greatest song of the 2000s.

After completing the Sound of Silver tour, LCD Soundsystem contributed "Big Ideas" to the soundtrack of the film 21. This track secured number 63 on Rolling Stone's compilation of the 100 Best Songs of 2008.

This Is Happening and breakup (2009–2011)

On November 18, 2008, Al Doyle hinted at a possible disbandment of LCD Soundsystem; however, both Doyle and James Murphy promptly refuted this claim, affirming that a new album was underway. Murphy commenced recording sessions in Los Angeles during summer 2009 with prospective songs such as "Why Do You Hate Music?" and "Love in LA". For Record Store Day in 2009, the band released a cover version of Suicide member Alan Vega’s "Bye Bye Bayou".

By February 23, 2010, LCD Soundsystem announced completion of their new album. The lead single "Drunk Girls" debuted via streaming on March 25. On March 30, details including the album title and artwork were unveiled. Released on May 17 in the UK and May 18 in the US, This Is Happening was positioned by Murphy as surpassing previous works and possibly serving as their final album. In April, secret performances in New York showcased new material; Murphy urged attendees not to leak tracks prematurely, emphasizing two years invested in production.

For Record Store Day 2010, they issued a limited edition single-sided 12" featuring "Pow Pow." In August, Murphy indicated that while LCD Soundsystem would continue producing smaller-scale projects such as singles, they planned to step back from full-length releases.

On February 8, 2011, the band declared their farewell concert scheduled for April 2 at Madison Square Garden. Due to widespread ticketing complications, four preliminary shows were held at Terminal 5 with setlists replicating the final performance. The concluding show extended nearly four hours and included guest appearances by Arcade Fire and Reggie Watts. The final song performed was "New York, I Love You but You're Bringing Me Down."

Post-breakup (2011–2014)

LCD Soundsystem recorded a cover of Franz Ferdinand's "Live Alone" for their 2011 Covers EP, which was released as a single through Domino Recording Company on April 11. The following day, James Murphy confirmed plans to release their farewell concert on DVD with improved quality compared to earlier streams. The documentary film Shut Up and Play the Hits, capturing Murphy’s experiences during the two days surrounding the final show, premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2012 before limited theatrical release. On March 5, 2013, Rolling Stone recognized LCD Soundsystem among its New Immortals—artists projected to endure over time. Subsequently, on April 19, 2014, a five-vinyl box set titled The Long Goodbye: LCD Soundsystem Live at Madison Square Garden documented their final performance.

Reunion: American Dream and Electric Lady Sessions (2015–2019)

Rumors emerged in October 2015 regarding LCD Soundsystem’s reunion for headlining major festivals in both US and UK during 2016; DFA Records initially denied these reports. On December 24 that year, they released "Christmas Will Break Your Heart," their first new single in five years recorded with core members at DFA Studios. This release intensified speculation about reformation.

Confirmation came on January 4, 2016: LCD Soundsystem was announced as Coachella Festival headliners along with plans for a new studio album within that year. James Murphy credited his collaboration with David Bowie on Blackstar as an inspiration behind regrouping. In February, they signed with Columbia Records and subsequently headlined Lollapalooza plus two reunion concerts at Webster Hall—their first live shows in nearly five years. Throughout that year they led major festivals including Outside Lands, Primavera Sound, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, LouFest, and WayHome.

In August 2016, Asian and Australian tour dates were canceled so they could focus on completing their forthcoming album; this delayed its release into early next year. At Brooklyn Steel in April 2017 they premiered new tracks "Tonite," "Call the Police," and "American Dream," followed shortly by "Emotional Haircut." On May 5 they issued "Call the Police" and "American Dream" as a digital double A-side single and performed both songs on Saturday Night Live. June 19 saw announcement of their fourth studio album titled American Dream, slated for September 1 via Columbia and DFA Records alongside an international tour itinerary. The album received critical acclaim; it earned Grammy nominations for Best Alternative Music Album in 2018 while "Tonite" won Best Dance Recording—marking LCD Soundsystem's first Grammy victory.

September 2018 featured release of a Spotify Singles session recorded live at Electric Lady Studios including performances of "Tonite," "Home," and a cover of Chic’s "I Want Your Love." November brought out a cover version of Heaven 17's "(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang" alongside hints toward an upcoming full live album titled Electric Lady Sessions.

Holiday Special, concert residencies and collaborations (2020–2023)

In July 2021 during an appearance on Marc Maron's podcast WTF with Marc Maron, James Murphy disclosed that LCD Soundsystem was observing a complete hiatus amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with no touring plans until another album release. This pause concluded in October with a twenty-date residency at Brooklyn Steel spanning November through December. Prior to this residency synth player Gavilán Rayna Russom departed to pursue other ventures; multi-instrumentalist Matt Thornley also did not participate. New synth players Abby Echiverri and Nick Millhiser (from DFA signees Holy Ghost!) joined for these shows. However, rising cases due to New York City's Omicron variant led to cancellation of the final three performances.

On December 22, Amazon Music streamed ‘’The LCD Soundsystem Holiday Special’’ via Twitch—a sitcom styled after the ’90s titled ‘’All My Friends’’. Featuring comedians portraying band members—including writer/director Eric Wareheim as Murphy and Macaulay Culkin as Pat Mahoney—the special blended scripted segments with pre-recorded live music performances. Wareheim collaborated with Murphy over fifteen years developing this project which filmed across New York City and Los Angeles during late 2021.

LCD Soundsystem returned as musical guests on ‘’Saturday Night Live’’ on February 26, 2022 performing “Thrills” and “Yr City's a Sucker” from their debut album rather than newer material; they also appeared in a sketch portraying members of the Guardian Angels. In March Murphy updated fans regarding plans for live shows without accompanying album promotion. The original lineup reunited for DFA Records’ twentieth anniversary show that same month.

Throughout 2022 they embarked on multiple concert residencies including four nights at Franklin Music Hall (Philadelphia), four nights at Roadrunner (Boston), six nights at London’s O2 Academy Brixton, plus eight nights across venues around San Francisco Bay Area. In August they contributed “New Body Rhumba” to Noah Baumbach’s film ‘’White Noise’’, releasing it as a single September 30 alongside announcement of another twenty-date Brooklyn Steel residency scheduled for November-December.

On January 31, 2023 AEG Presents named LCD Soundsystem among three headliners for inaugural Re:SET Concert Series. Later that year they conducted the Tri Boro Tour comprising twelve shows across Brooklyn Steel (Brooklyn), Terminal 5 (Manhattan), and Knockdown Center (Queens). On October18 members James Murphy and Nancy Whang provided backing vocals on Idles’ single "Dancer."

Upcoming fifth studio album (2024–present)

On October22,2024 ‘’NTS Radio’’ premiered “X-Ray Eyes,” marking their first new release since “New Body Rhumba.” A press statement dated November1 confirmed ongoing recording sessions between concerts and festivals for an upcoming album. Concurrently they scheduled a twelve-date winter residency at New York City’s Knockdown Center spanning November through December2024. An eight-night residency at London’s Brixton Academy followed in June2025.

June2025 saw release of Tom Sharkett’s remix edit of “Home” from ’’This is Happening’’, initially distributed via streaming platforms before appearing as a12” vinyl single.

Musical style

LCD Soundsystem is associated with movements such as dance-punk revival,<ref> dance-rock,<ref> electronic rock,<ref> electronica,<ref> art rock,<ref> and alternative dance.<ref>

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Template:Award table |- | rowspan=2|2006 | "Daft Punk Is Playing at My House" | Best Dance Recording | Template:Nom |- | LCD Soundsystem | rowspan=2|Best Electronic/Dance Album | Template:Nom |- | 2008 | Sound of Silver | Template:Nom |- | rowspan=2|2018 | "Tonite" | Best Dance Recording | Template:Won |- | American Dream | Best Alternative Music Album | Template:Nom

|}

Rober Awards Music Poll

Template:Award table |- |2007 |"Someone Great" |Best Dance Anthem |Template:Won |- |2008 |James Murphy |Best Male Artist |Template:Won |- |rowspan=2 |2010 |"I Can Change" |Best Dance Anthem |Template:Won |- |rowspan=4 |Themselves |Best Electronica |Template:Won |- |rowspan=5 |2017 |Best Group or Duo |Template:Won |- |Comeback of the Year |Template:Won |- |Best Live Artist |Template:Draw |- |'American Dream' |Album of the Year |Template:Draw |- |"American Dream" |Song of the Year |Template:Won |- |2018 |"[(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang]" |Best Cover Version |Template:Draw

|}

Other Awards

  |   |   |   |
Year Award Work Category Result
2005 MVPA Awards "Daft Punk Is Playing at My House" Best Electronic Video Template:Nom
2007 Shortlist Music Prize Sound of Silver Album of the Year Template:Nom
Best Art Vinyl Best Vinyl Art Template:Nom
2008 MVPA Awards "North American Scum" Best Electronic Video Template:Nom
2010 UK Music Video Awards "Drunk Girls" Best Indie/Alternative Video Template:Nom
2011 New York Music Awards Themselves Band of the Year Template:Won
This is Happening Album of the Year Template:Won
Best Pop/Electronic Album Template:Won
"Drunk Girls" Best Rock Video Template:Won
International Dance Music Awards "I Can Change" Best Underground Dance Track Template:Nom
Themselves Best Dance Artist (Group) Template:Nom
(mtvU) Woodie Awards Woodie of the Year Template:Nom
Webby Awards Artist of the Year Template:Won
2012 UK Music Video Awards Shut Up and Play the Hits Best Live Music Coverage Template:Won
2013 NME Awards Best Music Film Template:Nom
2018 2018 UK Music Video Awards "Tonite"

  |   Best Interactive Video |   Template:Nom |   - |   |   |

|}

Band members

[[file:Rock en Seine 2007, LCD Soundsystem2.jpg

 caption1 = Founding member James Murphy performing at La Route Du Rock August2007  image2 = LCD Soundsystem(220813).jpg

caption2 = Al Doyle(left) & Nancy Whang performing live in2016|250px|alt=]]

Personnel information is drawn from credits listed across official releases.

Core members

  • James Murphy – lead vocals; keyboards; synthesizers; guitar; bass; drums; percussion; drum machine; piano; organ; production (2002–2011; reunited since2015)
  • Nancy Whang – keyboards; synthesizers; vocals (2002–2011; reunited since2015)
  • Pat Mahoney – drums; percussion; drum machine; synthesizers; backing vocals (2002–2011; reunited since2015)
  • Tyler Pope – bass; guitar; synthesizers; drum machine (2004–2011; reunited since2015)
  • Al Doyle – guitar; percussion; synthesizers; bass guitar; vocals (touring member from2005–11; full-time since2015)
  • Korey Richey – percussion; synthesizers; piano; backing vocals (since2015)

Current touring musicians

  • Abby Echiverri – synthesizers; guitar; percussion; backing vocals (since2021)
  • (Holy Ghost!) Nick Millhiser – synthesizers; percussion; backing vocals (since2021)

Former members

  • Phil Mossman – guitar; percussion (2004–11 plus guest appearance2022)
  • Matt Thornley – guitar; percussion; piano; synthesizers; drum machine (touring member06–09 then official09–11 &15–21)
  • Gavilán Rayna Russom – synthesizers; percussion; backing vocals (touring08–11 then official15–21)

Former touring musicians

  • Jerry Fuchs – drums; percussion (touring05–09; deceased)
  • J.D.Mark – guitar (touring05–09; deceased)
  • Phil Skarich – bass guitar(touring05–09)
  • David Scott Stone – guitar; percussion;synthesizers;complex vocals(touring10–11)

Timeline

<timeline> ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:22 PlotArea = left:120 bottom:120 top:05 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2002 till:11/11/2026 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2002 ScaleMinor = increment:2 start:2003

Colors = 

id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals,_multiple_instruments
id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar
id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards,_synthesizers,_drum_machines
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass_guitar
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums_and_percussion
id:perc value:claret legend:Percussion_only
id:album value:black legend:Studio_album_release

BarData = 

bar:James text:"James Murphy"
bar:PhilM text:"Phil Mossman"
bar:Matt text:"Matt Thornley"
bar:Al text:"Al Doyle"
bar:Nancy text:"Nancy Whang"
bar:Rayna text:"Gavilán Rayna Russom"
bar:Korey text:"Korey Richey"
bar:Tyler text:"Tyler Pope"
bar:Pat text:"Pat Mahoney"

PlotData= 

width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:James from:start till:04/02/2011 color:vocals  
bar:James from:10/01/2015 till:end color:vocals  
bar:Nancy from:start till:04/02/2011 color:bvocals width:3  
bar:Nancy from:start till:04/02/2011 color:keys  
bar:Nancy from:10/01/2015 till:end color:bvocals width:3  
bar:Nancy from:10/01/2015 till:end color:keys  
bar:PhilM from:01/01/2004 till04/02/2011 color:guitar  
bar:PhilM from01/01/2004 till04/02/2011 color:perc width3  
bar:PhilM from03/26/2022 till03/27/2022 color:guitar  
bar:Matt from04/01/2009 till04/02/2011 color:guitar  
bar:Matt from04/01/2009 till04/02/2011 color:key width7  
bar:Matt from04/01/2009 till04/02/2011 color:pitch width3  
bar::Matt from10/01/15 till11/23/21 color:guitar  
bar::Matt from10/01/15 till11/23/21 color:key width7  
bar::Matt from10/01_15_till_11_23_21_color_perc_width_3  
bar::Al from10_01_15_till_end_color_guitar  
bar::Al from10_01_15_till_end_color_keys_width_9  
bar::Al from10_01_15_till_end_color_perc_width_7  
bar::Al from10_01_15_till_end_color_bass_width_5  
bar::Al from10_01_15_till_end_color_bvocals_width_3  
bar::Tyler from01_01_04_till_04_02_11_color_bass  
bar::Tyler from01_01_04_till_04_02_11_color_keys_width_3  
bar::Tyler from10_01_15_till_end_color_bass  
bar::Tyler_from10-01-15_till_end_color_keys_width3  
bar::Pat_from_start_till_04-02-11_color_drums_and_perc_widths_as_needed

</timeline>

Discography

Template:Mainlist

External links

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  14. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Amazon Top 100 Editors' Picks
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