Lowercase (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 in Palm Desert, California, United States |
| Founder | Imaad Wasif, Brian Girgus |
| Defunct | 2000 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco (from 1996 to 2000) , United States |
Area served | United States, international tours |
Key people | Imaad Wasif (vocals, guitar), Brian Girgus (drums), Justin Halterlein (bass), Tiber Scheer (bass) |
| Products | Studio albums, singles, EPs, compilations |
| Website | lowercase |
Lowercase (occasionally presented as lowercase) was a musical group originating from Palm Desert, California, fronted by Imaad Wasif who handled vocals and guitar, alongside drummer Brian Girgus. Their first two full-length records were issued through the Minneapolis-based label Amphetamine Reptile Records. Their final album was produced under Vern Rumsey’s Punk in my Vitamins? label, known for his work with Unwound. The band enhanced their profile both nationally and internationally by touring with acts such as Sebadoh, Karp, Unwound, Hovercraft, Caustic Resin, The Lies, Faith No More, and Chokebore.
History
The ensemble was established in 1993 in Palm Desert, California by guitarist and vocalist Imaad Wasif and Brian Girgus, who initially played bass before transitioning to drums. Their first 7-inch release, Two Songs, appeared in early 1994 on Punk in my Vitamins?, an indie label operated by Vern Rumsey of Unwound. In 1995, they followed up with a second 7-inch titled Brass Tracks, released via X-Mas Records. That same year marked their signing with Amphetamine Reptile Records, culminating in the release of their debut LP All Destructive Urges... Seem So Perfect on November 11, 1996. The band moved to San Francisco during 1996 and stayed there until their dissolution in 2000.
While based in San Francisco, Lowercase began crafting Kill the Lights, enlisting bassist Justin Halterlein. The recording process was fraught with interpersonal difficulties, leading to Halterlein's departure shortly after the album’s July 8, 1997 release. Following this period, the group amicably ended their relationship with Amphetamine Reptile. For their subsequent album, they brought on Tiber Scheer from P.E.E. on bass and issued The Going Away Present through Punk in my Vitamins? on May 4, 1999 before ultimately disbanding in 2000.
After the breakup, founders Wasif and Girgus embarked on solo endeavors and collaborated with artists including The Folk Implosion, Track Star, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Wooden Shjips. Currently, Wasif and Girgus reside in Los Angeles, while Scheer has relocated to Chicago.
In January 2025, Lowercase reunited and performed multiple shows across California throughout that year.
Members
- Imaad Wasif – vocals and guitar (1993–2000)
- Brian Girgus – drums (1993–2000)
- Justin Halterlein – bass (1996–1997)
- Tiber Scheer – bass (1997–2000)
Discography
- Studio albums
- All Destructive Urges... Seem So Perfect (Amphetamine Reptile, 1996)
- Kill the Lights (Amphetamine Reptile, 1997)
- The Going Away Present (Punk in my Vitamins?, 1999)
- Singles and EPs
- Two Songs (Punk in my Vitamins?, 1994)
- Brass Tracks (X-Mas, 1995)
- Cadence (Amphetamine Reptile, 1995)
- The Open Sea (Kill Rock Stars, 1998)
- Imbedded in Ice (Punk in my Vitamins?, 1999)
- Very Early Recordings (Self-released, 2020)
- Compilations
- Aside and Besides: A Singles Compilation (Self-released, 2020)