Noise Addict
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Ben Lee |
| Defunct | 1996 (initially) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 1996; briefly reformed in 2009 |
| Headquarters | Bondi Beach, Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Albums, EPs, Singles |
Noise Addict—occasionally presented as Noiseaddict—was an Australian alternative rock ensemble established in 1993 by Ben Lee, who took on lead vocals and guitar duties. In 1995, guitarist Romy Hoffman became part of the lineup before the band dissolved in early 1996. Their sole studio album, Meet the Real You, was released through Fellaheen Records/Shock Records toward the end of 1995. Following the breakup, Lee embarked on a solo path but briefly revived Noise Addict in 2009 with new collaborators Lou Barlow and Lara Meyerratken, producing a second album titled It Was Never About the Audience (released 1 September 2009), after which he resumed his solo career.
History
Originating in Bondi Beach at the start of 1993, Noise Addict comprised Ben Lee (vocals, guitar), Doron Kalinko (bass), and Josh Zoldan (drums), all classmates from Moriah College in Sydney.[1][2] The group’s early roster also featured Daniel Mapp on bass and Joel Wasserman on drums. Subsequently, Daniel Kohn (bass) and Saul Smith (drums) joined the band.[1]
At an average age of 14, they recorded a four-song demo in Lee’s bedroom and distributed it to various record labels.[1][2] Their inaugural performance took place at a library book sale during 1993.[2] Steve Pavlovic of Fellaheen Records signed them and passed their demo tape to Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. Noise Addict supported Sonic Youth at their second live show on 6 February 1993 at Selina's Nightclub.[1][3] Thurston Moore then signed them to his Ecstatic Peace label; their debut EP DEF was issued in early 1993 featuring Lee, Kalinko, and Zoldan.[2]
Australian music historian Ian McFarlane drew comparisons between Noise Addict and fellow teenage band silverchair, though Lee highlighted their punk rock roots.[1] The October 1993 single "I Wish I Was Him" garnered attention from Mike D of the Beastie Boys, resulting in a contract with their label, Grand Royal. The band supported American acts Pavement and Fugazi, performing shows accessible to all ages.[1]
Their second EP, The Taste in My Eyes (April 1994), showcased Lee alongside Kalinko (now on lead guitar), Kohn, and Wasserman. McFarlane praised its "low-fi charm and youthful exuberance," drawing parallels to Jonathan Richman’s songwriting style.[1] This release was followed by Noise Addict vs. Silverchair EP and Young and Jaded (1994) under Grand Royal—six acoustic tracks laid down in Lee’s bedroom.[2] Touring was limited due to educational commitments.[2]
Subsequent to Young and Jaded, Lee launched his solo debut album Grandpaw Would in June 1995. Romy Hoffman replaced Kalinko as lead guitarist.[4] Later that year, their only full-length album, Meet the Real You, was released with production by Brad Wood (Sebadoh, Liz Phair).[1][2]
The group briefly toured with Sebadoh and contributed the track "Mouthwash" to the AIDS awareness compilation Red Hot + Bothered produced by the Red Hot Organization.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Their final performance occurred in early 1996 at Bondi before disbanding.[1] Post-breakup, Ben Lee continued his solo endeavors; Daniel Mapp joined Waikiki, while Romy Hoffman transitioned into hip-hop as MC Macromantics.[4]
On 1 September 2009, Noise Addict reunited featuring Lee alongside Lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr) and Lara Meyerratken (El May), releasing their sophomore album, It Was Never About the Audience, on Lee's Ten Fingers Records.[5]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name This lo-fi record received acclaim as an antidote to overproduced albums that prioritize technology over musicianship.[6] A two-LP compilation of their original recordings, titled 10,000 Kids with Guitars, was issued on Record Store Day 2017 through Numero Group.
Albums
- Meet the Real You (late 1995)
- It Was Never About the Audience (1 September 2009) Ten Fingers Records
Extended plays
- DEF (early 1993) Ecstatic Peace
- The Taste in My Eyes (also known as Noise Addict vs. Silverchair) (April 1994) Fellaheen Records
- Young and Jaded (1994) Grand Royal
Singles
- I Wish I Was Him (also referred to as "Unplugged") (October 1993) Fellaheen Records
- The Frail Girl (1995) Grand Royal / Fellaheen Records
Compilations
- 10,000 Kids With Guitars (2LP, April 2017) Numero Group
External links
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