Silkworm (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
Key people | Tim Midyett, Andy Cohen, Michael Dahlquist, Joel RL Phelps |
| Products | Indie rock music albums and singles |
Silkworm was an American indie rock group that operated from 1987 until 2005, featuring principal members Tim Midyett, Andy Cohen, and Michael Dahlquist.
Formation and Early Years: 1985–1987
Initially performing under the name Ein Heit, Tim Midyett (previously Midgett), Joel RL Phelps, and Andy Cohen began their musical collaboration in Missoula, Montana between 1985 and 1987 before transitioning to the name Silkworm.
Move and Development: 1987–2004
By 1990, Silkworm had moved to Seattle, where they connected with drummer Michael Dahlquist. Their relationship with producer Steve Albini—who shared a high school background with the band members—resulted in Albini producing their album In the West. This collaboration persisted throughout their career. In 1994, Phelps departed due to mental health issues and difficulties associated with touring. The band secured a contract with Matador Records for their 1996 release Firewater. Subsequently, by the time of Blueblood in 1998, they had signed with Touch & Go Records, which handled all their following albums.
Keyboardist Matt Kadane of Bedhead and The New Year appeared on the albums Italian Platinum and It'll Be Cool.
Disbandment: 2005
On July 14, 2005, drummer Michael Dahlquist tragically passed away when his vehicle was struck from behind. Fellow passengers Douglas Meis (Exo, the Dials) and John Glick (Returnables) also lost their lives in the accident.
Subsequent Endeavors: 2005–present
Following Dahlquist’s passing, Midyett and Cohen established Bottomless Pit, which remained active in recording and touring until entering an indefinite break in 2014.
A full-length documentary titled Couldn't You Wait? The Story of Silkworm premiered in February 2013, featuring interviews with notable industry personalities such as Jeff Tweedy, Steve Albini, and Stephen Malkmus.
In May 2014, the label Comedy Minus One released a remastered and expanded edition of Silkworm’s third album, Libertine, as a double 12" vinyl plus CD package that included the "Marco Collins Sessions" alongside two additional tracks.
On July 27, 2024, Silkworm reunited for a tribute performance honoring Albini following his unexpected death. This lineup brought together Midyett, Cohen, Phelps—returning since his departure in 1994—and Jeff Panall (Songs: Ohia & Mint Mile) on drums.
Comedy Minus One revealed plans for a remastered deluxe double 12" edition of Silkworm’s fifth album Developer, featuring five bonus tracks previously exclusive to Japan, scheduled for early 2025. Shortly thereafter, the band announced their first United States tour since 2005, set for September 2025 with the tribute concert ensemble.
Studio albums
- L'ajre (1992)
- In The West (1994)
- Libertine (1994)
- Firewater (1996)
- Developer (1997)
- Blueblood (1998)
- Lifestyle (2000)
- Italian Platinum (2002)
- It'll Be Cool (2004)
Compilations
- Even A Blind Chicken Finds A Kernel of Corn Now And Then: 1990-1994 (1998, Matador Records)
Singles and EPs
- Advantage demo tape (independently issued, 1988)
- Girl Harbrr demo tape (independently issued, 1989)
- "Slipstream" backed with "Inside Outside" 7" single (Punchdrunk, 1991)
- "The Chain" backed with "Our Secret" 7" single (Temporary Freedom, 1992)
- "Violet" backed with "Around A Light" 7" single (Blatant, 1993)
- His Absence Is A Blessing 12" EP (Stampede, 1993)
- "In The Bleak Midwinter" paired with Engine Kid's "The Little Drummer Boy" split holiday single (C/Z, 1993)
- "Into The Woods" backed with "Incaduce California" 7" single (Rockamundo, 1993)
- "Couldn't You Wait" backed with "The Grand Tour" 7" single (Matador, 1995)
- "The Marco Collins Session" 7"/CD EP
- "Quicksand" backed with "On The Road, One More Time" 7" single (My Pal God, 1996)
- "Never Met A Man I Didn't Like" backed with "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere" 7" single (Matador, 1997)
- "The Other Side" backed with "I Must Pianner", "I Must Prepare" 7" single (Moneyshot, 1998)
- You Are Dignified CD EP (12XU, 2003)
- Chokes! CD EP (12XU, 2006)