Sleeper Agent (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Defunct | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Bowling Green, Kentucky , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Sleeper Agent was an alternative rock group originating from Bowling Green, Kentucky, active between 2009 and 2015. Their first full-length record, Celabrasion, was initially released digitally on August 2, 2011, followed by a physical version on September 27. The album attracted notice through the single "Get It Daddy," which was featured as iTunes' "Free Single of the Week." Prior to the album launch, Rolling Stone recognized them as a promising act to watch.
History
The band began as a duo with guitarist Tony Smith and drummer Justin Wilson before expanding by adding vocalist Alex Kandel, whom they discovered performing Adele covers during open-mic nights. Subsequently, Lee Williams, Scott Gardner, and Josh Martin joined the ensemble. Under the production guidance of Jay Joyce, they recorded Celabrasion, which opened doors for touring alongside acts such as Cage the Elephant in 2011, Fun. in early 2012, and Ben Kweller during spring 2012. Their television appearances included Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in March 2012, and they performed at significant festivals like Coachella and Forecastle. In September 2012, lead vocalist Kandel received a nomination for the Women Who Rock contest.
Their sophomore album, About Last Night, was released on March 25, 2014. Following extensive touring throughout that year—including an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman—the band ceased activity in 2015. They stopped posting on social media as members began focusing on individual projects. Later in 2015, Alex Kandel competed on NBC's The Voice.
On September 29, 2015, Tony Smith announced via social media that after five years together, Sleeper Agent had amicably disbanded. Kandel confirmed the decision to dissolve the group in order to pursue new ventures.
Musical style and influences
According to the band's official Facebook, their inspirations include The Pixies, The Black Lips, Foxy Shazam, and Cage the Elephant—a fellow Bowling Green music scene band with whom they maintained close ties. Rolling Stone characterized their sound as "Shaggy Kentucky kids whose songs are sweet, fizzy, and combustible as a can of shook soda." Matt Shultz from Cage the Elephant referred to them as "the best people on earth."
Their dynamic energy was partly sparked by an incident at a Fourth of July party where drummer Justin Wilson was unexpectedly punched by another band's drummer, motivating him to infuse his drumming with aggression and punk spirit.
Band members
- Alex Kandel – lead vocals (born October 17, 1992). She participated in season 9 of The Voice, joining "Team Gwen" (Gwen Stefani) after auditioning with Echosmith's "Bright". She was eliminated during the Battles Round following her performance of "It's My Life."
- Tony Smith – guitar and vocals
- Justin Wilson – drums
- Lee Williams – bass guitar
- Scott Gardner – keyboards and synthesizers
- Josh Martin – lead guitar
Studio albums
- Celabrasion (2011)
- About Last Night (2014)
Extended plays
- InterroBANG!? (EP) (2010)