The Depreciation Guild
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Kurt Feldman, Adrian Hashizume |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn , United States |
Key people | Kurt Feldman, Christoph Hochheim, Anton Hochheim, Adrian Hashizume, Raphael Radna |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
The Depreciation Guild was a Brooklyn-based American band known for its blend of dream pop and shoegaze. Established in 2005 by lead singer and songwriter Kurt Feldman alongside guitarist Adrian Hashizume, the group later expanded to include Christoph Hochheim and Anton Hochheim, both of whom eventually became members of the Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Raphael Radna joined the ensemble to perform bass during live shows.[1]
History
Back in 2003, Kurt Feldman utilized the DOS software NerdTracker II to replicate the NES 2A03 PSG 8-bit microprocessor sound, which became a defining feature of the band's music. The group originated in 2005 as a creative platform for Feldman's fascination with video games, guitar-driven pop, and electronic genres. Their initial release was the digital EP Nautilus in 2006, distributed through the chiptune label 8bitpeoples. Adrian Hashizume remained on guitar until 2007, when Christoph Hochheim took over; Anton Hochheim joined as drummer in 2008.[2] The band's first full-length album, In Her Gentle Jaws, was initially self-released as a complimentary download in 2007 and later remastered and reissued by Kanine Records in 2009. Their sophomore album, Spirit Youth, was released mid-2010.[3][4] Additionally, they created remixes for artists such as Oh No Ono and Chateleine. Their song "Dream About Me" was featured in the 2010 motion picture Kaboom.
In December 2010, citing creative differences, the band declared their breakup and performed their farewell concert on January 8, 2011 at Brooklyn’s Rock Shop.[5]
The founding members reunited briefly in August 2013 to perform In Her Gentle Jaws live at Brooklyn’s Glasslands Gallery.[6]
On March 8, 2023, they returned to the stage for their first concert in ten years at New York City’s Mercury Lounge, marking Kanine Records’ 20th anniversary celebration.[7]
Post-breakup
After the band dissolved, each member became involved with The Pains of Being Pure at Heart at various intervals: Feldman remained until 2013, followed by Anton who took over drumming duties until 2017, and Christoph contributed from 2009 to 2012 and again from 2013 until the group disbanded in 2019. In 2024, Feldman and Christoph reunited with original members Kip Berman and Peggy Wang.
In 2011, Feldman initiated his solo venture called Ice Choir. Meanwhile, the Hochheim siblings formed a duo initially named Ablebody (active from 2011 to 2020), which later evolved into Always You. They also collaborate live with other musicians. Christoph has performed with Dent May and currently plays alongside Jerry Paper and Wild Nothing; Anton has been involved with Dinowalrus and currently serves as the drummer for Beach Fossils and Hit Bargain.
Influences
Feldman identifies Tears for Fears, Talk Talk, Gangway, Scritti Politti, Cocteau Twins, and Pale Saints as significant inspirations for his musical style.
Members
- Kurt Feldman – lead vocals, guitar, programming, production
- Christoph Hochheim – guitar, backing vocals
- Anton Hochheim – drums, percussion
- Adrian "Akira" Hashizume – guitar
- Raphael Radna – bass (touring)
Studio albums
- In Her Gentle Jaws (initially self-released in 2007; reissued by Kanine Records in 2009)
- Spirit Youth (Kanine Records, 2010)
Extended plays
- Nautilus EP (8bitpeoples, 2006)
Singles
- "Dream About Me" (Kanine Records, 2009)
- "Blue Lily" (Kanine Records, 2010)
- ↑ [[[:Template:AllMusic]] The Depreciation Guild] at AllMusic
- ↑ Carlson, Jen. "Depreciation Guild, Band". Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ↑ Review of Spirit Youth. PopMatters.
- ↑ "Depreciation Guild Announce New LP". Pitchfork. 2010-02-23. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
- ↑ "The Depreciation Guild: January 15, 2011 Rock Shop (FINAL SHOW!)". Retrieved 2023-03-07.
- ↑ Staff, BrooklynVegan. "The Depreciation Guild reforming to play debut LP in full at Glasslands". Retrieved 2023-03-07.
- ↑ Pearis, Bill. "New Colossus fest announces full 2023 lineup". Retrieved 2023-03-07.