The Din Pedals
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 in San Luis Obispo, California, United States |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | San Luis Obispo , United States |
| Products | Alternative rock music |
| Parent | Epic Records (1997–1998) |
The Din Pedals were an alternative rock group originating from San Luis Obispo, California, established in 1991. They were signed to Epic Records between 1997 and 1998, during which time they released a single self-titled album before disbanding.
Formation and early period (1991–1996)
Initially formed as a power trio in San Luis Obispo, The Din Pedals brought on James Grundler as both their lead singer and drummer. They independently produced two records that found regional acclaim. In 1996, the band replaced Grundler on drums with the classically trained percussionist Alex Wong.
Major label era and dissolution (1997–1998)
In early 1997, the group secured a contract with the major label Epic Records and proceeded to record their debut album in Los Angeles. British producer Stephen Short oversaw the sessions, which concluded by June 1997. Ahead of the album's release, their track "Waterfall" was included on the soundtrack for the 1997 film I Know What You Did Last Summer, distributed through Columbia Records. The album was officially released on February 10, 1998; however, it did not achieve significant commercial success. Subsequently, vocalist James Grundler departed to embark on a solo path and later established the alternative rock band Paloalto, which released two albums in the early 2000s under Rick Rubin's American Recordings.
Musical style
The Din Pedals' musical approach has frequently been likened to that of the British band Radiohead. Music critic Tom Demalon from AllMusic identified them as one of the earliest and most notable acts influenced by Radiohead within the late-1990s alternative rock scene. In a 1996 interview with Billboard, guitarist "Harrison" described their sound as a combination of "U2 times Radiohead."
Members
- James Grundler – Lead vocals (1991–1998), Drums (1991–1996)
- Harrison – Guitar (1991–1998)
- Ben DeJong – Bass guitar (1991–1998)
- Alex Wong – Drums (1996–1998)
Discography
- Candide (1995) [Recorded in 1994]
- Plastic and Chrome (1996) [Recorded in 1995]
- The Din Pedals (1998) [Recorded in 1997]