The Moldy Peaches
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Adam Green, Kimya Dawson |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | International |
Key people | Adam Green, Kimya Dawson, Jack Dishel, Steven Mertens, Toby Goodshank, Brent 'Strictly Beats' Cole |
| Products | Indie music albums and singles |
| Website | www |
The Moldy Peaches are an American indie band created by Adam Green and Kimya Dawson, prominent contributors to the anti-folk genre. After pausing their activities in 2004, they announced their comeback in 2023. Their track "Anyone Else but You" gained widespread recognition following its inclusion in the film Juno, significantly raising their visibility. Dawson and Green reunited for several performances in December 2007.
History
Adam Green and Kimya Dawson first connected at Exile on Main Street Records located in Mount Kisco, New York, which led to their collaboration. Green issued a 7" EP titled X-Ray Vision, featuring recordings from 1994 to 1996 that included Dawson and other collaborators. In 1998, under the name Moldy Peaches 2000, they produced a CDR album called FER THE KIDS prior to Dawson relocating to Port Townsend, Washington.
Early in 1999, Green moved to join Dawson in Port Townsend, where they created additional home and live recordings. Later that year, the group reassembled in New York City as a quartet including Jest Commons on guitar and Justin Campbell on drums. They became active participants in the NYC anti-folk circuit before disbanding, with both Dawson and Green pursuing solo projects afterward.
In August 2000, the band reformed with new members: Chris Barron from Spin Doctors took lead guitar duties, Brian Piltin played bass, and Strictly Beats (Brent Cole) handled drums. They dropped "2000" from their band name and recorded an eleven-track album that secured them a contract with Rough Trade Records in the UK. Their debut 7" single "Who's Got the Crack" earned NME's 'Single of the Week' accolade. Rough Trade released their self-titled album The Moldy Peaches in 2001, coinciding with the events of September 11; it featured songs like "NYC Is Like a Graveyard". The lineup expanded to six members with the addition of guitarists Jack Dishel and Aaron Wilkinson, bassist Steven Mertens, alongside drummer Strictly Beats. They toured internationally alongside The Strokes, sharing both label and management connections.
Following Aaron Wilkinson’s departure, Toby Goodshank replaced him; sadly, Wilkinson passed away from an overdose in July 2003. In tribute, The Strokes dedicated their album Room on Fire to his memory.
In 2003, the band released Moldy Peaches 2000, a double-CD compilation encompassing various recordings.
After headlining a U.S. tour during winter 2003, The Moldy Peaches entered a hiatus at the start of 2004 but reunited later that year for a benefit concert supporting Accidental CDs, Records and Tapes—an early backer instrumental in helping them secure their record deal. Both founding members concentrated on solo endeavors during this period.
On December 2, 2007, Dawson and Green performed an unplanned set at The Smell venue in Los Angeles. The following day they appeared at the premiere of the film Juno.
They were booked for an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien scheduled for January 14, 2008; however, this was canceled due to the writers' strike. Although Dawson expressed hesitation about a full reunion, she joined Green for performances on NPR's Bryant Park Project and on The View in January 2008.
The popularity of the Juno soundtrack—which peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 during its third week of physical sales—prompted the release of "Anyone Else but You" as a single in the UK on February 25, 2008.
In November 2011, The Moldy Peaches played a short set at New York’s Knitting Factory.
They returned to live performances in 2023 with three European concerts held in London, Barcelona, and Madrid.
On August 10 and 11 of that year, they delivered two shows at Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, New York.
On October 13, 2024, an alternate version of "Anyone Else but You" was released by the band.
Solo endeavors
In 2016, Green unveiled his seventh individual album and accompanying film, Aladdin, released through Fat Possum, which included a trio of string musicians. Dawson remains active in touring intimate venues; her album Remember That I Love You, issued by K Records, garnered favorable critiques. She partnered with Aesop Rock on the project Hokey Fright under the name The Uncluded.
Following the dissolution of Stipplicon, Dishel initiated Only Son, supporting tours with Regina Spektor, and also contributes as a member of Spektor’s ensemble. Mertens heads his band SpaceCamp and participates in Green’s live backing group. Cole performs with the boy band Candy Boys and has collaborated with artists such as Dufus, Jeffrey Lewis, Only Son, Sandra Bernhard, and Toby Goodshank. Goodshank pursues solo work and is also part of the duo Double Deuce alongside his sister Angela.
Significant appearances
- The track "Anyone Else but You" was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary Murderball.
- It appeared in a French mobile television commercial during the World Cup 2006, starring Zinedine Zidane.
- The song played a central role in the 2007 Academy Award-winning movie Juno, performed by its lead actors (Elliot Page and Michael Cera).
- A modified rendition was utilized in an advertisement for Atlantis Resorts.
- "Jorge Regula" was used without authorization in a Pepsodent commercial broadcast across Hispanic America.
- The song also featured in the 2006 independent film The Guatemalan Handshake.
Band members
Current lineup
- Kimya Dawson – vocals, guitar (1994–2004, 2007–2008, 2022-present)
- Adam Green – vocals, guitar (1994–2004, 2007–2008, 2022-present)
- Jack Dishel – guitar (2001–2004, 2007–2008, 2022-present)
- Steven Mertens – bass guitar (2001–2004, 2007–2008, 2022-present)
- Toby Goodshank – guitar (2002–2004, 2007–2008, 2022-present)
- Brent ‘Strictly Beats’ Cole – drums (2000-2004, 2007-2008, 2022-present)
Former members
- Justice Campbell – drums (1999)
- Jest Commons – guitar (1999)
- Chris Barron – guitar (2000–2001)
- Brian Piltin – bass (2000–2001)
- Aaron Wilkinson – guitar (2001–2002; deceased 2003)
Membership timeline
Releases
- The Moldy Peaches (Rough Trade Records, 2001)
Other releases
- X-Ray Vision (1996) (Self-issued 7" EP)
- The Love Boat - Live!!! (1999) (Self-distributed demo)
- Moldy Peaches 2000 Ferever (2000) (Self-published demo)
- "County Fair/Rainbows" (Rough Trade Records, 2002) (CD single)
- Moldy Peaches 2000: Unreleased Cutz and Live Jamz 1994-2002 (Rough Trade Records, 2003) (Compilation of rarities)
- Origin Story: 1994–1999 (ORG Music, 2022) (Collection of rare tracks)
Appearances on compilations
- Music from the Film Garage Days ("Lucky Number Nine") – Festival Mushroom Records, 2002
- Music from the Film Murderball ("Anyone Else but You") – Commotion, 2005
- Music from the Motion Picture Juno ("Anyone Else but You") – Rhino Records, 2007
External links
- Official website
- MP2K Archived original official website
- The Moldy Peaches Beggars Group USA official page