After settling on the band name HEALTH due to its everyday appeal, the group began playing shows around L.A. in 2006 alongside groups such as Ex Models, No Age and Mika Miko. Consisting of band leader Jacob Duszik, Benjamin Miller, John Famiglietti, and Jupiter Keyes, the four piece’s move into musical consciousness came when their song “Crimewave” was remixed by the revered experimental act Crystal Castles in August 2007.
The remix coincided with the release of HEALTH’s debut album “Health - Lovepump United” a month later, which garnered significantly attention for the group’s debut. The record, recorded at the notorious noise/experimental venue The Smell, showcased HEALTH's proclivity for wild, screeching feedback, euphoric dissonance, generous clanging, and artful, unpolished synths. In support of the album the band toured alongside Crystal Castles, whilst producing their first remix album “Health//Disco”. Featuring remixes of five tracks from their debut “Health//Disco” was issued on LovePump and earned critical acclaim from the musical press, notably by Pitchfork.
HEALTH’s sophomore album “Get Color” was released in 2009 promoted by offering fans a chance to accompany the band on a trip to Magic Mountain, the chance to win locks of band members’ hair, and autographs signed in blood. Led by the single and accompanying video “Die Slow” the album once again received a positive response from music critics, and once again led to a remix album. “Health::Disco2” was released on LovePump Records, and features remixes of songs by CFCF, Gold Panda and Crystal Castles to name a few.
The band subsequently provided the score to the video game “Max Payne 3”, which was nominated for Best Score in a Game at the 2012 Spike Video Game Awards, and contributed the song “High Pressure Day” to “Grand Theft Auto V”.
Holly sh*t, Carpenter Brut's concert was a blast! Seen them at the Trabendo last September and got a hell of a time, but they definitely set La Cigale on fire.
Desire is an electronic music based in Portland, Oregon. The group was formed by composer and record producer Johnny Jewel who released them under his label Italians Do It Better. The band also consists of vocalist Megan Louise and percussionist Nat Walker.
Johnny Jewel has been composing for years and has worked with such artists as Farah, Appaloosa, and DJ Mike Simonetti in addition to Desire. Desire has had their single "Under Your Spell" appear in the soundtrack of the 2011 neo-thriller film "Drive" with Ryan Gosling. Johnny Jewel, the label owner and band member, is also collaborating and composing some music for Ryan Gosling's directorial debut "How To Catch A Monster" in 2012.
Desire has even had songs sampled by major artist Kid Cudi who used their single "Under Your Spell" in his 2012 song "Teleport 2 Me, Jamie". Their performance contains a hearty dose of nostalgic throwback to the 80's electronic era with it's synthesized solo's and love related lyrical ballads. Megan Louise is a charming performer to see sing live who captivates with her moving vocal melody backed by the synth and percussion of Johnny Jewel and Nat Walker.
Desire employ's stage tactics in their live shows such as mood enhancing lighting and dramatic attire with classic looks and sequins that make it feel as if your at a disco in 1980.