Vulfpeck is an American funk band collective known for their minimalist yet funk groove sound, energetic live performances, and innovative approach to music production and distribution. The band was formed in 2011 by four University of Michigan music students: Jack Stratton (keyboards, drums, guitar), Theo Katzman (vocals, guitar, drums), Woody Goss (keyboards), and Joe Dart (bass). Vulfpeck has garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim for their distinct sound and DIY ethos.
Timeline of Career Highlights
2011: Formation and Early Releases
Vulfpeck was formed by Jack Stratton, Theo Katzman, Woody Goss, and Joe Dart. The band released their first EP, “Mit Peck”, showcasing their funk and soul influences.
2012-13: Growing Popularity
Released the EP “Vollmilch” in 2012 and “My First Car” in 2013. Both EPs helped build their reputation for tight grooves and catchy compositions.
Their unique marketing strategies, such as the silent album “Sleepify” on Spotify, which was created to fund a tour, garnered significant media attention.
2014-2015: Breakthrough with “Thrill of the Arts”
Released the full-length album “Thrill of the Arts” in 2015, featuring collaborations with artists like Antwaun Stanley. The album included hits like "Back Pocket" and "1612."
The success of “Thrill of the Arts” propelled Vulfpeck into the spotlight, leading to sold-out tours and festival performances.
2016-2017: Continued Success and Live Performances
Released “The Beautiful Game” (2016) and “Mr Finish Line” (2017), both of which were well-received by fans and critics alike.
Their live performances, including memorable sets at Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks Amphitheatre, solidified their reputation as a must-see live band.
2018-2019: “Hill Climber” and “Live at Madison Square Garden”
Released “Hill Climber” in 2018, featuring tracks like "Half of the Way" and "Dean Town," the latter showcasing Joe Dart's exceptional bass skills.
2020-Present: In 2020, Vulfpeck released “The Joy of Music, The Job of Real Estate”, continuing to experiment with their sound and production techniques.
Albums and Discography
- Thrill of the Arts (2015) - Notable Tracks: "Back Pocket," "1612"
- The Beautiful Game (2016) - Notable Tracks: "Dean Town," "Animal Spirits"
- Mr Finish Line (2017) - Notable Tracks: "Birds of a Feather, We Rock Together," "Mr Finish Line"
- Hill Climber (2018) - Notable Tracks: "Half of the Way," "Lonely Town"
- The Joy of Music, The Job of Real Estate (2020) - Notable Tracks: "Test Drive," "LAX"
Awards
While Vulfpeck has not won major awards like the Grammys, their innovative approach to music and successful independent career have earned them widespread acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Famous Songs and Compositions
- "Back Pocket": Known for its catchy melody and infectious groove, this track is a fan favorite.
- "Dean Town": A tribute to Jaco Pastorius's "Teen Town," showcasing Joe Dart's virtuosity on bass.
- "Animal Spirits": An upbeat and energetic song that exemplifies Vulfpeck's signature sound.
Collaborations and Cover Versions
- Antwaun Stanley: Frequent collaborator, contributing vocals to many of their popular tracks.
- Cory Wong: Guitarist and regular collaborator, known for his contributions to the band's live performances and recordings.
Quotes and Gossip
Jack Stratton on Vulfpeck's ethos
We aim to keep things simple and focus on the groove. It's all about making people dance and feel good.
The band is known for their humor and creative marketing strategies, such as the “Sleepify” album, which helped fund their tour by encouraging fans to stream silent tracks on repeat.
Vulfpeck's blend of old-school funk, contemporary production, and a DIY approach to the music industry has set them apart as one of the most innovative bands of their generation. Their continued success and influence in the music world are a testament to their talent and unique vision.
Vulfpeck ratings
Songs: Animal Spirits, Dean Town
Gear: Fender Stratocaster Fender amplifier