Caribou

Biography

Dan Snaith, known professionally as Caribou, is a Canadian composer, musician, and recording artist born on March 29, 1978, in London, Ontario, Canada. Snaith began his musical journey under the moniker Manitoba, releasing his debut album 'Start Breaking My Heart' in 2001, followed by the critically acclaimed 'Up In Flames' in 2003. After a legal dispute over the Manitoba name, he adopted the Caribou alias, under which he has released a series of influential albums blending electronic psychedelia, krautrock rhythms, and intricate breakbeat drums. His work is celebrated for its lush, panoramic soundscapes and constant evolution in style.[1][4][7]

Caribou's 2007 album 'Andorra' won the Polaris Music Prize, and subsequent releases such as 'Swim' (2010), 'Our Love' (2014), and 'Suddenly' (2020) have garnered further critical acclaim, including Grammy and Juno nominations. Snaith also explores more club-oriented dance music under the name Daphni. His live performances, often featuring a full band, are renowned for their energy and innovative use of visuals and instrumentation. Caribou has toured globally, performing at major festivals and opening for acts like Radiohead, cementing Snaith's reputation as a leading figure in contemporary electronic music.[1][2][4][6]

Snaith's music is marked by a deep engagement with both personal and musical influences, drawing inspiration from genres as diverse as prog rock, spiritual jazz, and underground dance music. His legacy is defined by his ability to bridge experimental and accessible sounds, influencing a new generation of electronic musicians and continually pushing the boundaries of his craft.[1][3][5]

Fun Facts

• Dan Snaith holds a PhD in mathematics from Imperial College London, specializing in overconvergent Siegel modular forms.[1]
• He originally performed under the name Manitoba but changed to Caribou after a legal threat from punk musician Richard 'Handsome Dick' Manitoba.[1]
• Snaith also releases more club-oriented music under the alias Daphni, which allows him to explore different facets of electronic music.[1][2]
• Caribou's album 'Swim' was partly inspired by Snaith taking up swimming as a hobby, a gift from his wife.[4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Albert Ayler - Spiritual jazz influence during Snaith's formative years, shaping his approach to experimental sound. (General influence, especially on early Caribou/Manitoba material) [late 1990s–early 2000s]
• John Coltrane - Inspired Snaith's exploration of deep, spiritual, and improvisational elements in music. (General influence) [late 1990s–early 2000s]
• Four Tet (Kieran Hebden) - Personal connection and inspiration; a chance meeting exposed Snaith's music to a wider audience. (Collaborative performances, mutual influence) [2000s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Ryan Smith - Longtime bandmate in Caribou live shows, contributing guitar and keyboards. (Caribou live band) [2007–present]
• Brad Weber - Drummer and live band member, helping to translate Caribou's studio work to the stage. (Caribou live band) [2007–present]
• John Schmersal - Bassist and keyboardist in Caribou's live band. (Caribou live band) [2010s–present]
• Marshall Allen - Featured in the Caribou Vibration Ensemble, a live project blending jazz and electronic music. (Caribou Vibration Ensemble (2010, ATP)) [2010]

Artists Influenced

• Floating Points (Sam Shepherd) - Cited Caribou as an influence on his approach to electronic and dance music. (Elaenia, Crush) [2010s–present]
• Joy Orbison - Part of the London dance music scene inspired by Caribou's fusion of club and experimental sounds. (Hyph Mngo) [2010s]
• Household Audio collective - Inspired by Caribou's integration of live instrumentation and electronic production. (Various London club nights) [2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Can't Do Without You (Our Love)
2. Never Come Back (Suddenly)
3. Odessa (Swim)
4. Can't Do Without You (Our Love)
5. Home (Suddenly)
6. Odessa (Swim)
7. You and I (Suddenly)
8. Climbing - Solomun Remix
9. Home (Suddenly)
10. Come Find Me (Honey)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #dream-pop, #electronic, #folktronica