Phantogram

Biography

Phantogram is an American electronic rock duo formed in 2007 in Greenwich, New York, by lifelong friends Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter. The two met in preschool and reconnected after Barthel left her visual arts studies and Carter returned from playing in his brother's experimental band. Initially performing under the name Charlie Everywhere, they changed their name to Phantogram in 2009, inspired by an optical illusion that reflects their ability to create a sound much larger than their two-person lineup.

Phantogram's debut album, 'Eyelid Movies,' was released in 2009 in Europe and 2010 in the United States, earning critical acclaim for its blend of electronic, indie, and psych-pop elements. Their music is characterized by 'street beat, psych pop'—a fusion of swirling guitars, spacey keyboards, hip-hop-inspired rhythms, and ethereal vocals. Over the years, the duo has released several albums and EPs, including 'Voices' (2014) and 'Ceremony' (2020), and has collaborated with artists such as Big Boi and The Flaming Lips. Their tracks have been featured in various media, including TV shows, advertisements, and video games, cementing their reputation as innovators in the indie electronic scene.

Phantogram's legacy lies in their ability to merge diverse influences—ranging from hip-hop to dream pop—into a distinctive, genre-blurring sound. Their DIY roots in upstate New York's arts community and their commitment to self-producing much of their work have made them a standout act, inspiring a new generation of indie and electronic musicians.

Fun Facts

• Phantogram originally performed under the name 'Charlie Everywhere' before changing it in 2009 to avoid trademark issues and to better reflect their sound.
• The duo writes and records much of their music in a remote barn in upstate New York called Harmony Lodge.
• Their song 'When I'm Small' has been featured in numerous television shows and advertisements, helping the band gain mainstream recognition.
• Phantogram's music has appeared in major video games and films, including 'Grand Theft Auto V' and 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Beatles - Major stylistic influence, especially in songwriting and melodic structure (General inspiration) [2007–present]
• J Dilla - Influenced their rhythmic and sampling approach (General inspiration) [2007–present]
• Cocteau Twins - Inspired their ethereal, dream pop textures (General inspiration) [2007–present]

Key Collaborators

• Big Boi - Collaborated on multiple tracks for his album 'Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors' (Objectum Sexuality, CPU, Lines) [2012]
• The Flaming Lips - Collaborative performances and mutual influence (Live performances, mutual influence) [2010s]
• Sarah Barthel - Band member (vocals, keyboards) (All Phantogram releases) [2007–present]
• Josh Carter - Band member (vocals, guitars) (All Phantogram releases) [2007–present]

Artists Influenced

• Jocelyn & Chris Arndt - Inspired by Phantogram's success in breaking out from the Capital Region music scene (General influence on local indie acts) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Black Out Days (Voices)
2. Black Out Days - Future Islands Remix
3. When I'm Small (Eyelid Movies)
4. When I'm Small (Eyelid Movies)
5. Black Out Days (Voices)
6. Black Out Days - Sped Up
7. Don't Move
8. Black Out Days - Subtronics Remix
9. Black Out Days - Future Islands Remix (Slowed)
10. Mouthful of Diamonds (Eyelid Movies)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #ambient-pop, #electropop, #glitch-pop