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Tonstartssbandht

Biography

Tonstartssbandht is a neo-psychedelic duo formed by brothers Andy and Edwin White in Orlando, Florida, in August 2007. Their early musical experiences were shaped by singing together at home and participating in boy choir, which helped hone their vocal skills and fostered a unique sibling synergy[1][2]. Initially, they did not play music together, but as teenagers, they realized the creative potential of their bond and began collaborating, leading to the formation of Tonstartssbandht[1].

The band's career has been marked by a restless, experimental spirit and a DIY ethos. Their sound evolved from vocal-heavy, loop-laden noise pop to a more expansive psychedelic boogie rock, characterized by intricate guitar work, dynamic drumming, and ethereal harmonies[1][2][8]. Recording sessions often took place in unconventional settings—apartments in Montreal and New York, on the road, or in Brooklyn's punk house 'The Wallet'—before settling into a more traditional studio process for their 2021 album 'Petunia'[2]. Their music is noted for its improvisational energy, blending influences from Brian Wilson's vocal pop to jam bands and synth-pop, and they have built a loyal following through extensive touring, including memorable shows in Eastern Europe and Russia[2].

Tonstartssbandht's legacy lies in their commitment to creative freedom and their influence on the underground psychedelic scene. While their esoteric style has kept them outside the mainstream, they are celebrated for their innovative approach to songwriting and recording, their close-knit musical partnership, and their impact on indie and experimental music communities[1][2][7].

Fun Facts

  • The band's name, 'Tonstartssbandht,' is a made-up word collage created by Edwin White, designed to be visually striking and intentionally unpronounceable to some[1].
  • Andy and Edwin often recorded albums in different cities and countries, piecing together tracks from various locations before ever recording a full album in one place[2].
  • Their vocal style is influenced by their experience in boy choir, which gives their harmonies a distinctive, ethereal quality[2].
  • Tonstartssbandht has a devoted fanbase in Eastern Europe and Russia, where their music unexpectedly resonated and led to lasting friendships and unique touring experiences[2].

Members

  • Andy White - electric guitar
  • Edwin White - drums (drum set)

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Brian Wilson - Stylistic inspiration for vocal-pop harmonies and studio experimentation (General influence, especially on vocal arrangements) [2007–present]
  • Boy Choir - Early vocal training and technique development (General influence on singing style) [Childhood]

Key Collaborators

  • Andy White - Guitarist, vocalist, co-founder, and brother (All Tonstartssbandht albums and live performances) [2007–present]
  • Edwin White - Drummer, vocalist, co-founder, and brother (All Tonstartssbandht albums and live performances) [2007–present]
  • PC Worship, Ashcan Orchestra, The Dreebs, Guerilla Toss - Brooklyn house band scene, shared living and performance spaces (Collaborative shows and jam sessions) [2010s]

Artists Influenced

  • Eastern European and Russian underground musicians - Inspired by Tonstartssbandht's DIY touring and experimental style (Local shows and collaborative performances) [2010s–present]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Petunia 2021-10-22 Album
An When 2009-06-10 Album
Hymn 2011-04-11 Album
Sorcerer 2017-03-24 Album
Dick Nights 2009-10-23 Album
Now I Am Become 2011-05-17 Album
Hanoi 2015-06-28 Album
Petunia 2021-10-22 Album
Petunia 2021-10-22 Album
Petunia 2021-10-22 Album
Petunia 2021-10-22 Album
Sorcerer 2017-03-24 Album
Sorcerer 2017-03-24 Album
Sorcerer 2017-03-24 Album
Sorcerer 2017-03-24 Album

Top Tracks

  1. What Has Happened (Petunia)
  2. 5ft7 (An When)
  3. Black Country (An When)
  4. Magic Pig (Petunia)
  5. Hymn Eola (Hymn)
  6. Little April Showers (An When)
  7. Walken With Jesus (An When)
  8. Breathe (Sorcerer)
  9. 5FT7
  10. What Has Happened - Edit (Petunia)

Tags: #noise-rock, #psychedelic-rock

References

  1. interviewmagazine.com
  2. zstaehling.com
  3. first-avenue.com
  4. subbacultcha.nl
  5. pangbianr.com
  6. undertheradar.co.nz
  7. vice.com
  8. premierguitar.com
  9. wunc.org

Heard on WWOZ

Tonstartssbandht has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Nov 12, 202523:245ft7from SingleKitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A.