THE VELDT shares 'Live at KEXP' performance following release of ROBIN GUTHRIE-produced 'Illuminated 1989' LP

March 20, 2024

After a lifetime pursuing the creation of fantastic music and bringing it to their fans in person, The Veldt presents what their much-anticipated live session at Seattle'sKEXP, hosted by Larry Mizell, Jr. Filmed in December 2024, this was the final stop on their recent West coast tour.

On the trail of their 'Illuminated 1989' album, recently released via Little Cloud Records and 5BC Records, The Veldt's core members of Daniel Chavis (vocals, guitar), Danny Chavis (lead guitar) and Hayato Nakao (guitar) are joined here by Alex Cox (bass), LG Galleon (guitar), Martin Neuman (guitar) and Dale Miller(drums).

Formed in North Carolina in the 1980s, their heady and sensual blend of shoegaze and progressive soul, dreamy soundscapes and infectious grooves makes them stand out among the world's most notable first-wave shoegaze bands. Here at KEXP, they perform five tracks that exemplify their extraordinary sound: 'The Everlasting Gobstopper', 'Aurora Borealis', 'In A Quiet Room', 'Forever Green' and 'Joi'.

'Illuminated 1989' album is the original 1989 full-length record produced by Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie, who also remastered this album for vinyl. Originally intended to be the band's first album, their label Capitol Records shelved the recording and sent them back into the studio with producer Lincoln Fong (Moose, Piroshka), resulting in their first album released with the title 'Marigolds'.

Surrounding the album,The Veldt shared videos for 'Angel Heart', 'The Everlasting Gobstopper' and 'Shallow by Shallow', featuring footage filmed live at the Ritz in NYC by Simon Raymonde of Cocteau Twins (The Veldt had been opening for them). Most recently, they shared the seductive 'Aurora Borealis Remix' - the B-side to their 'Aurora Borealis' 7" single, featuring Elizabeth Fraser cameo on backing vocals.

Pitchfork included The Veldt's album 'Afrodisiac', produced by the legendary Ray Shulman (The Sundays, Bjork, The Sugarcubes) in the top 50 shoegaze albums ever released, while Stereogum included ‘Until You’re Forever’ in the top 31 shoegaze tracks. Their sound also inspired future generations of alternative artists, including TV On the Radio.

'ILLUMINATED 1989' ALBUM CREDITS
‘Illuminated 1989’ released via Little Cloud Records and 5BC Records
Danny Chavis - guitar
Daniel Chavis - vocals, guitar, lyrics
Marvin Levi - drums
Joseph Hue Boyle - bass
Elizabeth Fraser - additional vocals
Robin Guthrie - programming, additional guitars
Lincoln Fong - programming
Written by Danny and Daniel Chavis
Recorded and produced at September Sound by Robin Guthrie
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

THE VELDT shares 'Shallow By Shallow' single with live video footage by SIMON RAYMONDE from 1989 NYC concert

January 20, 2024

"This album is not only a historical sonic document, but it's a shimmering, charming, sensual and cinematic body of remarkable psychedelic rock that resembles nothing currently in the music sphere" ~ The Spill Magazine

US trailblazing shoegazers The Veldt present 'Shallow by Shallow', a highlight track from their new 'Illuminated 1989' album, recently released on vinyl via Portland-based Little Cloud Records and North Carolina’s 5BC Records.

One of the most notable first-wave shoegaze bands, formed in North Carolina in the 1980s, The Veldt revolves around identical twins Daniel Chavis (vocals, guitar) and Danny Chavis (guitar).

'Illuminated 1989' is the original 1989 full-length record produced by Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie, who also remastered this album especially for vinyl. While originally intended to be the band's first album, their label Capitol Records shelved the recording and sent them back into the studio with producer Lincoln Fong (Moose, Piroshka), resulting in their first album released with the title 'Marigolds'.

"Shallow by Shallow is one of the first songs that we recorded at Cocteau Twins' studio 'September Sound' in Twickenham. It was also the opening song on our first Cocteau Twins opening slot in 1989, which was filmed live in NYC at the RITZ by Simon Raymonde of Cocteau Twins. Lincon Fong, who would go on to record our ' Marigolds' album in 1993, also joined us there on stage for the closing song 'Get Up'. We would inevitably go on to play and record with Robin Guthrie throughout the years, including for the album that is now titled 'Illuminated 1989', which we are finally able to release," says Danny Chavis.

"This is a stream of consciousness... It’s the search for the soul and the energy of the earth, out-of-body experiences, and explores how to communicate with the universe... This song also ask the universal question what is hamburger but chopped steak".

The Veldt earlier previewed the singles 'Angel Heart', 'The Everlasting Gobstopper', and 'Aurora Borealis' (featuring Elizabeth Fraser cameo on backing vocals and a B-side remix by The Veldt). The Veldt has also just wrapped up their U.S. tour, culminating in a performance at Seattle's KEXP.

The Veldt's unique sound was influenced by Cocteau Twins as readily as Marvin Gaye and free-jazz warriors Sun Ra and Pharaoh Sanders. Referencing European post-punk while embracing modern hip-hop, these trailblazers work with transient dreamscapes as fluidly as solid song structures.

Pitchfork included The Veldt's album 'Afrodisiac', produced by the legendary Ray Shulman (The Sundays, Bjork, The Sugarcubes) and released via Mercury Records, in the top 50 shoegaze albums ever released, while Stereogum included ‘Until You’re Forever’ in the top 31 shoegaze tracks. Their sound also inspired future generations of alternative artists, including TV On the Radio.

The Veldt's journey is fascinating. Performing since they were children, the Chavis brothers’ musical roots lead back to the church and southern juke-joints, and listening to music that included gospel, Motown and Pink Floyd. The Veldt formed in the late 80’s in Raleigh amongst the legendary North Carolina music scene of the time, initially signing with Mammoth Records - leading to a chain of major-label relationships that took the group across Europe and the U.S. playing shows with the likes of Throwing Muses, Pixies, Cocteau Twins and Jesus & Mary Chain.

After moving from Raleigh to New York, they briefly performed as Apollo Heights before returning to their original name The Veldt. Joined by Japanese bassist-programmer Hayato Nakao, they together forging music that is a heady and sensual blend of shoegaze and progressive soul, dreamy soundscapes and infectious grooves. Some of the band's recent notable releases include 'The Shocking Fuzz Of Your Electric Fur' EP (2017) and the album 'Entropy is the Mainline to God' (2022).

Over the years, The Veldt has collaborated with TV On The Radio, Mos Def, Lady Miss Kier (Deee-Lite), A.R.Kane and toured or played with Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Pixies, Throwing Muses, Echo & The Bunnymen, Cocteau Twins, Manic Street Preachers, Phantogram, Modern English, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Oasis, Chuck D, Living Colour and Schooly D.

The 'Illuminated 1989' album is out now on limited edition translucent pink or clear vinyl with a gatefold sleeve. It is also available from fine digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
‘Illuminated 1989’ released via Little Cloud Records and 5BC Records
Danny Chavis - guitar
Daniel Chavis - vocals, guitar, lyrics
Marvin Levi - drums
Joseph Hue Boyle - bass
Elizabeth Fraser - additional vocals
Robin Guthrie - programming, additional guitars
Lincoln Fong - programming
Written by Danny and Daniel Chavis
Recorded and produced at September Sound by Robin Guthrie
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

2+ decades since first recorded, THE VELDT and ROBIN GUTHRIE finally see the release of The Veldt's 'Illuminated 1989' album

December 18, 2023

"This album is not only a historical sonic document, but it's a shimmering, charming, sensual and cinematic body of remarkable psychedelic rock that resembles nothing currently in the music sphere" ~ The
Spill Magazine

At long last, groundbreaking shoegazers The Veldt have released their 'Illuminated 1989' album on vinyl via Portland-based Little Cloud Records and North Carolina’s 5BC Records. This is the original 1989 full-length record produced by Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie, who also remastered this album especially for vinyl. While originally intended to be the band's first album, their label Capitol Records shelved the recording and sent them back into the studio with producer Lincoln Fong (Moose, Piroshka), resulting in their first album released with the title 'Marigolds'.

They earlier previewed the singles 'Angel Heart', 'The Everlasting Gobstopper', and 'Aurora Borealis' (featuring Elizabeth Fraser cameo on backing vocals and a B-side remix by The Veldt). The Veldt has also just wrapped up their U.S. tour with TREMOURS, culminating in a performance at Seattle's KEXP.

One of the most notable first-wave shoegaze bands, formed in North Carolina in the 1980s, The Veldt revolves around identical twins Daniel Chavis (vocals, guitar) and Danny Chavis (guitar). Their unique sound was influenced by Cocteau Twins as readily as Marvin Gaye and free-jazz warriors Sun Ra and Pharaoh Sanders. Referencing European post-punk while embracing modern hip-hop, these trailblazers work with transient dreamscapes as fluidly as solid song structures.

Pitchfork included The Veldt's album 'Afrodisiac', produced by the legendary Ray Shulman (The Sundays, Bjork, The Sugarcubes) and released via Mercury Records, in the top 50 shoegaze albums ever released, while Stereogum included ‘Until You’re Forever’ in the top 31 shoegaze tracks. Their sound also inspired future generations of alternative artists, including TV On the Radio.

'Illuminated 1989' album https://theveldtmusic.bandcamp.com/album/illuminated-1989
Vinyl order https://littlecloudrecords.com/collections/frontpage/products/the-veldt-illuminated-1989-pre-order
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/5Tf9MrkDsfKi5leleBZt7n

The Veldt's journey is fascinating. Performing since they were children, the Chavis brothers’ musical roots lead back to the church and southern juke-joints, and listening to music that included gospel, Motown and Pink Floyd. The Veldt formed in the late 80’s in Raleigh amongst the legendary North Carolina music scene of the time, initially signing with Mammoth Records - leading to a chain of major-label relationships that took the group across Europe and the U.S. playing shows with the likes of Throwing Muses, Pixies, Cocteau Twins and Jesus & Mary Chain.

After moving from Raleigh to New York, they briefly performed as Apollo Heights before returning to their original name The Veldt. Joined by Japanese bassist-programmer Hayato Nakao, they together forging music that is a heady and sensual blend of shoegaze and progressive soul, dreamy soundscapes and infectious grooves. Some of the band's recent notable releases include 'The Shocking Fuzz Of Your Electric Fur' EP (2017) and the album 'Entropy is the Mainline to God' (2022).

Over the years, The Veldt has collaborated with TV On The Radio, Mos Def, Lady Miss Kier (Deee-Lite), A.R.Kane and toured or played with Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Pixies, Throwing Muses, Echo & The Bunnymen, Cocteau Twins, Manic Street Preachers, Phantogram, Modern English, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Oasis, Chuck D, Living Colour and Schooly D.

The 'Illuminated 1989' album is out now on limited edition translucent pink or clear vinyl with a gatefold sleeve. It is also available from fine digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
‘Illuminated 1989’ released via Little Cloud Records and 5BC Records
Danny Chavis - guitar
Daniel Chavis - vocals, guitar, lyrics
Marvin Levi - drums
Joseph Hue Boyle - bass
Elizabeth Fraser - additional vocals
Robin Guthrie - programming, additional guitars
Lincoln Fong - programming
Written by Danny and Daniel Chavis
Recorded and produced at September Sound by Robin Guthrie
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

After 24-year wait, THE VELDT opens time-capsule with the release of their Robin Guthrie-produced 'Illuminated 1989' album

November 24, 2023

"This album is not only a historical sonic document, but it’s a shimmering, charming, sensual and cinematic body of remarkable psychedelic rock that resembles nothing currently in the music sphere" ~ Spill Magazine

US alternative rock / postpunk outfit The Veldt release their 'Illuminated 1989' album on November 24 via Portland-based Little Cloud Records and North Carolina’s 5BC Records. This is the original 1989 full-length record produced by Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie, previewed by the latest offering 'Angel Heart', the lead track 'The Everlasting Gobstopper', and the single 'Aurora Borealis' (with Elizabeth Fraser making a cameo appearance on backing vocals), plus a B-side remix, created by The Veldt.

Guthrie also remastered the album for vinyl earlier this year. While originally intended to be the band's first album, their label Capitol Records shelved the recording and sent them back into the studio with producer Lincoln Fong (Moose), resulting in their first album released with the title 'Marigolds'.

One of the most notable first-wave shoegaze bands, formed in North Carolina in the 1980s, The Veldt revolves around identical twins Daniel Chavis (vocals, guitar) and Danny Chavis (guitar). Their unique sound was influenced by Cocteau Twins as readily as Marvin Gaye and free-jazz warriors Sun Ra and Pharaoh Sanders. Referencing European post-punk while embracing modern hip-hop, these trailblazers work with transient dreamscapes as fluidly as solid song structures.

Pitchfork included The Veldt's album 'Afrodisiac', produced by the legendary Ray Shulman (The Sundays, Bjork, The Sugarcubes) and released via Mercury Records, in the top 50 shoegaze albums ever released, while Stereogum included ‘Until You’re Forever’ in the top 31 shoegaze tracks. Their sound also inspired future generations of alternative artists, including TV On the Radio.

The Veldt's journey is fascinating. Performing since they were children, the Chavis brothers’ musical roots lead back to the church and southern juke-joints, and listening to music that included gospel, Motown and Pink Floyd. The Veldt formed in the late 80’s in Raleigh amongst the legendary North Carolina music scene of the time, initially signing with Mammoth Records - leading to a chain of major-label relationships that took the group across Europe and the U.S. playing shows with the likes of Throwing Muses, Pixies, Cocteau Twins and Jesus & Mary Chain.

After moving from Raleigh to New York, they briefly performed as Apollo Heights before returning to their original name The Veldt. Joined by Japanese bassist-programmer Hayato Nakao, they together forging music that is a heady and sensual blend of shoegaze and progressive soul, dreamy soundscapes and infectious grooves. Some of the band's recent notable releases include 'The Shocking Fuzz Of Your Electric Fur' EP (2017) and the album 'Entropy is the Mainline to God' (2022).

Over the years, The Veldt has collaborated with TV On The Radio, Mos Def, Lady Miss Kier (Deee-Lite), A.R.Kane and toured or played with Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Pixies, Throwing Muses, Echo & The Bunnymen, Cocteau Twins, Manic Street Preachers, Phantogram, Modern English, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Oasis, Chuck D, Living Colour and Schooly D.

On November 24, the 'Illuminated 1989' album will be released digitally via Portland-based Little Cloud Records and 5BC Records, and available from fine music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The Veldt is currently touring the USA and will be joined by TREMOURS throughout December, culminating in a performance at Seattle's KEXP. The album will be released on vinyl on December 15.

CREDITS
‘Illuminated 1989’ released via Little Cloud Records and 5BC Records
Danny Chavis - guitar
Daniel Chavis - vocals, guitar, lyrics
Marvin Levi - drums
Joseph Hue Boyle - bass
Elizabeth Fraser - additional vocals
Robin Guthrie - programming, additional guitars
Lincoln Fong - programming
Written by Danny and Daniel Chavis
Recorded and produced at September Sound by Robin Guthrie
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

TOUR DATES
MON 11/27 = Atlanta, GA @ 529
TUE 11/28 = Birmingham, AL @ TBA
WED 11/29 = New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa
THU 11/30 = Houston, TX @ 1810 Ojeman
FRI 12/1 = Austin, TX @ Hotel Vegas
SAT 12/2 = Silver City, NM @ Whiskey Creek Zocalo w/ Tremours
SUN 12/3 = Phoenix, AZ @ Linger Longer Lounge w/ Tremours
MON 12/4 = San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar w/ Tremours
TUE 12/5 = Los Angeles, CA @ Gold Diggers w/ Tremours
WED 12/6 = San Francisco, CA @ Kilowatt w/ Tremours
THU 12/7 = Portland, OR @ Show Bar w/ Tremours
FRI 12/8 = Seattle, WA @ the Central Saloon (TremoloFest) w/ Tremours
SAT 12/9 = Vancouver, BC @ TBA
SUN 12/10 = Bellingham, WA @ The Shakedown w/ Tremours)
MON 12/11 = Eugene, OR @ Old Nick’s w/ Tremours
TUE 12/12 = Olympia, WA @ Le Voyeur w/ Tremours
WED 12/13 = Tacoma, WA @ TBA
THU 12/14 = Seattle, WA @ KEXP

Keep up with The Veldt
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Apple Music | Spotify | BandsInTown | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email

THE VELDT shares ‘Angel Heart’ single from 'Illuminated 1989' Robin Guthrie-produced album (out November 24)

October 31, 2023

"This album is not only a historical sonic document, but it’s a shimmering, charming, sensual and cinematic body of remarkable psychedelic rock that resembles nothing currently in the music sphere" ~ Spill Magazine

Trailblazing American soul-influenced shoegazers The Veldt present their new single 'Angel Heart', previewing their 'Illuminated 1989' album, the original 1989 Robin Guthrie- produced recording of what was supposed to be their debut full-length record (before their label Capitol Records shelved these recordings).

In 1988, 'Angel Heart' was written for the original 'Marigolds' album sessions and when the band was originally sent back to the drawing table to record the 'Marigolds' album that was ultimately released, it was not included in the tracks recorded with Lincoln Fong in 1993.

Among first-wave shoegaze bands formed in the 1980s, North Carolina's The Veldt surrounds identical twins Daniel Chavis (vocals, guitar) and Danny Chavis (guitar), whose music is equally influenced by Cocteau Twins, Marvin Gaye, Sun Ra and Pharaoh Sanders. Referencing post-punk while embracing modern hip-hop, these trailblazers work with transient dreamscapes as fluidly as solid song structures.

Danny Chavis interprets 'Angel Heart' as follows: "The stellar sound you get when you see the universe expanding. When you feel hopelessness and melancholy and, of course, alone, there's always a meandering feeling of something that lifts you up and brings you down. We feel it as we get older, but were not alone. This is that sound."

This is the album's third single, following the lead track 'The Everlasting Gobstopper' and 'Aurora Borealis', where Elizabeth Fraser makes a cameo appearance on backing vocals. Complementing this is the B-side remix, created by The Veldt around the turn of the century.

Pitchfork included The Veldt's album 'Afrodisiac', produced by the legendary Ray Shulman (The Sundays, Bjork, The Sugarcubes) and released via Mercury Records, in the top 50 shoegaze albums ever released, while Stereogum included ‘Until You’re Forever’ in the top 31 shoegaze tracks. Their sound also inspired future generations of alternative artists, including TV On the Radio.

The brothers got their musical start via the church and southern juke-joints, under the influence of gospel, Motown and Pink Floyd. The Veldt initially signed with Mammoth Records before a chain of major-label relationships that saw the group tour the USA and Europe with Throwing Muses, Pixies, Cocteau Twins and Jesus & Mary Chain.

After moving from Raleigh to New York, they briefly performed as Apollo Heightsbefore reclaiming their original name The Veldt. Joined by Japanese bassist-programmer Hayato Nakao, they produce a heady and sensual blend of shoegaze and progressive soul. Some of the band's recent notable releases include 'The Shocking Fuzz Of Your Electric Fur' EP (2017) and 'Entropy is the Mainline to God' LP (2022).

Having collaborated with TV On The Radio, Mos Def, Lady Miss Kier (Deee-Lite), A.R.Kane over the years, The Veldt has also toured / played with Violent Femmes, Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Pixies, Throwing Muses, Echo & The Bunnymen, Cocteau Twins, Manic Street Preachers, Phantogram, Modern English, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Oasis, Chuck D, Living Colour and Schooly D.

'Angel Heart' is out across music platforms, such as Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. On November 24, the 'Illuminated 1989' album will be released on vinyl, CD, cassette and digitally via Portland-based Little Cloud Records and 5BC Records. The Veldt is currently touring - from October through December, they're hitting many cities, performing at Levitation Festival (with The Dandy Warhols and The Black Angels) and at Seattle's KEXP.

CREDITS
‘Illuminated 1989’ released via 5BC Records and Little Cloud Records Danny Chavis - guitar
Daniel Chavis - vocals, guitar, lyrics
Marvin Levi - drums
Joseph Hue Boyle - bass
Elizabeth Fraser - additional vocals
Robin Guthrie - programming, additional guitars
Lincoln Fong - programming
Written by Danny and Daniel Chavis
Recorded and produced at September Sound by Robin Guthrie
Live photos of The Veldt shot by Alice Teeple
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

'Illuminated 1989' album https://theveldtmusic.bandcamp.com/album/illuminated-1989
Vinyl order https://littlecloudrecords.com/collections/frontpage/products/the-veldt-illuminated-1989-pre-order
Bandcamp https://theveldtmusic.bandcamp.com/track/angel-heart-3
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/4BSwH1HIJCESdSolXH3ure

TOUR DATES
FRI 10/27 = Dallas, TX @ TBA
SAT 10/28 = Austin, TX @ the Far Out Lounge (LEVITATION Festival)
MON 11/27 = Atlanta, GA @ 529
TUE 11/28 = Birmingham, AL @ TBA
WED 11/29 = New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa
THU 11/30 = Houston, TX @ 1810 Ojeman
FRI 12/1 = Austin, TX @ Hotel Vegas
SAT 12/2 = Silver City, NM @ Whiskey Creek Zocalo w/ Tremours
SUN 12/3 = Phoenix, AZ @ Linger Longer Lounge w/ Tremours
MON 12/4 = San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar w/ Tremours
TUE 12/5 = Los Angeles, CA @ Gold Diggers w/ Tremours
WED 12/6 = San Francisco, CA @ Kilowatt w/ Tremours
THU 12/7 = Portland, OR @ Show Bar w/ Tremours
FRI 12/8 = Seattle, WA @ the Central Saloon (TremoloFest) w/ Tremours
SAT 12/9 = Vancouver, BC @ TBA
SUN 12/10 = Bellingham, WA @ The Shakedown w/ Tremours)
MON 12/11 = Eugene, OR @ Old Nick’s w/ Tremours
TUE 12/12 = Olympia, WA @ Le Voyeur w/ Tremours
WED 12/13 = Tacoma, WA @ TBA
THU 12/14 = Seattle, WA @ KEXP

Keep up with The Veldt
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Apple Music | Spotify | BandsInTown | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email

THE VELDT releases ‘Aurora Borealis’ single from original never-released Robin Guthrie-produced album

September 3, 2023

Pioneering shoegazers The Veldt present their new single 'Aurora Borealis', the original 1989 version produced by Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie, which also sees Elizabeth Fraser make a cameo appearance on backing vocals towards the end. Complementary to this A-side is the B-side remix of this song, created by The Veldt around the turn of the century.

This is the second taste of their 'Illuminated 1989' album, which Guthrie produced in autumn 1989 and subsequently remastered in 2023. While this record was intended to be the band's first album, their label Capitol Records shelved the recording (resulting in the debut album now known to us as 'Marigolds' being produced by Lincoln Fong of Moose).

The lead track 'The Everlasting Gobstopper' was also offered on vinyl with B-side 'Joshuu Lullaby', a previously unreleased vinyl exclusive, produced by Robin Guthrie in 2023. The accompanying video was produced by Jammi York and the late Yuko Sueta.

One of the most notable first-wave shoegaze bands, formed in North Carolina in the 1980s, The Veldt surrounds identical twins Daniel Chavis (vocals, guitar) and Danny Chavis (guitar). Their unique sound was influenced by Cocteau Twins as readily as Marvin Gaye and free-jazz warriors Sun Ra and Pharaoh Sanders. Referencing European post-punk while embracing modern hip-hop, these trailblazers work with transient dreamscapes as fluidly as solid song structures.

Pitchfork included The Veldt's album 'Afrodisiac', produced by the legendary Ray Shulman (The Sundays, Bjork, The Sugarcubes) and released via Mercury Records, in the top 50 shoegaze albums ever released, while Stereogum included ‘Until You’re Forever’ in the top 31 shoegaze tracks. Their sound also inspired future generations of alternative artists, including TV On the Radio.

"This song is about my brother's love for his newborn daughter. Written out of high school and dug out around the time the band had started to get noticed. We had written so many, but it was one of the newest pieces that we had begun experimenting. This would signal our departure from being a band that made people dance to a band that made people confused. 'The Everlasting Gobbstopper' came shortly thereafter and was being finished," says Daniel Chavis.

Danny Chavis adds, "This song was written in 1986 and was included in the first batch of songs we demoed under the name VELDT. Having heard 'Treasure' by Cocteau Twins, this song was inspired by that very album and RUN DMC’s 'Sucker MC’s' around the same time that year."

The Veldt's journey is fascinating. Performing since they were children, the Chavis brothers’ musical roots lead back to the church and southern juke-joints, and listening to music that included gospel, Motown and Pink Floyd. The Veldt formed in the late 80’s in Raleigh amongst the legendary North Carolina music scene of the time, initially signing with Mammoth Records - leading to a chain of major-label relationships that took the group across Europe and the U.S. playing shows with the likes of Throwing Muses, Pixies, Cocteau Twins and Jesus & Mary Chain.

After moving from Raleigh to New York, they briefly performed as Apollo Heightsbefore returning to their original name The Veldt. Joined by Japanese bassist-programmer Hayato Nakao, they together forging music that is a heady and sensual blend of shoegaze and progressive soul, dreamy soundscapes and infectious grooves. Some of the band's recent notable releases include 'The Shocking Fuzz Of Your Electric Fur' EP (2017) and the album 'Entropy is the Mainline to God' (2022).

Over the years, The Veldt has collaborated with TV On The Radio, Mos Def, Lady Miss Kier (Deee-Lite), A.R.Kane and toured or played with Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Pixies, Throwing Muses, Echo & The Bunnymen, Cocteau Twins, Manic Street Preachers, Phantogram, Modern English, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Oasis, Chuck D, Living Colour and Schooly D.

As of September 1, 'Aurora Borealis' is available everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. Later in autumn, the 'Illuminated 1989' album will be released on vinyl, CD, cassette and digitally via Portland-based Little Cloud Records and 5BC Records.

The Veldt performs next at the Noir Bizarre festival, a free event that involves appearances at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC on September 4 and at the VAE Raleigh space on September 8-9, along with Dead Leaf Echo, Candy Coffins, The Mystery Plan, Knives and Daggers, Honeychild Coleman, Micah Gaugh Trio, Lazaris Pit, Origami Phase, Stray Owls, Canary Complex, Flood District, Spirit System, The Action Group, Dead Cool and Dark Red.

CREDITS
‘Illuminated 1989’ released via 5BC Records and Little Cloud Records Danny Chavis - guitar
Daniel Chavis - vocals, guitar, lyrics
Marvin Levi - drums
Joseph Hue Boyle - bass
Elizabeth Fraser - additional vocals
Robin Guthrie - programming, additional guitars
Lincoln Fong - programming
Written by Danny and Daniel Chavis
Recorded and produced at September Sound by Robin Guthrie

Keep up with The Veldt
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Apple Music | Spotify | BandsInTown | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email