SPALDING ROCKWELL

"Spalding Rockwell... are gaining momentum."
— Billboard Magazine

"Kate is a fine album, one that plays not like a collection of singles and filler but rather like a single work of art."
— AllmusicGuide.com

Meet Spalding Rockwell (AKA ML and Nikki) - two hot NYC chicks with attitude and the talent to back it up.

The truth is, you’ve probably been introduced to Spalding Rockwell without even realizing it. Have you heard Armand Van Helden’s chart topping smash single "Hear My Name?" We know you have. Well, the girls lent their vocals to the witchdokta’s infectious track and are at the center of what makes it truly rock. Who can possibly forget the chorus? Spalding Rockwell also appear in the music video for the track and are at the center of a devilishly funny spanking controversy! Spalding Rockwell now can be found featured on two tracks from Armand’s newest full length: Nympho (Ultra Records 2005).

All spanks aside, ML and Nikki are serious about their music. ML grew up in New York City on heavy doses of Hip-Hop; namely Black Sheep, Cypress Hill and Wu-Tang Clan. Later, she found classic rock artists including Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix as a major source of her inspiration. Nikki grew up in Washington, D.C. and was heavily into Fugazi and the city’s punk scene. Her sister frequently dragged her out to hot spots like Tracks and the 930 Club to see artists like Dead Milkmen (her first concert) and a "Go" era Moby. Friends for over a decade, ML and Nikki formed the band over the dissatisfaction of where life was taking them.

Spalding Rockwell first gained attention as a featured act on Larry Tee’s circuit, and subsequently released the track "White Cotton Panties" on 2002’s Badd Inc. compilation. Being associated with this burgeoning scene also afforded the girls the opportunity to perform live on a big stage and to develop a fan base of NYC scenesters. However, Spalding Rockwell was never about just being an act being pigeonholed into any one genre. Spalding Rockwell have been hard at work fine-tuning a sound that combines equal parts punk, synth and pop - It’s downright nasty. Think of it as Peaches times two without the fuck you’s.

Years of banging at the door results in the debut LP Kate; entirely written, performed and produced by the technically adept ML and Nikki. It hits you right away like a ton of bricks, as crunching metal chords meet nasty vocals on opening track, "Ingrid" and doesn’t let up again until the last track, "Outro" expires. Other notable tracks include "Masha," a dirty little girl of a song, supported by a raw, black lipstick vibe; "Vicious," a perfect track for the dance floor, kicking it hard with seductive vocals and a deep beat that keeps you shaking; and "Kissing," an anthem for naughty boys and girls that like to have some fun. Turn up the bass for the full effect.

Spalding Rockwell’s live performance presents two distinctly female voices backed by electric drums, guitars, keys and bass. It’s not just a bunch of nice looking girls singing over a tape player. We’ve seen that many times before. Spalding Rockwell is different - they present a dynamic live show that’s balls-to-the-wall rock n’ roll. ML and Nikki wouldn’t have it any other way.


It’s been a pretty wild ride for Spalding Rockwell.

…This is only the beginning…

 DEFEND RELEASES

Catalog Number:
DFN80002
Title:
Kate
Release Date:
August 2004

Track List
01. Ingrid
02. Masha
03. Vicious
04. Boy
05. Nina
06. Kissing
07. Flake
08. Karahi
09. Cocaine
10. Bad Bad Thing
11. Touch it
12. Outro

Catalog Number:
DFN80009
Title:
12”: The Kate Remixes
Release Date:
December 05

Track list
Side A
Vicious Buffalo Bill Remix: Produced & Mixed by Sidh Solanki
Ingrid Feedback Remix: Produced By Jay Braun & Russell Simins
Vicious (Original)
Side B
Vicious JheReal’s Dolo Sushi Remix Produced & Mixed by Jeriel ‘JheReal’ Askew
Ingrid (Original)