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Alex Greenwald
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Alexander Greenwald (born October 9, 1979)[3] is an American musician and actor. Prior to his music career, he began his professional career as a teen actor with both live-action and animated roles in films like The Halloween Tree (1993) and No Dessert, Dad, till You Mow the Lawn (1994), before primarily transitioning to a music career shortly after, and has been the frontman and rhythm guitarist of the California rock band Phantom Planet since their inception in 1994. Greenwald has also been a member of Blackblack (under the moniker Clark Schädelkopf) and the indie pop supergroup Phases and is a frequent collaborator of the British musician, DJ and producer Mark Ronson. Greenwald also played a minor role in then-fianceé Brie Larson's 2017 film Unicorn Store.
Key Information
Life and career
[edit]
In 1994, Greenwald formed Phantom Planet (named after the 1961 B-movie The Phantom Planet) in his teens at a Los Angeles Pizza Hut with four friends – guitarist Darren Robinson, bassist Sam Farrar (who is the son of Australian musicians John Farrar and Pat Carroll), guitarist Jacques Brautbar, and drummer Jason Schwartzman, who is a member of the Coppola family. The band is best known for producing the song "California", which was used as the theme song of the teen drama The O.C., which lasted four seasons. Phantom Planet went on hiatus in 2008, which was followed by a series of one-off reunions from 2011 to 2013, before permanently reuniting in 2019. The band released their comeback album, Devastator, through Greenwald's self-made label, Gong Records, in 2020.
In 2006, he and Phantom Planet bandmate Sam Farrar collaborated with the British DJ and record producer Mark Ronson, to cover the Radiohead song, "Just". The cover appears on the Radiohead tribute album Exit Music: Songs with Radio Heads (where he is solely credited as the featured performer), and was later re-issued on Ronson's album of cover versions, Version, now crediting Phantom Planet themselves as the featured artists. He appeared with Ronson at the 2007 Glastonbury Festival where he climbed up on to the lighting rig of the John Peel stage during the performance of "Just", and also sang "California". In 2010, he collaborated once again with Ronson on the album "Record Collection", on which Greenwald shares writing credits on six out of the eleven tracks. He became part of Ronson's band, The Business Intl. for this record. He was also a member of Los Angeles band Blackblack, under the moniker Clark Schädelkopf,[4] until 2007. At live shows, he was known for 1980s-style dance moves, which were inspired from watching David Byrne of Talking Heads.
Greenwald is a vegan and has appeared in at least two ads for PETA. He told PETA his reasons for going vegan: "In college I stopped eating red meat on a bet with my girlfriend at the time. She bet she could stop smoking, and I bet that I could stop eating red meat. She started smoking again, so I won, which I'm always proud of.…I had been a vegetarian as a child for whatever reason. I guess kids sometimes follow their instincts…My friend dared me to go vegan as I was reading this book Fast Food Nation, which opened my eyes to a lot of cruelties.…Ever since then, I've been vegan and enjoyed it daily."[5]
Greenwald co-produced and appeared on ex – Panic! at the Disco members Ryan Ross and Jon Walker's new band, The Young Veins debut record, Take a Vacation!.
He played bass and produced several tracks on The Like's second studio album Release Me.
He was the bassist, keyboardist, and secondary vocalist of the supergroup Phases (previously named JJAMZ, in which Greenwald was a guitarist and secondary vocalist until their name change in 2015). The group has been on an unofficial hiatus since late 2016, with a one-off reunion in 2021.
JJAMZ
[edit]
JJAMZ was a supergroup composed of Greenwald along with James Valentine (Maroon 5), Jason Boesel (Rilo Kiley/Conor Oberst), Michael Runion (solo), and Z Berg (The Like). The group was started at karaoke night at Guys in Hollywood. The band name is an acronym, using the first letter of each member's name. The group was a means of escape from each member's respective band at the time. "JJAMZ started at an interesting time in all of our lives. We all needed some kind of escape from relationships or our other bands. It was a tumultuous time, and the lyrics just came out. It was like word vomit. I can't remember," said Z Berg in one of their first interviews as a band. The band played their first concert at the Echo Plex on January 27, 2009. The band released their debut album, Suicide Pact, on July 10, 2012. It was released through Dangerbird Records.[6]
Phases
[edit]

Following Valentine's departure from JJAMZ, the band changed its name to Phases. Signed to Warner Bros. Records, Phases was composed of Greenwald, Z Berg, Jason Boesel, and Michael Runion.
Mark Ronson & The Business International
[edit]
Greenwald is the executive producer and one of the musicians in The Business International. He also helped to write several of the songs on their album Record Collection. He is one of the lead singers in the song 'The Night Last Night', and appeared in the music video for "The Bike Song".
Cameos
[edit]In addition to the commercials for the Gap and his appearance in the 2001 film Donnie Darko, Greenwald appeared in two music videos for the electronica band M83 – "Don't Save Us From the Flames" and "Teen Angst", the video for Uffie and Pharrell Williams' "ADD SUV", and also in videos for Mark Ronson, including the second video for "Just".
Personal life
[edit]In 2013, Greenwald began a relationship with actress Brie Larson. In May 2016, Larson's representative confirmed that the pair was engaged.[7] On January 10, 2019, it was reported that Greenwald and Larson had called off their engagement.[8][9] In June 2020, it was confirmed that Greenwald and Australian actress Phoebe Tonkin were in a relationship, but they have since split up.[10]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | The Halloween Tree | Ralph Bengstrum (voice) | TV movie |
| 1993 | Recycle Rex | (Voice) | Short |
| 1994 | A Pig's Tale | Von Hofferman | |
| 1994 | No Dessert, Dad, till You Mow the Lawn | Corby | |
| 1998 | Sabrina the Teenage Witch | Himself (Phantom Planet frontman) | Episode: And the Sabrina Goes to... |
| 2001 | Donnie Darko | Seth Devlin | |
| 2005 | Bad News Bears | State Band Member (with Phantom Planet) | |
| 2017 | Unicorn Store | The Composer |
Discography
[edit]- Solo
- Yo (2014)
- With JJAMZ
- Suicide Pact (2012)
- With Phases
- For Life (2015)
- With Phantom Planet
- Phantom Planet Is Missing (1998)
- Polaroid (1999)
- The Guest (2002)
- Negatives (2004)
- Negatives 2 (2004)
- Phantom Planet (2004)
- Raise the Dead (2008)
- Devastator (2020)
- With Blackblack
- Blackblack EP 1
- Blackblack EP 2
- BlackBlack (2006)
References
[edit]- ^ "Alex Greenwald on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
- ^ "SPIN.com: Brandon Hits the Hot Spots". www.spin.com. Archived from the original on February 20, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
- ^ "Alex Greenwald on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
- ^ "SPIN.com: Brandon Hits the Hot Spots". www.spin.com. Archived from the original on February 20, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
- ^ "GRRR > Issue 2, 2005". Archived from the original on December 13, 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-11.
- ^ "Twitter". Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ "Brie Larson Is Engaged to Phantom Planet Frontman Alex Greenwald". Retrieved August 9, 2016.
- ^ Contreras, Cydney (January 11, 2019). "Brie Larson and Alex Greenwald Split 2 Years After Getting Engaged". E! News. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
- ^ "Brie Larson and Alex Greenwald Have Reportedly Called Off Their Engagement". Elle. January 11, 2019.
- ^ "Phoebe Tonkin Wore Chanel to Marry Bernard Lagrange In An Intimate New York City Wedding". Vogue. May 19, 2025.
External links
[edit]- TheOCShow.com
- ASCAP.com Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- PETAkids.com
- TheyWillRockYou.com
- Interview Magazine
- Alex Greenwald at IMDb
Alex Greenwald
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family
Alexander Greenwald, born Alexander Greenwald on October 9, 1979, in Los Angeles, California, grew up in a Jewish family with strong artistic roots.[12][13] His mother, an abstract painter and part-time guitar teacher, was a primary influence on his creative development, fostering an environment rich in artistic expression from a young age.[13] She taught him to play the guitar around age 10 and even constructed a harpsichord from a kit for him during his toddler years, sparking his initial fascination with instruments.[14] Greenwald's early exposure to music came through his mother's guidance and their shared listening to records, beginning with simple piano explorations at ages 4 or 5, which laid the foundation for his lifelong passion amid the culturally vibrant Los Angeles scene of the 1980s and early 1990s.[14] These familial influences extended into his teenage years, where his growing interest in music led to forming a band during high school.[13]Education and early interests
Greenwald was raised in Los Angeles, California, where he attended UCLA Lab School, the same grade school as future Phantom Planet drummer Jason Schwartzman, though the two lost contact until reconnecting at age 14.[13] He later attended Palisades Charter High School.[13] This early environment in a creative city fostered his initial exposure to the arts and performance. Influenced by his family's love of music, Greenwald began exploring musical ideas during his pre-teen years, building a foundation for his later pursuits. At the age of ten, Greenwald learned to play the guitar, marking the start of his hands-on engagement with music.[15] He was particularly drawn to the instrument's versatility, using it to experiment with songs and sounds in informal settings. This period of self-directed learning sparked a passion for performance, as he began sharing his playing with peers and family, honing skills that would shape his artistic development. During adolescence, Greenwald's interests expanded to include broader artistic expression, including acting and modeling, which complemented his musical explorations. He formed key friendships through shared creative activities, laying the groundwork for collaborative projects without formal band structures at that stage. These connections and early experiments in music and performance were pivotal in directing his focus toward a career in the arts.[13]Musical career
Phantom Planet
Phantom Planet is an American indie rock band formed in 1994 in Los Angeles by high school friends Alex Greenwald, Darren Robinson, Sam Farrar, Jacques Brautbar, and Jason Schwartzman.[16] Greenwald, who serves as the band's lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter, has been a constant member since its inception.[17] The group released its debut album, Phantom Planet Is Missing, in 1998, followed by the breakthrough sophomore record The Guest in 2002.[18] The band's exposure skyrocketed in 2003 when their track "California" from The Guest was selected as the theme song for the Fox television series The O.C., which aired from 2003 to 2007 and introduced their music to a mainstream audience.[18] This placement not only boosted sales of The Guest but also provided Greenwald with increased visibility that overlapped with his early acting pursuits. The band continued with their self-titled third album in 2004 and Raise the Dead in 2008, during which time Brautbar departed in 2003 and Schwartzman left in 2004 to focus on acting, with Jeff Conrad replacing him on drums.[18][17] Following the release of Raise the Dead, Phantom Planet entered an amicable hiatus in 2008 to allow members to pursue personal lives, including marriages and family for bassist Sam Farrar and drummer Jeff Conrad, after years of non-stop touring since their teenage formation.[17] During the hiatus, the band held one-off reunion shows at the Troubadour in June 2012. The band then fully reunited in 2019 for ongoing performances and new material.[19][20] This reunion led to the release of their fifth studio album, Devastator, in June 2020 through Gong Records, featuring Greenwald's introspective songwriting on themes of relationships and time.[17] In recent years, Phantom Planet has maintained an active schedule, including a collaboration with Ben Lee on the reworked track "Catch My Disease 2025," released in May 2025 to mark the 20th anniversary of Lee's album Awake Is the New Sleep.[21] The band supported O.A.R. as a special guest on select dates of the Lost Weekend Tour, including a performance on May 4, 2025, at Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas.[22] However, in June 2025, the group postponed the first six shows of a planned tour run due to a family medical emergency involving Greenwald.[23]JJAMZ and Phases
In 2008, Alex Greenwald co-formed the indie rock supergroup JJAMZ in Los Angeles as a collaborative side project with longtime friends, including James Valentine of Maroon 5 on guitar, Jason Boesel of Rilo Kiley on drums, Michael Runion on guitar, and Z Berg of The Like on vocals.[24] The band, whose name was an acronym derived from the first initials of its members' first names, emerged from casual jam sessions and aimed to capture a playful, friendship-driven sound blending indie rock with pop elements. Greenwald contributed as a singer, guitarist, and key songwriter, sharing lead vocals with Berg and Runion while providing rhythmic guitar work that complemented the group's harmonious, upbeat style.[25] JJAMZ released its debut album, Suicide Pact...You First, on July 10, 2012, via Dangerbird Records, earning positive reception in indie circles for its infectious melodies and the evident chemistry among the members.[26] Critics praised the record's blend of jangly guitars, synth hooks, and witty lyrics, highlighting tracks like "Never Enough" and "Get What You Want" as standouts that showcased the band's unpretentious joy and musical camaraderie.[27] The album's indie appeal was bolstered by its origins as a low-stakes endeavor among busy musicians, though it did not achieve mainstream commercial success.[28] Following the 2012 tour, JJAMZ went inactive due to shifting priorities and a lack of unified vision, with Valentine departing to focus on Maroon 5; the remaining members—Greenwald, Boesel, Runion, and Berg—rebranded as Phases in 2015 to signal a fresh start and greater commitment.[9] Signing to Warner Bros. Records that year, Phases adopted a more polished electro-pop direction influenced by '80s synth sounds, with Greenwald serving as co-producer alongside Mike Elizondo and contributing guitar, bass, and secondary vocals to emphasize the band's evolving collaborative dynamic.[29] Their self-titled debut album under the new name, released on September 18, 2015, featured shimmering production and anthemic tracks, including the single "I'm in Love With My Life," which exemplified their shift toward radio-friendly hooks and emotional depth.[30] Phases followed with the EP Afterparty in 2016, but the group entered an unofficial hiatus thereafter as members, including Greenwald, returned to other endeavors amid the demands of individual careers.[31] Internal dynamics remained strong, rooted in their decade-plus friendship, but the pull of primary projects like Greenwald's during Phantom Planet's hiatus period contributed to the inactivity, with no formal disbandment announced.[25]Other projects and collaborations
Greenwald was a founding member of the indie pop band Blackblack, formed in Los Angeles in 2004 alongside sisters Diva Dompé on bass and vocals and Lola Dompé on drums.[32] In the group, he performed on guitar under the pseudonym Clark Schädelkopf and contributed to their "quirkadelic" sound, blending elements of early The Cure, Velvet Underground, and Joy Division.[33] The band remained active until around 2007, releasing a series of limited EPs and singles during their tenure, with a self-titled compilation album of their material issued on vinyl in 2012 by Alt.Vinyl in a limited edition of 250 copies.[34] In 2014, Greenwald self-released his debut solo album, Yo, a nine-track project spanning 26 minutes that he produced without promotional fanfare or label support, leading to its discovery primarily through online platforms.[35] The album features introspective indie rock tracks such as "On My Own" and "R.O.T.K.," reflecting personal themes with minimalistic production.[36] Reception was niche, appreciated by fans for its raw, unpolished vibe but largely overlooked due to the lack of marketing.[37] Greenwald's collaborations with producer Mark Ronson began prominently in 2006, when he provided lead vocals for the Radiohead cover "Just" on Ronson's album Version, a track that showcased Greenwald's emotive delivery and became a live staple, including performances at Glastonbury in 2007.[38] Their partnership continued into 2010 with Greenwald co-writing "The Night Last Night" for Ronson's Record Collection and serving as executive producer and musician for the related project Mark Ronson & The Business International.[39] He also contributed to an hour-long collaborative pop session with Ronson, Neon Indian's Alan Palomo, and N.A.S.A.'s Sam Spiegel at a 2010 Creators Project event, producing an original pop song.[39] Beyond these, Greenwald lent production and bass support to several tracks on The Like's 2010 album Release Me, working alongside band members Z Berg and Tennessee Thomas in a session overseen by Ronson and elements of The Dap-Kings.[40] In the years following, his side work tapered off, with guest appearances including vocals on LVCRFT's "Bump in the Night" in 2021 and August Radio Project's "You Take Me All The Way" in 2024, amid a primary focus on Phantom Planet's reunion and touring activities.[41]Acting and appearances
Film roles
Greenwald began his acting career as a child with voice work in the animated short Recycle Rex (1993) and the TV movie The Halloween Tree (1993), where he provided the voice for Ralph Bengstrum, one of a group of children embarking on a supernatural Halloween adventure guided by a mysterious figure voiced by Leonard Nimoy.[42][43] These early roles marked his entry into on-screen work at age 14, though they received limited attention beyond the film's adaptation of Ray Bradbury's novel and the environmental PSA format. In 1994, Greenwald appeared in two family-oriented films. He played Corby, a mischievous child using hypnosis to manipulate his parents, in the comedy No Dessert, Dad, Till You Mow the Lawn, a lighthearted story about family dynamics and rebellion.[44] That same year, he took on the role of Von Hofferman in the direct-to-video kids' comedy A Pig's Tale, portraying a camper in a summer adventure involving pranks and camaraderie among boys at a rundown camp. These early live-action parts were minor and unaccompanied by notable critical commentary on his performances. Greenwald's most prominent film role came in 2001 as Seth Devlin, one of the high school bullies targeting the protagonist, in Richard Kelly's cult psychological thriller Donnie Darko. Cast with connections to his bandmate Jason Schwartzman, a friend from school though not involved in the filming, Greenwald filmed during the summer of 2000 in the Los Angeles area on a low-budget schedule with a young crew. The role, though supporting, elevated his visibility in the indie film scene, contributing to the film's enduring legacy as a coming-of-age story blending sci-fi and teen angst, and marking a pivotal early credit amid his rising music career.[45] He had a small part as a State Band Member in the 2005 remake of Bad News Bears, directed by Richard Linklater, appearing briefly in scenes involving a youth baseball team's underdog journey.[46] The non-speaking role drew no specific critical notice but aligned with his Phantom Planet bandmates' involvement in the production. In 2017, Greenwald had a small role as Lab Tech #2 in the musical comedy Basmati Blues.[47] That same year, he portrayed a ninja in the fantasy comedy Unicorn Store, marking the directorial debut of Brie Larson, whom he also supported as composer of the score. His brief appearance fit the film's whimsical narrative of a woman pursuing her childhood dream of owning a unicorn, though reviews focused primarily on Larson's performance rather than supporting roles.[48]Cameos and music videos
Greenwald has made notable cameo appearances in commercials and television, often tied to his musical endeavors, contributing to his broader pop culture presence. In 1999, he featured prominently in a series of Gap advertisements, including "Everybody in Cords," "Everybody in Leather," and "Everybody in Vests," where he sang lines from songs like Madonna's "Dress You Up" and Donovan's "Mellow Yellow" alongside other performers such as Rashida Jones.[49][50] These spots highlighted his charismatic on-screen presence during the late 1990s fashion era. Earlier, in 1998, Greenwald appeared as himself with his band Phantom Planet on the television series Sabrina the Teenage Witch in the episode "And the Sabrina Goes to...," performing their track "So I Fall Again" during a school talent show segment.[51] This guest spot marked one of his early TV cameos, blending music performance with light narrative involvement. Greenwald's documented cameos taper off after the mid-2000s, with no major uncredited appearances in music videos or TV noted up to 2017 beyond promotional band content. Post-2020, his media visibility has remained limited to musical performances and social media updates, such as a 2020 home live session for Phantom Planet's "Only One," rather than traditional cameos.[52]Personal life
Relationships
Alex Greenwald began dating actress Brie Larson in 2013 after meeting through mutual connections in music and film circles.[53] The couple became engaged in March 2016 during a trip to Tokyo, keeping the news private until May of that year.[54] Their relationship, which lasted over five years, ended amicably in January 2019, with sources describing it as a mutual decision after nearly three years of engagement.[55] During their time together, Greenwald contributed music to Larson's directorial debut film Unicorn Store (2017), providing the score and original songs that complemented the project's whimsical tone.[56] In June 2020, Greenwald started a relationship with Australian actress Phoebe Tonkin, which they confirmed publicly via Instagram with a photo of the pair kissing.[57] The couple, who shared interests including a vegan lifestyle, dated for several years before splitting sometime around 2023, though details of their breakup were not publicly disclosed.[58] Since the end of his relationship with Tonkin, Greenwald has maintained privacy regarding his personal life, with no confirmed romantic partnerships reported as of 2025.[59]Activism and lifestyle
Alex Greenwald has maintained a vegan lifestyle since his college years in the late 1990s, initially prompted by a bet to abstain from red meat that evolved into a full commitment to plant-based eating.[2] He has publicly shared his motivations in interviews, emphasizing daily enjoyment and ethical considerations for animal welfare.[60] As part of this commitment, Greenwald participated in PETA campaigns during the early 2000s, including a photo shoot and promotional video highlighting vegetarian and vegan advocacy among musicians.[60] Greenwald's animal rights advocacy extends to broader environmental concerns, reflecting a persona that integrates ethical living with his artistic identity.[59] In February 2025, he performed with Phantom Planet at the "Gve A Fck LA" benefit concert to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles, directing proceeds to local organizations such as Pasadena Humane, which aids animal welfare, and community groups like Altadena Girls and Friends in Deed.[61][62] This event underscored his involvement in philanthropy addressing climate-related disasters and their impacts on vulnerable populations and animals.[62] Greenwald resides in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised, and has kept a relatively low public profile in personal matters since around 2020, with sparse updates beyond his musical engagements as of late 2025.[11]Works
Filmography
Greenwald began his acting career as a child, providing voice work for animated specials and appearing in minor roles in family-oriented films during the 1990s. His most prominent screen role came in the cult classic Donnie Darko, after which his acting appearances became sporadic, often tied to his music career with Phantom Planet. As of 2025, he has not taken on new acting projects following a small part in 2017.[11]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Recycle Rex (short) | Rex (voice) | Animated environmental PSA directed by Leslie Murray; one of Greenwald's earliest credits as a young voice actor.[63][64] |
| 1993 | The Halloween Tree (TV movie) | Ralph Bengstrum (voice) | Animated adaptation of Ray Bradbury's story, directed by Mario Piluso; co-stars Leonard Nimoy as the narrator.[65][66] |
| 1994 | No Dessert, Dad, till You Mow the Lawn | Corby | Supporting role in family comedy directed by Howard McCain; co-stars Joanna Kerns and Robert Hays.[44][11] |
| 1994 | A Pig's Tale | Von Hofferman | Minor role in direct-to-video comedy directed by Paul Tassie; features early appearances by actors like Amy Smart.[11] |
| 1998 | Sabrina the Teenage Witch (TV series, episode: "Sabrina Claus") | Himself (as Phantom Planet) | Band performance appearance in the ABC sitcom.[11] |
| 2001 | Donnie Darko | Seth Devlin | Supporting role as a school bully in the psychological thriller directed by Richard Kelly; co-stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, and Patrick Swayze.[45][11] |
| 2005 | Bad News Bears | State Band Member | Uncredited cameo as part of Phantom Planet performing as a punk band in the sports comedy remake directed by Richard Linklater; co-stars Billy Bob Thornton.[46][11] |
| 2017 | Unicorn Store | Ninja | Brief supporting role in the fantasy comedy directed by and starring Brie Larson; also contributed to the soundtrack.[67][11] |
Solo Work
Alex Greenwald released his debut solo album, Yo, on May 5, 2014. The album, consisting of nine tracks, was self-produced and released independently, showcasing Greenwald's indie rock style with influences from his band experiences. It features introspective lyrics and guitar-driven melodies, though it did not achieve significant commercial chart success.| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dangerous Blues | 3:45 |
| 2 | Everyone But You | 3:20 |
| 3 | Nothing Matters But You | 3:30 |
| 4 | Lie to the Truth | 3:15 |
| 5 | Maybe I Will, Maybe I Won't | 3:25 |
| 6 | We Might | 3:40 |
| 7 | On My Own | 3:18 |
| 8 | R.O.T.K. | 3:35 |
| 9 | Yo | 4:00 |
Phantom Planet
As the lead singer and primary songwriter for Phantom Planet, Greenwald contributed to the band's discography spanning over two decades. The band, formed in 1994, released their debut album Phantom Planet Is Missing in 1998 on Geffen Records, featuring raw alternative rock sounds. Their breakthrough came with The Guest in 2002, which included the single "California," a track Greenwald co-wrote that became the theme song for the TV series The O.C. and peaked at #35 on the US Alternative Airplay chart and #83 on the UK Singles Chart (2002 release).[69] The self-titled Phantom Planet followed in 2004, incorporating more polished production. After a hiatus, Raise the Dead arrived in 2008 on Fueled by Ramen, blending indie and power pop elements. The band's latest album, Devastator, was released independently in 2020, marking their return with matured songwriting. In 2025, Phantom Planet collaborated with Ben Lee on a reworking of "Catch My Disease," released as Catch My Disease 2025 on May 16, tying into anniversary events for Lee's Awake Is the New Sleep. Key Phantom Planet albums include:| Album | Release Year | Label | Notable Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom Planet Is Missing | 1998 | Geffen | "Pneumonia," "Vision" |
| The Guest | 2002 | Epic | "California," "All Over the World" |
| Phantom Planet | 2004 | Epic | "Our House," "By the Bed" |
| Raise the Dead | 2008 | Fueled by Ramen | "Dropped," "Confident Man" |
| Devastator | 2020 | Independent | "Devastator," "Society Hill" |
JJAMZ
Greenwald co-founded the supergroup JJAMZ in late 2008 with Jason Boesel, James Valentine (Maroon 5), Jorma Taccone, and Z Berg, drawing from their shared Los Angeles music scene connections. Their debut and only album, Suicide Pact...You First, was released on July 10, 2012, by Dangerbird Records, featuring collaborative songwriting and indie rock with pop sensibilities. Greenwald served as lead vocalist on several tracks, contributing to the album's themes of friendship and introspection. The album received positive reviews for its chemistry but modest sales.[70]| Track | Title | Writers (including Greenwald where applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get What You Want | JJAMZ collective |
| 2 | Suicide Pact | Greenwald, Boesel, Valentine |
| 3 | Heartbeat | JJAMZ collective |
| 4 | Square One | Greenwald, Berg |
| 5 | Never Enough | JJAMZ collective |
| 6 | Lax | Greenwald, Taccone |
| 7 | Poolside | JJAMZ collective |
| 8 | You Were My Home | Berg, Greenwald |
| 9 | Can I Change My Mind | JJAMZ collective |
| 10 | Cleverly Disguised | Greenwald, Boesel |
Phases
In 2015, JJAMZ rebranded as Phases, with Greenwald on guitar and vocals alongside Jason Boesel, Z Berg (lead vocals), and Michael Runion; Cullen Omori joined later. Greenwald shifted to bass and secondary vocals. Their debut album under the new name, For Life, was released on September 18, 2015, by Warner Bros. Records, shifting toward synth-pop and electro-indie sounds. Produced by Alex Greenwald and others, the album explored themes of relationships and self-discovery, with singles like "I'm in Love with My Life" and "Cooler" gaining radio play but no major chart entries. The band disbanded in 2018.| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I'm in Love with My Life | 3:32 |
| 2 | Cooler | 3:28 |
| 3 | Silhouette | 3:45 |
| 4 | Take Me There | 3:20 |
| 5 | Betty Blue | 3:15 |
| 6 | For Life | 3:50 |
| 7 | Spark | 3:40 |
| 8 | Part of Me | 3:25 |
| 9 | Up | 3:30 |
| 10 | Coming Down | 4:00 |
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