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Mates of State
Mates of State
Mates of State
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Mates of State are an American indie pop duo, active since 1997.[1] The group is the husband-and-wife team of Kori Gardner (born June 16, 1974) (vocals, organ, synthesizer, piano, electric piano, and occasional guitar and drums) and Jason Hammel (born February 1, 1976) (vocals, drums, percussion, and occasional synthesizer).

Key Information

As of 2015, the duo has released four EPs and seven full-length albums. Their most recent album, Mountaintops, was released on September 13, 2011.

History

[edit]

Gardner and Hammel first met in Lawrence, Kansas,[2] while both were involved in relationships with other people. Even though they exchanged e-mails regularly, they did not get together until three months later. They originally played together in a four-piece rock band called Vosotros,[3] in which they both sang and played guitar. Shortly after the couple moved to California in 1998, Gardner began teaching, and Hammel applied to medical school.[4] They both opted later to devote their time to making music and touring together instead and got married in 2001. Gardner and Hammel originally lived together in San Francisco, and in 2004 they moved to East Haven, Connecticut.[5][6] In February 2007, they sold their house in East Haven and relocated to Stratford, Connecticut.

Gardner and Hammel have three daughters: Magnolia, born in 2004; June Elizabeth, born in 2008; and Phoebe Ann, born in 2017. For the band, touring became a family affair, their daughters joining them on the road. Gardner kept a 'blog, Band on the Diaper Run, that appeared on Babble.com. In its entries, she recounted their experiences of life on the road and the unique circumstance of touring with two young children in tow.[7]

The main instruments Mates of State used in their early recordings were drums and the electric organ. Both had started out playing the guitar, but they ultimately found they were experimenting more with the organ and drums in their practice space than with any other musical instruments. On later recordings, the band moved away from the organ-dominated sound and incorporated additional instrumentation, beginning with the EP All Day and continuing on Bring It Back, their fourth studio album. The organ wasn't incorporated at all on their fifth album, Re-Arrange Us.[8]

Mates of State songs are notable for their male/female vocal harmony, shifting rhythms, and quirky song structure – most tracks comprised distinct, almost disjointed movements. Both members tend to sing with great intensity, often in the upper ranges of their voices, and they often simultaneously sing different, complementary melodies and lyrics.

Kori Gardner, Stockholm 2005
Jason Hammel, Stockholm 2005

The band recorded one album on Omnibus Records before moving to Polyvinyl for their second and third full-length albums. In December 2005, the band signed with Barsuk Records and released two full-length albums and an EP of remixes on the label.

On October 11, 2004, the band held a contest for fans to create their own video for "Goods (All In Your Head)," the first track on their All Day EP. The winning entry, directed by Jonathan Yi and Sam Goetz, became the official video for the song [9] and was aired on MTV on June 12, 2005. It became available for download in the Media section of the band's official site.

The band's fifth album, Re-Arrange Us, was released on May 20, 2008.[10] For their tour in support of the album, Mates of State became a quartet by adding Lewis and Anton Patzner of Judgement Day as multi-instrumentalists[11] to complement the duo's sound on select songs.

On June 15, 2010, Mates of State released their sixth studio album, Crushes (The Covers Mixtape), which consisted entirely of their cover versions of songs previously recorded by other musical artists,[12] including "Long Way Home" by Tom Waits and "Son Et Lumiere" by The Mars Volta. Music videos were shot for two of the songs: Nick Cave's "Love Letter" and Daniel Johnston's "True Love Will Find You in the End." The former was directed by Daniel Garcia and the latter was produced in conjunction with ABC News for its indie rock program, "Amplified."[13]

The band's most recent full-length album, Mountaintops, was released on September 13, 2011. It also came out on Barsuk, the same independent label that released two of the band's previous records, Bring It Back and Re-Arrange Us. It consisted entirely of new original material.[14]

Tours and performances

[edit]

Mates of State have performed all over the globe; in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

In the summer of 2001, they played shows with Superdrag and Beulah and, later in the year, opened for The Anniversary during the release tour for their album Your Majesty.[15]

In 2003, Mates of State toured with Palomar.[16]

In 2005, Mates of State toured with Jimmy Eat World and Taking Back Sunday, and performed at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, Texas.

In 2006, Mates of State toured with Spoon and Death Cab for Cutie.[17] Mates of State also provided support (alongside Au Revoir Simone) for We Are Scientists on their tour of the UK in November 2006.[18]

During February and March 2007, Mates of State toured as the house band for WBEZ Chicago's This American Life, hosted by Ira Glass.[19] Tour locations included New York, Boston, Seattle, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Recordings of some of the band's performances during this tour were included in a 2008 episode titled "What I Learned from Television."[20] On Earth Day in 2007, Mates of State headlined the Concert for a Green Earth in Westport, Connecticut.[21]

In 2008, the team appeared again at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, in addition to performing at Lollapalooza in Chicago,[22] the All Points West Music & Arts Festival in Jersey City, and the Pemberton Music Festival in Pemberton, BC.[23] In 2009, they played at Diversafest in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the Voodoo Fest in New Orleans on Halloween weekend.[24]

In 2010, they appeared on the children's television show Yo Gabba Gabba! in Rochester, New York.[25]

Beginning in 2010, the band toured with backing musicians Kenji Shinagawa on guitar and John Panos on trumpet, both graduates of the University of Miami.

On February 16, 2012, the band began a 9-day tour of the East Coast at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[26]

On June 11, 2013, they joined The Postal Service's "Give Up" ten-year reunion tour at the Air Canada Theater in Toronto. The tour had stops in Boston, at the sold out Barclay's Center in Brooklyn and shows in Minnesota and Kansas City. Mates of State opened The Postal Service's last show of the tour on August 4, 2013 at the Metro in Chicago. It was also the official Lollapalooza closing party and the last time The Postal Service would tour for a decade.

They performed two songs in conjunction with BYUtv's Studio C: "Dealbreaker" in October 2013[27] and "Kill the Whales" in May 2014.[28]

Films

[edit]
  • The Rumperbutts (2015). Lead actors, producers, and composers. Starring alongside Josh Brener, Arian Moayed, and Vanessa Ray. Distributed by Mance Media.
  • Two of Us (2004). Produced, directed, shot, and edited by Thadd Day. Released by Hooked on Sonics![29]
  • The song "My Only Offer" features prominently in the last half of the trailer for the 2009 documentary Best Worst Movie and plays over that film's closing credits.

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[30] 		US Heat
[31] 		US Indie
[32]
My Solo Project — — —
Our Constant Concern
  • Released: January 22, 2002
  • Label: Polyvinyl
 — — —
Team Boo
  • Released: September 16, 2003
  • Label: Polyvinyl
 — — —
Bring It Back
  • Released: March 21, 2006
  • Label: Barsuk
 — 32 35
Re-Arrange Us
  • Released: May 20, 2008
  • Label: Barsuk
 140 6 11
Crushes (The Covers Mixtape)
  • Released: June 15, 2010
  • Label: MOS Records
 — 5 34
Mountaintops
  • Released: September 13, 2011
  • Label: Barsuk
 — 7 44
Greats — — —
"—" denotes album that did not chart or was not released

EPs

[edit]
  • European Tour 2003 EP (Fickle Fame, 2003)
  • All Day EP (Polyvinyl, 2004)
  • Daytrotter Session (2006)
  • Re-Arranged: Remixes Volume 1 (Barsuk, 2009)
  • You’re Going To Make It (Barsuk, 2015)

Singles

[edit]
  • "Mates of State"/"Fighter D Split" (Omnibus, 1999)
  • "It's the Law"/"Invitation Inn" (Omnibus, 2000)[33]
  • "Lower" (Devil in the Woods, 2001) *Note: split single with The Shins & Sparklehorse
  • "Beehive State/Über Legitimate" (Snow Globe, 2001)
  • "These Days" (Polyvinyl, 2002) *Note: split single with Dear Nora
  • "Fraud in the '80s" (Moshi Moshi, 2006)
  • "Like U Crazy" (Moshi Moshi, 2006)
  • "Staring Contest" (Barsuk / Fierce Panda, 2015)

Other releases

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mates of State

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from Grokipedia
Mates of State is an American indie pop duo consisting of the husband-and-wife team of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, active since 1997 and known for their energetic performances featuring harmonized vocals backed by keyboards and drums. The band formed in , where Gardner and Hammel met as students at the and began performing together in 1997, marrying in 2001. They released their debut split EP with Fighter D in 1999, followed by early albums such as My Solo Project (2000) and Our Constant Concern (2002), which established their signature style of intricate, upbeat without guitars. After relocating from to and later to , Mates of State signed with and achieved wider recognition with albums like Bring It Back (2006) and Re-Arrange Us (2008), both of which highlighted their evolving sound incorporating occasional additional instruments like . The duo balanced their career with family life, having two children, and continued releasing music through the , for a total of seven studio albums and four EPs. Following a period of relative quiet after 2015, Mates of State returned in with their first new song in nine years, "Somewhere," which reflects on past relationships and personal growth. In 2025, the band reissued Bring It Back and Re-Arrange Us on vinyl through , signaling ongoing activity and appreciation for their influential contributions to .

Background

Members

Mates of State is an American duo consisting of the husband-and-wife team of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, who have been the band's sole permanent members since its formation. Gardner, born in 1974, primarily contributes vocals, keyboards (including organ, , and ), and also plays guitar and drums, while Hammel provides vocals, drums, percussion, and . Their instrumental roles form the core of the band's sound, with Gardner often leading on keyboards to create melodic foundations and Hammel anchoring the rhythm through his drumming. The couple married in 2001 and share three daughters: , born in 2004; June, born in 2008; and Phoebe, born in 2017. Gardner's rich harmonies and Hammel's supportive backing vocals create the duo's signature intertwining style, which has been central to their dynamic as both musicians and partners. While the pair occasionally collaborates with additional musicians for live performances, they maintain a consistent two-person core without any other permanent band members.

Formation and Early Relocations

Mates of State formed in December 1997 in , when Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, both students at the , began collaborating musically after meeting through the local scene. The duo, who soon entered a romantic partnership, initially played just six shows in Lawrence while honing their organ-and-drums setup amid a vibrant college-town indie environment. Following their college graduation, Gardner and Hammel committed to music full-time, embracing a DIY that defined their early output. They self-recorded and released initial independent efforts, including a 1999 split 7-inch single with Fighter D titled "Leave Me at the Tree" on Omnibus Records, which captured their raw, harmonious sound. In August 1998, seeking greater exposure in a thriving indie community, the pair relocated from Lawrence to the suburbs of before settling in proper about eight months later, where they continued building their catalog with additional EPs like "It's the Law/Invitation Inn." The duo's early relocations reflected a balance between artistic growth and personal life; in 2004, they moved from to , to be closer to Gardner's family for support as they started raising children. This shift to the East Coast allowed them to maintain their touring schedule while prioritizing family stability. By 2007, they relocated again within to Stratford, further establishing roots that sustained their creative partnership amid parenthood.

Musical Style and Influences

Core Elements

Mates of State, an American indie pop duo, are defined by their signature male/female vocal harmonies, which create a distinctive, interwoven that drives their rhythmic and melodic appeal. This harmonious interplay, delivered by husband-and-wife team Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, emphasizes call-and-response vocals and layered textures that evoke intimacy and energy. Their style roots firmly in , characterized by upbeat, rhythm-driven tracks that prioritize catchy melodies over complexity. At the core of their early sound is a minimalist instrumentation featuring handled by Gardner and by Hammel, producing propulsive, danceable grooves without additional guitars or bass in their foundational setup. This organ-drum duo fosters a lively, percussive foundation that supports their vocal-centric approach, often resulting in tracks that feel both immediate and infectious. The result is a rhythm-driven aesthetic that propels songs forward with consistent momentum. Their compositions feature quirky song structures with shifting tempos and unexpected rhythmic changes, such as crooked patterns and dynamic movements from upbeat sections to more reflective passages, adding unpredictability to their pop framework. Lyrically, Mates of State explore themes of relationships, love, and , drawing from personal experiences to craft relatable narratives about connection and domesticity. These elements reflect influences from and traditions, which inform their sugary yet structurally playful .

Evolution Over Time

Mates of State initially built their reputation on a minimalist setup of organ and , creating a raw, energetic sound driven by the duo's intricate vocal harmonies. This approach defined their early releases, emphasizing simplicity and immediacy in live and recorded settings. However, beginning with their Bring It Back, the band began expanding their sonic palette, incorporating guitars into the mix for the first time since their formative years, alongside overdubbed keyboards, , and accessory percussion to achieve fuller arrangements. The shift was facilitated by their signing with in late 2005, which enabled production upgrades that resulted in more polished yet still vibrant recordings, allowing for deeper orchestration and multi-tracked vocals without losing the duo's characteristic drive. By their 2008 follow-up Re-Arrange Us, the traditional organ had largely given way to organic and sounds, marking a further evolution toward layered, atmospheric textures that broadened their appeal while retaining core harmonic interplay. In 2010, the duo demonstrated interpretive versatility through Crushes (The Covers Mixtape), a self-produced collection of 10 cover songs reimagined in their indie pop style, blending organ, synthesizers, piano, and drums to reinterpret tracks by artists ranging from Belle & Sebastian to . This release highlighted their adaptability, applying their evolving production techniques to diverse source material and showcasing how their sound could flex across genres. Their most recent output, the 2024 single "Somewhere," revives this trajectory after a nine-year hiatus from new material, fusing the band's signature layered harmonies with contemporary production elements for a fresh yet nostalgic feel. Released independently, it underscores their enduring vocal chemistry amid modern sonic refinements.

Career

Early Years (1997–2005)

Mates of State formed in December 1997 in , when Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, both University of Kansas students, began performing together as a husband-and-wife duo centered on organ, , and dual vocals. Initially drawing from the Midwest indie scene, they relocated to in August 1998, later moving to , to immerse themselves in the West Coast . Their early output included a split 7-inch single with Fighter D titled Leave Me at the Tree, released in 1999 on the indie label Omnibus Records, marking their first foray into DIY recording and distribution. The duo's debut full-length album, My Solo Project, arrived on June 15, 2000, also via Omnibus Records, and featured raw, energetic tracks recorded with producer John Croslin that captured their burgeoning pop sensibilities. Garnering positive reviews from outlets like the San Francisco Bay Guardian for its infectious harmonies and DIY ethos, the album helped solidify their presence in California's indie circuit. In July 2001, Mates of State signed with Polyvinyl Records, a pivotal move that expanded their reach; that same year, Gardner and Hammel married, intertwining their personal and professional lives as they toured extensively. Their sophomore album, Our Constant Concern, released on January 22, 2002, by Polyvinyl, refined their sound with polished production from Dave Trumfio and tracks emphasizing vocal interplay, earning acclaim for its emotional depth and propulsive rhythms. Building momentum, they supported established acts like Superdrag, , and Beulah on summer 2001 tours across the U.S., while subsequent Midwest and West Coast runs with bands such as and fostered a dedicated following. In 2003, Team Boo marked their third album on Polyvinyl, showcasing matured songcraft and critical buzz from college radio, alongside the live-recorded The European Tour EP on Fickle Fame Records, which documented their inaugural international jaunts. By 2004–2005, Mates of State had cultivated a loyal fanbase through relentless touring and self-released EPs like All Day on Polyvinyl, which included covers and new material that highlighted their adaptability within the landscape. Their emphasis on intimate, harmony-driven performances in DIY venues across the Midwest and scenes, combined with the personal milestone of , underscored a period of organic growth and creative consolidation before broader commercial opportunities emerged.

Mid-Career Breakthrough (2006–2011)

The mid-career period of Mates of State marked a significant evolution, as the husband-and-wife duo of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel transitioned from their earlier roots to a more polished, expansive sound that garnered broader recognition. Their 2006 album Bring It Back, released on , represented their first major label shift after departing Polyvinyl, introducing guitar elements alongside their signature organ and for a fuller production. The record debuted at number 35 on the chart, praised for its infectious energy and harmonious interplay, with noting it as their best work to date due to varied sonic palettes and emotional depth. AllMusic highlighted the album's exuberant hooks and sincere yearning, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars for balancing whimsy with rock drive. Building on this momentum, Re-Arrange Us followed in 2008, also on Barsuk, showcasing a matured approach with slower tempos, multi-instrumental arrangements, and overdubbed vocals that emphasized relational themes. Standout tracks like "Now" and "The Re-Arranger" exemplified their refined pop sensibilities, earning acclaim for harmonious layers and introspective lyrics. commended the duo's progression within their self-defined style, scoring it 6.8 out of 10 despite critiquing some overly cautious pacing. During this era, the birth of their second daughter, , in January 2008, infused their music with motifs of family stability and , as Gardner and Hammel navigated parenthood alongside touring. In 2010, the duo briefly returned to Polyvinyl for Crushes (The Covers Mixtape), a collection reinterpreting tracks by artists like , Sly & , and , demonstrating their versatility through upbeat, harmony-driven renditions. Alternative Press lauded the album's emotional range and quirky charm, calling it a delightful detour that revealed deeper levels in their sound. Cover Me Songs ranked it among the year's top cover albums for its affectionate, sunlit takes on classics. Capping this breakthrough phase, Mountaintops arrived in 2011 on Barsuk, delivering their most nuanced full-length with sweeping pop arrangements and reflections on partnership's triumphs and challenges. described it as a full, old-fashioned pop effort without big guitars, emphasizing the duo's life-affirming harmonies. praised its mural-sized emotional scope and maturity, rating it 7.3 out of 10 as a return to form after Re-Arrange Us. noted the album's idiosyncratic vocal stacks and thematic depth, underscoring how family life shaped its themes of and resilience. This period solidified Mates of State's reputation for harmonious, heartfelt that resonated beyond niche audiences.

Later Years and Recent Activity (2012–Present)

Following the release of their seventh studio album Mountaintops in 2011, Mates of State entered a period of reduced output, prioritizing family life over new recordings. The husband-and-wife duo of Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner, who had already welcomed two daughters, shifted focus to parenthood amid their ongoing touring commitments. This hiatus from full-length albums lasted several years, during which the band maintained a lower profile in the studio while continuing to connect with fans through live performances. In 2015, they broke the silence with their EP You're Going to Make It, a five-track collection released on June 15 via , featuring upbeat tracks like "Staring Contest" and "Beautiful Kids" that echoed their signature harmonious style. The EP marked a brief return to recording but did not lead to immediate follow-up material, as family responsibilities—including the birth of their third daughter, Phoebe Ann, in 2017—continued to shape their priorities. Despite the pause in releases, the band sustained engagement through sporadic tours and updates, sharing personal milestones and behind-the-scenes glimpses with followers. The duo's resurgence began in 2024 with the release of their first new original song in nearly a decade, "Somewhere," on , accompanied by a lyric video. Self-released under MOS Records, the track revives their effervescent sound with layered vocals and driving rhythms, signaling a potential creative reawakening without an announced full album as of late 2025. This single coincided with renewed touring activity, including a 17-date summer run across in 2024 and additional East Coast, Southwest, and West Coast shows scheduled for 2025, fostering direct fan interaction at venues from to . In August 2025, reissued Bring It Back and Re-Arrange Us on colored vinyl, coinciding with their tour dates. Through platforms like and , Hammel and Gardner have amplified this momentum, posting tour announcements, song teasers, and appreciative messages to a dedicated audience, underscoring their enduring partnership in music and life.

Live Performances

Major Tours

Mates of State began full-time touring in 2001, shortly after the release of their debut album My Solo Project, with initial Midwest runs that allowed the husband-and-wife duo of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel to refine their live setup of keyboards, drums, and layered vocal harmonies. That summer, they supported established acts including Superdrag, , and Beulah on a series of U.S. shows, performing as a stripped-down duo while developing material for their follow-up record. By 2005, the band had gained broader exposure through a high-profile North American tour as openers for and , coinciding with the promotion of their EP All Day. This run showcased their ability to deliver energetic, harmony-driven sets in larger venues, solidifying their reputation within the scene. In 2006, Mates of State joined and as supporting acts on a major U.S. tour, including stops at prominent venues like the Greek Theatre in Berkeley. The same year marked their expansion internationally with a debut Australian tour in July, featuring East Coast dates organized by Handsome Tours, as part of their growing global presence that later extended to and . The duo's live performances consistently emphasized their vocal interplay, with Gardner and Hammel trading leads and harmonies over minimal instrumentation, a format that persisted even as they occasionally augmented with backing musicians. In 2024, Mates of State returned to touring with a 17-show U.S. summer run, their first extensive headline outing in years, spanning venues from , to . Building on this momentum, they announced additional 2025 dates in March, including an East Coast and Southwest summer leg starting July 11 in , followed by West Coast shows in the fall, such as October 4 in Portland and October 6 in .

Festival and Special Appearances

Mates of State made notable appearances at major music festivals early in their career, enhancing their exposure within the scene. They performed at the in 2005, sharing the bill with acts like , Oasis, and . The duo returned to the same festival in 2008, alongside performers including and . That year, they also took the stage at in Chicago's Grant , contributing to a diverse lineup that featured acts like and . In 2007, Mates of State served as the for a special live tour of the public radio program , hosted by , spanning February and March across multiple U.S. cities. Their performances provided musical interludes for episodes exploring themes like television's cultural impact, with recordings from the tour incorporated into broadcasts. The band expanded their reach to family-oriented audiences through live appearances on the children's television series Yo Gabba Gabba! in 2010, including performances during the show's national tour. Special guests in select cities, they contributed songs like "No One Likes to Be Left Out" to episodes focused on themes of inclusion and play, performing alongside hosts and other musical guests such as and . Following a period of relative quiet after their 2013 album Big Heart Machine and tours supporting Mountaintops (2011), Mates of State resumed live performances with a 17-show U.S. summer tour in 2024. In 2025, they participated in special festival appearances, such as the Best Friends Forever Fest on October 12 in , sharing the lineup with acts including and , which underscored their enduring connections within the indie community.

Film and Media Involvement

Feature Films

Mates of State's earliest foray into film was the 2004 short documentary Two of Us: A Film About Mates of State, directed, produced, shot, and edited by Thadd Day. The film offers an intimate look at the duo's personal and professional life, incorporating home videos, behind-the-scenes insights, and live concert footage to highlight their dynamic as a couple and band. Released on DVD by Polyvinyl Records, it exemplifies the band's early extensions into visual media as subjects of fan-driven . The duo's most substantial film involvement came with the 2015 musical comedy The Rumperbutts, written and directed by Marc Brener. Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel starred as Bonnie and Jack, a financially struggling married couple who reluctantly join a children's called The Rumperbutts, leading to success but straining their relationship. Gardner and Hammel also served as co-producers alongside Brener and Dena Hysell, bringing their real-life partnership to the roles. Additionally, they composed the film's original soundtrack, co-writing the songs with Brener to integrate musical numbers that advance the family-themed plot of compromise, creativity, and domestic life. Premiering at the and later released digitally, the movie received praise for its authentic portrayal of indie artist struggles and the duo's charismatic performances. Their music has also appeared in soundtracks for other feature films, including (2007) and (2012). As of November 2025, Mates of State have not participated in any further feature films as a band.

Television and Other Media

Mates of State has appeared on children's programming, notably , where they performed songs geared toward young audiences and themes of family and inclusion. In the 2010 episode featuring a circus theme, the duo contributed the upbeat jingle "Circus Town," highlighting their harmonious style in a playful, educational context. The band also guested on the sketch comedy series Studio C in 2013 and 2014, integrating their music into comedic segments. They featured in the 2013 "Deal Breaker" sketch, providing original tunes, and returned in 2014 for the parody "Kill The Whales Anthem," blending their indie pop sound with satirical humor. Their track "I Want to Run" from the 2007 album Bring It Back has served as the show's opening theme since season 2. In radio and audio media, Mates of State acted as the house band for NPR's This American Life live tour in early 2007, supplying live performances and underscoring episodes such as "What I Learned from Television," which explored media's cultural impact. More recently, the duo has engaged with podcasts and digital platforms to promote their work. They performed as the house band for a live taping of the 10% Happier podcast on March 28, 2024, at Symphony Space in New York City, tying into themes from host Dan Harris's book. In 2024 and 2025, Mates of State has used online channels to announce their return with the single "Somewhere" and upcoming tour dates, maintaining fan connections amid sporadic releases. As a modern media extension, they released a lyric video for "Somewhere" on September 17, 2024, directed by drummer Jason Hammel, which visually interprets the song's themes of past relationships and resilience.

Discography

Studio Albums

Mates of State debuted with their first full-length studio album, My Solo Project, released in July 2000 on Omnibus Records. The album featured raw, organ-driven with the duo's signature dual vocals and received positive early attention for its energetic, lo-fi charm. It was reissued in 2003 by Polyvinyl Records with updated artwork. Their sophomore effort, Our Constant Concern, arrived on January 22, 2002, via Polyvinyl Record Co. This release refined their sound with more polished production while maintaining the upbeat, harmony-heavy style, though some critics noted the vocal interplay felt less vibrant than their debut. The album solidified their presence in the indie pop scene. In 2003, Team Boo was issued on September 16 by Polyvinyl Record Co., marking a step toward broader accessibility with tracks produced by Jim Eno of . Reviewers praised its respectable evolution in , highlighting the band's ability to balance whimsy and melody without overcomplicating their formula. The duo's major-label shift came with Bring It Back on March 21, 2006, through . Incorporating guitars for the first time, the album expanded their sonic palette and achieved mainstream indie appeal; called it their best work to date. Re-Arrange Us, released on May 20, 2008, by , explored more introspective themes with multi-instrumental arrangements. While harmonies remained a strength, critics observed it slowed the pace compared to prior releases, earning mixed but generally favorable reviews for its maturity. In June 2010, Mates of State issued Crushes (The Covers ), a self-released collection of covers recorded in their home studio, later given a limited vinyl pressing by Polyvinyl in 2012. The album paid homage to influences like Belle & Sebastian and , showcasing their interpretive vocal style in a concise 30-minute format. Their final studio album to date, Mountaintops, came out on September 13, 2011, via . Reflecting personal growth amid family life, it blended cheerful pop with deeper emotional layers and was lauded for its adventurous production. No new original studio albums have followed since 2011, though the band has remained active with reissues and compilations.
AlbumRelease DateLabel
My Solo ProjectJuly 7, 2000Omnibus Records
Our Constant ConcernJanuary 22, 2002Polyvinyl Record Co.
Team BooSeptember 16, 2003Polyvinyl Record Co.
Bring It BackMarch 21, 2006
Re-Arrange UsMay 20, 2008
Crushes (The Covers )June 15, 2010Self-released (MOS Records)
MountaintopsSeptember 13, 2011

Extended Plays

Mates of State have released several extended plays throughout their career, often serving as concise supplements to their studio albums by featuring live recordings, demos, covers, or remixes that capture transitional moments in their evolution. These EPs typically bridge gaps between full-length releases, offering fans glimpses of the band's live energy, experimental remixes, or new material during periods of touring or creative experimentation. The band's earliest EP, European Tour 2003, was self-released on the Fickle Fame label in 2003 as a limited-edition to commemorate their international touring efforts following the album Team Boo. It includes a mix of demo and live tracks, such as "The Open Book (Demo)," "These Days," and live performances of "A Duel Will Settle This" and "Clean Out," recorded at venues like Kalmar Nation in and Café du Nord in , highlighting the duo's raw, energetic stage presence during their early phase. In 2004, All Day arrived via Polyvinyl Record Company, acting as a bridge between Team Boo and their subsequent Barsuk Records era. This four-track EP features original songs like "Goods (All in Your Head)," "Along for the Ride," and "Drop and Anchor," alongside a cover of David Bowie's "Starman," showcasing the band's harmonious vocals and synth-driven sound with a more polished production that foreshadowed their mid-2000s growth. The Daytrotter Session, recorded live in studio and released digitally in December 2006 on , provided a promotional snapshot amid the Bring It Back album cycle. Captured at Daytrotter's facility, it includes intimate performances of tracks like "So Many Ways" and "," emphasizing the duo's stripped-down organ-and-drums setup and vocal interplay in a session format that connected their live touring experiences to studio output. Re-Arranged: Remixes Volume 1, issued on in 2009 as a limited 12-inch vinyl EP, reimagined tracks from the 2008 album Re-Arrange Us through collaborations with artists like and Flosstradamus. Featuring remixes of "," "The Re-Arranger," "Get Better," "Now," and "Jigsaw," it experimented with electronic and dance elements, extending the album's themes while appealing to and providing a thematic to their collaborative production style. After a four-year hiatus from new music, You're Going to Make It emerged on Barsuk Records in 2015, marking the duo's return with five original tracks including "Staring Contest," "Beautiful Kids," and "I Want to Run." This EP revitalized their signature upbeat indie pop with shimmering synths and razor-sharp harmonies, serving as an optimistic bridge from Mountaintops (2011) and reflecting personal themes of perseverance amid family life and creative renewal.

Singles

Mates of State's singles discography features a mix of standalone 7" vinyl releases, often in split formats during their early indie phase, and later promotional or digital singles tied to campaigns. These releases, spanning from 1999 to 2024, showcase the duo's signature vocal harmonies and keyboard-driven pop sound, with early efforts on small labels like Omnibus and Snowglobe, transitioning to for mid-career output, and independent digital distribution in recent years. While not all singles charted commercially, several received radio play and promotional support, such as "Get Better," which served as the from their 2008 Re-Arrange Us and garnered attention through its and live performances. The following table enumerates key singles, focusing on verified standalone and promotional releases:
TitleYearLabelFormat/Notes
Mates of State / Fighter D Split ("Leave Me at the Tree" / "Storm")1999Omnibus7" split single with Fighter D
It's the Law / Invitation Inn2000Omnibus7" single
Beehive State / Über Legitimate2001Snowglobe Records7" single
Lower (split with and )2001Devil in the Woods7" split single
Like U Crazy / Punchlines20067" single, promotional for Bring It Back
Fraud in the '80s20067" single, limited edition from Bring It Back
Get Better2008Promotional single/digital, lead from Re-Arrange Us with radio play and video
Now2008Promotional single from Re-Arrange Us
Somewhere2024Independent (digital)Digital single, first new material in nine years
Over their career, Mates of State issued approximately 15 singles in total, emphasizing vinyl formats in the 1999–2008 period before shifting to digital for sporadic releases post-2011. These tracks often served promotional roles, building fan engagement through limited editions and splits that introduced the band to wider indie audiences.

Other Releases

Mates of State participated in a few collaborative split releases early in their career, showcasing their affinity for shared 7" singles with fellow indie acts. In 1999, they released a split 7" with Fighter D on Omnibus Records, featuring Mates of State's "Leave Me at the Tree" alongside Fighter D's "Storm." Four years later, in 2003, they issued another split 7" with Dear Nora on Polyvinyl Records, which included Mates of State's haunting cover of Nico's "These Days" and Dear Nora's rendition of Bob Dylan's "Girl from the North Country." The duo has made notable appearances on various indie compilations, often contributing tracks from their early catalog or covers to benefit label showcases and charity efforts. For instance, "Invitation Inn" from their debut era appeared on the 2005 Barsuk Records sampler A House Full of Friends, highlighting their growing ties to the Seattle-based label. In 2015, Mates of State curated their own retrospective compilation, Greats, released on , which collected standout singles and album cuts like "For the Actor" and "Fraud in the '80s" to mark over a decade of activity. They also contributed a cover of Death Cab for Cutie's "Technicolor Girls" to the 2017 charity compilation Sad! A Compilation for the ACLU, supporting immigrant rights initiatives. In addition to compilation spots, Mates of State ventured into interpretive releases with Crushes (The Covers ) in , a digital-only collection of covers self-released via and iTunes, featuring songs by artists such as Girls ("Laura"), ("Son et Lumière"), and Belle & Sebastian ("Sleep the Clock Around"). This mixtape served as a creative detour, blending their vocal harmonies with diverse influences outside their original material. Official rarities remain sparse, with no formal collections of unreleased demos or outtakes issued to date; however, live recordings from tours, including fan-captured performances of setlist staples, have circulated online since the early . In 2024, amid their return to touring, the band released a digital lyric video for the track "Somewhere" as a standalone to its single debut, available exclusively through streaming platforms. In 2025, reissued Bring It Back and Re-Arrange Us on vinyl, marking the first vinyl pressings of these albums in over a decade. As of 2025, no tour-exclusive physical releases beyond re-pressings of catalog albums on colored vinyl have been announced, though their ongoing U.S. tour dates suggest potential merchandise tie-ins.

References

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  3. https://www.barsuk.com/artists/matesofstate
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  11. https://www.npr.org/2011/09/29/140920726/mates-of-state-reaching-surprising-new-mountaintops
  12. https://www.mommyhighfive.com/kori-gardner-hammel/
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  14. https://magnetmagazine.com/2006/05/16/mates-of-state-the-sound-of-settling/
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  21. https://www.thecapitoltheatre.com/blog/detail/7-reasons-why-mates-of-state-are-relationshipgoals
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  24. https://www.barsuk.com/shop/bark074
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  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/1200638-Mates-Of-State-European-Tour-2003
  31. https://www.allmusic.com/album/bring-it-back-mw0000351223
  32. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11499-re-arrange-us/
  33. https://www.altpress.com/crushesthecoversmixtape/
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  35. https://theneedledrop.com/news/mates-of-state-release-first-new-song/
  36. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/20645-youre-going-to-make-it-ep/
  37. https://matesofstate.bandcamp.com/album/youre-going-to-make-it
  38. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/mates-of-state-announce-2025-tour-dates/
  39. https://www.instagram.com/p/DABc3uUup0n/?hl=en
  40. https://www.punknews.org/article/11986/tours-mates-of-state-to-tour-with-taking-back-sunday-jimmy-eat-world
  41. https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/mates-of-state-and-death-cab-for-cutie-with-spoon-at-greek-theatre-august-11-2006
  42. https://www.handsometours.com/tours/mates-of-state/
  43. https://www.songkick.com/artists/197323-mates-of-state
  44. https://www.ticketmaster.com/mates-of-state-tickets/artist/839102
  45. https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/austin-city-limits-music-festival-2005
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  48. https://www.thisamericanlife.org/328/what-i-learned-from-television
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  50. https://www.bostonherald.com/2010/09/24/yo-gabba-gabba-party-hits-the-hub/
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  57. https://archive.harvardwood.org/exclusive_q_a_with_brener_brothers
  58. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_rumperbutts
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  60. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEaeJHKKk3U
  61. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fx4I6CFupk
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPFvQeIdu_E
  63. https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/vp-dan-harris-10-happier-10-year-anniversary
  64. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/listen-to-mates-of-states-first-song-in-9-years-somewhere/
  65. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYMwBIHgypg
  66. https://www.discogs.com/master/52151-Mates-Of-State-My-Solo-Project
  67. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5147-my-solo-project/
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  73. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/ep/mates-of-state/european-tour-2003/
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  80. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdoYK9jOltQ
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  83. https://www.discogs.com/master/326884-Mates-Of-State-Like-U-Crazy
  84. https://www.discogs.com/master/1665885-Mates-Of-State-Fraud-In-The-80s
  85. https://music.fandom.com/wiki/Mates_of_State
  86. https://www.discogs.com/release/9008620-Mates-Of-State-Greats
  87. https://barsuk.bandcamp.com/album/sad-a-barsuk-records-compilation-for-the-aclu
  88. https://www.facebook.com/matesofstate/posts/our-new-song-somewhere-will-be-released-91724-along-with-a-lyric-video-pre-save-/1072969587733259/
  89. https://www.instagram.com/matesofstate/
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