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Strfkr (a disemvowelment, as well as the letter C, of "Starfucker"), stylized in all caps, is an American indie rock band from Portland, Oregon. It began in 2007 as a solo project of Joshua Hodges.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Members include Joshua Hodges of Sexton Blake (vocals, keyboards, guitar, drums), Shawn Glassford (bass, keyboards, drums), Keil Corcoran (drums, keyboards, vocals), and Arian Jalali (guitar, keyboards).

Prior to forming Starfucker, Hodges released a solo album titled Sexton Blake and followed up with an album released under the band name "Sexton Blake" entitled Plays The Hits! Both albums were released on Expunged Records. During this time Corcoran was the drummer for Vegas-based grindcore band The Weirding Way.[1]

The name Starfucker started off as a joke by Sam Norris, an early patron of the band, but the band's success under the name grew rapidly. In response to this success, and with the guidance of an ex manager, they briefly changed their name to Pyramiddd, before quickly changing their name back.[2]

In 2010, Starfucker announced that they would be signing with Polyvinyl Records, releasing a two-song EP, and a full album in preparation for March 2011. On August 2, 2011, Starfucker announced that Ryan Biornstad would be leaving the band.[3] The group shortened their name to STRFKR in 2012.[4]

On February 10, 2016, the band released a single titled "Never Ever",[5] while the album Being No One, Going Nowhere was released in November of that year.[6]

On September 6, 2019, the band released a new single titled "Fantasy",[7] and the band's sixth studio album, Future Past Life was released on April 10, 2020.[8]

On March 1, 2024, the band released their seventh studio album, "Parallel Realms",[9] on Polyvinyl Records.

Use in media

[edit]

Strfkr's song, "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second" (2008) was notable for its use in Target's "Pink Pepto" commercial in 2009[10] created by the Portland ad agency Wieden+Kennedy. The promotion was selected as the AdWeek's "Ad of the Day" on September 4, 2009.[11] "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second" was also featured in the TV series Weeds in a scene where Andy and Audra are in a minivan, as well as their song "Biggie Smalls" in the final episode of the series (episode 12 of season eight). "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second" also was featured in the TV series The Blacklist near the end of episode 14 of season 1 in 2014.

Their song "Bury Us Alive" was featured in the 2012 film Chronicle.[12]

Strfkr's cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" from Jupiter was featured in a Juicy Couture ad directed by Terry Richardson starring Candice Swanepoel in 2012, and in the pilot episode for the MTV series Faking It in 2014. Brazilian soap opera “Todas as Flores” used the song as one of the main tracks for the show, in 2022.

The song "Millions", off of the album Reptilians, was played on the American version of the television show Skins. The song "Mona Vegas", off of the album Reptilians, was played in the 2013 film 21 & Over. "While I'm Alive", from the album Miracle Mile, is featured in the film adaptation of The Fault in Our Stars.

The songs "Rawnald Gregory Erickson The Second", "While I'm Alive" and "Bed-Stuy (Super Cop)" were played in the 2014 film Two Night Stand, starring Miles Teller and Analeigh Tipton as main characters, Jessica Zohr, and Scott 'Kid CuDi' Mescudi.

“Open Your Eyes” was played during the opening title of Trinkets on Netflix, in the third episode of the first season “P*ssy Palace”

"Biggie Smalls" from the album Jupiter was played during episode 8 of Apple TV's show "Echo 3"

Style

[edit]

Further explaining the band's name, Josh Hodges said: "I was around all these people who were kind of douchey, the kind of people I would never hang out with, and one of them bragged about being a 'starfucker.' I thought, 'Who are these people? What is this world?' That's why I chose the name: because it represented all I didn't want to be a part of, all I didn't want to do. So it does hold us back, but that was the point, originally."[13] They have also explained it is to keep themselves from taking themselves too seriously as a band and get involved in social politics in the music industry: "I got kind of sick of the idea of success through music or something, so that’s how STRFKR was born. I had this other band and the label it was on had this vision for it and I wasn’t that into it. So I just kind of quit doing that and I was still making music in my basement. It’s just something I always will do whether I’m showing it to other people or not and that’s what STRFKR was. I was like, let’s just do this at house parties. I was trying to remove myself from that rat race or whatever."[14]

Hodges describes the goal of the band's music as "dance music that you can actually listen to, that's good pop songs, but also you can dance to it.".[15] Another defining characteristic is their lyrics, which often discuss death, mortality, and the end of the world but doing so over upbeat and popular dance music. Samples from lectures by Alan Watts are spliced into several of their songs, including "Florida," "Isabella of Castile," "Medicine," "Pistol Pete," "Mystery Cloud," "Golden Light," "Hungry Ghost", "Interspace" and "Quality Time".[16]

The band, notably bassist Shawn Glassford, has earned a reputation for wearing women's clothing during live performances, as was prominently displayed in the band's music video for the song "German Love", directed by Rebecca Micciche. This is used in harmony with their "anti-fashion" approach to music. However, most of their music videos are not made with much of the band's actual involvement or appearance.

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Details Peak chart positions
US
[17] 		US
Heat
[18] 		US Indie
[19]
2008 Starfucker
  • Released: September 23, 2008
  • Label: Badman Recording Co.
 — — —
2009 Jupiter
  • Released: May 5, 2009
  • Label: Badman Recording Co.
  • Notes: Mini-LP re-released with new tracks as full album
 — — —
2011 Reptilians — 26 —
2013 Miracle Mile
  • Released: February 19, 2013
  • Label: Polyvinyl Records
 178 4 29
2016 Being No One, Going Nowhere
  • Released: November 4, 2016
  • Label: Polyvinyl Records
 — 1 9
2020 Future Past Life
  • Released: April 10, 2020
  • Label: Polyvinyl Records
 — — —
2024 Parallel Realms
  • Released: March 1, 2024
  • Label: Polyvinyl Records
 — — —

Extended plays

[edit]
  • Starfucker (2008[20])
  • Burnin' Up (2008)
  • Jupiter (2009)
  • B-Sides (2010)

Singles

[edit]
  • "Julius" (2010)
  • "Happy Fucking Holidays" (2010) (SoundCloud Release Only)
  • "Dragon Queens" 7" Split w/ Champagne Champagne (2011)
  • "The Wisdom of Insecurity" from Japan 3-11-11: A Benefit Album (2011)
  • "While I'm Alive" (2012)
  • "Golden Light" (2014) 12"
  • "Astronaut" b/w "Little Lover" (2015) (Record Store Day release, 400 copies)
  • "Never Ever" (2016)
  • "Amiee" (2017)
  • "Fantasy" (2019)
  • "Never The Same" (2020)
  • "Deep Dream" (2020)
  • "Armatron" (2023)
  • "Always / Never" (2023)
  • ”Together Forever” (2024)
  • "Under Water / In Air" (2024)

Other releases

[edit]
  • Heavens Youth (Reptilian Demos) (2011)
  • Mixtape 1
  • Vault Vol. 1 (2017)
  • Vault Vol. 2 (2017)
  • Vault Vol. 3 (2017)
  • Being No One, Going Nowhere (Remixes) (2018)
  • Live From Brooklyn Steel (2019)
  • Ambient 1 (2020)

References

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

Strfkr

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STRFKR is an American band formed in , in 2007 as a solo project by multi-instrumentalist Josh Hodges, which soon expanded into a collaborative group blending , , , and psychedelic elements into infectious, dance-oriented tracks. The band, also stylized as Starfucker early in their career, is renowned for their high-energy live shows featuring custom-built light displays and relentless touring, having built a dedicated following through a that emphasizes catchy hooks, lo-fi experimentation, and themes of fleeting beauty and existential reflection. The current lineup includes founder Josh Hodges on vocals, guitar, and keyboards; Shawn Glassford on bass and keyboards; Keil Corcoran on drums, keyboards, guitar, and bass; and Arian Jalali on guitar and keyboards, though the band has seen several lineup changes over the years, including past members like Ryan Biornstad and Ian Luxton. Hodges initially started STRFKR as an outlet for his songwriting after previous projects like , quickly evolving it into a vehicle for collaborative, genre-blending music that prioritizes fun and accessibility. Signed to Polyvinyl Records since their 2011 breakthrough album Reptilians, STRFKR has maintained a prolific output, with their self-titled debut Starfucker released independently in 2008, followed by Reptilians (2011), Miracle Mile (2013), Being No One, Going Nowhere (2016), Parallel Realms (2018), Future Past Life (2020), and a second album titled Parallel Realms in 2024. Their music often explores personal introspection amid upbeat rhythms, earning critical praise for albums like Reptilians and Miracle Mile, with the latter reaching No. 178 on the and solidifying their status in the indie scene.

History

2007–2010: Formation and Early Releases

STRFKR originated in 2007 as a solo project by Joshua Hodges in , where he sought to create upbeat electronic and indie music as a therapeutic outlet following frustrations with his previous band, . Hodges initially recorded and performed alone, distributing CD-Rs at free all-ages basement shows to foster a sense of communal joy through dance-oriented sounds. To support live performances, he recruited collaborators, including guitarist Ryan Biornstad, a former bandmate, and drummer , forming the initial live lineup around 2007–2008. This shift marked the project's transition from a solitary endeavor to a collaborative band dynamic. The band's debut self-titled album, Starfucker, was released on September 23, 2008, via Badman Recording Co., with Hodges handling primary production at Portland's Type Foundry studio. Recorded largely as a solo effort but enhanced by live band energy, the album featured 11 tracks blending synth-pop and indie elements, including standout songs like "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second" and "Myke Ptyson." Following its release, STRFKR embarked on early tours across the U.S., building a grassroots following through energetic performances that emphasized dancing and audience interaction. In 2009, the band issued the mini-LP Jupiter on May 5 through Badman Recording Co., serving as a companion to the debut with eight tracks that further explored their and solidified their full-band identity. This release highlighted the contributions of the growing lineup, including Biornstad and Corcoran, and represented a step toward more structured songwriting. By 2010, STRFKR had evolved into a four-piece band and signed with Polyvinyl Records in August, releasing the two-song Julius 7" single as a precursor to their major-label era.

2011–2013: Breakthrough Albums and Name Change

On March 8, 2011, STRFKR released their second studio album, Reptilians, through Polyvinyl Record Company. The album featured standout tracks such as "Mystery Cloud" and "Night Vision," which highlighted the band's evolving sound. Critics praised Reptilians for its seamless integration of structures with pulsating dance and elements, marking a maturation in their production and songwriting. In support of Reptilians, the band embarked on extensive tours across the and internationally, performing over 100 shows in 2011 alone. These included high-profile festival appearances, such as their set at the Polyvinyl Records showcase during SXSW in . The touring schedule helped build momentum, with sold-out performances that showcased their energetic live shows blending electronic beats and live instrumentation. Guitarist Ryan Biornstad departed the band in August 2011. Shawn Glassford joined on bass earlier that year, forming a consistent alongside Joshua Hodges and Keil Corcoran, with Patrick Morris added on guitar shortly after Biornstad's exit. Facing growing challenges with their original name, Starfucker, due to its profane connotations causing issues with venue bookings and promotional restrictions, the band rebranded to the stylized all-caps STRFKR in 2012. This change aimed to streamline operations while retaining their irreverent identity, including the abbreviated form for broader acceptability. On February 19, 2013, STRFKR released their third album, Miracle Mile, as a double LP on Polyvinyl Record Company. The record delved into more experimental territory with swirling keyboards, layered synths, and unconventional structures across its 18 tracks, expanding on the dance-indie fusion of prior work. Miracle Mile further cemented the band's dedicated fanbase, achieving commercial growth and reinforcing their reputation for innovative electronic pop.

2014–2019: Expansion and Lineup Changes

Following the success of their earlier releases, STRFKR issued their fourth studio album, Being No One, Going Nowhere, on November 4, 2016, through Polyvinyl Records. The record, recorded in the Joshua Tree desert, delved into themes of existentialism, introspection, and cosmic freedom, blending indie pop with electronic elements to create a dreamlike soundscape. Singles such as "Open Your Eyes," released in October 2016, highlighted the album's funky grooves and philosophical undertones, urging listeners to confront personal isolation and self-identity. On August 24, 2018, the band released their fifth studio album, Parallel Realms, via Polyvinyl Records. The album, featuring 12 tracks with psychedelic and electronic influences, explored themes of alternate realities and personal growth, receiving critical acclaim and peaking at number 176 on the Billboard 200. In September 2016, the band expanded its lineup with the addition of Arian Jalali on guitar and keyboards, replacing Patrick Morris and bringing a fresh dynamic to their live performances and recordings as a four-piece alongside Joshua Hodges, Shawn Glassford, and Keil Corcoran. This change supported the group's growing creative output, including the release of Vault Vol. 1 on February 7, 2017, via Polyvinyl Records. The EP compiled 20 rare, unreleased tracks and demos spanning from 2007 to the Being No One, Going Nowhere era, offering insight into Hodges' raw songwriting process—often solo sketches on a dying laptop, occasionally aided by collaborator Bemrose on —and the band's evolution through phases of depression and inspiration. These works served as precursors to future explorations, emphasizing experimental demos that foreshadowed the eclectic structures in later albums like Parallel Realms. During this period, STRFKR maintained a rigorous touring schedule, headlining extensive North American runs, such as their fall 2016 tour with supports like Gigamesh and Psychic Twin, which spanned dozens of dates across the U.S. and Canada. They also built an international presence with festival appearances, including Coachella in 2014 and Forecastle Festival in 2017, where their high-energy sets reinforced their reputation for danceable indie rock. Internally, Hodges emphasized a collaborative approach to songwriting, drawing on band input for arrangements while retaining his role as primary composer, which allowed for the fluid integration of new members like Jalali into the creative dynamic.

2020–Present: Recent Albums and Touring

STRFKR released their sixth studio album, Future Past Life, on April 10, 2020, through Polyvinyl Record Company, coinciding with the early stages of the global . The album's 10 tracks, including "Arms of Mine," explored introspective and dreamy soundscapes that resonated with themes of isolation and emotional connection during widespread lockdowns. Produced primarily by frontman Joshua Hodges, the record featured guest vocals from Fontaine Lupino on "Budapest" and maintained the band's signature blend of and synth-driven melodies. In response to pandemic-related disruptions, STRFKR adapted by focusing on virtual promotions and digital engagement, including full album streams and active social media interactions to connect with fans unable to attend live events. The band postponed tours and releases, opting for online content to sustain momentum, which helped mitigate the impact of venue closures and travel restrictions. Live performances resumed in 2022, marking a return to touring with a show at The Depot in Salt Lake City on June 21, followed by extensive U.S. dates supporting their growing catalog. These outings, often featuring openers like Mamalarky, showcased an evolved live energy post-hiatus. The band's seventh studio album, a second release titled Parallel Realms, arrived on , , also via Polyvinyl, expanding their pop-forward sound with 17 tracks incorporating ambient interludes and danceable rhythms. Produced by STRFKR alongside Jeffrey Brodsky and mixed by Chris Coady, it highlighted singles like "Together Forever," which premiered with a video directed by Connor Martin, emphasizing themes of and . Additional production elements included mastering by , contributing to the album's polished, immersive quality without prominent guest features beyond core collaborators. Touring activity intensified in 2025, beginning with the band's debut Australian run in , including dates at Freo.Social in on February 18, Metro Theatre in on February 20, Northcote Theatre in on February 22, and additional shows. This was followed by festival appearances at Wonderfront in (May 16–18), Cathead Jam in (June 6–7), and Austin Psych Fest on April 26 at the Far Out Lounge. The year culminated in West Coast headline dates in August, such as Oakland on August 15, on August 16, San Luis Obispo on August 18, Ventura on August 19, and Pomona on August 20, with co-headlining spots alongside Phantogram and support from Mamalarky. These performances underscored STRFKR's sustained global appeal and adaptability in a post-pandemic landscape.

Band Members

Current Members

The current lineup of Strfkr, as of 2025, consists of Joshua Hodges, Shawn Glassford, Keil Corcoran, and Arian Jalali. Joshua Hodges founded the band in 2007 as a solo project in , initially under the name Starfucker, and remains its lead vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist, and drummer. As the primary songwriter, Hodges has driven the band's creative direction across its discography, drawing from indie electronic influences to craft melodic, synth-driven compositions. Shawn Glassford joined Strfkr in 2011 and plays bass, keyboards, and , contributing significantly to the group's multifaceted . His role has been particularly vital in live settings, where he handles percussion elements alongside synthesizers to support the band's energetic, layered performances. Keil Corcoran became a member in January 2009, shortly after the release of the band's self-titled debut album, and performs on , keyboards, and backing vocals. As one of the longest-serving collaborators with Hodges, Corcoran helps shape the electronic and rhythmic foundation of Strfkr's sound through his work on synths and percussion. Arian Jalali rounds out the quartet on guitar and keyboards, having joined in 2016 to bolster the band's live and recorded arrangements. His contributions add guitar-driven textures and keyboard layers, enhancing the depth of Strfkr's indie electro productions.

Former Members

Ryan Biornstad served as a founding member of STRFKR, contributing on guitar and keyboards from 2007 to 2016. He was featured prominently on early albums such as Reptilians (2011), where his multi-instrumental work helped shape the band's initial indie electronic sound. Biornstad departed the group to focus on solo endeavors and other projects. Ian Luxton served as a from approximately 2011 to 2013, supporting tours and contributing to the band's live performances during that period. Patrick Morris played guitar from approximately 2013 to 2018, becoming a full-time member after the departure of Ryan Biornstad and contributing to albums and tours during his tenure. Morris left to pursue his solo project Class Photo. Andrew Connor handled keyboards and guitar for a period from 2014 to 2016, assisting with touring and additional recordings during the promotion of Miracle Mile (2013) and subsequent releases. His role was primarily supportive, filling in during transitional phases.

Musical Style

Genre Characteristics

STRFKR's music is characterized by a fusion of , , and , often featuring upbeat tempos and infectious, catchy hooks that create an energetic yet accessible sound. This blend draws from indietronica and electro-pop traditions, incorporating groovy rhythms and melodic structures that encourage movement while maintaining a melodic . Central to their sonic palette are synthesizers, drum machines, and layered vocals, which together produce a danceable atmosphere infused with subtle emotional depth. Synthesizers, such as models including the SH-09 for basslines, Juno 106, and SH-1000, provide shimmering textures and driving melodies, while drum machines like the for kicks and Sequential Circuits Drumtraks contribute punchy, electronic percussion patterns. Vocals are typically processed with reverb and layering for an ethereal, wispy quality, enhancing the introspective feel amid the rhythmic propulsion. The band's production style has evolved from lo-fi elements in their initial releases, characterized by raw, guitar- and drum-driven arrangements with minimal polish, to more refined digital sounds in later works. By the time of their 2024 album Parallel Realms, this progression culminated in a crisp, layered aesthetic achieved through professional mixing, incorporating spacey synth solos, pulsing rhythms, and extended ambient textures for a fuller, more immersive experience. Complementing their musical approach is an aesthetic in clothing and personal style, featuring casual outfits and occasional drag, which aligns with the band's fun and unpretentious . This is paired with elaborate live performances including custom light displays and psychedelic visuals that emphasize energy and immersion.

Themes and Influences

STRFKR's lyrics frequently explore themes of death, mortality, and existential questions, often contrasting these weighty subjects with the band's upbeat, energetic soundscapes. Frontman Hodges has described his preoccupation with and change as a core influence on his songwriting, viewing societal attitudes toward living as "silly" in light of inevitable mortality. This allows listeners to engage on multiple levels, dancing to infectious rhythms while contemplating deeper ideas, as band member Shawn Glassford noted: "We like that where somebody... can just dance and have a good time, or if they want to get down to it, they can get bummed out and actually know what we're singing about... We like our music to [sound] happy, even if we're singing about ." On the 2011 album Reptilians, these motifs are prominent, inspired by Hodges' personal loss—his grandmother's passing—which fueled an obsession with across the record's surreal and obtuse lyrics. Similarly, the 2020 album Future Past Life delves into and , blending philosophical spoken-word snippets with danceable pop to encourage reflection amid celebration. A key element in conveying these ideas is the band's incorporation of samples from philosopher Alan Watts, whose lectures on Eastern spirituality and mindfulness appear in multiple tracks, promoting awareness of the present moment and acceptance of impermanence. Watts' voice underscores themes of curiosity and non-philosophical wonder in songs like "Medicine" from the debut album, emphasizing basic existential inquiry over rigid dogma. Tracks such as "Open Your Eyes" from Being No One, Going Nowhere (2016) echo this philosophy through lyrics urging presence and self-determination—"Open your eyes, see what you want to see / The future's in your hands"—aligning with Watts' accessible interpretations of mindfulness and life's fluidity. Hodges has credited Watts for making Eastern ideas approachable, stating, "I really like Alan Watts because he makes Eastern philosophy so accessible," which has shaped the band's ongoing integration of such samples since their 2008 self-titled release. The band's influences draw heavily from Eastern spirituality, particularly Buddhist philosophy, which Hodges says profoundly changed his life and informed his lyrical approach. Emerging from Portland's indie rock scene, STRFKR absorbed the city's experimental ethos, blending it with electronic pop structures reminiscent of broader indie influences, while prioritizing Watts' bridge between Western and Eastern thought. Over time, lyrics have evolved from the playful, quirky narratives of early releases—like the whimsical storytelling in debut tracks—to more mature, introspective reflections in post-2020 work, as seen in Future Past Life's emphasis on lyrical depth and personal growth. This progression reflects Hodges' practical engagement with philosophy, turning existential musings into emotionally resonant, melody-driven explorations.

Discography

Studio Albums

STRFKR's debut studio album, Starfucker, was released on September 23, 2008, through Badman Recording Co. and features 11 tracks including "Florida" and "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second." The band's second studio album, Jupiter, was released on May 5, 2009, through Badman Recording Co. and features eight tracks including "Medicine" and "Dance Face 2000." The band's third studio album, Reptilians, came out on March 8, 2011, via Polyvinyl Record Co. and contains 11 tracks such as "Born," "Julius," and "Bury Us Alive." Miracle Mile, STRFKR's fourth studio album, was issued as a double album on February 19, 2013, by Polyvinyl Record Co. and includes 15 tracks like "While I'm Alive," "Sazed," and "Golden Light." On November 4, 2016, the band released their fifth studio album, Being No One, Going Nowhere, through Polyvinyl Record Co., comprising 11 tracks including "Tape Machine," "Satellite," and "Open Your Eyes." Future Past Life, the sixth studio album, appeared on April 10, 2020, via Polyvinyl Record Co. and consists of 10 tracks such as "Dear Stranger," "Never the Same," and "Budapest." The latest studio album, Parallel Realms, was released on March 1, 2024, by Polyvinyl Record Co. and features 17 tracks including "Always / Never," "Holding On," and "Running Around," developed in a collaborative process merging elements from prior releases.

Extended Plays

STRFKR released their debut extended play, the self-titled Starfucker, in 2007 as a limited CDr pressing. This early EP featured initial recordings from Joshua Hodges' solo project phase, showcasing raw indie electronic sounds before the band's full formation. In 2009, the band issued Jupiter as a mini-LP on Badman Recording Co., containing eight tracks that highlighted their burgeoning electronic experiments, including synth-driven tracks like "Medicine" and "Dance Face 2000." Originally conceived as a shorter release, it was expanded slightly but remained a pivotal early work blending danceable beats with psychedelic elements. The EP was later reissued and remastered by Polyvinyl Record Co. in 2014 with additional mixes and bonus tracks, extending it to eleven songs while preserving its experimental vibe. A compilation EP, B-Sides, followed in 2010 via Badman Recording Co., compiling five outtakes and alternate versions from prior sessions, offering fans deeper insight into the band's creative process during their formative years. Vault Vol. 1, released on February 7, 2017, by Polyvinyl Record Co., marked the start of the band's Vault series with 20 previously unreleased tracks salvaged from a failing hard drive. Including songs like "Long Time" and "Prrrty," it provided a glimpse into Hodges' decade-spanning songwriting archives, emphasizing unreleased demos with lo-fi electronic and pop influences rather than remixes. The EP was limited to 180-gram red vinyl pressings and digital formats, with subsequent volumes expanding the concept but maintaining its focus on archival material. In 2024, STRFKR released the Under Water / In Air EP on , featuring four tracks drawn from their album Parallel Realms, such as the title track and "Together Forever." This digital and streaming-focused EP served as a companion to the full-length release, highlighting atmospheric elements in a concise format.

Singles

STRFKR's singles have often highlighted the band's evolving sound, serving as key promotional tracks for their albums. "Mystery Cloud," released in 2011 as the lead single from the album Reptilians, contributed to the record's indie acclaim and featured ethereal synth layers characteristic of the band's early work. In 2016, "Open Your Eyes" was issued from Being No One, Going Nowhere, accompanied by an official music video that emphasized the song's introspective lyrics and upbeat tempo. "Arms of Mine," a 2020 single from Future Past Life, arrived amid the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing a sense of introspection with its minimalistic production and emotional delivery. The band's most recent single, "Open Your Arms" from 2024's Parallel Realms, received focused radio promotion, blending nostalgic pop elements with modern electronic flourishes.

Other Releases

In 2017, STRFKR released Vault Vol. 2 and Vault Vol. 3 as part of a three-volume series of previously unreleased recordings salvaged from a failing laptop hard drive, comprising a total of 64 tracks across the set that showcase the band's early songwriting experiments and demos spanning over a decade. Vault Vol. 2, issued in July 2017 via Polyvinyl Record Co., features 25 short, eclectic pieces including "Beginner" and "Open Your Eyes," highlighting raw, instrumental sketches and unfinished ideas that influenced the group's evolution. Similarly, Vault Vol. 3, released in December 2017, contains 19 tracks such as "Hoodie" and "While I'm Waiting," emphasizing lo-fi demos and ambient fragments that remained unheard outside the band until this compilation. The band also issued Heaven's Youth (Reptilians Demos) in April 2012, a 12-track collection of original recordings and alternate mixes that served as the foundational demos for their album Reptilians, originally conceived under the Heaven's Youth. This release includes raw versions like "Born (Original Recording)" and "Bury Us Alive (Skeletron Mix)," providing insight into the creative process behind tracks that were later refined for the full-length album. STRFKR ventured into remixes with Being No One, Going Nowhere (REMIXES), a 2018 digital release featuring reimagined versions of songs from their album, produced by collaborators including Kauf, Blake Parsons, and Ghosts of Venice. Tracks such as "Tape Machine (Kauf Remix)" and "Satellite (Blake Parsons Remix)" transform the originals into extended electronic explorations, emphasizing the band's affinity for dance-oriented reinterpretations.

Cultural Impact

Use in Media

STRFKR's music has been prominently featured in various television series, enhancing key scenes with its energetic indie rock sound. The track "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second" from their 2008 self-titled album appeared in season 5 of the Showtime series Weeds, playing during a minivan scene involving characters Andy and Audra in episode 10, "All About My Brother," which aired in 2009. The same song was later used in season 1, episode 14 of NBC's , titled "Madeline Pratt," toward the end as a character exits a house, broadcast in 2014. More recently, their 2024 single "Together Forever" from the album Parallel Realms was included in episode 5 of the romantic comedy . In film, STRFKR's songs have provided atmospheric backdrops for coming-of-age and dramatic narratives. "Bury Us Alive," from their 2011 album Reptilians, featured in the 2012 sci-fi thriller Chronicle, directed by Josh Trank, underscoring moments of youthful rebellion and supernatural discovery. The band's track "While I'm Alive" from Miracle Mile (2013) was part of the soundtrack for the 2014 romantic drama The Fault in Our Stars, adapted from John Green's novel, appearing in scenes that highlight emotional introspection. Multiple songs, including "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second," "Bed-Stuy (Super Cop)," and "While I'm Alive," were incorporated into the 2014 comedy Two Night Stand, starring Miles Teller and Emma Bell, to capture the film's playful and intimate tone. STRFKR's early hit "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second" also gained widespread exposure through advertising, featured in Target's 2009 "Pink Pepto" commercial, which depicted a child navigating a grocery aisle with a , produced by the Portland agency . This sync placement helped introduce the band's music to a broader audience beyond indie circuits.

Live Performances and Legacy

STRFKR's live performances are renowned for their high-energy delivery, incorporating elaborate visual effects, psychedelic projections, and interactive elements that foster a communal atmosphere. The band often deploys cannons, lights, and inflatable props during sets, encouraging audience participation through crowd-surfing and synchronized movements, as seen in their show at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., where dancers and euphoric visuals amplified the experience. This immersive style has earned them a reputation as one of the premier live acts in the indie-electronic genre, with performances described as visually stimulating spectacles that blend drama and accessibility. The band's touring history began gaining momentum in the early 2010s, highlighted by festival appearances that showcased their rising profile. In 2011, STRFKR made a notable debut at (SXSW) in , performing at showcases that captured attention for their energetic sets. Their festival circuit expanded in subsequent years, culminating in a standout slot at Music and Arts Festival in 2014, where they delivered a full set on the Mojave Stage, drawing crowds with tracks from their album Reptilians. Following a pause due to the , STRFKR resumed touring in 2022 with a comprehensive U.S. run, including rescheduled dates like their July performance at First Avenue in and a stop at The Granada Theater in , marking a return to pre-pandemic intensity. By 2025, STRFKR continued to expand their global reach, achieving their Australian debut with a February tour across , , , , and , presented by Frontier Touring. This was followed by U.S. festival appearances at Austin Psych Fest (April 25–27) and Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival (May 16–18), where their sets emphasized the psych-infused elements of their evolving . STRFKR's legacy lies in their sustained influence on the indie-electronic scene, where their blend of danceable synths and introspective lyrics has inspired a wave of acts exploring philosophical themes of transience and self-discovery. Signed to Polyvinyl Records since 2011, the band has cultivated a devoted fanbase through consistent touring and releases, growing from underground festival buzz to headline status at mid-sized venues and events. Their critical standing remains strong as of , with no major awards or nominations recorded, but consistent praise for innovative live productions that prioritize communal joy over commercial spectacle.

References

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