JR JR

JR JR (pronounced "junior junior"; originally named Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.) is an American indie-pop band from Detroit, Michigan, consisting of Daniel Zott and Joshua Epstein. The band also includes drummer Mike Higgins.

History

Zott and Epstein met each other while playing in other Detroit music projects. They formed Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. in late 2009 and began recording in Zott's basement in Royal Oak, Michigan with few intentions of reaching the public. Their original name, derived from NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., was suggested to the pair as a joke. In 2013 Zott stated, "The name for us was just a way to identify our crazy new project that had no limitations. People have no idea how we are going to sound, and so it gives them a reason to actually take some time to listen to the music." About 2011 the band emailed Dale Earnhardt Jr. to assure him they were not making fun of him; he responded that Jimmie Johnson had already told him about them, he was flattered, and they would "not hear from any lawyers".

2010–2011: ''Horsepower'' (EP) and ''It's A Corporate World''

In July 2010, the band released ''Horsepower'' EP via Quite Scientific Records. The ''Horsepower'' EP consisted of songs "Nothing But Our Love," "Vocal Chords," "Simple Girl," and a cover of Brian Wilson's song "God Only Knows." The band came out with a second EP titled "My Love Is Easy: Remixes Pt.1" via Quite Scientific Records on November 2, 2010. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. was noted as 'one of the best new bands' of 2010 and became very well-liked from various sources including Stereogum, SPIN, Under the Radar, Real Detroit, and The Metro Times. The band came out with ''We Almost Lost Detroit'' EP via Warner Bros. Records and Quite Scientific Records on April 21, 2011. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. released two singles, "Morning Thought" and "Simple Girl" on April 8, 2011 and September 9, 2011 respectively.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. came out with their first full-length album, ''It's A Corporate World.'' The album was released June 7, 2011 via Warner Bros. Records and Quite Scientific Records.

2013–2015: ''Patterns'' (EP) and ''The Speed of Things''

The band came out with their single "If You Didn't See Me (Then You Weren't On The Dancefloor)" on April 2, 2013. The single's release was followed by their EP release, ''Patterns''. The band performed live on May 16, 2013 on KCRW's ''Morning Becomes Eclectic'' to premier songs from their album. The featured songs included: "Hiding," "Run," "Mesopotamia," "If You Didn't See Me (Then You Weren't On The Dancefloor)," "Dark Water," "Knock Louder," "War Zone," "Don't Tell Me," and "I Think Of You." They performed on Conan, June 11, 2013, featuring the song "If You Didn't See Me (Then You Weren't On The Dancefloor)."

''Patterns'' EP was released on April 16, 2013, consisting of four songs: "If You Didn't See Me (Then You Weren't On The Dancefloor)," "Dark Water," "Hiding," and "Habits." The band released their second studio album titled, ''The Speed of Things'', on October 8, 2013, with some guidance from Paul Simon. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. went on tour with Atlas Genius and Family of the Year in the fall of 2013. The band released their mixtape "Produce Vol. 1" on February 5, 2014. Produce Vol. 1 is a new step for the band as they continue their journey towards the spotlight.

2015–present: Name change and ''JR JR''

On July 15, 2015, the band announced that they were renaming themselves to JR JR to end confusion with the NASCAR driver: "We've had people drive long distances to shows only to be disappointed when they realize it's a neurotic Jew and wild haired gentile from Detroit they’ve paid to see." They premiered their new single " Gone" from their self-titled album on July 16, 2015.

Discography

EPs

Albums

Singles

* "Morning Thought" (digital single, April 8, 2011)
* "Simple Girl" (digital single, September 9, 2011)
* "If You Didn't See Me (Then You Weren't On The Dancefloor)" (digital single, April 2, 2013)
* " Gone" (digital single, July 17, 2015)
* "Same Dark Places" (digital single, April 5, 2017)
* "Clean Up" (digital single, August 28, 2017)

References

External links

Official website

June, 2011 Synconation Ladies Room Interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

{{Authority control

Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Indie pop groups from Michigan
Musical groups from Detroit
Warner Records artists
Musical groups established in 2010
2010 establishments in Michigan