The Vacant Lots are an American post-punk electro band based in

Brooklyn Brooklyn () is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Kings County, in the U.S. state of New York. Kings County is the most populous county in the State of New York, and the second-most densely populated county in the United States, be ...

, New York.

History

The Vacant Lots are a two-piece

post-punk Post-punk (originally called new musick) is a broad music genre, genre of Punk Music, punk music that emerged in the late 1970s as musicians departed from punk's traditional elements and raw simplicity, instead adopting a variety of avant-garde s ...

electro band formed by Jared Artaud and Brian MacFadyen in Burlington, Vermont. The group is now based out of

New York City New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the most densely populated major city in the Un ...

. Their sound has been described as minimalist, rock and roll, psych and punk. The band's "minimal means maximum effect" aesthetic is something they have developed since the band's formation by continuing as a two-piece. The group has cited Native American drumming, Indian tanpura, early rock n roll,

The Gun Club The Gun Club were an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, United States, which existed from 1979 to 1996. It was formed and led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Jeffrey Lee Pierce. History Early days (1979–1980) The Gun Club w ...

, and

Television Television, sometimes shortened to TV, is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. The term can refer to a television set, or the medium of television transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertisin ...

as major influences on their sound. In 2010, the duo were invited by

Sonic Boom A sonic boom is a sound associated with shock waves created when an object travels through the air faster than the speed of sound. Sonic booms generate enormous amounts of sound energy, sounding similar to an explosion or a thunderclap to ...

of legendary UK psych band

Spacemen 3 Spacemen 3 were an English neo-psychedelia space rock band, formed in 1982 in Rugby, Warwickshire, by Peter Kember and Jason Pierce, known respectively under their pseudonyms Sonic Boom and J Spaceman. Their music is known for its brand of " ...

and

EAR An ear is the organ that enables hearing and, in mammals, body balance using the vestibular system. In mammals, the ear is usually described as having three parts—the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The outer ear consists of ...

to tour the

U.S. The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

for the first time with his band Spectrum. In 2011, The Vacant Lots signed to

Mexican Summer Mexican Summer is an independent record label founded in 2009 by Keith Abrahamsson and Andres Santo Domingo. Based in Brooklyn, New York, the label has released recordings from artists including Best Coast, Kurt Vile, Ariel Pink, Allah-Las, W ...

and released their first official single "Confusion" b/w "Cadillac." Later that year, The Black Angels and The Reverberation Appreciation Society invited The Vacant Lots to perform at Austin Psych Fest 4. In the summer of 2011, The Vacant Lots supported

Dean Wareham Dean Wareham (born 1 August 1963) is an American musician and actor who formed the band Galaxie 500 in 1987. He left Galaxie 500 in April 1991 and founded the band Luna. Since Luna's breakup in 2005, Wareham has released albums with fellow Lun ...

(

Galaxie 500 Galaxie 500 was an American alternative rock band that formed in 1987 and split up in 1991 after releasing three albums: ''Today'', '' On Fire'' and '' This Is Our Music''. The band was made up of guitarist/vocalist Dean Wareham, drummer Damon ...

Luna Luna commonly refers to: * Earth's Moon, named "Luna" in Latin * Luna (goddess), the ancient Roman personification of the Moon Luna may also refer to: Places Philippines * Luna, Apayao * Luna, Isabela * Luna, La Union * Luna, San Jose Roma ...

Dean & Britta Dean & Britta is a musical duo consisting of Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips, both former members of Luna. Wareham had formed Luna in 1991 after leaving his first band, Galaxie 500. Phillips joined Luna in 2000, replacing bassist Justin Harwo ...

) for one of the last performances of Dean Wareham Plays Galaxie 500 Songs at The Bell House in

. In 2012, they were invited back to play Austin Psych Fest 5 and the band signed to Austin Psych Fest's record label, The Reverberation Appreciation Society, for their second official 7" single release, "High And Low" b/w "Let Me Out." In January 2013, The Vacant Lots toured the U.S. with

The Growlers ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

. In February, the duo's third single "6 AM" was released on Sonic Cathedral Records (UK), as part of a 6 band contemporary psych-rock compilation called ''Psych For Sore Eyes'', mastered by

. In October 2013, The Vacant Lots' cover version of "No More Christmas Blues" by Alan Vega of Suicide was released on

Cleopatra Records Cleopatra Records is an American independent record label based in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1992 by Brian Perera. The record label has since grown into a family of labels, including Hypnotic Records, Purple Pyramid Records, D ...

as part of a compilation album called ''Psych-Out Christmas'' that featured Iggy Pop,

Psychic Ills Psychic Ills are an American experimental rock/psychedelic rock band from New York City, consisting of Tres Warren (vocals/guitar; 1978-2020), Elizabeth Hart (vocals/bass), Adam Amram, Jon Catfish Delorme, and Brent Cordero. They formed in 2003, ...

Dead Meadow Dead Meadow is an American psychedelic rock band formed in Washington, D.C. in 1998 and currently composed of vocalist and guitarist Jason Simon, bassist Steve Kille, and drummer Mark Laughlin. The band have released seven studio albums, two li ...

The Fuzztones The Fuzztones are an American garage rock revival band formed in 1982. History Founded by singer-guitarist Rudi Protrudi in New York City, the band has gone through several member changes but is currently active in Europe. Dismissed by some cri ...

and more. In February 2014, Jared Artaud released a book of poetry called ''Empty Space'' that was published by Dactyl Poetry. The Vacant Lots have also announced that they have completed their debut album, which will be released in the summer of 2014. In April 2014, the two-piece supported indie-rock icon and label-mate

on a tour of the U.S. The Vacant Lots announced their debut album 'Departure' would be released on UK independent record label Sonic Cathedral on July 1, 2014. 'Departure' was produced by The Vacant Lots, mixed and mastered by

and features

on guitar. BrooklynVegan premiered the first single and music video for "Mad Mary Jones" from the debut album. On May 21, 2014, The Vacant Lots and Alan Vega of influential New York punk band Suicide released a split 10" vinyl on Fuzz Club Records. The release debuts a new track by Alan Vega entitled "Nike Soldier" and an alternate mix of "Mad Mary Jones" by The Vacant Lots. In the same week, Interview Magazine premiered the music video for "Before The Evening's Thru", which is the second released track from the band's upcoming debut album 'Departure'. In June and July 2014, The Vacant Lots toured the UK for the first time with legendary neo-psych band

The Brian Jonestown Massacre The Brian Jonestown Massacre is an American musical project and band led and started by Anton Newcombe. It was formed in San Francisco in 1990. The group was the subject of the 2004 documentary film called '' Dig!'', and have gained media not ...

. On July 1, The Vacant Lots released their debut album 'Departure' on London independent label Sonic Cathedral. In September, Spanish independent label Ayo Silver! released a limited edition 10" vinyl entitled 'Arrival' compiling the band's singles and remixes. 'Arrival' was also included as a bonus disc in the first initial copies of the group's debut album and features artwork by LA Pop-Surrealist artist Anthony Ausgang. Additionally, in September the band toured Europe and the UK as well as a performance at Liverpool Psych Fest. On September 22, Sonic Cathedral released the duo's third single "Paint This City" backed with "Departure."

The Quietus ''The Quietus'' is a British online music and pop culture magazine founded by John Doran and Luke Turner. The site is an editorially independent publication led by Doran with a group of freelance journalists and critics. Content ''The Quietu ...

premiered the music video for the single, which was directed by Boston filmmaker Samuel Quinn. The Vacant Lots supported 1970s electro-punk legends Suicide at

Webster Hall Webster Hall is a nightclub and concert venue located at 125 East 11th Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues, near Astor Place, in the East Village of Manhattan, New York City. It is one of New York City's most historically significant ...

in New York City on March 7, 2015. On March 16, 2015, Sonic Cathedral released a vinyl only single by The Vacant Lots that featured two remixes by Alan Vega of Suicide and

Anton Newcombe Anton Alfred Newcombe (born August 29, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and founder of the music group The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Newcombe was the subject of the 2004 documentary film '' Dig!'', along ...

. The Vacant Lots performed at acclaimed independent UK music festival

Secret Garden Party The Secret Garden Party, often colloquially shortened to the SGP, is an independent arts and music festival which takes place in Abbots Ripton near Huntingdon in England. This location is on part of the grounds of a Georgian farmhouse and has its ...

with

Temples A temple (from the Latin ) is a building reserved for spiritual rituals and activities such as prayer and sacrifice. Religions which erect temples include Christianity (whose temples are typically called churches), Hinduism (whose temples ...

and

Toy A toy or plaything is an object that is used primarily to provide entertainment. Simple examples include toy blocks, board games, and dolls. Toys are often designed for use by children, although many are designed specifically for adults and pet ...

on July 25, 2015. During their 2015 European tour, The Vacant Lots recorded a collaborative EP entitled 'Berlin' with

in Berlin, Germany that was released on Anton Newcombe's record label A Recordings on November 25, 2016. The band's second full-length album, 'Endless Night', was released worldwide on Metropolis Records on April 21, 2017. The last track on the album "Suicide Note" featured vocals by Alan Vega of the legendary punk band Suicide. It is one of the final collaborations that Alan Vega was part of before he died on July 16, 2016. The Vacant Lots supported influential

rock Rock most often refers to: * Rock (geology), a naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids * Rock music, a genre of popular music Rock or Rocks may also refer to: Places United Kingdom * Rock, Caerphilly, a location in Wales ...

band

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (sometimes abbreviated to BRMC) is an American rock band from San Francisco, California. The group originally consisted of Peter Hayes (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Robert Levon Been (vocals, bass, guitar), and Ni ...

in Europe in 2017. In May, 2019 The Vacant Lots were invited by legendary Portland rock band

The Dandy Warhols The Dandy Warhols are an American alternative rock band, formed in Portland, Oregon, in 1994 by singer-guitarist Courtney Taylor-Taylor and guitarist Peter Holmström. They were later joined by keyboardist Zia McCabe and drummer Eric Hedford. H ...

to tour the

on their 25th anniversary tour. On August 30, 2019, the group released 'Exit' on A Recordings, which is their second EP recorded with

who mixed & produced the album in Berlin. "Bells" the single off the record charted at number 9 on the Official UK Vinyl Singles Chart Top 40. On Friday, April 24, 2020, The Vacant Lots announced their third album 'Interzone' will be released on June 26 on

London London is the capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary dow ...

indie record label Fuzz Club. The album is described as "a genre-blending synthesis of dance and psych" The album sleeve and packaging features the consistent visual identity associated with the band; black and white Op artwork by Swiss designer, Ivan Liechti. On April 24, "Rescue", the first single off the new album was released and described by Brooklyn Vegan as "post-punk inspired...which brings to mind

Jesus and Mary Chain Jesus, likely from he, יֵשׁוּעַ, translit=Yēšūaʿ, label=Hebrew/Aramaic ( AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus of Nazareth (among other names and titles), was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious ...

and Love & Rockets." "Fracture", the second single off the group's third album "Interzone" was released on May 22, and premiered on Post Punk Magazine, which they described as "explosive psych mixed with the experimental spirit of proto-punk; a fuzzy memory trying desperately to resurface." On Friday, June 26, 2020, The Vacant Lots third album "Interzone" was released on London's record label Fuzz Club. The album features a music video for 'Party's Over' directed by British film-maker and video artist Browzan. On October 16, 2020, Fuzz Club released The Vacant Lots' "Departure" Remix by

Robert Levon Been Robert Levon Been (born August 22, 1977), previously known by the stage name Robert Turner, is an American musician and singer. He is currently a member of the rock band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and was, for a time, a bass player in a band kn ...

who's been a longtime supporter of the band. On October 30, A Recordings released The Vacant Lots' "Damage Control" which is a double album featuring both Berlin and Exit EP that was recorded and produced by

at his studio in Berlin. In 2021, Jared Artaud co-produced, mixed, and did art direction on the lost Alan Vega album entitled "Mutator" released o
Sacred Bones Records
The Vacant Lots announced their fourth album entitled "Closure" is to be released on September 30, 2022, on Fuzz Club. The single "Thank You" off the album premiered on Flood Magazine on August 8, 2022. "Thank You" also aired on Punk icon Iggy Pop's Iggy Confidential BBC6 radio show titled "Iggy Confidential with some brand new Vacant Lots" on February 2, 2022. The Vacant Lots released their third single "Consolation Prize" on September 7, 2022, from their upcoming album "Closure". The song and music video premiered on Under The Radar Magazine. "Consolation Prize" first aired on Iggy Pop's Iggy Confidential BBC6 radio show titled "Iggy Confidential with some brand new Vacant Lots". On September 30, The Vacant Lots supported psych-rock pioneers The Black Angels in North America culminating in a performance at

Levitation (festival) Levitation (formerly Austin Psych Fest) is an annual 3-day music festival developed and produced by The Reverberation Appreciation Society. Since its sixth year in 2013 it has been held at Carson Creek Ranch in Austin, Texas. Inspired by the creati ...

for the official after party for legendary rock band

The Jesus and Mary Chain The Jesus and Mary Chain are a Scottish alternative rock band formed in East Kilbride in 1983. The band revolves around the songwriting partnership of brothers Jim and William Reid. After signing to independent label Creation Records, they re ...

Band members

Members

* Jared Artaud —

Vocals Singing is the act of creating musical sounds with the voice. A person who sings is called a singer, artist or vocalist (in jazz and/or popular music). Singers perform music (arias, recitatives, songs, etc.) that can be sung with or withou ...

, Guitars, Bass, Synths, Producer, Mixing,

Songwriter A songwriter is a musician who professionally composes musical compositions or writes lyrics for songs, or both. The writer of the music for a song can be called a composer, although this term tends to be used mainly in the classical music ...

. *Brian MacFadyen —

Electronics The field of electronics is a branch of physics and electrical engineering that deals with the emission, behaviour and effects of electrons using electronic devices. Electronics uses active devices to control electron flow by amplification ...

, Drums,

, Bass, Synths, Producer, Mixing,

Discography

Albums

* ''Closure'' (Sept 2022) (Fuzz Club) * ''Interzone'' (June 2020) (Fuzz Club) * ''Endless Night'' (April 2017) (Metropolis) * ''Departure'' (July 2014) (Sonic Cathedral)

EPs

* ''Exit'' (EP 12") (August 2019) (A Recordings) * ''Berlin'' (EP 12") (November 2016) (A Recordings) * ''Alan Vega/The Vacant Lots'' (EP split 10") (May 2014) (Fuzz Club)

Singles

* "Consolation Prize" (Digital) (Sept 2022) (Fuzz Club) * "Thank You" (Digital) (Aug 2022) (Fuzz Club) * "Chase" (Digital) (Aug 2022) (Fuzz Club) * "Departure" (Robert Levon Been Remix) (7", Digital) (October 2020) (Fuzz Club) * "Exit" (Digital) (June 2020) (Fuzz Club) * "Fracture" (Digital) (May 2020) (Fuzz Club) * "Rescue" (Digital) (April 2020) (Fuzz Club) * "Bells" (Digital) (May 2019) (A Recordings) * "Departure" / "Let Me Out" (Sonic Boom Mix) (7") (April 2015) (Bronson Recordings) * "6 AM" (Alan Vega Remix) / "Never Satisfied" (Anton Newcombe Remix) (7") (March 2015) (Sonic Cathedral) * "Paint This City" / "Departure" (Digital) (September 2014) (Sonic Cathedral) * "Before The Evening's Thru" (Digital) (July 2014) (Sonic Cathedral) * "Mad Mary Jones" (Digital) (June 2014) (Sonic Cathedral) * "High and Low" / "Let Me Out" (7") (August 2012) ( The Reverberation Appreciation Society) * "Confusion" / "Cadillac" (7") (January 2011) (

)

Compilations

* ''Damage Control'' (LP) (October 2020) (A Recordings) * "''6 AM''" (LP) ''Liverpool International Festival Of Psychedelia Presents PZYK Vol. 1'' (October 2020) (PZYK Records) * "''Fame''" (LP) ''A Salute To The Thin White Duke - The Songs of

David Bowie David Robert Jones (8 January 194710 January 2016), known professionally as David Bowie ( ), was an English singer-songwriter and actor. A leading figure in the music industry, he is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the ...

'' (October 2016) (

) * "''Julia''" (LP) ''The Magical Mystery Psych-Out: A Tribute To

The Beatles The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the developmen ...

'' (March 2015) (

) * "''She Smiled Sweetly''" (LP) ''Stoned: A Psych Tribute to

The Rolling Stones The Rolling Stones are an English Rock music, rock band formed in London in 1962. Active for six decades, they are one of the most popular and enduring bands of the album era, rock era. In the early 1960s, the Rolling Stones pioneered the g ...

'' (January 2015) (

) * "''No More Christmas Blues''" (LP) ''Psych-Out Christmas'' (October 2013) (

) * "''6 AM''" (EP) ''Psych For Sore Eyes'' (February 2013) (Sonic Cathedral)

Logo

The Vacant Lots logo is a black spiral with the band name juxtaposed through and then around the outer layer or ring. Like most of the band's album artwork, concert posters and visual aesthetic, the colors black and white are used to create the logo. The design of the band's logo was created by The Vacant Lots.

References

External links

Official site
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vacant Lots, The (band) American indie rock groups Psychedelic rock music groups from New York (state) Musical groups from New York City American post-punk music groups American experimental musicians American performance artists Mexican Summer artists