Warpaint Biography

Warpaint is an experimental art rock group from Los Angeles formed in 2004 currently composed of Emily Kokal (vocals/guitar), Theresa Wayman (vocals/guitar), Jenny Lee Lindberg (bassist/vocals), and Stella Mozgawa (drums/keyboards). The group has gone through many lineup changes, including actress Shannyn Sossamon and current Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. They released their debut EP, Exquisite Corpse in 2009 and released their full length album, entitled The Fool, on October 25.

Beginning and formation

Warpaint formed in Los Angeles in 2004 on Valentine's Day. The original lineup consisted of childhood friends Theresa Wayman, Emily Kokal, and sisters Shannyn Sossamon and Jenny Lee Lindberg. The band played in the LA area for three years, gaining fans and writing songs such as "Stars," "Beetles," and "Elephants," which would eventually comprise their debut EP, Exquisite Corpse.

Exquisite Corpse

Recording began in December 2007 with producer Jake Bercovici. The sessions took place over two months and concluded with mixing and mastering by former Red Hot Chili Peppers' guitarist John Frusciante. Warpaint self released the EP in 2008 and quickly moved to #1 on the LA Amoeba Records local artist chart. In 2009, Exquisite Corpse was re-released worldwide on the Manimal Vinyl label. The EP has been described as "a collection of magical psychedelia drifting over sublime moments of raw melody courtesy of the three free ethereal vocalists”

Current

Drummer Stella Mozgawa joined in Fall 2009, completing the band's lineup and sound. Shortly afterward they were signed to Rough Trade and immediately began extensive touring throughout the United States and Europe including an opening slot for The xx. The quartet is set to promote The Fool, their debut album for Rough Trade in mid-October. At its release, The Fool received a glowing review in the NME. Some tracks were mixed by singer Siouxsie Sioux and New Order DJ-collaborator Andrew Weatherall. Prior to the LP, the band contributed "Ashes to Ashes," a David Bowie cover to We Were So Turned On (Manimal Vinyl), a Bowie tribute album in conjunction with War Child. It was released as a digital single on August 16, with all profits generated from the single going to War Child.