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Craig Wedren | |
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.jpg) Wedren in 2025 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Craig Benjamin Wedren (1969-08-15)August 15, 1969 (age 56) |
| Origin | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Genres | Indie rock,post-hardcore,alternative rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer-songwriter, composer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Labels | Dischord,Epic,Team Love |
| Formerly of | Shudder to Think |
| Website | www |
Craig Benjamin Wedren[1] (born August 15, 1969) is an American singer-songwriter, musician and composer, who began his career frontingpost-hardcore bandShudder to Think. Following the disbandment of Shudder to Think, Wedren pursued a career as a television and film music composer, as well as releasing solo material.
Wedren began his career as the singer and primary songwriter for Washington, DC–basedShudder to Think, a band that started out in the hardcore music scene, only to challenge the aesthetics and limitations of this then-emerging musical genre. After breaking indie music tradition by signing withEpic Records (Sony Music), Shudder to Think released three major label albums including their opusPony Express Record. Shudder to Think toured widely with bands likeSmashing Pumpkins,Fugazi, andPearl Jam, and their videos were featured in regular rotation onMTV. At the peak of their career, a battle withHodgkin's Disease grounded Wedren and the band, but following successful treatments Shudder to Think returned with a new goal in mind – to create music for film. With Shudder to Think, Wedren scored the independent filmsFirst Love Last Rites, andHigh Art, and contributed music to the filmVelvet Goldmine. Shortly after making the transition to film work, the band dissolved their partnership, and Wedren continued his dual career as both film composer and solo artist.
As a composer, Wedren has scored a host of popular feature films includingWanderlust,Role Models,School of Rock,Wet Hot American Summer,By the People: The Election of Barack Obama,Laurel Canyon,Reno 911!: Miami,Roger Dodger,The Baxter, andBoxers and Ballerinas. Wedren has also written and performed music for the television showsHung,United States of Tara,Reno 911!,Stella,The State,The Whitest Kids U' Know,Dawson's Creek,Bones andDon't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23.
In 2004 Wedren released a recording by his band BABY, which was in an electronic dance vein, but distinguished by glam and pop sensibilities.[2]
While continuing to grow creatively and commercially as a composer, Wedren has also developed a career as a solo artist. In 2005 he released his first solo albumLapland on the Team Love label, after which he toured supportingFoo Fighters, and Greg Dulli ofAfghan Whigs. In September 2011, Wedren releasedWand. To accompany the release ofWand, Wedren toured the United States withChris Cornell, and he worked with director Tim Nackashi to create a series of 360-degree interactive videos.
In 2012, Wedren re-released recordings by his band BABY. The release included previously unreleased demos, and mixes, as well as a mixed tape which includes covers, and other unreleased material.
Wedren has also contributed vocals to the musical act Tweaker with Chris Vrenna, formerly ofNine Inch Nails,The Verve Pipe's self-titled album, the musical act Cex, The Dead Science's albumVillainaire andSomeone To Run Away From with Pocket, Jherek Bischoff, and aFleetwood Mac cover with St. Vincent on Fleetwood Mac Tribute recordJust Tell Me That You Want Me.
Wedren wrote the theme for and was a regular extra on MTV'sThe State and was close friends with many members of the show. Wedren also played a part in 2009'sI Love You, Man as a member of the wedding band, as well a role in David Wain's 2012 filmWanderlust. He is a regular player with Wain's cover band theMiddle Aged Dad Jam Band.
Wedren also wrote and performed the title track for the movieBalls of Fury. Additionally, he wrote the song "Bondage" for the movie soundtrack.[3]
In 2021, Wedren andAnna Waronker collaborated on the soundtrack toShowtime'sYellowjackets.[4] The original theme songNo Return, for the opening credits,[5] was composed by the duo, alongside the score for the show. They also collaborated on the soundtrack forHulu'sShrill in 2019.[4]
Wedren was diagnosed withHodgkin's Lymphoma in 1995. He successfully fought the disease and, after several years of treatments, remains in remission. Since 2006, he has been married to Meggan Lennon, the sister of hisThe State collaboratorThomas Lennon. They share a son.[6]
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