Dan Boeckner | |
|---|---|
 Dan Boeckner in 2007 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | (1978-02-05)5 February 1978 (age 47) |
| Origin | Lake Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada |
| Genres | Indie rock |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Labels | Sub Pop,Last Gang Records, Global Symphonic,Merge Records |
Dan Boeckner (/ˈbɛknər/;[1] born 5 February 1978) is a Canadian singer, songwriter, guitarist and podcaster. He is best known as one of the frontmen ofWolf Parade, which he helped found in 2003. Since 2013, he has also been a member of the Montreal-based band Operators. Boeckner began his career in theVictoria, Canada music scene, playing in multiple bands includingAtlas Strategic. Since that time, he has been part of projects includingHandsome Furs andDivine Fits withSpoon frontmanBritt Daniel.[2]
In 2022, Boeckner joinedArcade Fire in a session capacity, touring and performing with the band in support of their sixth studio album,WE. Making his live debut at the Toulouse Theatre inNew Orleans, Boeckner subsequently appeared in the video to the band's twenty-fourth single, "The Lightning I, II".
Boeckner grew up inLake Cowichan, British Columbia[3] and his first band was called Say Uncle. Immediately upon graduating high school, he moved toVictoria, BC. In Victoria he became a singer/guitarist for many small, independent outfits. One of these bands was named God Shaped Vacuum, and featured a pre-Frog EyesCarey Mercer on drums. They released one album in their brief existence, entitledApocalypse Now![4] In 2000, Boeckner co-founded notable British Columbian bandAtlas Strategic with organist/vocalist John Pollard, and recorded their debutRapture, Ye Minions!.[5] The album was released on a local label, Global Symphonic. The band toured and recorded a second album/EP, which they self-released upon their demise in 2002.[5]
Boeckner then moved toMontreal, Quebec, where he eventually met withSpencer Krug and helped formWolf Parade.[6] Boeckner contributes his guitar skills, while also splitting songwriting duties and the role of lead singer with band-mate Krug. The band is signed toSub Pop Records. In November 2010, Wolf Parade announced that they were taking an "indefinite hiatus".
Boeckner formed theHandsome Furs with his then fiancéeAlexei Perry, in the winter of 2005.[7] The duo signed toSub Pop Records and released their debut albumPlague Park in 2007. "Face Control" was released in 2009, while Handsome Furs' latest albumSound Kapital was released in 2011. On 17 May 2012 Handsome Furs announced the band was no more on their official website.[8] Later, it was confirmed that the couple had broken up.[9]
In October 2005, Boeckner was a part of the satirical North American Hallowe'en Prevention Initiative (NAHPI) and contributed to theUNICEF benefit song "Do They Know It's Hallowe'en?". Boeckner also played onIslands' debut albumReturn to the Sea. He played guitar on the opening track "Swans (Life After Death)" and he played in the "marching band" on the track "Where There's a Will There's a Whalebone".[10]
After the breakup of Handsome Furs, Boeckner formedDivine Fits withBritt Daniel in 2011 while Daniel was on break from his bandSpoon.[11][12] The band released one studio album,A Thing Called Divine Fits, in 2012 to positive reviews[13] and one live album,Live at Third Man Records, in 2014.
In May 2014, Boeckner debuted his new band, Operators, during Canadian Music Week in Toronto. In January 2016, the Operators announced that their debut album, "Blue Wave", would be released on 1 April 2016.
In January 2016, Wolf Parade announced on their website that their hiatus was over, and that they would be returning to the stage with a series of live shows starting in May 2016. In May 2016, Wolf Parade released aself titled EP.
Since 2021, Boeckner has co-hosted the podcastThe Bottlemen with Riley Quinn.[14] The podcast focuses primarily on Canadian politics from a left-wing perspective and is broadly a part of the so-calledDirtbag left, featuring frequent guest appearances from figures associated with that scene.
