Rob Laakso (April 16, 1979 – May 4, 2023) was an American musician, record producer and engineer, best known as the recording partner of indie rock musician Kurt Vile and as a multi-instrumentalist in his backing band the Violators. Laakso also played in the shoegaze band Swirlies, among others. Born in Massachusetts in 1979, Laakso graduated from Emerson College.[1]
Rob Laakso | |
|---|---|
 Laakso performing in 2019 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | April 16, 1979 Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | (aged 44) |
| Genres | Indie rock, indie folk, lo-fi |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, synthesizers |
| Labels | Matador |
| Formerly of | Kurt Vile & the Violators, Swirlies, Mice Parade, The Wicked Farleys |
| Website | roblaakso |
After contributing to Vile's second and fourth studio albums, God Is Saying This to You... (2009) and Smoke Ring for My Halo (2011), Laakso became a full member of the Violators in 2011 after the departure of guitarist Adam Granduciel. After joining the band, Laakso contributed heavily to Vile's subsequent studio albums, Wakin on a Pretty Daze (2013), b'lieve I'm goin down... (2015), Bottle It In (2018) and (watch my moves) (2022).[2]
Laakso died on May 4, 2023, at the age of 44 from cholangiocarcinoma, a fairly rare and aggressive form of cancer of the bile duct.[3][1] He was survived by his wife Mamie-Claire and their two children.[4]
Discography
editWith Kurt Vile
- God Is Saying This to You... (2009)
- Smoke Ring for My Halo (2011)
- So Outta Reach (2011)
- Wakin on a Pretty Daze (2013)
- It's a Big World Out There (And I Am Scared) (2013)
- b'lieve I'm goin down... (2015)
- Bottle It In (2018)
- (watch my moves) (2022)
- Back to Moon Beach (2023)
With Mice Parade
- Obrigado Saudade (2004)
- Mice Parade (2007)
- What It Means to Be Left-Handed (2010)
With Amazing Baby
- Rewild (2009)
Wth Diamond Nights
- Popsicle (2005)
- Once We Were Diamonds EP (2005)
With Swirlies
- Damon, Andy, Rob, Ron: The Yes Girls (2000)
- Cats of the Wild Volume 2 (2003)
- Swirlies' Magic Strop: Winsome Zamula's Hammer of Contumely (2005)
With The Wicked Farleys
- Sentinel and Enterprise (1998)
- Sustained Interest (1999)
- Make It It (2000)
References
edit- ^ a b Corcoran, Nina (May 6, 2023). "Rob Laakso, Kurt Vile & the Violators and Swirlies Guitarist, Dies at 44". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
- ^ "Rob Laakso | Songs | AllMusic". allmusic.com. Retrieved 2015-10-05.
- ^ Pearis, Bill (May 5, 2023). "Rob Laakso (Kurt Vile & The Violators, Swirlies) has died". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
- ^ Harrison, Scoop (May 5, 2023). "Rob Laakso, of Kurt Vile & The Violators, Dead at 44". consequence.net. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
External links
edit- Rob Laakso discography at Discogs