Cartoons and indie music? This is one of those times to wish LA was closer. According to a post by Jerry Beck from Cartoon Brew, “Women In Animation International (WIA) is planning a Battle of the Animation Bands concert, an evening of indie music, to be held in late September in Hollywood that will feature bands created at animation, visual effects and game studios.”
The combination of music and art in the form of animation is nothing new. Actually, the history of cartoon bands (also known as virtual bands) spans over a half a century. From The Simpsons to South Park, animators are able to create the fictional bands seen only in our dreams. Here is a little Cartoon Bands 101 with some of the more well-known animated musicians:
Alvin and the Chipmunks (1958-2010): This original animated band’s popularity has spanned over five decades including animated shorts, DVD collections, Christmas albums, a concert tour and full-length feature movies. In 2007 and 2010, Alvin, Simon and Theodore received a digital makeover for their live action “hits.”
The Archies (1968-1978): From The Archie Show, this animated garage band’s hit song “Sugar, Sugar” hit the #1 spot on the Billboard charts in September 1969, later becoming the number one song of the year.
Josie and the Pussycats (1970-1973): Animation studio Hanna-Barbera Productions wanted to duplicate the success their competitors were having with The Archie Show. Hanna-Barbera held a talent search and looked at 500 finalists before casting the trio who sang in the cartoon and recorded an album.
Jem and the Holograms (1985-1988): Also, who can forget Jem’s rival bands, The Misfits and The Stingers, both of whom every girl secretly (or sometimes not so secretly) wished to be a part of.
Dethklok (2007-present): From Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse, Dethklok harbors San Diego’s very own Mike Kennelly, who previously played for Frank Zappa, as their guitarist.
Gorillaz (1998-present): Known as the world’s most successful virtual band, Gorillaz have three albums and are currently touring internationally with a stop in San Diego. Don’t miss this anomaly of a band on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at the Viajas Arena at SDSU.
Read more from Sara Morrison at her blog, Karmic Life.
You forgot SWAVE and The Glammers. (Best underground virtual bands ever!)