The Depreciation Guild was an American dream pop and shoegaze band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2005 by lead vocalist and songwriter Kurt Feldman and guitarist Adrian Hashizume. Before disbanding, their lineup included Feldman, Christoph Hochheim (who later became the drummer and touring guitarist, respectively, for indie pop band the Pains of Being Pure at Heart), and Anton Hochheim (who later became the touring drummer for the Pains of Being Pure at Heart after Feldman's departure). They were joined for live performances by Raphael Radna on bass guitar.[2]
The Depreciation Guild
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The Depreciation Guild performing live in New York City
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Genres |
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| Years active | 2005–2011 (Reunions: 2013, 2023) |
| Labels | 8bitpeoples Kanine Records |
| Past members | Kurt Feldman Christoph Hochheim Anton Hochheim Adrian "Akira" Hashizume Raphael Radna |
| Website | Official site |
In 2003, Kurt Feldman started operating the Famicom (NES) that then was heavily incorporated into the music he made with the Depreciation Guild. The band was formed in 2005. It was initially aimed as an outlet to express his musical hobby and interests in old video games, guitar pop, and electronic music. The band eventually took a more serious path, releasing their debut, digital-only EP, Nautilus, through chiptune label 8bitpeoples in 2006 and playing live shows. Feldman was aided by guitarist Adrian Hashizume until 2007. Hashizume was then replaced by Feldman's college friend Christoph Hochheim. In 2008, Hochheim's identical twin brother Anton was added on drums.[3] Their debut album, In Her Gentle Jaws, followed as a self-released free download in 2007. Kanine Records picked the band up in 2009 and reissued their debut album with some remastering. A second full-length, Spirit Youth, followed in mid-2010.[4][5] The band also did remixes for artists such as Oh No Ono and Chateleine. Their song "Dream About Me" was featured in the 2010 film Kaboom.
In December 2010, they announced on their Facebook page that they would be disbanding after their final show in January 2011, citing musical differences within the band. The band played their scheduled final show on January 8, 2011 at Brooklyn's Rock Shop.[6] Since their separation, Feldman continued to be a member of the Pains of Being Pure at Heart until 2014, and also began his own solo career as Ice Choir. The Hochheims also began their own duo career as Always You (formerly Ablebody).
In August 2013, the original lineup of Kurt Feldman and Adrian Hashizume reunited for a one-off performance of In Her Gentle Jaws in its entirety at Glasslands Gallery in Brooklyn.[7]
On March 8, 2023, the Depreciation Guild reunited to perform their first show in a decade at New York City's Mercury Lounge, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Kanine Records.[8]
Feldman has cited Tears for Fears, Talk Talk, Gangway, Scritti Politti, Cocteau Twins, and Pale Saints among the band's musical influences.[9]
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