Franz Nicolay
Encyclopedia
Franz Nicolay is an American
multi-instrumentalist and composer
currently based in Brooklyn
, New York
. He is perhaps best known for playing the accordion
and the piano
in The World/Inferno Friendship Society
and playing keyboards
in The Hold Steady
from 2005 to 2010. He is also notable for founding Anti-Social Music
, a composer/performer collective based in New York City
, and for performing in the gypsy
-klezmer
troupe Guignol.
Beyond his long-term association with these groups, Nicolay has worked as a producer, arranger, session player, and collaborator with many other bands, including Mischief Brew
, Leftöver Crack
, The Dresden Dolls
, The Loved Ones
, Nanuchka
, and The Living End
. He has performed or guested with bands including Frank Turner
, Subhumans, Choking Victim
, Mariachi El Bronx
, Bouncing Souls, Drive-By Truckers
, Bomb the Music Industry!
and Against Me!
.
, and graduated from New York University
's music program.
, a non-profit new-music collective of composers and performers that presents concerts of premieres by emerging (primarily New York-based) composers. Since the first "Afternoon," the group has played over 75 shows, premiered 123 new works by 28 composers, and seen over 110 performers have played or recorded with them. Nicolay's compositions appear on their CDs "Greatest Hits…LIVE(ish)" and "Sings The Great American Songbook".
) to accompany performers from the Coney Island
sideshow
at a weekly show at CBGB
. They became a part of the growing New York gypsy-punk scene and released a full-length, self-titled album in 2004 and the EP "Drink The Best Wine First" in 2005.
In 2005, Guignol made a guest appearance on the album "Smash The Windows
," by the Philadelphia folk-punk band Mischief Brew
. In 2009, they released a full-length collaboration called "Guignol & MIschief Brew Fight Dirty," which included six songs by each band, as well as covers of songs by Django Reinhardt
and Iron Maiden
.
's debut "Almost Killed Me," Nicolay joined the band in 2004: "World/Inferno played some shows with Lifter Puller in Chicago a long time ago, then when Craig moved to NewYork he was doing A&R for the now-defunct DCN live label and signed us up for the live record "Hallowmas at Northsix". Over the course of working on that, we'd go out drinking with him and Tad when the Hold Steady was kind of coming together as "this new band we're sort of working on". When it finally happened, they called and asked me and Peter to come play on the first record ("Almost Killed Me"), which led to me coming and playing those three songs on NY shows whenever it worked out, which led to "Hey, do you wanna get together and work on some songs for the new record?", which became "Well, do you want to join the band?"
During his time with the band, The Hold Steady
earned almost universal praise by the press for their performances and records. In 2010, Nicolay announced he had left the Hold Steady after five years with the band.
On November 5, 2008, Nicolay announced he would be releasing a his first full-length solo album, titled Major General, with former World/Inferno bandmate Yula Beeri
currently of Nanuchka
, Brian Viglione
of World/Inferno and The Dresden Dolls
and Jared Scott of Demander. World/Inferno saxophonist Peter Hess
also appears on the album. The album was released January 13, 2009 on Fistolo Records.
In fall 2009, Nicolay released the 10" EP "St. Sebastian of the Short Stage," with art by Nicholas Gazin and including a short story by Nicolay. The EP featured "The Ballad of Hollis Wadsworth Mason, Jr.," based on the character from Watchmen
. He also published his first story collection, "Complicated Gardening Techniques," on Julius Singer Press.
In 2010, Nicolay released "Luck and Courage" on Team Science Records. The album has been well received critically. Buzzlegoose.com praised Nicolay for "his wit and his energy," and his lyrical prowess in "Luck and Courage," saying it's "ultimately a rewarding album."
, as well as playing several instruments and providing guest vocals. He also co-produced the album "Killing The Darlings" by the New York trio Pearl and the Beard.
In summer 2010, Nicolay was a touring member of the Florida punk band Against Me!
. In August 2010, he announced that his second solo album, "Luck & Courage," would appear on Team Science Records/Sabot Productions in October 2010.
' "Two Cups Of Tea."
He also appeared in the video book trailer for Salman Rushdie's Luka and the Fire of Life
.
His favorite brand of moustache wax is Cowboy Stache Wax, from Montana.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
multi-instrumentalist and composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
currently based in Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. He is perhaps best known for playing the accordion
Accordion
The accordion is a box-shaped musical instrument of the bellows-driven free-reed aerophone family, sometimes referred to as a squeezebox. A person who plays the accordion is called an accordionist....
and the piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
in The World/Inferno Friendship Society
The World/Inferno Friendship Society
The World/Inferno Friendship Society is a band from Brooklyn, New York. Its style merges punk, soul, klezmer and jazz, while its collective membership features horns, piano and guitar. The ensemble has over 30 members, including a former member of Dexys Midnight Runners. About nine or ten members...
and playing keyboards
Keyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
in The Hold Steady
The Hold Steady
The Hold Steady is an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2004. The band consists of Craig Finn , Tad Kubler , Galen Polivka , Bobby Drake , and Steve Selvidge...
from 2005 to 2010. He is also notable for founding Anti-Social Music
Anti-Social Music
Anti-Social Music is a composer/performer collective founded in New York City in 2001. The group started as a one-off concert organized by Franz Nicolay of world premieres of works by William Brittelle, Jason Freeman, Dan Lasaga, Franz Nicolay, and John Wriggle at Columbia University's Philosophy...
, a composer/performer collective based in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, and for performing in the gypsy
Roma music
Romani music is the music of the Romani people, who have their origins in Northern India, but today live mostly in Europe....
-klezmer
Klezmer
Klezmer is a musical tradition of the Ashkenazic Jews of Eastern Europe. Played by professional musicians called klezmorim, the genre originally consisted largely of dance tunes and instrumental display pieces for weddings and other celebrations...
troupe Guignol.
Beyond his long-term association with these groups, Nicolay has worked as a producer, arranger, session player, and collaborator with many other bands, including Mischief Brew
Mischief Brew
Mischief Brew is a band from Philadelphia which plays DIY anarcho-punk music, also incorporating a variety of styles including American folk, swing, Gypsy-punk and country. It was started by Erik Petersen as a solo project, but eventually grew into a band...
, Leftöver Crack
Leftöver Crack
Leftöver Crack is an American punk rock band formed in 1998, following the breakup of the ska punk band Choking Victim. Primarily playing an amalgam of ska and hardcore punk, they classify themselves as "crack-rocksteady". The band is currently signed to Fat Wreck Chords for CD releases, and...
, The Dresden Dolls
The Dresden Dolls
The Dresden Dolls are an American musical duo from Boston, Massachusetts. Formed in 2000, the group consists of Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione...
, The Loved Ones
The Loved Ones (American band)
The Loved Ones is a punk band based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in late 2003, the band currently consists of Dave Hause , David Walsh , Chris Gonzalez , and Mike Sneeringer...
, Nanuchka
Nanuchka
`Nanuchka is a New York City based group composed of bassist Yula Be’eri , guitarist Roy Gurel, and drummer Shlomi Lavie. Their ever-changing sound is greatly eclectic. Yula’s voice, compared to that of an “angry Kate Bush,” soars over both surf-rock guitars and soothing mandola melodies alike...
, and The Living End
The Living End
The Living End are an Australian rock band from Melbourne, Victoria, formed in 1994. The current lineup consists of Chris Cheney , Scott Owen and Andy Strachan...
. He has performed or guested with bands including Frank Turner
Frank Turner
Frank Turner is an English folk/punk singer-songwriter from Meonstoke, Winchester. Initially the vocalist of post-hardcore band Million Dead, Turner embarked upon a primarily acoustic-based solo career following the band's split in 2005. To date, Turner has released four solo albums, two rarities...
, Subhumans, Choking Victim
Choking Victim
Choking Victim was a United States punk rock band formed in New York City, which were together from 1992 to 1999. Playing a mix of hardcore punk and ska with anarchist lyrics...
, Mariachi El Bronx
Mariachi El Bronx
Mariachi El Bronx is the fourth studio album by the Los Angeles rock band The Bronx, released on September 1, 2009 through Swami Records in the United States and Wichita Recordings in the United Kingdom. It marks a divergence from the band's usual hardcore punk and hard rock sound in favor of a...
, Bouncing Souls, Drive-By Truckers
Drive-By Truckers
Drive-By Truckers are an alternative country/Southern rock band based in Athens, Georgia, though three out of six members are originally from The Shoals region of Northern Alabama, and the band strongly identifies with Alabama. Their music uses three guitars as well as bass, drums, and now...
, Bomb the Music Industry!
Bomb The Music Industry!
Bomb the Music Industry! is band from Baldwin, Nassau County, New York. They write, produce, record, and distribute all of their music under the leadership of songwriter and producer Jeff Rosenstock....
and Against Me!
Against Me!
Against Me! is an American punk rock band formed in 1997 in Naples, Florida and relocated to Gainesville, Florida in 1999. Their first full-length album, released on No Idea Records in 2002, was Against Me! Is Reinventing Axl Rose. They have released music on Misanthrope Records, Crasshole Records,...
.
Early career
Nicolay grew up in Center Sandwich, New HampshireCenter Sandwich, New Hampshire
Center Sandwich is a census-designated place in the town of Sandwich in Carroll County, New Hampshire. It is the primary settlement in the town and had a population of 123 at the 2010 census....
, and graduated from New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
's music program.
World/Inferno Friendship Society
Nicolay joined the New York City anarcho-circus punk band the World/Inferno Friendship Society in late 2000. He recorded three full-length albums with the band and was a member of their longest continuous lineup 2000-2007.Anti-Social Music
In 2001, Nicolay organized "An Afternoon of Anti-Social Chamber Music" at Columbia University, a program of new music from emerging New York-based composers. This concert led to the founding of Anti-Social MusicAnti-Social Music
Anti-Social Music is a composer/performer collective founded in New York City in 2001. The group started as a one-off concert organized by Franz Nicolay of world premieres of works by William Brittelle, Jason Freeman, Dan Lasaga, Franz Nicolay, and John Wriggle at Columbia University's Philosophy...
, a non-profit new-music collective of composers and performers that presents concerts of premieres by emerging (primarily New York-based) composers. Since the first "Afternoon," the group has played over 75 shows, premiered 123 new works by 28 composers, and seen over 110 performers have played or recorded with them. Nicolay's compositions appear on their CDs "Greatest Hits…LIVE(ish)" and "Sings The Great American Songbook".
Guignol
Guignol, described by the Times of London as "a combination of punk, jazz, folk, tango, klezmer, cheap red wine, woolly pinstriped suits, newsboy caps and one waxed moustache," is a quartet founded in 2002 by Nicolay and clarinetist Peter Hess (World/Inferno Friendship Society, Balkan Beat BoxBalkan Beat Box
Balkan Beat Box is an Israeli musical group founded by Tamir Muskat, Ori Kaplan of Firewater and Big Lazy, and Tomer Yosef . As a musical project they often cooperate with a host of other musicians both in the studio as well as live...
) to accompany performers from the Coney Island
Coney Island
Coney Island is a peninsula and beach on the Atlantic Ocean in southern Brooklyn, New York, United States. The site was formerly an outer barrier island, but became partially connected to the mainland by landfill....
sideshow
Sideshow
In America, a sideshow is an extra, secondary production associated with a circus, carnival, fair or other such attraction.- Types of attractions :There are four main types of classic sideshow attractions:...
at a weekly show at CBGB
CBGB
CBGB was a music club at 315 Bowery at Bleecker Street in the borough of Manhattan in New York City.Founded by Hilly Kristal in 1973, it was originally intended to feature its namesake musical styles, but became a forum for American punk and New Wave bands like Ramones, Misfits, Television, the...
. They became a part of the growing New York gypsy-punk scene and released a full-length, self-titled album in 2004 and the EP "Drink The Best Wine First" in 2005.
In 2005, Guignol made a guest appearance on the album "Smash The Windows
Smash The Windows
Smash The Windows is the first full-length album from the DIY folk punk band Mischief Brew. The album was released in 2005 by Fistolo Records , and in 2006 by Gunner Records . It was recorded in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY at Vibromonk Studios by Tamir Muskat and Danny Shatzky, December...
," by the Philadelphia folk-punk band Mischief Brew
Mischief Brew
Mischief Brew is a band from Philadelphia which plays DIY anarcho-punk music, also incorporating a variety of styles including American folk, swing, Gypsy-punk and country. It was started by Erik Petersen as a solo project, but eventually grew into a band...
. In 2009, they released a full-length collaboration called "Guignol & MIschief Brew Fight Dirty," which included six songs by each band, as well as covers of songs by Django Reinhardt
Django Reinhardt
Django Reinhardt was a pioneering virtuoso jazz guitarist and composer who invented an entirely new style of jazz guitar technique that has since become a living musical tradition within French gypsy culture...
and Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
.
The Hold Steady
After guesting on The Hold SteadyThe Hold Steady
The Hold Steady is an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2004. The band consists of Craig Finn , Tad Kubler , Galen Polivka , Bobby Drake , and Steve Selvidge...
's debut "Almost Killed Me," Nicolay joined the band in 2004: "World/Inferno played some shows with Lifter Puller in Chicago a long time ago, then when Craig moved to NewYork he was doing A&R for the now-defunct DCN live label and signed us up for the live record "Hallowmas at Northsix". Over the course of working on that, we'd go out drinking with him and Tad when the Hold Steady was kind of coming together as "this new band we're sort of working on". When it finally happened, they called and asked me and Peter to come play on the first record ("Almost Killed Me"), which led to me coming and playing those three songs on NY shows whenever it worked out, which led to "Hey, do you wanna get together and work on some songs for the new record?", which became "Well, do you want to join the band?"
During his time with the band, The Hold Steady
The Hold Steady
The Hold Steady is an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2004. The band consists of Craig Finn , Tad Kubler , Galen Polivka , Bobby Drake , and Steve Selvidge...
earned almost universal praise by the press for their performances and records. In 2010, Nicolay announced he had left the Hold Steady after five years with the band.
Solo
In 2007, Nicolay released Black Rose Paladins, a set of solo demos. Only 50 hard copies were made, which were sold at his concerts.On November 5, 2008, Nicolay announced he would be releasing a his first full-length solo album, titled Major General, with former World/Inferno bandmate Yula Beeri
Yula Beeri
Yula Beeri, born Yuli Yael Be'eri, is an Israeli composer, musician, and performer. She has been performing music in New York City for the past ten years....
currently of Nanuchka
Nanuchka
`Nanuchka is a New York City based group composed of bassist Yula Be’eri , guitarist Roy Gurel, and drummer Shlomi Lavie. Their ever-changing sound is greatly eclectic. Yula’s voice, compared to that of an “angry Kate Bush,” soars over both surf-rock guitars and soothing mandola melodies alike...
, Brian Viglione
Brian Viglione
Brian Viglione is the drummer for The Dresden Dolls. Additionally, he was a prominent member of New York City's cabaret punk orchestra, The WORLD/INFERNO Friendship Society...
of World/Inferno and The Dresden Dolls
The Dresden Dolls
The Dresden Dolls are an American musical duo from Boston, Massachusetts. Formed in 2000, the group consists of Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione...
and Jared Scott of Demander. World/Inferno saxophonist Peter Hess
Peter Hess
Peter Hess was a farmer and landowner. Peter Street and Hess Street in the city of Hamilton, Ontario are named after him as well as Caroline Street after one of his daughters....
also appears on the album. The album was released January 13, 2009 on Fistolo Records.
In fall 2009, Nicolay released the 10" EP "St. Sebastian of the Short Stage," with art by Nicholas Gazin and including a short story by Nicolay. The EP featured "The Ballad of Hollis Wadsworth Mason, Jr.," based on the character from Watchmen
Watchmen
Watchmen is a twelve-issue comic book limited series created by writer Alan Moore, artist Dave Gibbons, and colourist John Higgins. The series was published by DC Comics during 1986 and 1987, and has been subsequently reprinted in collected form...
. He also published his first story collection, "Complicated Gardening Techniques," on Julius Singer Press.
In 2010, Nicolay released "Luck and Courage" on Team Science Records. The album has been well received critically. Buzzlegoose.com praised Nicolay for "his wit and his energy," and his lyrical prowess in "Luck and Courage," saying it's "ultimately a rewarding album."
Recent Activities
Nicolay produced the album The Birth and Death of Meaning and EP "Follow Me" by The Debutante HourThe Debutante Hour
The Debutante Hour are a trio, based in New York City, consisting of multi-instrumentalists Susan Hwang, Mia Pixley, and Maria Sonevytsky. Typically, Sonevytsky and Hwang trade off accordion and primary vocal duties, and Pixley plays cello, as well as providing additional vocals...
, as well as playing several instruments and providing guest vocals. He also co-produced the album "Killing The Darlings" by the New York trio Pearl and the Beard.
In summer 2010, Nicolay was a touring member of the Florida punk band Against Me!
Against Me!
Against Me! is an American punk rock band formed in 1997 in Naples, Florida and relocated to Gainesville, Florida in 1999. Their first full-length album, released on No Idea Records in 2002, was Against Me! Is Reinventing Axl Rose. They have released music on Misanthrope Records, Crasshole Records,...
. In August 2010, he announced that his second solo album, "Luck & Courage," would appear on Team Science Records/Sabot Productions in October 2010.
Miscellaneous
Nicolay appeared in the music video for the Star Fucking HipstersStar Fucking Hipsters
Star Fucking Hipsters is a punk rock band from New York City who have released albums on Fat Wreck Chords and Alternative Tentacles records. They have been called a "punk supergroup" and feature members from numerous notable bands including Leftöver Crack, Ensign, and The Ergs!-Initial formation...
' "Two Cups Of Tea."
He also appeared in the video book trailer for Salman Rushdie's Luka and the Fire of Life
Luka and the Fire of Life
Luka and the Fire of Life is a children's book by Salman Rushdie. It was published by Jonathan Cape, Random House in 2010. It is the sequel to Haroun and the Sea of Stories.- Synopsis :...
.
His favorite brand of moustache wax is Cowboy Stache Wax, from Montana.
Solo
- Black Rose Paladins (2007) (collection of demos)
- All Aboard: A Tribute To Johnny Cash" (2008)
- Tribute recording featuring Nicolay & The Dresden DollsThe Dresden DollsThe Dresden Dolls are an American musical duo from Boston, Massachusetts. Formed in 2000, the group consists of Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione...
' "Ballad of a Teenage Queen"
- Tribute recording featuring Nicolay & The Dresden Dolls
- Major General (2009)
- St. Sebastian of the Short Stage 10" EP (2009)
- The Bushwick Book Club, Vol. 1: January–November 2009" (2010)
- Compilation including three of Nicolay's songs
- Luck & Courage (2010)
The Hold Steady
- Almost Killed MeAlmost Killed MeAlmost Killed Me is the debut studio album by Brooklyn-based rock band The Hold Steady, released on March 16, 2004 on Frenchkiss Records. It is considered by many to be a concept album, with several recurring themes such as near-death experiences, parties and the fictional character Charlemagne...
(guest) (2004) - eMusic Crisp Songs: Modesto Is Not That Sweet b/w "You Gotta Dance (guest) (2005)
- Separation SundaySeparation SundaySeparation Sunday is the second studio album by The Hold Steady, released on May 3, 2005 through Frenchkiss Records. A concept album, Separation Sunday follows the stories of Craig , Holly , a sometimes addict, sometimes prostitute, sometimes born again Christian/Catholic ; Charlemagne, a pimp; and...
(2005) - Live at Lollapalooza 2006: The Hold Steady (2006)
- Live at FingerprintsLive at FingerprintsLive at Fingerprints is an EP of acoustic music performed live by the Hold Steady on October 15, 2006 at the Fingerprints record shop in Long Beach, CA. The release was limited to 5000 copies distributed by Junketboy to independent record shops throughout the United States...
(2007) - I'm Not There (soundtrack)I'm Not There (soundtrack)The soundtrack album for the Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There was released as a double CD on October 30, 2007. It features only one recording by Dylan himself—his previously unreleased recording of the title song "I'm Not There" recorded during The Basement Tapes' sessions in 1967—plus...
(2007) - "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?"Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?" was a 1965 single by American rock artist Bob Dylan. It reached #58 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and #17 on the UK chart in January 1966...
" (Bob Dylan cover) - "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" (for the Minnesota Twins)" (2007)
- Boys and Girls in AmericaBoys and Girls in AmericaBoys and Girls in America is the third studio album by The Hold Steady, released on October 3, 2006 by Vagrant Records.On August 18, 2006, first single "Chips Ahoy!" was released as a free download from music site Pitchfork Media...
(2006) - Stay PositiveStay Positive (album)Stay Positive is the fourth studio album by The Hold Steady, released on July 15, 2008 through Vagrant Records. Vocalist/guitarist Craig Finn notes that the album is about "the idea of ageing gracefully [...] keeping going, perseverance [and] how to stay true to the ideals and ideas you had when...
(2008) - War Child Presents Heroes (2009) - "Atlantic CityAtlantic City (song)"Atlantic City" is a song written and recorded by rock musician Bruce Springsteen, which first appeared on Springsteen's 1982 solo album Nebraska, considered to be one of Springsteen's most dour albums in tone...
" (Bruce Springsteen cover) - A Positive RageA Positive RageA Positive Rage is a live album and documentary double-disc set by the Brooklyn-based rock band The Hold Steady, released on April 7, 2009 by Vagrant Records...
DVD/LP (2009)
World/Inferno Friendship Society
- Just the Best PartyJust the Best PartyJust the Best Party is the second studio album by The World/Inferno Friendship Society. It was released on April 2, 2002 on Gern Blandsten Records. It is referred to by the band as 'Inferno #8', as it is the eighth release of new material by the band...
- 2002 - Speak of Brave Men (EP) - 2004
- Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1 is a Rock Against Bush compilation album released on the Fat Wreck Chords record label. It contains a collection of songs, both released and unreleased, by various punk rock artists and includes a bonus DVD with political facts, commentary regarding the U.S...
- 2004- Compilation featuring the World/Inferno song "The Expatriate Act"
- Me v. Angry Mob (EP) - 2005
- Red-Eyed SoulRed-Eyed SoulRed-Eyed Soul is the third full-length album from The World/Inferno Friendship Society, a punk band from Brooklyn. The vinyl double-LP contains three extra songs.-Track listing:#Brother of the Mayor of Bridgewater#The Velocity of Love#Your Younger Man...
- 2006 - Addicted to Bad Ideas: Peter Lorre's Twentieth CenturyAddicted to Bad Ideas: Peter Lorre's Twentieth CenturyAddicted to Bad Ideas is the fifth album by The World/Inferno Friendship Society, and their second for Chunksaah Records. Subtitled "Peter Lorre's Twentieth Century", the release is a concept album inspired by the life and films of actor Peter Lorre....
- 2007 - Vox Inferne (7") - 2010
Anti-Social Music
- "Greatest Hits…LIVE(ish)" (2005)
- "Sings the Great American Songbook" (2005)
- "Fracture: The Music of Pat Muchmore" (Innova Recordings 760, 2010)
- "Is The Future Of Everything" (producer) (2011)
Guignol
- "Guignol" (2004)
- "Drink The Best Wine First" EP (2005)
- "Mehanata New York Gypsy Mania" (2005)
- Compilation featuring the Guignol tracks "All Or Nothing Machine" and "Agada"
- "Guignol & Mischief BrewMischief BrewMischief Brew is a band from Philadelphia which plays DIY anarcho-punk music, also incorporating a variety of styles including American folk, swing, Gypsy-punk and country. It was started by Erik Petersen as a solo project, but eventually grew into a band...
Fight Dirty" (2009)
Selected Sessions & Collaborations
- MirahMirahMirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn , is an American musician based in San Francisco California. She has released five albums under the K Records label.- Background :...
/Emilyn Brodsky/The Vibration 7" (guitars, keyboards, accordion, producer) - Leftöver CrackLeftöver CrackLeftöver Crack is an American punk rock band formed in 1998, following the breakup of the ska punk band Choking Victim. Primarily playing an amalgam of ska and hardcore punk, they classify themselves as "crack-rocksteady". The band is currently signed to Fat Wreck Chords for CD releases, and...
"Fuck World TradeFuck World TradeFuck World Trade is an album by American punk band Leftöver Crack, released in 2004 on the Alternative Tentacles label.The album continues the band's self-defined status as anti-racist, anti-misogynist, anti-capitalist, and anarcho-communist. It also contains references to the fact that their first...
" (accordion, keyboards) - Mischief BrewMischief BrewMischief Brew is a band from Philadelphia which plays DIY anarcho-punk music, also incorporating a variety of styles including American folk, swing, Gypsy-punk and country. It was started by Erik Petersen as a solo project, but eventually grew into a band...
"Smash The WindowsSmash The WindowsSmash The Windows is the first full-length album from the DIY folk punk band Mischief Brew. The album was released in 2005 by Fistolo Records , and in 2006 by Gunner Records . It was recorded in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY at Vibromonk Studios by Tamir Muskat and Danny Shatzky, December...
" (accordion) - NanuchkaNanuchka`Nanuchka is a New York City based group composed of bassist Yula Be’eri , guitarist Roy Gurel, and drummer Shlomi Lavie. Their ever-changing sound is greatly eclectic. Yula’s voice, compared to that of an “angry Kate Bush,” soars over both surf-rock guitars and soothing mandola melodies alike...
"A Carefully Planned Accident" (keyboards, accordion) - The Sharp ThingsThe Sharp ThingsThe Sharp Things is a New York City-based chamber pop collective led by singer/songwriter Perry Serpa . Current members include Steve Gonzalez, Jim Santo, Aisha Cohen, Michelle Caputo, James Pertusi, Andrea Dovalle and Adrienne Day....
"A Moveable Feast" (accordion) - The Loved OnesThe Loved Ones (American band)The Loved Ones is a punk band based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in late 2003, the band currently consists of Dave Hause , David Walsh , Chris Gonzalez , and Mike Sneeringer...
"Build & Burn" (piano, organ, accordion, harmonica, saw) - The Max Levine EnsembleThe Max Levine EnsembleThe Max Levine Ensemble is a DIY punk band from the Washington, DC metropolitan area. They play punk rock with various pop influences, and often have politically conscious lyrics. They used to have a rotating band roster that changed from tour to tour depending upon who could go...
"OK Smartypants" (keyboards) - The Living EndThe Living EndThe Living End are an Australian rock band from Melbourne, Victoria, formed in 1994. The current lineup consists of Chris Cheney , Scott Owen and Andy Strachan...
"White Noise" (keyboards, string arrangements) - Emilyn Brodsky "Greatest Tits" (keyboards, accordion)
- Star Fucking HipstersStar Fucking HipstersStar Fucking Hipsters is a punk rock band from New York City who have released albums on Fat Wreck Chords and Alternative Tentacles records. They have been called a "punk supergroup" and feature members from numerous notable bands including Leftöver Crack, Ensign, and The Ergs!-Initial formation...
"Until We're Dead" (accordion, keyboards) - Jennifer O'Connor "Here With Me" (accordion, piano, organ)
- VoltaireVoltaire (musician)Voltaire , is a popular dark cabaret Cuban-American musician...
"To The Bottom Of The Sea" (accordion) - Mark EitzelMark EitzelMark Eitzel is a musician, best known as a songwriter and lead singer of the San Francisco band American Music Club.-History:Eitzel spent his formative years in a military family living in Okinawa, Taiwan, Ohio and the United Kingdom. He moved to America in 1979.He started making music while he was...
"Klamath" (accordion) - Amanda PalmerAmanda PalmerAmanda MacKinnon Gaiman Palmer , sometimes known as Amanda Fucking Palmer, is an American performer who first rose to prominence as the lead singer, pianist, and lyricist/composer of the duo The Dresden Dolls...
& Jason WebleyJason WebleyJason Webley is an American musician known for his fusion of folk, experimental and alternative music. He began as a busker, playing accordion in the streets of Seattle, Washington, but has since moved in-doors and on stage, playing various venues....
"Evelyn Evelyn" (vocals) - The Debutante HourThe Debutante HourThe Debutante Hour are a trio, based in New York City, consisting of multi-instrumentalists Susan Hwang, Mia Pixley, and Maria Sonevytsky. Typically, Sonevytsky and Hwang trade off accordion and primary vocal duties, and Pixley plays cello, as well as providing additional vocals...
"The Birth And Death Of Meaning" (Producer, additional engineering, guitars, glockenspiel, mandola, keys, baritone ukulele, ukulele, banjo, additional vox and percussion) - Pearl And The Beard "Killing The Darlings" (producer, string arrangements, keys, additional vox and percussion)
- Frank TurnerFrank TurnerFrank Turner is an English folk/punk singer-songwriter from Meonstoke, Winchester. Initially the vocalist of post-hardcore band Million Dead, Turner embarked upon a primarily acoustic-based solo career following the band's split in 2005. To date, Turner has released four solo albums, two rarities...
"England Keep My Bones" (accordion)
External links
- Franz Nicolay's official website
- Franz Nicolay's official Facebook site
- The World/Inferno Friendship Society
- The Hold Steady
- Anti-Social Music
- Guignol
- Stereokill Interview: February 2009
- A Story by Franz Nicolay, "Little Hobbes in the Big Woods"
- A Story by Franz Nicolay, "Complicated Garden Techniques"
- An Interview with Franz Nicolay and novelist Peter Bognanni
- Interview with Franz Nicolay by Buzzlegoose
- An essay by Franz Nicolay on performing
- Franz Nicolay is interviewed and performs on an episode of Radio Happy Hour