Ian North
Encyclopedia
Ian North is an American musician, producer and painter known for being part of the bohemian punk movement in United States
with his power pop band Milk 'N' Cookies. A self-taught artist, he was also interested in painting.
In 1970, he slowly started to get serious about his artwork.
and glam
outfit called Milk 'N' Cookies along Justin Strauss on voice, Jay Weis (replaced by Sal Maida, later in Roxy Music
and Sparks
) on bass and Mike Ruiz on drums (later in Paul Collins' Beat). While the album's release was initially delay and largely ignored upon release, it has subsequently become a cult classic.
After its reissue in 2005, the band was headlined the Radio Heartbeat festival in 2007 without North, where the band played alongside a slew of younger bands that now claimed Milk 'n' Cookies as an influence. Since then, the band has garnered even more attention as groups like Nobunny
and Cheap Time
have gained in popularity.
bassist Martin Gordon
and the Simon brothers, Paul
and Robert. That group transformed to Neo
after Gordon's departure (he joined Radio Stars
) and changed line-ups, with North being the only remaining member until 1979, when his visa ended and returned to his native USA. The same year, 12 Neo tracks were released in Britain by Aura Records as North solo album (called Neo
).
From 1983 to 1993, North worked sporadically on the album Torch Songs & Arson. While the label originally slated to release the album folded in the decade over which it was created, it has since been made available for free download.
In 2009, North ended the longest period of musical inactivity in his life, releasing the 12-song album, E Z Listening For Suicides, under the moniker "Darkjet".
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
with his power pop band Milk 'N' Cookies. A self-taught artist, he was also interested in painting.
Early Years
Ian North was born in Brooklyn in 1952. He grew up in Long Island. He received his first guitar at age 12, but being virtually tone deaf, could not play any songs other than those he composed.In 1970, he slowly started to get serious about his artwork.
Milk 'N' Cookies
In 1973, North formed a power popPower pop
Power pop is a popular musical genre that draws its inspiration from 1960s British and American pop and rock music. It typically incorporates a combination of musical devices such as strong melodies, crisp vocal harmonies, economical arrangements, and prominent guitar riffs. Instrumental solos are...
and glam
Glam rock
Glam rock is a style of rock and pop music that developed in the UK in the early 1970s, which was performed by singers and musicians who wore outrageous clothes, makeup and hairstyles, particularly platform-soled boots and glitter...
outfit called Milk 'N' Cookies along Justin Strauss on voice, Jay Weis (replaced by Sal Maida, later in Roxy Music
Roxy Music
Roxy Music was a British art rock band formed in 1971 by Bryan Ferry, who became the group's lead vocalist and chief songwriter, and bassist Graham Simpson. The other members are Phil Manzanera , Andy Mackay and Paul Thompson . Former members include Brian Eno , and Eddie Jobson...
and Sparks
Sparks (band)
Sparks is an American rock and pop band formed in Los Angeles in 1968 by brothers Ron and Russell Mael , initially under the name Halfnelson...
) on bass and Mike Ruiz on drums (later in Paul Collins' Beat). While the album's release was initially delay and largely ignored upon release, it has subsequently become a cult classic.
After its reissue in 2005, the band was headlined the Radio Heartbeat festival in 2007 without North, where the band played alongside a slew of younger bands that now claimed Milk 'n' Cookies as an influence. Since then, the band has garnered even more attention as groups like Nobunny
Nobunny
Nobunny is a character that garage/punk musician Justin Champlin has been performing as since 2001. His debut LP, Love Visions, was home recorded and released in 2008 to positive reviews.-Biography:...
and Cheap Time
Cheap Time
Cheap Time is a Tennessee based garage-rock band fronted by Jeffrey Novak and has featured members of Be Your Own Pet. The band, which formed in 2006, has toured with Jay Reatard, released two 7" singles in 2007, a full length LP in 2008 and a 7" single in 2009 on In The Red Records.-Sound:Cheap...
have gained in popularity.
British Punk and New Wave scene: Radio and Neo
After the split of Milk 'N' Cookies, North dedicated to the then-new punk movement in Britain, forming Radio with SparksSparks (band)
Sparks is an American rock and pop band formed in Los Angeles in 1968 by brothers Ron and Russell Mael , initially under the name Halfnelson...
bassist Martin Gordon
Martin Gordon
Martin Gordon is an English musician, who plays bass guitar and piano.-Biography:Martin Gordon was born in Ipswich, and grew up Hitchin, Hertfordshire...
and the Simon brothers, Paul
Paul Simon (UK musician)
Paul Simon is a British drummer born in Halifax, Calderdale, West Yorkshire, who played with different punk and New Wave artists, like Ian North, Radio Stars, John Foxx and Glen Matlock...
and Robert. That group transformed to Neo
Neo (UK band)
Neo was an early New Wave band which was part of the Engish musical scene originated by punk in the 1970s. The group was formed by the American-born singer Ian North, who was the frontman and the only continuous member from the band formation in 1977 to the end in 1979.-Early days: Radio:In 1976,...
after Gordon's departure (he joined Radio Stars
Radio Stars
Radio Stars are an English new wave group formed in early 1977. They released three albums and had one UK Top 40 single.-Biography:Radio Stars were formed by ex-John's Children vocalist Andy Ellison, Sparks exile Martin Gordon , and Ian MacLeod in 1977, following the end of their underachieving...
) and changed line-ups, with North being the only remaining member until 1979, when his visa ended and returned to his native USA. The same year, 12 Neo tracks were released in Britain by Aura Records as North solo album (called Neo
Neo (album)
Neo is a 1979 music album by the American punk musician Ian North and his first solo album. It was recorded in 1978 in Ian Gillan's studio and released in 1979 by Aura Records...
).
Return to USA and solo career
Back in New York, North took to newly affordable synth technology and recording equipment, first on his debut full-length album as a solo artist, My Girlfriend's Dead, and then on his Rape Of The Orchids EP. During this time he also produced material for The Fast; he also filled in as the band's bassist in the music videos for their songs Kids Just Wanna Dance and Love Me Like a Locomotive.From 1983 to 1993, North worked sporadically on the album Torch Songs & Arson. While the label originally slated to release the album folded in the decade over which it was created, it has since been made available for free download.
In 2009, North ended the longest period of musical inactivity in his life, releasing the 12-song album, E Z Listening For Suicides, under the moniker "Darkjet".