Scott Herren
Encyclopedia
Guillermo Scott Herren is a music producer
, who has been based in Atlanta, Barcelona
and New York
. Herren releases music under the aliases
Prefuse 73, Delarosa & Asora and Piano Overlord, and is also part of the groups Savath y Savalas, Risil, and Diamond Watch Wrists.
and his mother is Irish
and Cuba
n. At an early age his parents encouraged him to play piano and other instruments; his mother "forced" Herren to play a wide variety of instruments, even going so far as to teach him the Suzuki Method
in order to "keep him out of trouble". Growing up, Herren's musical tastes branched out and he became interested in hip-hop, punk rock, and electronic music.
He began his career DJing at MJQ, a small night club in Atlanta, and then began working in commercial studios producing hip-hop tracks for Dirty South rappers. However, Herren wanted to create his own music and started collecting second-hand instruments and drum machines during this part of his career. He eventually moved to New York City to go to college; there he began recording his first major release, Sleep Method Suite, under the name of "Delarosa and Asora". The album was released in 1997.
In 2000, Herren released the album Folk Songs For Trains, Trees, And Honey under the name "Savath & Savalas". This album focused more on Herren's ambient and jazz
influences.
Herren first released music under the name "Prefuse 73" with 2001's commercially and critically successful Vocal Studies + Uprock Narratives
. A year later, a 4-track EP
The '92 Vs. '02 Collection was released. In 2003, Herren released the full-length album One Word Extinguisher
, one of his best known Prefuse 73 albums to date. A companion album, Extinguished: Outtakes
was released afterwards showing off some of the production "outtakes" and remixes that were omitted from the initial full-length.
2005 saw the release of Surrounded By Silence
, Herren's third album as Prefuse 73. The album featured more collaborations with a variety of musicians, including rappers both underground and mainstream. Herren's next Prefuse 73 release, Security Screenings
, was released in 2006; though as long as a full-length, the release was touted as an EP. On August 8, 2007, the fourth Prefuse 73 album, Preparations
was announced and it was released on October 15, 2007. The album is sold with a bonus full-length disc titled Interregnums, featuring songs that were more ambient and contemplative than usual Prefuse 73 material.
Along with partners Peter Rentz, Carolina Chaves, Ben Loiz, Carlos Niño, and Paz Ochs, Herren started the Eastern Developments Music
label.
In June 2008, Herren announced the formation of a new collaborative project, Risil, which includes members of Sunn O)))
, Hella
, School of Seven Bells
, Pivot
, and others. On June 24, 2009, the supergroup released their debut LP, entitled Non Meters Volume 1. Herren also released a new Savath & Savalas album, entitled "La Llama"', earlier in March of the same year, and a new Prefuse 73 LP entitled Everything She Touched Turned Ampexian
.
In 2009, under the name Diamond Watch Wrists, he and Zach Hill
contributed a cover of a Pivot
song to the Warp20 (Recreated)
compilation. The group later released the album Ice Capped At Both Ends.
In 2011, he contributed to the track "Terra" for the Red Hot Organization's
most recent charitable album "Red Hot+Rio 2." The album is a follow-up to the 1996 "Red Hot + Rio
." Proceeds from the sales will be donated to raise awareness and money to fight AIDS/HIV and related health and social issues.
EPs/Singles/Compilations
EPs/Singles/Compilations
EPs/Singles/Compilations
EPs/Singles/Compilations
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, who has been based in Atlanta, Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after Madrid, and the capital of Catalonia, with a population of 1,621,537 within its administrative limits on a land area of...
and 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...
. Herren releases music under the aliases
Pseudonym
A pseudonym is a name that a person assumes for a particular purpose and that differs from his or her original orthonym...
Prefuse 73, Delarosa & Asora and Piano Overlord, and is also part of the groups Savath y Savalas, Risil, and Diamond Watch Wrists.
Biography
Guillermo Scott Herren was born in Miami, Florida and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. His father is CatalanCatalan people
The Catalans or Catalonians are the people from, or with origins in, Catalonia that form a historical nationality in Spain. The inhabitants of the adjacent portion of southern France are sometimes included in this definition...
and his mother is Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
and Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
n. At an early age his parents encouraged him to play piano and other instruments; his mother "forced" Herren to play a wide variety of instruments, even going so far as to teach him the Suzuki Method
Suzuki method
The Suzuki method is a method of teaching music that emerged in the mid-20th century.-Background:The Suzuki Method was conceived in the mid-20th century by Shin'ichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist who desired to bring beauty to the lives of children in his country after the devastation of World War II...
in order to "keep him out of trouble". Growing up, Herren's musical tastes branched out and he became interested in hip-hop, punk rock, and electronic music.
He began his career DJing at MJQ, a small night club in Atlanta, and then began working in commercial studios producing hip-hop tracks for Dirty South rappers. However, Herren wanted to create his own music and started collecting second-hand instruments and drum machines during this part of his career. He eventually moved to New York City to go to college; there he began recording his first major release, Sleep Method Suite, under the name of "Delarosa and Asora". The album was released in 1997.
In 2000, Herren released the album Folk Songs For Trains, Trees, And Honey under the name "Savath & Savalas". This album focused more on Herren's ambient and jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
influences.
Herren first released music under the name "Prefuse 73" with 2001's commercially and critically successful Vocal Studies + Uprock Narratives
Vocal Studies + Uprock Narratives
Vocal Studies + Uprock Narratives is a 2001 album by Prefuse 73. The song "Smile in Your Face" is missing on the vinyl edition.The album features vocals from rappers Mikah 9 , Aesop Rock, and MF DOOM. It also features Sam Prekop from indie rock band The Sea and Cake...
. A year later, a 4-track EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
The '92 Vs. '02 Collection was released. In 2003, Herren released the full-length album One Word Extinguisher
One Word Extinguisher
One Word Extinguisher is the second album by Scott Herren released under the Prefuse 73 moniker. It was released on May 6, 2003 on Warp Records to very favorable reviews....
, one of his best known Prefuse 73 albums to date. A companion album, Extinguished: Outtakes
Extinguished: Outtakes
Extinguished: Outtakes is an EP by Prefuse 73. It consists of outtakes from the album One Word Extinguisher, although it is a full album in its own right.-Track listing:# "Suite for the Ways Things Change" – 4:44...
was released afterwards showing off some of the production "outtakes" and remixes that were omitted from the initial full-length.
2005 saw the release of Surrounded By Silence
Surrounded by Silence
Surrounded by Silence is the third full-length album by Prefuse 73, released March 21, 2005 on Warp Records. The album features collaborations with a variety of musicians, from rock bands to rappers, both underground and mainstream...
, Herren's third album as Prefuse 73. The album featured more collaborations with a variety of musicians, including rappers both underground and mainstream. Herren's next Prefuse 73 release, Security Screenings
Security Screenings
Security Screenings is an EP by electronic music producer Prefuse 73. Although the album is described as being an EP by the artist, it is actually as long as a proper LP. However, Security Screenings is not considered to be a follow-up to Surrounded by Silence.The original cover art displayed the...
, was released in 2006; though as long as a full-length, the release was touted as an EP. On August 8, 2007, the fourth Prefuse 73 album, Preparations
Preparations
Preparations is the fourth full-length album by Prefuse 73, released on October 23, 2007 on Warp Records . Unlike the 2006 EP Security Screenings, Preparations is considered the proper follow-up to 2005's collaboration-heavy Surrounded by Silence...
was announced and it was released on October 15, 2007. The album is sold with a bonus full-length disc titled Interregnums, featuring songs that were more ambient and contemplative than usual Prefuse 73 material.
Along with partners Peter Rentz, Carolina Chaves, Ben Loiz, Carlos Niño, and Paz Ochs, Herren started the Eastern Developments Music
Eastern Developments Music
Eastern Developments Music is a music label formed by Scott Herren, Peter Rentz, Carolina Chaves, Ben Loiz, Carlos Niño, and Paz Ochs.-History:...
label.
In June 2008, Herren announced the formation of a new collaborative project, Risil, which includes members of Sunn O)))
Sunn O)))
Sunn O))) is an American doom metal band known for its synthesis of diverse genres including drone, ambient, noise, and black metal. Supported by a varying cast of collaborators, the band has two core members: Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson .-History:Sunn O))) is named after the Sunn...
, Hella
Hella (band)
Hella is an American band from Sacramento, California. They play a technical blend of math rock, noise rock, and experimental rock. The primary members of the band are Spencer Seim on electric guitar and Zach Hill on drums...
, School of Seven Bells
School of Seven Bells
School of Seven Bells is a band formed by Benjamin Curtis of Secret Machines, together with identical twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza, formerly of On!Air!Library!. The band is named after the School of the Seven Bells, a mythical South American pickpocket training academy.-History:Curtis and...
, Pivot
Pivot (Australian band)
PVT is an experimental rock band based in London and Sydney.-About:PVT are a 3-piece band based in London and Sydney. They are currently signed to Warp Records. Band members are Richard Pike, Laurence Pike and Dave Miller...
, and others. On June 24, 2009, the supergroup released their debut LP, entitled Non Meters Volume 1. Herren also released a new Savath & Savalas album, entitled "La Llama"', earlier in March of the same year, and a new Prefuse 73 LP entitled Everything She Touched Turned Ampexian
Everything She Touched Turned Ampexian
Everything She Touched Turned Ampexian is the fifth full-length album by Prefuse 73, released on April 14, 2009 on Warp Records.Roughly 38% of the tracks on the album are less than one minute long, the longest song being 4 minutes and 16 seconds....
.
In 2009, under the name Diamond Watch Wrists, he and Zach Hill
Zach Hill
Zach Hill is a musician residing in Sacramento, California. Primarily known for his drumming, he performs/has performed in numerous Pacific Coast based groups, including his primary group, Hella, as well as Holy Smokes, Nervous Cop, and a diverse range of others including El Grupo Nuevo de Omar...
contributed a cover of a Pivot
Pivot (Australian band)
PVT is an experimental rock band based in London and Sydney.-About:PVT are a 3-piece band based in London and Sydney. They are currently signed to Warp Records. Band members are Richard Pike, Laurence Pike and Dave Miller...
song to the Warp20 (Recreated)
Warp20 (Recreated)
Warp20 is a compilation album released by Warp Records in 2009. It contains covers of Warp artists, such as Aphex Twin, LFO, Boards of Canada and Grizzly Bear by other Warp artists, such as Plaid, Autechre and Mira Calix.-Track listing:...
compilation. The group later released the album Ice Capped At Both Ends.
In 2011, he contributed to the track "Terra" for the Red Hot Organization's
Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization is a not-for-profit, 501 3, international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.Since its inception in 1989, over 400 artists, producers and directors have contributed to over 15 compilation albums, related television programs and media events to raise...
most recent charitable album "Red Hot+Rio 2." The album is a follow-up to the 1996 "Red Hot + Rio
Red Hot + Rio
Red Hot + Rio is a compilation album produced by Paul Heck as part of the Red Hot AIDS Benefit Series intended to promote AIDS awareness. This installment is a contemporary tribute to the Bossa nova sound, especially the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim...
." Proceeds from the sales will be donated to raise awareness and money to fight AIDS/HIV and related health and social issues.
Prefuse 73
Albums- Vocal Studies + Uprock NarrativesVocal Studies + Uprock NarrativesVocal Studies + Uprock Narratives is a 2001 album by Prefuse 73. The song "Smile in Your Face" is missing on the vinyl edition.The album features vocals from rappers Mikah 9 , Aesop Rock, and MF DOOM. It also features Sam Prekop from indie rock band The Sea and Cake...
( June 9, 2001) - One Word ExtinguisherOne Word ExtinguisherOne Word Extinguisher is the second album by Scott Herren released under the Prefuse 73 moniker. It was released on May 6, 2003 on Warp Records to very favorable reviews....
(May 5, 2003) - Surrounded by SilenceSurrounded by SilenceSurrounded by Silence is the third full-length album by Prefuse 73, released March 21, 2005 on Warp Records. The album features collaborations with a variety of musicians, from rock bands to rappers, both underground and mainstream...
(March 21, 2005) - PreparationsPreparationsPreparations is the fourth full-length album by Prefuse 73, released on October 23, 2007 on Warp Records . Unlike the 2006 EP Security Screenings, Preparations is considered the proper follow-up to 2005's collaboration-heavy Surrounded by Silence...
(October 15, 2007) - Everything She Touched Turned AmpexianEverything She Touched Turned AmpexianEverything She Touched Turned Ampexian is the fifth full-length album by Prefuse 73, released on April 14, 2009 on Warp Records.Roughly 38% of the tracks on the album are less than one minute long, the longest song being 4 minutes and 16 seconds....
(April 14, 2009) - Meditation Upon Meditations (The Japanese Diaries) (April 25, 2009)
- The Only She Chapters (April 25/26, 2011)
EPs/Singles/Compilations
- Estrocaro EP (October 23, 2000)
- Radio Attack / Nuno (2000)
- Out Takes For 88'. (Never released, 2001)
- Wylin Out (Featuring Mos Def & Diverse) (2002)
- The '92 Vs. '02 Collection (2002)
- Extinguished: OuttakesExtinguished: OuttakesExtinguished: Outtakes is an EP by Prefuse 73. It consists of outtakes from the album One Word Extinguisher, although it is a full album in its own right.-Track listing:# "Suite for the Ways Things Change" – 4:44...
(August 25, 2003) - T5 Soul Sessions, Volume 1 (2004)
- Impulsive! Revolutionary Jazz ReworkedImpulsive! Revolutionary Jazz ReworkedImpulsive! Revolutionary Jazz Reworked is a compilation of music originally released on Impulse! Records, remixed by contemporary hip hop and electronic musicians and released in 2005 on CD and LP for the same label.-Tracklisting:...
(2005) - HideYaFace (February 21, 2005)
- Security ScreeningsSecurity ScreeningsSecurity Screenings is an EP by electronic music producer Prefuse 73. Although the album is described as being an EP by the artist, it is actually as long as a proper LP. However, Security Screenings is not considered to be a follow-up to Surrounded by Silence.The original cover art displayed the...
(February 6, 2006) - Prefuse 73 Reads the Books E.P.Prefuse 73 Reads the Books E.P.Prefuse 73 Reads the Books E.P. was an EP created by both Prefuse 73 and The Books. Surrounded by Silence includes track "Pagina Dos," from "Prefuse 73 Reads the Books E.P." as well as many other collaborations with artists other than The Books....
(July 11, 2005) - Interregnums (October 15, 2007)
- The Class Of 73 Bells (Featuring School of Seven Bells) (September 17, 2007)
- The Forest Of Oversensitivity (June 1, 2009)
- The Flaming Lips with Prefuse 73 (May 2011)
Delarosa & Asora
Albums- Sleep Method Suite (1997)
- Agony, Pt. 1 (2001)
EPs/Singles/Compilations
- Crush the Sight-Seers (1999)
- Backsome (2001)
Savath and Savalas
Albums- Folk Songs for Trains, Trees and Honey (2000)
- Apropa't (2004)
- Golden Pollen (June 19, 2007)
- La Llama (May 19, 2009) (Stones Throw RecordsStones Throw RecordsStones Throw Records is an independent hip hop record label based in Los Angeles, California. It was started in 1996 by DJ/Producer Peanut Butter Wolf in part to release the music he made with Charizma who was killed at the age of 20....
)
EPs/Singles/Compilations
- Immediate Action #1 (Wednesday, July 25, 2001)
- Rolls and Waves (2002)
- Mañana (2005)
Piano Overlord
Albums- The Singles Collection 03-05 (November 8, 2005)
EPs/Singles/Compilations
- Tease EPTease EPTease was a limited edition EP by Piano Overlord.-Track listing:# "Recuerdas?"# "Walk Home"# "Electric Manatee Diplo Remix"# "Springs Arrival Express Rising Remix"...
(2004) - Torture EP (August 2005)
Guillermo Scott Herren
Albums- Sleeping on Saturday and Sunday Afternoons (2003), Tour CDR in regular CD jewel case with handmade artwork (front and back inlays) that was sold (for $25) on 2003 Prefuse 73 tour with Four Tet and Manitoba.
External links
- Official site
- Warp Records
- Money Studies
- Chocolate Ind.
- Hefty Records
- Schematic
- Eastern Developments Music
- Synthesis.net interview with Scott Herren
- The Milk Factory: Review of Security Screenings
- BBC: Review of Security Screenings
- Prefuse 73 discography on Discogs
- NewMusicBox cover: Guillermo Scott Herren in conversation with Trevor Hunter, April 21, 2009 (includes video)
- The Top 5 Instrumental Hip-Hop Albums on Synconation