BAND SPOTLIGHT | Selector Dub Narcotic

Calvin Johnson, who will perform this Wednesday as Selector Dub Narcotic, has had a lasting influence on independent and underground music that is hard to overestimate.

Beginning way back in 1982, his Olympia-based label, K Records, provided an early template for indie rock, inspiring Kurt Cobain (who identified, tongue-in-cheek, as a “Calvinist”) along with helping to set the stage for the Riot Grrrl movement and releasing early music by Beck, Modest Mouse, the Melvins and many others. K Records exemplified a do-it-yourself philosophy and independent, anti-corporate spirit which continues to resonate in earnest, ramshackle venues such as Black Sheep Cafe where he will be performing this week. Johnson’s distinctive basso profundo vocals (think a fey, insouciant Johnny Cash) and deadpan lyrical humor have been the focal point of several influential bands, starting in the ‘80s with minimalistic trio Beat Happening, continuing throughout the ‘90s with the more dance-oriented Dub Narcotic Sound System as well as the guitar-centric Halo Benders (a collaboration with Doug Martsch of Built to Spill) and more recently under his own name. He is currently touring for a brand new Selector Dub Narcotic album, the aptly named This Party is Just Getting Started, which uses funky samples as a sonic bed for his trademark speak-singing style. Don’t forget to bring your boogie shoes – this show may well be the freaky dance party of the summer.