Pagoda began as a musical concept dreamt up by Michael Pitt who was only twenty-one at the time. The name arose from the recording Michael learnt to play guitar on, the record was called sessions of Pagoda. Pagoda the band was soon to be formed. They recorded the record in Italy with Luca Amendolara. After spending two months in Italy the first Pagoda album was released through Thurston Moore’s label Ecstatic Peace. That known line up of Pagoda dismantled and Pagoda’s current inception began including Michael Pitt, Chris Hoffman, Reese Carr, and Willy Parades. Pagoda toured Europe with their first album playing shows in Paris, London, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, and Rome. Pagoda has not yet toured the United States. However they do play shows in their native New York City.
Pagoda’s sophomore album, which is about to be released, was recorded live in Brooklyn with Hugh Pool at Excello Recordings. This new music represents the journey that Pagoda has taken to lead them on their current path. Michael’s original sound was inspired by the likes of Sonic Yoth, PJ Harvey, Nirvana and the Pixies. This new direction has seen Michael grow as a musician and inspiration comes from a trip to Morocco where Michael was introduced to Gnawa music. Gnawas play deeply hypnotic trance music, marked by low-toned, rhythmic sintir melodies, call and response singing, handclapping and cymbals. We can hear this new influence in the new record. Its sounds are magical and will entrance you.
The new record was recorded in an altered tuning which allows the sound of the east to be in place. The strings are such an integral part of Pagoda because it is able to capture the spirit of Eastern music while still combining sounds of the West. The release of this new record marks the return of Pagoda and this time they’re here to stay.
'Pagoda is not a part time job for Pitt; he is not an actor out on vacation here. He is an artist with living expression as his goal and music is where he thrives. And Pagoda as a live band kicks much ass.”
-Thurston Moore (sonic youth)
Hi I am a fanatic follower of you too ... I hope your new album comes out and please never stop Attacking corporatism and kill the tentacles with his great music grunge thanks for keeping music real and kill the ears of the ignorant eh stupid pop fans stunned by the absurd and ridiculous system
Very interesting direction...these past two years ive been influenced by eastern instruments and compositions. I think its marvelous that your incorporating change and growth in your expression. When I first heard you fellas, I noticed a great deal of people slighting you and saying you were a copycat of nirvana. I knew it just wasnt so...that like Nirvana..Pagoda was raw and real. Keep up the good work, God Bless..ill be tuned in on the set by your influence.. sincerely,
Wow I lost my breathe. I knew Warzone had to be a track cut for the album..and it sounds amazing. good job guys! Does this mean the record is close? I will support you guys 100 percent! Best of luck to ya
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