There is so much great music out there that you will probably not be able to listen to all of it during your lifetime. However, if you know the kind of sound that you like and you take a little bit of time to read some reviews you should be able to find the dozens of unknown bands that can satisfy your cravings for a certain type of sound. While some people like rock, or pop, or oldies, there are others that can only be satisfied by an eclectic mix of musicians dedicated to producing music that has never been heard before. If you find yourself in the latter group of people you should consider a lesser known band that rocked out through the late nineties and early into this century. They are known as Supersystem and the sound on their four albums is a potpourri of many different musical styles.
Supersystem the band was formed in 1997 in Washington, D.C. Originally they were known as El Guapo. However, they changed their name early in their career and came up with Supersystem. Another change that took place early on in the group’s history is that they changed their drummer. The original drummer was Nate Smith. He left before Supersystem signed a record deal with the label Dischord. Smith was replaced by the drummer Joshua Blair. After nine years Supersystem disbanded in 2006. All the band members are still currently working in the music industry and the group left a legacy of nearly a dozen records available for fans to own and enjoy.
Supersystem has worked with five different record labels. Their first album, Untitled 7”, was released by Red Skies at Night Records back in 1997, the first year that the band was together. They then went on to release two different albums with Resion Records in 1998 and 1999. 2000 brought out a new record called The Geography of Dissolution. This was produced by Mud Memory Records. All of these were small releases by indie record companies and had a small distribution.
The big break can when Supersystem signed a record deal with Dischord Records in 2001. They went on to produce three different records with them over the next three years. Dischord is an indie label, but one of the most popular ones in the Washington area. It also has nationwide distribution. Touch and Go Records, the final label to pick up Supersystem, is also an indie label. It is even larger than Dischord. While located in Chicago it signs artists from across the country. Supersystem released four albums with them, three in 2005 and one in 2006.
The sound of Supersystem is unlike anything you have ever heard before. These musicians are dedicated not only to creating good notes and beats, but also to reshaping the space between the notes. This has led to a sound that is a mix of electronic, hip-hop, punk, and even a little bit of world music. Even though their latest album is four years old, Supersystem has still made an impact on the indie rock world.