Guide Note
Heatmiser was an alternative rock band from Portland, Oregon. After forming in 1991, they released three full-length albums and several singles and EPs before disbanding in 1996. Most of the members went on to other successful bands or careers in the music industry; most notably, guitarist/singer Elliott Smith went on to a successful solo career as a singer/songwriter.1
Fast Facts
- Years active: 1991-1996
- Hometown: Portland, Oregon
- Labels: Frontier, Caroline
- Members: Neil Gust, Elliott Smith, Brandt Peterson (1991-1994), Tony Lash (1991-1994), John Moen (1995-1996) and Sam Coomes (1994-1996)
- Influences: Fugazi, Husker Du, Elvis Costello
- Other members have performed in the bands No. 2, The Decemberists, The Donner Party, and Quasi.
- Discography
Elliott Smith
The band's fame has been overshadowed by that of Elliott Smith.2 Though he began releasing his solo recordings while still in the band, Smith's solo career fully blossomed soon after the band dissolved, until his death in 2003. Sometimes dismissive of Heatmiser's music in interviews promoting his solo albums, Smith was often vocal about his apathy towards the band's music, which led to tension between members and the band's eventual demise.3
Post-Breakup Activity
Other band members also went on to pursue different musical projects, with Gust forming a band called No. 2, and bassist Sam Coomes continuing with his band Quasi (with his then-wife, Janet Weiss, also of Sleater-Kinney) as well as playing in the studio and live as a member of Elliott Smith's band. Lash became a recording engineer, working on records by bands such as the Dandy Warhols.
Studio Recordings
- Dead Air (1993)
- Cop and Speeder (1994)
- Mic City Sons (1996)
