Konk (band)

KONK was an American band formed in 1980 in New York City that emerged during a period marked by the post-punk/new wave and disco scenes which were prevalent at the time. KONK won the attention of both scenes by playing a hybrid of the two musical styles which involved the blending of a new wave attitude with the carefree nature of disco's dance crowd. KONK's musical influences ranged from Afrobeat, jazz and funk to hip hop. Given these influence KONK's style is noted as being highly percussive, and containing simple, yet strong, backing bass lines. As part of New York’s post-punk dance scene they regularly played alongside groups such as Liquid Liquid, Bush Tetras, ESG, the Peech Boys and the Lounge Lizards. They have been featured in a recent book by David Byrne and others on the New York post-punk scene.[1]

KONK
KONK on the rooftop of Danceteria in New York City, circa 1983
Background information
OriginNew York City, New York, United States
GenresNo wave, Afro-punk, electro, funk
Years active1981–1988
Labels99 Records, Dog Brothers Records, Celluloid, Rough Trade, 4th & B'way, Soul Jazz, Sleeping Bag, Factory, Unleashed Music
Websitewww.konknyc.com
MembersDana Vlcek
Geordie Gillespie
Richard Edson
Shannon Dawson
Scott Gillis
Jonny Sender
Angel Quinones
Past membersPerkin Barnes
Joe Gallant
Katie Taylor
Daniel Sadownick
Al Diaz
Heather Earnest
Tomás Doncker

Members

KONK was formed by avant-garde jazz personality Dana Vlcek and had among its many members: Richard Edson, who also played drums on the first Sonic Youth record and has had acting roles in such films as Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing and Jim Jarmusch's Stranger Than Paradise; Angel Quinones on congas, who later played for Jimmy Buffett; another member was Shannon Dawson (trumpet), who also was an early associate of Jean-Michel Basquiat in the band Gray, and the SAMO graffiti, and who did some of the band's promo poster art work. He is the uncle of actress Rosario Dawson. Geordie Gillespie plays drums and percussion, co produced the songs, and is the band archivist. After twenty years as a major label executive, he founded the marketing and management company, Unleashed Music. The band was managed by Ken Sitz, now creative director of Conelrad.

Discography

Albums
  • Yo! (1983), Les Disques Du Crépuscule
  • Jams (1988), Dog Brothers Records
  • KONK: The Definitive Collection (10-song digital release, 2008), Unleashed Music
  • KONK Live at CBGB (November 6, 1981) (8-song digital release, 2009), Unleashed Music

Compilations
  • The Sound of KONK (Tales of the New York Underground 1981-88) (2004), Soul Jazz

Compilation appearances
  • New York Noise - "Baby Dee" (2003), Soul Jazz

Singles and EPs
  • "Soka-Loka-Moki" (1981), Konk Organization, distributed by 99 Records
  • Konk Party (4 tracks) (1982), Les Disques Du Crépuscule/Interference
  • Konk Party (4 tracks) (1983), Celluloid
  • "Your Life" (1984), Sleeping Bag
  • Your Life (4 tracks) (1984), Sleeping Bag
  • "Love Attack" (1986), Dog Brothers Records
  • "Machine" (1987), Dog Brothers Records

Billboard charting releases
  • "Your Life" - No. 5 Dance (August 11, 1984)
  • KONK Jams LP Cuts - No. 30 (May 7, 1988)

Usage in film

References
  1. David Byrne et al. New York Noise: Art and Music from the New York Underground 1978-88 Photographs by Paula Court. Soul Jazz Records; illustrated edition, 2007.
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