* En anglais uniquement
Alan Sparhawk and his wife
Mimi Parker formed the minimalist slowcore group
Low in 1993 to counter the then-burgeoning grunge scene of Duluth, MN. As vocalist and guitarist,
Sparhawk led the influential indie outfit to more widespread attention with the much-lauded
Things We Lost in the Fire, and the band's profile increased a bit more when they signed to Sub Pop in 2005. He has also had a hand in numerous side projects, including the bluesy, rollicking
Black-Eyed Snakes, and
Retribution Gospel Choir with fellow
Low bandmate Matt Livingston.
Sparhawk, a fairly active member of the vibrant Duluth music scene, started the small Chairkickers Union label for local artists, and also operates a recording studio in the town, built out of a decommissioned church. In 2006 came the release of his first proper solo album,
Solo Guitar, an experimental, ambient work recorded before a live audience. Tours with both
Low and
Retribution Gospel Choir followed. ~ Ben Peterson