CONTACT
Jonathan Goldman
310-740-7374
jonathan@basicelementsmusic.com

“Symptomatic” – The Mint, Los Angeles, CA - Nov. 2022

“Hide” — Last Exit Live, Phoenix, AZ - April 2023 — Featured artist at KWSS FM Spring Fundraiser

“Shakin’” — Last Exit Live, Phoenix, AZ - April 2023 — Featured artist at KWSS FM Spring Fundraiser

BAND BIO

Produced by Ed Buller (Suede, Pulp, Psychedelic Furs) and most recently, Mark Howard (U2, Iggy Pop, R.E.M.) BASIC ELEMENTS is a new wave band based in Los Angeles, CA. The group originally made a name for itself in Phoenix, AZ during its unheralded ‘80s post-punk scene playing alongside local legends like Gin Blossoms, Gentlemen Afterdark and Caterwaul and also opening for larger touring acts like Bolshoi and Gene Loves Jezebel — all while maintaining an average age of just 17-years old. Despite their local success, “B.E.” disbanded in 1991 (well before any of them could legally enter a bar). After a few decades pursuing separate careers as a sculptor, a TV producer, a video-game attorney, and a real-estate agent, in 2019 the synth-pop act from Phoenix resurrected itself in Los Angeles — and the result is a mainline hit of pure, uncut 1985.

Still fronted by its three founding members, the band’s current lineup features drummer Dan Konopka (OK Go) and guitarist, Gene Micofsky, both of whom bring a vibrant energy to the stage with commanding drums and virtuoso strings that complement the band’s layers of rich synths, throbbing bass lines and vocals that teeter between Jim Kerr, Bono, and occasional bursts of James Murphy. Their most recent shows in LA packed The Mint (2019 & 2022) and in April 2023, Basic Elements were the featured artist at the annual Spring Fundraiser for Phoenix’s top alternative radio station, 93.9/99.5 KWSS FM. The band’s “homecoming show” raised a week’s worth of fundraising in one night for the listener supported station.

In addition to being in regular rotation on KWSS, Basic Elements’ songs have been played on SiriusXM and the band has also been featured in LA Weekly, Phoenix New Times, Post-Punk.com and as guests on the Rolling Stone ranked podcast, “The Watt from Pedro Show,” hosted by renowned Minutemen bass player, Mike Watt. Basic Elements also connected with a global audience via Twitch on the weekly stream hosted by Minneapolis’ First Avenue resident DJ, Jake Rudh, and Slicing Up Eyeballs mastermind, Matt Sebastian, whose stream pulls lively and discerning virtual crowds. But the band’s biggest fan is VMA winning director (and ‘80s aficionado) Chris Applebaum (Rhianna, Fountains of Wayne, Britney Spears). Applebaum recently directed the video for the band’s song, “Shakin’” (which is an homage to John Hughes) starring Hollywood Doom Sisters Kansas and Parker Bowling (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”); the former of whom directed music videos for Iggy Pop and Collapsing Scenery and stars in the music video, “Caution,” by The Killers). 

In a time where contemporary artists strive for that '80s sound, BASIC ELEMENTS is the real deal. Check out their current releases on Spotify (and all other major platforms) and follow their social for news about upcoming releases, shows and a healthy dose of premium ‘80s archival.

QUOTES

"It's got that sweet '80s sound."
–Rodney Bingenheimer, legendary DJ, KROQ/SiriusXM 

”The music is timeless. Catchy, danceable and intelligent.”
- Amy Young, Phoenix New Times

“The revival of this new wave ensemble is not a mere echo of past glories, but a striking reentry into the cultural conversation.”
- Alice Teeple, Post-Punk.com

“It’s like Simple Minds and Scrttii Politti rolling around in a sleeping bag together.”
–VMA winning director, Chris Applebaum (Rihanna, Fountains of Wayne, Brittney Spears, The Struts).

“…it has an authenticity that current bands inspired by the ‘80s New Wave can only strive for today.”
- Tom Reardon, Phoenix New Times

”This is more than just an ‘80s throwback…”
- Aaron Willschick, V13

"Basic Elements is the first real band comprised of my buddies and the circle of friends surrounding them were all rooting for their success. 35 years later they have reconnected and are once again finding joy in making music together... sounds like success to me."
–Travis McNabb (Grammy Award winning drummer for Sugarland and Better Than Ezra)

PHOTOS