An American Indie Rock Band From Los Angeles California Who Signed with Dangerbird Records.
The current band lineup consists of Brian Aubert (lead vocals/guitar),
Nikki Monninger (
bass/vocals), Christopher Guanlao (drums), and Joe Lester (keyboards). The band members are friends who had played together previously or in mutual friends' bands.
The band originated in L.A.'s Silver Lake music scene home of Elliott Smith, Rilo Kiley and others. They were originally called A Couple Of Couples. Their current
name comes from a liquor and convenience store near their house at Sunset and Silver Lake Blvds in Los Angeles. In interviews, however, the band often say their
name is more of "a state of mind," supposedly from living so close to everything an L.A.-
based indie rock band would need late at night. For Pikul, fellow Silverlaker
Tanya Haden was enlisted to play cello.
The band's sound, often encompassing multiple overdubs of distorted guitars, is frequently compared to that of The Smashing Pumpkins, while the band members have
said they are heavily influenced by artists such as My Bloody
Valentine, the Velvet Underground, Elliott Smith, Sonic Youth,
Sweet, Modest Mouse, and Secret Machines as well as numerous other artists with lesser publicity; especially "by songs
like 'Rhinoceros' from Gish by The Smashing Pumpkins and 'The Diamond Sea' from 'Washing Machine' by Sonic Youth"
Fake Guy: d00d!! did you hear that song on the radio just now?
Me: Ye, That was Silversun Pickups
Fake Guy: What's a Sliversun Pickup?
*Facepalm*
-Later-
Fake Fan: Silversun Pickups are my Favoritez <3
SSPU Fan: Name 2 song's that are not Singles...
Fake Fan: ...
SSPU Fan: Thought So
Bish!