How to Hire CIGARETTES AFTER SEX For Your Event!
Members:
Greg Gonzalez, Jacob Tomsky, Randall Miller
Based in: the U.S.
Hire: Cigarettes After Sex
Cigarettes After Sex is an ambient pop band founded in 2008 by songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist Greg Gonzalez in El Paso, Texas. Known for their dreamy, ethereal sound and intimate lyrical themes, the band blends elements of shoegaze, slowcore, and ambient music. They are especially noted for their minimalist yet emotionally potent style, creating music that often evokes feelings of nostalgia, romance, and melancholy.
Early Years and Formation
Greg Gonzalez started Cigarettes After Sex as a solo project, and it gradually evolved into a full band over time. In 2008, Gonzalez recorded the project’s debut EP, I., in a stairwell at the University of Texas. The EP, which included songs like “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby,” became an underground success, gaining a cult following on platforms like YouTube and Bandcamp. Its ambient sound, combined with Gonzalez’s whispery, androgynous vocals, helped to set the band apart from other indie acts.
Initially, the group didn’t experience immediate success, and it took several years before Cigarettes After Sex gained traction. Gonzalez had a clear vision for the band’s sound, and by taking his time to develop it, he was able to craft something unique that resonated with listeners.
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Breakthrough
The real breakthrough came around 2015 when their music started going viral online. Songs like “Affection” and “Keep On Loving You” from the Affection single, released in 2015, became internet hits. Their slow-burning melodies, coupled with lyrics centered around love, heartbreak, and fleeting moments of connection, struck a chord with a growing audience.
In 2017, Cigarettes After Sex released their self-titled debut album, Cigarettes After Sex, through Partisan Records. The album received widespread critical acclaim for its cohesive sound and emotional depth. Tracks such as “K.” and “Each Time You Fall In Love” epitomized the band’s ability to convey longing and passion through minimalist compositions.
Style and Themes
The band’s music is defined by its soft, hazy, and dreamlike soundscapes. Often slow-paced, Cigarettes After Sex songs are characterized by simple guitar riffs, atmospheric synthesizers, and gentle percussion. Gonzalez’s voice, always quiet and intimate, gives the lyrics an intensely personal quality. The band has often been compared to artists like Mazzy Star, Cocteau Twins, and even early R&B singers for their ability to create emotive, vulnerable music.
Lyrically, Cigarettes After Sex songs focus on love, lust, memories, and relationships. Many of their songs are based on personal experiences and relationships that Gonzalez has had, with a heavy emphasis on the fleeting nature of these connections. The mood of their music often feels like a reverie, suspended between moments of passion and sadness.
Continued Success and Touring
In 2019, Cigarettes After Sex released their second full-length album, Cry, recorded in Mallorca, Spain. The album continued the band’s tradition of creating atmospheric, love-focused music. Gonzalez described Cry as more “cinematic” than their debut, with inspirations coming from classic films and his travels. Tracks like “Heavenly” and “Falling in Love” further solidified the band’s reputation for crafting haunting, romantic music.
Cigarettes After Sex has built a strong fan base through constant touring, performing in both intimate venues and larger festivals around the world. Their live performances maintain the soft, intimate feel of their recordings, often featuring minimalist stage setups and lighting to enhance the dreamlike atmosphere of their music.
Band Members and Lineup
While Gonzalez remains the driving force behind the band, the lineup has evolved over the years. Some of the main contributors to the band include:
- Greg Gonzalez – Lead vocals, guitar
- Randall Miller – Bass guitar
- Jacob Tomsky – Drums
Since inception in 2008, the group has included a number of different members and collaborators led by Greg Gonzalez. So, this list changes.
In interviews, Gonzalez has talked about how much of Cigarettes After Sex‘s sound is shaped by his vision, but he collaborates closely with his bandmates, particularly during live performances.
Influence and Legacy
Cigarettes After Sex has earned a dedicated fanbase and carved out a distinct niche in the indie music world. Their music has been described as cinematic, sensual, and timeless, with an ability to evoke deep emotions through simple, understated compositions. Their songs have been widely used in film and television, further enhancing their cultural impact.
As of 2024, Cigarettes After Sex continues to tour and release music, maintaining their reputation as one of the most unique and emotionally resonant bands in the indie and ambient pop scenes. Their ability to consistently capture the bittersweet nuances of love and longing ensures that their music remains both timeless and relatable.
The band is often cited for its minimal yet impactful sound that appeals to listeners looking for contemplative, atmospheric music that speaks to the heart.
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