Eric Gaffney (born December 25, 1967, in Cambridge, Massachusetts) is an American songwriter and recording artist, and has been home recording on cassette since 1981. An active participant in the Western Mass hardcore scene, in 1983 he founded, wrote songs for, and drummed with Grey Matter, opening hall shows with Jerry's Kids, F.U.s, The Freeze, Big Boys, Raw Power, Adrenalin O.D., Siege, 7 Seconds, Outpatients, Pajama Slave Dancers, Da Stupids, and others.
Career
In 1984, he joined No Preservatives as lead singer. He was also editor of 'Withdrawal Fanzine,’ and contributed scene reports for Maximum Rock 'N' Roll. In 1986, he co-founded 'Gracefully Aging Hippy Soloists' with Charlie Ondras.
In 1988, he did the artwork, tape duplication, and local distribution for the first Sebadoh release: 'The Freed Man' cassette. The tape was favorably reviewed by Gerard Cosloy and resulted in a 3-record deal with Homestead Records.
In 1989, a split-single with Big Stick, was released in the UK, followed by 'Magic Ribbons Box Set', a split with King Missile.
Gaffney co-founded and arranged for the first practice of Sebadoh, and booked the first few shows for the band. He created the cover art for Sebadoh III, as well as the album collage art.
Sebadoh signed to both Sub Pop, 20/20 (Domino) and City Slang in 1992. Gaffney contributed the title and collage art and CD layout for Smash Your Head on the Punk Rock, the front cover photograph for Rockin' The Forest, and contributed the title of the Sebadoh Vs. Helmet album. Gaffney left the band in late 1993.
After leaving Sebadoh, Gaffney booked solo shows in New York and released 'It Lights Up & Spins Around' on cassette in 1998, performing and recording with his own project Fields of Gaffney, opening shows with Royal Trux, Danielson and Buffalo Tom. He released ‘Brilliant Concert Numbers’ on CD in 1999, and Sub Pop released a single-club 7” on blue vinyl. Gaffney relocated to San Francisco, and recreated the band with new members.
In 2006, 'Uncharted Waters' was released on Old Gold (Atlanta) and Handmade Records (Oslo). Gaffney performed at Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco in 2002, 2003, and 2007, and at CMJ in 1990, 1998, 2006.
In 2007, Sebadoh reformed with the original line-up as "Classic Sebadoh," with a full U.S. Tour. Domino reissue of Sebadoh III, and The Freed Man. Bubble & Scrape was reissued on Domino/Sub Pop, Sebadoh toured Europe in 2008 and co-headlined Pitchfork Festival 2008 with Public Enemy and Mission of Burma.
Joyful Noise released a limited edition "Cassetterospective" box set of ten cassette records in 2015.
Gaffney currently sells music via his Bandcamp page, and has twenty records digitally distributed worldwide.
Discography
Albums
Toxic Friends (as member of Toxic Friends) 2019
Ghost of Christmas Future (animal friends/academia tapes) Land of Make Believe (Almost Halloween Time, Italy) 2016 "Cassetterospective" (limited edition of 100 cassette box set) Joyful Noise, 2015 Gracefully Aging Hippy Soloists (1986–1987) Academia, 2014 Jesus Christ/Alasdair Roberts split-single (Happy Soul Records) 2013 America's Drug (Animal Friends) 2011 Down By The Bay 2011 The World Turned Upside Down 2010 Big Rock Candy Mountain 2010 Sailor On The Rainpool Seas (Animal Friends) 2009 Uncharted Waters (Old Gold/Handmade Records) 2006 Fields of Gaffney 'Cosmic Chicken and Egg.' 2005 Fields of Gaffney "Nature Walk" CD, 2003 Brilliant Concert Numbers CD, Old Gold Records, 1999 In The Noonday Sun (Animal Friends) 2002 Another Galaxy (Animal Friends) 1999 Yosemite Sam Lunchbox (Animal Friends) 1997 Portland Or Bust (Animal Friends) 1991 Moldy Bread (Animal Friends) 1989 Face Of Man (Animal Friends) 1989 Sore Foot Weirdy (Animal Friends) 1988
Singles and compilation albums
"The Dunes" on 'Down in a Mirror" Jandek tribute Vol II (Summersteps Records, Moscow, PA.) "Wanna Be With You/Long Journey" split 7-inch with Pernath, Morc Records, 2004 "Pinball Machine" track on Cool Beans #15 CD, 2003 "Too Bad Luck" on "What, Are You on Drugs? Comp. CD (Ant Lunch, Florida) 2002 "Paws On Paws Off" track on "Lo-Fi" CD from São Paulo, Brazil, 2002 "Cold Weather" b/w Twilight, Sub Pop Singles Club, January 2000 "The Other Day" track on Cool Beans CD Sampler, 1999