Lay Quiet Awhile

updated 2 Nov 94 The Lay Quiet Awhile story began in 1986 with brothers Phil and Dan Cook. Both were musically inclined (Phil played guitar and Dan played bass and had studied violin) and both were inspired by Washington DC's legendary punk scene. Dan had already played in local DC hard core band Kids For Cash, and was ready to move on to something more diverse and challenging. Phil was on the same musical wavelength and a musical project called LAY QUIET AWHILE was conceived. After various line-ups and two independently produced and distributed EP's, the band jelled into its ultimate incarnation with front person DANIELLE HOWLE and drummer Dave Wright (who had a musical background that included structured drum corps and improvisational jazz ensembles).

Lead singer DANIELLE HOWLE (who lives up to her last name) is a well known and respected song writer and solo performer in her own right. When she joined the band in 1989, that distinctive Lay Quiet Awhile sound came into full focus. But how exactly would one categorize that sound?

Critics described it as "eccentric buzz-mania" and "a blending of folk and punk without the sudden gearshifts that one might expect". The band described themselves as "melodic thrash folk metal". Just imagine Rickie Lee Jones being backed by the Throwing Muses (even the Pixies) with a definite southern twang and a little violin thrown in for good measure.

They built a reputation for being one of the South East's most promising (and eclectic) bands, LAY QUIET AWHILE opened for bands as diverse as FUGAZI (who became big fans) and the Indigo Girl, which is of course how they caught the ear of Amy Ray and landed themselves a recording contract with Daemon Records. Their first full length release was entitled Delicat Wire and was recorded at Inner Ear studios in Washington DC with FUGAZI producer Don Zientara twiddling the knobs.

Delicate Wire was licensed to Southern Records for release in the UK and Europe in May '94, and appeared with brand new artwork. DANIELLE HOWLE now has a solo career and has recently released a single, "Wrestler Song" on SIMPLE MACHINES.

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