Kurt von Stetten

Boston's DIY indie rock revisionist

Wow, it's been a minute. But things be percolatin'

Hey there! Been a while. Wow. Well, we'll have you know we've been keepin' on with the keepin' on. Here's what's up. For those following along at home, you know it's about time for the annual Kurt von Stetten release. Yep. We're looking at November for the next one. No title yet, but there will be some limited edition lathe cut vinyl. Very cool. Stay tuned. In other news, The Longwalls are also back at it and are putting the finishing touches on record #6. It's going to be called Red Shirts, and we're hoping for some vinyl for this one as well. Look for a release in early 2019-ish. Meanwhile... The Longwalls are also very excited to be part of the 8th Annual JP Music Fest coming up on September 8. It's free and fun for the whole family. Details here. Longwalls hit the stage in the 1pm hour. AND.. we'll have a limited edition cassette featuring 2 tracks from the upcoming record—for free give-away! Look out for more shows in the fall and a release party for the new record. Ok, that's it for now. We won't be strangers. Promise. The Longwalls JP Music FestMore News >

Kurt von Stetten began experimenting with noise and music in Boston in the summer of 1996. Early sound pieces and writings focused solely on the subtle hiss before and after any sound recording. In late 1999 one 445 minute piece titled “Hisssstory” pushed public opinion over the edge and galvanized a fledgling arts community to embrace the internet and register their displeasure. This community led by his professors, fan, and family vehemently rejected his approach and posted the now famous “Letter to an indulgent” on an AOL chat room (this was 1999 after all). After this stunning rebuke Kurt gradually pivoted away from academia and found freedom and a somehow more judgmental audience in alt/indie rock.

For a period of 10 years Kurt retreated to his bedroom studio and learned how to play guitar and drums by recording himself over and over again. After sharing some of his music with friends in 2006 Kurt gained some confidence and began to release his recordings as albums. Kurt has since released a full-length album every year for the last 9 years on which he plays every instrument. His lyrics are comprised of overheard conversations, notes taken during art school, things grunted while getting jumped at the train station that time, and created stories of love and desperation.

Kurt also plays drums, cello and other odds and ends with The Longwalls and is the former front-man of the Drama Queens.