Team Clermont Artist of the Week: Crushed Stars

Crushed Stars is placid, patient, pop sophistication. These songs are meticulously arranged and beautifully performed, falling in line with such artists as David Sylvian, Red House Painters, and even Burt Bacharach. This is hazy, starry late-night music with that foregoes aggression and attack for uncommon beauty. Todd Gautreau, the man behind the music, is a powerful songwriter and one of the best dreampop craftsmen around.

The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Todd Gaureau, Crushed Stars released its first album, Self Navigation, in 2001. Gautreau had made his mark as an electronic musician recording and releasing albums under the names Sonogram and Tear Ceremony. But secretly he longed to return to his first love of guitar and intimate bedroom pop. The album received warm reviews and was quickly picked up for distribution by Carrot Top.

After playing SXSW in 2005, Crushed Stars signed to Arena Rock Records. The band returned to SXSW in 2006, to support the Obsolescence CD. They also appeared at 2006’s CMJ New Music Conference.
The band now returns with Gossamer Days, recorded and mixed by Stuart Sikes (Cat Power, White Stripes, Modest Mouse). The new record sees more complex arrangements along with more guest players, including drummer Jeff Ryan of Pleasant Grove, expanding the bands sound without losing the intimacy of Gautreau’s songwriting.