Rob Laakso Explained

Rob Laakso
Birth Date:16 April 1979
Birth Place:Massachusetts, U.S.
Instrument:Guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, synthesizers
Genre:Indie rock, indie folk, lo-fi
Occupation:Musician
Label:Matador
Past Member Of:Kurt Vile & the Violators, Swirlies, Mice Parade

Rob Laakso (April 16, 1979 – May 4, 2023) was an American musician, record producer and engineer, best known as the recording partner of indie rock musician Kurt Vile and as a multi-instrumentalist in his backing band the Violators. Laakso also played in the shoegaze band Swirlies, among others. Born in Massachusetts in 1979, Laakso graduated from Emerson College.[1]

After contributing to Vile's second and fourth studio albums, God Is Saying This to You... (2009) and Smoke Ring for My Halo (2011), Laakso became a full member of the Violators in 2011 after the departure of guitarist Adam Granduciel. After joining the band, Laakso contributed heavily to Vile's subsequent studio albums, Wakin on a Pretty Daze (2013), b'lieve I'm goin down... (2015), Bottle It In (2018) and (watch my moves) (2022).[2]

Laakso died on May 4, 2023, at the age of 44 from cholangiocarcinoma, a fairly rare and aggressive form of cancer of the bile duct.[3] He was survived by his wife Mamie-Claire and their two children.[4]

Discography

With Kurt Vile

With Mice Parade

With Amazing Baby

Wth Diamond Nights

With Swirlies

With The Wicked Farleys

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rob Laakso, Kurt Vile & the Violators and Swirlies Guitarist, Dies at 44. Corcoran. Nina. May 6, 2023. Pitchfork. May 6, 2023.
  2. Web site: Rob Laakso | Songs | AllMusic. allmusic.com. 2015-10-05.
  3. Web site: Rob Laakso (Kurt Vile & The Violators, Swirlies) has died. Pearis. Bill. May 5, 2023. BrooklynVegan. May 6, 2023.
  4. Web site: Rob Laakso, of Kurt Vile & The Violators, Dead at 44 . Scoop . Harrison . May 5, 2023 . consequence.net . May 5, 2023.