Rob Laakso

Rob Laakso (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]

Rob Laakso
Laakso performing in 2019
Laakso performing in 2019
Background information
Born1979 (1979)
Massachusetts, U.S.
Died (aged 44)
GenresIndie rock, indie folk, lo-fi
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, synthesizers
LabelsMatador
Formerly ofKurt Vile & the Violators, Swirlies, Mice Parade
Websiteroblaakso.com

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][1] He was survived by his wife Mamie-Claire and their two children.[4]

Discography

With Kurt Vile

With Mice Parade

With Amazing Baby

  • Rewild (2009)

Wth Diamond Nights

  • Popsicle (2005)
  • Once We Were Diamonds EP (2005)

With Swirlies

  • Damon, Andy, Rob, Ron: The Yes Girls (2000)
  • Cats of the Wild Volume 2 (2003)
  • Swirlies' Magic Strop: Winsome Zamula's Hammer of Contumely (2005)

With The Wicked Farleys

  • Sentinel and Enterprise (1998)
  • Sustained Interest (1999)
  • Make It It (2000)

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