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

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]

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. 1 2 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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