ABOUT GEOGRAPHER

“I have a complicated relationship with life. But a very simple relationship with music.” -Mike Deni

Geographer is the moniker for Mike Deni’s American synth pop/indie rock band based in San Francisco, California. Formed in 2007, Deni has described his sound as being “soulful music from outer space” using analog, electronic and acoustic elements to craft dense layers and unique sound textures. As Geographer, Deni has released three full-length albums, Innocent Ghosts in 2008, Myth in 2012, and Ghost Modern in 2015; along with two (EPs), Animal Shapes in 2010, Endless Motion in 2015. His newest EP, Alone Time, featuring the songs Read My Mind, and So Low, is due out in March 2018.

Deni relocated to San Francisco from New Jersey, after living with the aftermath of his sister’s tragic death a few years earlier. While staying on the floor of his friends’ apartment in the Haight, Deni found a synthesizer on the street, and began to channel both his grief and his optimism into the songs that would become Innocent Ghosts. This theme would continue through all his music, which pits intense and emotionally probing lyrics with momentous and soaring arrangements, often featuring electric cello.

The Animal Shapes EP (Tricycle Records) put Geographer on the map, and launched his career. Since then Geographer has headlined many national tours, played Outside Lands, Treasure Island Music Festival, Firefly, and other festivals, released 2 critically acclaimed albums, and performed with such musical luminaries as K.Flay, The Flaming Lips, Young the Giant, Tycho, Ratatat, Betty Who, and Tokyo Police Club.

More recently, following the release of his EP Alone Time, Geographer collaborated with San Francisco based up and comer Andrew St. James on the track “Jaguar” which will be included as a bonus track on a split 7″ with St. James.  The vinyl, which also features Geographer’s track “Something’s Missing” will be out July 20th on Tricycle Records.

PRESS

“Playful electronic blips and beeps guide vocalist Mike Deni as he delicately jumps through a lullaby world before encountering a thunderstorm of drums and synthesizers. You’ll want to play this one over and over.” – Jason Jergens, 7X7

‘Geographer is the next ‘ need to know’ SF band. Synth-y, orchestral, moody and melodic, they make a beautiful cocktail of music. The recipe? Take two parts Grizzly Bear and one part New Order, mix well and you’ve got yourself a heady concoction of sound perfect for after hour, late night sessions of…whatever.” –The OCMD

“Deni’s voice, soothing and versatile, might remind some rock audiences of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke on muscle relaxers…a celestial experience from start to finish.” –Lumino Magazine

“Tailor-made for your own personal late-night dance party” –SPIN Magazine

“I need a restraining order because this song (Kites) is stalking me hard.” –Kick Kick Snare

“Layers of bubbling synths and winding guitars and cellos, and Mike Deni’s haunting vocals ride above the electro-acoustic fracas wonderfully. Simply stunning.” –KQED Mix Tape