Knifeplay

Knifeplay is a band that eludes definition, existing somewhere between the nihilistic detachment of shoegaze and the emotional
honesty of folk songwriting. Originally a solo bedroom recording project of Tj Strohmer’s, they’ve made a slow and careful shift into
a collaborative, production focused, studio recorded band. Through their ever-expanding genre
palette, range of fidelities, and long list of collaborators runs a unique current that ties everything together.
Informed by his experiences living in Philadelphia and their contrast with his rural southern Maryland upbringing, Strohmer’s
sometimes straightforward, sometimes dreamlike, but always philosophical lyrics feature scenes of darkness from many different
aspects of life. He deals with existential themes of death, drugs, heartbreak, and self-destruction, all expressed
through a delicate vocal style, which, combined with the band’s lush orchestral instrumentation gives a beautiful lightness to the
heavy subject matter.

Since their 2017 debut of home-recorded EPs, Knifeplay have earned a dedicated cult following through acclaimed debut
album Pearlty (2019) and a lengthy B-Sides Compilation (2020), all either self-released or through small run tape labels. In 2021
they entered the studio with producer Jeff Zeigler, known for his work with Kurt Vile, Nothing, The War on Drugs, and more, first
producing the Hurt Someone EP (Born Losers Records) before recording their critically acclaimed sophomore full-length, Animal
Drowning, released via Topshelf Records on October 19, 2022. In 2024, Knifeplay continued their work with Zeigler, releasing
their Spirit Echo EP last November, also to critical acclaim. In May 2025, Knifeplay would tease songs from their forthcoming LP
on Live in Seattle released via Funeral party.