Biography
1. Cartographer is a djent pop band from Los Angeles. Nick Morzov (guitar, production, mix) started the project in 2014 with former singer Brandon Covington. As their early success subsided, Nick shifted focus to audio engineering and production, working with legends like Animals As Leaders, eventually becoming Travis Barker’s head engineer.
In 2018, drummer Stephen Haaker (Groove Juggernaut) joined the band, rekindling their passion. His unique open drumming style and thunderous kick groupings are featured on “Vertigo”, the finale of their EP Metamorphosis. Dylan Tirapelli-Jamail (multi-instrumentalist, Loveless) was the obvious choice for bass. He and Stephen have been best friends and roommates for nearly a decade. Their common influences shine through effortless phrasing and masterful pocket, as heard on the verse of “Fever Dream'' which is inspired by the djenty riffs of Meshuggah and Periphery. Dylan joined in 2019, just as Loveless began taking off…
The rapid popularity of that project combined with the Covid-19 pandemic stifled Cartographer's apparent momentum. Brandon realized he could no longer commit, graciously leaving the project in 2021. Nick, now the only original member recalls, “… It was a huge shift. It made us feel like a real band”. Dylan began co-writing more as they recorded nearly 20 demos, simultaneously scouring Los Angeles for a new front person.
Enter Skies Marie, a queer, former Suicide Girl model adorned in loose PJs. Her voice was so unique and powerful, it re-shaped the band’s sound, forcing them to take a hard look. Her background in psychiatric care combined with recently diagnosed ADHD sparked long conversations culminating in their second co-write, Sanctuary. This song unknowingly inspired the concept behind the whole EP, as the thematic character slips further away from this world, into darkness and chaos. A dingy whiteboard served as canvas for lyrical concepts evolving from intense, sometimes ridiculous discussions. Through this process, they realized common values and shared trauma, further strengthening their bond and collective voice. Queer identity, neurodivergence, passion for human rights, and off-putting jokes — the vision became clear and everyone was finally serving the same song.
The band is currently promoting three new singles "One More Night", "Fed Up", and "Rewind", releasing videos for each. They've also been preparing their live set, rehearsing and booking select shows this summer. Cartographer’s unique sound and emo aesthetic is re-shaping the genre, ushering a new era of heavy music. Modern metal is for everyone.
2. Cartographer was a five-piece instrumental progressive post-rock band, from Tilburg, the Netherlands. They were active between 2009-2017. The band consisted of guitarists Milan Roerdink, Marvin Roerdink and Yoep de Ligt, bassist Desmond Kuijk and drummer Yuma van Eekelen.
The band was the result of an everlasting search for the perfect sound, inspired by the works of bands such as Oceansize, Muse and Karnivool. With no less than three guitar players, Cartographer establishes a sound that you cannot ignore, proving that a band doesn’t always need a front(wo)man to grab and hold the audience’s attention. Don’t be startled by the label “post/progressive rock”. Let yourself get carried away in a sea of sound that varies from intense, raging explosions, to sparkling clean, dream-like harmonies. The members of Cartographer made it their goal to inspire listeners with their music and spark them with their energy.
3. Cartographer was a noisy minimalist rock trio from Oakland, California active between 2001-2021. The trio consisted of guitarist Ben Adrian and drummer Chris Bolig from Replicator and bassist André Zivkovich from Generalissimo.
Cartographer started out as Ben Adrian and a drum machine from 2001-2009. In 2009 Ben asked formed Replicator bandmate Chris Bolig to play drums.
In August 2021, the band announced that Chris Bolig has passed away.
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