In the 1980s, two individuals, Daniel and Danny Chavis, formed a band
named The Veldt in North Carolina. Their music was unique because they
combined elements from dreampop, specifically from bands under the 4AD
label like Cocteau Twins, and blended it with influences from Prince and
hip hop. In 1989, they partnered with Capitol Records and had the
opportunity to record their initial album with Robin Guthrie, from the
Cocteau Twins, as the producer. However, this project never saw the
light of day, leading to the band parting ways with the label.
The
Veldt, formed in North Carolina during the mid-1980s by Daniel and Danny
Chavis, blended various musical influences, combining elements of early
4AD dreampop, Prince, and hip hop. Their music career experienced some
tumult when their initial album, recorded in 1989 and produced by Robin
Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins, was shelved by their then-record label,
Capitol Records. The Veldt’s first release did not occur until 1992,
with the Marigolds EP, produced by Lincoln Fong, followed by their debut
album, "Afrodisiac," under Mercury Records and produced by Ray
Schulman.
Years later, The Veldt decided to unveil the previously
unreleased Guthrie-produced recordings under the title "Illuminated
1989," with remastering done by Guthrie himself. A track from the album,
“Aurora Borealis,” notably features Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau
Twins providing backup vocals. Danny Chavis shares that the track,
penned in 1986, was influenced by the Cocteau Twins' album "Treasure"
and RUN DMC’s “Sucker MC's.” Meanwhile, Daniel Chavis remarks that their
evolving sound moved from being dance-centric to something more
eclectic and perplexing for listeners.
https://theveldtmusic.bandcamp.com/album/illuminated-1989
