• math/prog/modern classical
• Label : Last Things
• Territory : EU
• Booking : jens@audiblemusic.dk
• Home Town : New York

Extra Life was formed in 2007 as the main vehicle for New York-based composer/vocalist/guitarist, Charlie Looker. The band plays a highly unusual synthesis of dark pop, math/prog rock, metal, modern classical, and ancient liturgical music. Looker was a founding member of NY noise-chamber outfit ZS, and has been a prolific collaborator across the experimental music scene, with credits including Dirty Projectors, Xiu Xiu, John Zorn, Lingua Ignota, Tyondai Braxton, and Amanda Palmer.

Extra Life’s debut full-length Secular Works was released in 2008 on Planaria Records/LOAF Recordings to critical acclaim. The band toured the U.S. and Europe, with appearances at festivals including Primavera Sound (Spain), Villette Sonique (FR), Bad Bonn (CH), and Moers (DE). This was followed by the sophomore album Made Flesh (LOAF Recordings 2010), and the EP Ripped Heart (Last Things 2011), which featured a more accessible, indie-friendly sound. More international touring followed, which saw the band sharing bills with heavy weights including Sonic Youth, Ariel Pink, Deerhoof, Owen Pallett, and Chelsea Wolfe. In 2012, Extra Life’s third full-length, Dream Seeds, was released by Northern Spy Records, foregrounding the band’s atmospheric, darkwave side. U.S. and EU tours included spots at Impetus Festival (Switzerland) and Discorporate Festival (Germany). Looker disbanded Extra Life in 2013, to focus on his work as a classical composer, and on his industrial metal band, Psalm Zero.

After a nine year hiatus, Looker reunited Extra Life in 2022, with a new line-up including Toby Driver (Kayo Dot). They released Secular Works, Vol. 2. on Looker’s own label, Last Things, which garnered praise internationally. In 2023, the band did a month-long tour of the EU and UK, and in 2024, they will return to EU for another month, including a slot at A Colossal Weekend festival (Copenhagen).