A Grape Dope

View on the AKP Recordings website.

A Grape Dope is the moniker of John Herndon, drummer, music producer, and founding member of the iconic musical group Tortoise. His discography includes recordings with Isotope 217, Five Style, Starlicker, Exploding Star Orchestra, Pulsar Quartet, Poster Children, and more.

Herndon’s debut solo album, Backyard Bangers, is the amalgamation of many eclectic influences. It is a record impossible to tag with any one genre yet assured in its execution. Backyard Bangers consolidates blasts of experimental hip hop beats, grinding lo-fi house grooves, clattering noise passages, and even subdued synth ambience into a concise and colorful 32 minute journey. Predominantly constructed in a Northeast Los Angeles garage, the album is rounded out with musical contributions by celebrated artist Travis Millard (The Other Fudge) and rare vocals from Mr. Herndon himself.