Bio

Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and film-music composer Craig Wedren began his career fronting Washington, DC based band Shudder To Think, who, as part of the legendary Dischord Records label helped redefine the DC hardcore and emerging “alternative” rock scenes in the 80’s and 90’s.  After breaking indie music tradition by signing with Epic Records (Sony Music), Shudder To Think released three major-label albums including what is widely considered their magnum opus, Pony Express Record.  Shudder To Think toured extensively with bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Fugazi, Pavement, Foo Fighters, and Pearl Jam, and their videos were featured in regular rotation on MTV.  Frustrated by the limitations of being in a touring rock group, and after a bout with Hodgkin’s Disease, Wedren and the band shifted focus with a new goal in mind – to create music for film. With Shudder To Think, Wedren scored the independent films First Love, Last Rites, and High Art and wrote songs for Todd Hayne’s glam rock fantasia, Velvet Goldmine. In 1998, the band hit pause, and Craig turned his attention to solo endeavors.

As a composer Wedren has scored feature films such as Role Models, School of Rock, Laurel Canyon, Reno 911!: Miami, Roger Dodger, Wet Hot American Summer, and the much-anticipated documentary By The People: The Election of Barack Obama (HBO/Sony).  Wedren has also written and performed music for television, including Reno 911!, Stella, Wonderland, Dawson’s Creek and the classic comedy series The State. He’s currently composing for HBO’s hit show Hung and Showtime’s Emmy Winning United States of Tara.

In 2002, well ahead of the indie dance-rock curve, Wedren founded New York disco-bubble-punk outfit Baby.  Their self-titled album was released in 2004.  Said the Village Voice:

“Craig Wedren from Shudder To Think's new band creates otherworldly hooks and harmonies that you can dance to. If Abba, Nine Inch Nails and Roxy Music had a child it would be BABY. Every song makes you want to shake your ass.”

In 2005 Craig released his first solo album, “Lapland” on Conor Oberst’s (Bright Eyes) Team Love label to critical acclaim:

“He has since dabbled in soundtrack composition to impressive results (Laurel Canyon, School of Rock) and now with Lapland, Wedren proves himself to be a songwriter of astonishing complexity.”- FILTER

“Former Shudder To Think singer Craig Wedren should have been a star, not simply a contender. His voice an amazing operatically able instrument that can peel paint or  summon angels, Wedren always sang unusual songs that put his pipes through their paces.”-  HARP

“Wedren's voice sounds terrific, an expressive and formidable instrument…”- Pitchfork

…crystalline shards of perfect adult pop, catchy and accessible but more interesting musically than a thousand Rob Thomas songs.”- All Music Guide (4 1/2 out of 5 stars) – All Music Guide

Tour dates followed the release of “Lapland” with Wedren opening for The Foo Fighters in America and Australia.  Wedren has continued to perform live with artists including Bright Eyes, M.Ward, OK GO, Nina Persson of The Cardigans, Joe Lally of Fugazi, Joan as Police Woman, The Citizens Band, and many more.

On February 4th, 2008 (Super Tuesday Eve) Craig Wedren organized the political event “Barack Rock” to raise awareness among college age and first time voters, and to support the primary campaign of Presidential hopeful Barack Obama at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom, which featured performances by OK GO, comedy ensemble “Stella” (David Wain, Michael Showalter, and Michael Ian Black), Paul Rudd and a reunited Shudder To Think, which led to a full blown Shudder To Think tour, their first in ten years. Craig is currently recording his second solo release, the ambitious and groundbreaking musical film/album “WAND,” and is also collaborating on a modern classical song-cycle with rising-star composer Jefferson Friedman.

For more information please contact Chris Dell’Olio at Master Mind Artist Management: chris.dellolio@verizon.net or visit www.myspace.com/craigwedren