Guide Note

Dntel is an indie rock and electronica artist who is also known as James Figurine.

Dntel began writing and creating music in 1989 after receiving a keyboard, drum machine and sequencer from his father. He became a key writer for several California bands. In 1993, he recorded his first album and released it a year later under the name of Antihouse. During 1994 he began playing base for a band named Strictly Ballroom as well as recorded his debut Dntel EP which was not released until a later date.

By 1997 Dntel had recorded a demo collection and released it as his debut album in 1998, titled Early Works for Me If It Works for You, through the Phthalo record label. In 2000 he released his debut EP, Something Always Goes Wrong on the same label. He developed a cult following and was known as a pioneer of contemporary glitch and electronica.

Dntel has released a total of two EPs and four albums with his most recent being released in 2007, titled Dumb Luck.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: James Scott Tamborello
2. Also Known as James Figurine
3. Origin: Santa Barbara, California
4. Years Active: 1989-Present
5. Record Label: Sub Pop!
6. Other Projects: Figurine, Strictly Ballroom and The Postal Service
7. Discography

1. "The name didn't have any meaning when I came up with it. It was just a techno name." —Junkmedia
2. "Most days I'm really glad to be able to just do music. But you do start feeling that pressure of "Keep going!" I sometimes forget that I don't have to do music. You feel a little bit trapped all of a sudden." —The Red Alert
3. "I feel more like an indie rock person than an electronic person." —Pitchfork