Album Notes

basehead bio

After secretly recording an album while in college in DC, Basehead debuted in 1992 with the release of the critically well-reviewed “Play With Toys.” Written and produced by Michael Ivey, and released nationally and internationally by Imago/BMG, Play With Toys included the singles “2000 B.C.” and “Not Over You” in a mix of songs about relationships, drinking and the state of the world. Categorized as alternative hip-hop, but actually a blend of rock, blues, and beats, Basehead toured the United States and Europe as a 5 piece band, opening for the Beastie Boys, Stone Temple Pilots, and Ween, as well as touring on its own.

Play With Toys was followed up by Not In Kansas, and after independently releasing the collaboratively self-titled BYOB, Basehead quietly released “faith” which reflected a turn to concerns about God. With the band members going different ways, and with the closure of Imago, Michael purposely pursued God, the domestic life, and studio co-ownership. Interests and activities included grassroots policy and politics, community organizing, and making organic music.

With Michael on guitar and vocals, original bassist Bill Conway, and longtime Basehead protégé Aaron Burroughs on drums, Basehead reformed as Basehead 2.0 and recorded and performed “Rockalyptic Music” in 2007. With the return of control of all the Basehead albums, including Play With Toys, in 2008, the group looks forward to performing and producing music for the people (as well as for TV and film).