Gavin Russom

Delia Gonzalez and Gavin Russom's relationship began on a dancefloor, so it's only fitting that the eccentric duo became one of the DFA label's least dance-oriented acts. More inspired by '70s electronic artists from Germany -- such as Tangerine Dream, Harmonia, and Ash Ra Tempel's Manuel Göttsching -- than British post-punk and early house (like many of their labelmates), the New York-based duo debuted with a 12" single in early 2004. A beat-driven remix from DFA's James Murphy and Tim Goldsworthy appeared on the B-side. Since it gained more attention than the beat-less A-side, some listeners were surprised to discover that The Days of Mars, the duo's first album, was entirely beat-less, containing four lengthy tracks that were composed on Russom's bank of self-made analog synthesizers. Gonzalez and Russom have also recorded with Murphy, Goldsworthy, and Christian Holstad as Black Leotard Front (2004's Casual Friday single, also released on DFA). The duo released several more singles and EPs, including 2006's Relevee and 2010's Track Five, before Gonzalez focused on her fine art career; Russom continued making music on his own, under his own name and with the Crystal Ark among other projects. © Andy Kellman /TiVo