The Presidents of the United States of America: The Story of Seattle's Quirky Rock Icons
Emerging from the rainy landscape of Seattle in 1993, The Presidents of the United States of America (often shortened to PUSA) carved out a unique niche in the American rock scene. While their hometown was the epicenter of the brooding grunge movement, PUSA offered a vibrant, high-energy alternative. Known for their catchy hooks and eccentric instrumentation, the band became a household name in the mid-1990s, blending alternative rock, pop-punk, and post-grunge into a sound that was as playful as their name.
Key Facts
- Origin: Seattle, Washington, formed in 1993.
- Biggest Hits: "Lump" (1995) and "Peaches" (1996).
- Commercial Peak: Their self-titled debut album was certified triple Platinum by the RIAA.
- Unique Gear: Used custom-modified instruments called the basitar and guitbass.
- Active Periods: 1993–1998, 2000, and 2003–2015.
The Early Years and Rise to Fame
The band was founded by Chris Ballew (lead vocals and bass) and Dave Dederer (guitar and backing vocals), who had met during their school years in Seattle. Before PUSA, Ballew performed in a punk-busker group called Egg, which provided the foundation for many of the band's early songs. After a brief period as a duo performing under names like "the Lo-Fis" and "Pure Frosting," they recruited drummer Jason Finn in December 1993.
The group's ascent was rapid. After releasing a ten-song cassette titled Froggystyle in 1994, they signed with PopLlama Records. Their self-titled debut album, re-released by Columbia in 1995, catapulted them to stardom. Driven by the success of singles like "Lump," "Peaches," and "Kitty," the album achieved triple Platinum status.
Between 1995 and 1997, the band toured the globe, playing in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. They became staples of late-night television, appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and the Late Show with David Letterman, and even performed a memorable skit and musical set on Mad TV in 1996.
Breakups, Reunions, and Evolution
The band first disbanded in January 1998 to allow Chris Ballew to pursue a solo career and spend time with his family. This era saw the release of Pure Frosting, a collection of new songs and demos. During this time, the band's music found its way into popular culture, with "Video Killed the Radio Star" appearing in The Wedding Singer and "Cleveland Rocks" serving as the theme for The Drew Carey Show.
A brief reunion in 2000 led to the album Freaked Out & Small, though it saw limited commercial success due to the bankruptcy of their label, MUSICBLITZ. The band reformed fully in 2003, releasing Love Everybody in 2004 via their own label, PUSA Inc.
In late 2004, Dave Dederer left the group to focus on his family. He was eventually replaced by Seattle guitarist Andrew McKeag, who transitioned from a live stand-in to a full-time member by 2007.
The later years of the band were marked by continued creativity and fan engagement. They released These Are the Good Times People in 2008 and utilized PledgeMusic in 2013 to fund their final studio album, Kudos to You! (2014), and their first live album, Thanks for the Feedback. The band privately dissolved in 2015, a fact that was made public in 2016.
Musical Style and Signature Sound
While often lumped in with the grunge scene, critics viewed PUSA as an "antidote" to the angst of the era. Their sound was characterized by a lack of misery, focusing instead on pure pop pleasures and straightforward arrangements.
Central to their sound were their unconventional instruments. Ballew played a basitar (a two-string guitar played through a bass amp), and Dederer played a guitbass (a three-string guitar played through a guitar amp). Both instruments were tuned to an open C♯5 chord, creating a satisfying, cohesive sonic wall that avoided complex musical flourishes.
Legacy and Discography
The band's legacy persists through their influence on pop-punk and their reputation for having one of the most memorable names in rock history—ranked as the 20th "weirdest band name of all time" by Ultimate Guitar in 2020. Following the breakup, Ballew found success as a children's artist under the name Caspar Babypants.
| Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|
| The Presidents of the United States of America | 1995 |
| II | 1996 |
| Freaked Out and Small | 2000 |
| Love Everybody | 2004 |
| These Are the Good Times People | 2008 |
| Kudos to You! | 2014 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments did the band use?
The band used custom instruments: the basitar (a two-string guitar played through a bass amplifier) and the guitbass (a three-string guitar played through a guitar amplifier), both tuned to an open C♯5 chord.
Why did the band break up the first time?
The band broke up in January 1998 because lead singer Chris Ballew wanted to explore other musical directions and spend more time with his young family.
Which songs are their most famous?
Their most successful and recognizable hits are "Lump" and "Peaches," both of which contributed to their debut album going triple Platinum.
Who replaced Dave Dederer in the band?
Andrew McKeag joined the band in late 2004 as a live stand-in and eventually became a full-time member, replacing Dederer.
What happened to Chris Ballew after the band?
Among other projects, Chris Ballew became a prolific children's music artist performing under the moniker Caspar Babypants starting in 2009.