Silkworm was an American indie rock band active from 1987 to 2005 whose core members were Tim Midyett, Andy Cohen, and Michael Dahlquist.

History

Origins: 1985–1987

Founding members Tim Midyett (formerly Midgett), Joel RL Phelps, and Andy Cohen began writing and performing under the name Ein Heit in Missoula, Montana from 1985 to 1987. In 1987, they adopted the name Silkworm.

Relocation: 1987–1990

They relocated to Seattle in 1990, where they met drummer Michael Dahlquist. During a radio interview on WNUR at Northwestern University, Steve Albini called in to contact the band. Albini had attended Hellgate High School, the same high school that Phelps, Midyett, and Cohen attended in Missoula, Montana. This connection led to Albini recording the band's album In the West. Phelps left the band in 1994 due to mental health issues and the rigors of touring. Matt Kadane of Bedhead and The New Year played keyboards on Italian Platinum and It'll Be Cool.

Breakup: 2005

Drummer Michael Dahlquist was killed on July 14, 2005, when his car was rammed from behind. Friends Douglas Meis (Exo, the Dials) and John Glick (Returnables) were also killed in the crash.

Later projects: 2005–present

After Dahlquist's death, Midyett and Cohen went on to form Bottomless Pit. A feature-length documentary, ''Couldn't You Wait? The Story of Silkworm'', was released in February 2013, featuring interviews with Jeff Tweedy, Steve Albini, Stephen Malkmus, Gerard Cosloy, Clint Conley, and others. A remastered and expanded 2x12" + CD edition of the third Silkworm album Libertine including the group's "Marco Collins Sessions" and two additional tracks was issued by the label Comedy Minus One in May 2014. On July 27, 2024, the band reunited for a tribute concert after Albini's sudden passing. The lineup was Midyett, Cohen, and Phelps (playing with the band for the first time since leaving in 1994), with Jeff Panall of Songs: Ohia & Mint Mile on drums.

Discography

Studio albums

Compilations

Singles and EPs