How a simple optical illusion inspired the name of an electronic rock powerhouse
In short: Before they were Phantogram, Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter were Charlie Everywhere, a local duo in upstate New York. They bypassed traditional industry networking by leveraging the internet to find their audience. The name they eventually chose reflects their music: a 3D-like depth created from two-dimensional electronic layers.
Formed in 2007, Phantogram consists of childhood friends Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter. After Barthel returned home from college and Carter finished a project with his brother, the two began refining songwriting ideas in a remote barn known as Harmonie Lodge. Their early trajectory was defined by a shift away from local live shows toward a digital-first strategy. By uploading music to MySpace, they caught the attention of industry figures, allowing them to skip the conventional move to New York City for networking.
The band's name, adopted in 2009, refers to an optical illusion where two-dimensional images appear three-dimensional. This concept serves as a metaphor for their sound, which blends electronic rock, dream pop, and trip hop. Carter describes their aesthetic as a mix of swirling guitars, spacey keyboards, and airy vocals. This sonic depth is achieved through a hybrid approach: while the duo handles programming and production, their live performances incorporate a touring ensemble—including drummer Chris Carhart—to recreate complex rhythmic textures on stage.
The duo's career has been marked by significant personal and professional milestones. The 2016 suicide of Barthel's sister, Becky, deeply influenced their third album, Three, which reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200. Beyond their own discography, which spans five studio albums, they have collaborated with artists like Big Boi, the Flaming Lips, and Tom Morello. Today, they continue to evolve their sound, moving between their roots in upstate New York and their current base in Laurel Canyon, California, while maintaining a consistent commitment to their signature electronic-acoustic fusion.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Phantogram (band)
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