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⚫
{{Short description|American geek rock band}}
{{more citations needed|date=December 2022}}
⚫
{{Short description|American pop rock band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = April 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = April 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Lemon Demon
| name = Lemon Demon
| image = LemonDemonLogo.webp
| image = Lemon Demon.jpg
| caption = Lemon Demon's logo, created in 2003
| caption = Lemon Demon performing in 2006
| image_size = 200px
| landscape = yes
| alias = {{flatlist|
| alias = {{flatlist|
* Trapezoid
* Trapezoid
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* [[synth punk]]
* [[synth punk]]
* [[New wave music|new wave]]
* [[New wave music|new wave]]
* [[geek rock]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lemon-demon-mn0003803356|title=Lemon Demon|access-date=February 13, 2021|via=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref>
* [[geek rock]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lemon-demon-mn0003803356|title=Lemon Demon|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=February 13, 2021}}</ref>
}}
}}
| years_active = 2003–present
| years_active = 2003–present
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| website = {{URL|lemondemon.com}}
| website = {{URL|lemondemon.com}}
| associated_acts =
| associated_acts =
| current_members = * [[Neil Cicierega]]<!-- Note that Professor iPod is a literal iPod and therefore is an instrument, not a member. -->
| current_members = * [[Neil Cicierega]]
* (see [[#Members|live members]])
* (see [[#Members|live members]])
}}
}}


'''Lemon Demon''' is a musical project and band created by American comedian and musician [[Neil Cicierega]] in 2003 in [[Boston|Boston, Massachusetts]]. Lemon Demon's studio work is performed solely by Cicierega, who is the project's sole official member. Live performances also include a backing band, with previous performances consisting of Alora Lanzillotta, Charles Sergio, Anthony Wry, Dave Kitsberg, and Greg Lanzillotta.
'''Lemon Demon''' is a musical project and band created by American comedian and musician [[Neil Cicierega]] in 2003 in [[Boston|Boston, Massachusetts]]. Lemon Demon's studio work is performed solely by Cicierega, who is the project's sole official member. Live performances also include a backing band, with previous performances consisting of Alora Lanzillotta, Charles Sergio, Anthony Wry, Dave Kitsberg, and Greg Lanzillotta. As of 2024, Lemon Demon has released [[#Discography|seven studio albums and five EPs]].

As of 2024, Lemon Demon has released seven studio albums: ''Clown Circus'' (2003), ''Live from the Haunted Candle Shop'' (2003), ''Hip to the Javabean'' (2004), ''Damn Skippy'' (2005), ''[[Dinosaurchestra]]'' (2006), ''View-Monster'' (2008), and ''[[Spirit Phone]]'' (2016). Two EPs have additionally been released: ''I Am Become Christmas'' (2012) and ''[[Nature Tapes]]'' (2014).


==History==
==History==
Neil Cicierega began releasing instrumental music and several remixes of video game music under the monikers "Trapezoid" in the late 90s and early 2000s, creating 3 albums whilst frequently active on [[Adventure Game Studio]]. The artist name was changed retroactively to "Deporitaz" as [[Trapezoid (band)|an existing band called Trapezoid]] demanded that he change it.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cicierega|first=Neil|url=https://trapezzoid.livejournal.com/168035.html|title=Circa 2000|website=[[LiveJournal]]|date=November 20, 2007|access-date=November 12, 2023}}</ref> On January 21st, 2003, Neil released Lemon Demon's first song, "Don't Be Like the Sun", later saying "eventually I started experimenting with singing, and once I felt ready to do that full time, I christened myself Lemon Demon and went into it head on".<ref name="Globe">{{cite web |last=Sweeney|first=Emily|url=http://archive.boston.com/ae/media/articles/2006/06/22/hes_a_hit_with_internet_set/|title=He's a hit with Internet set|website=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=June 22, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060626051314/http://www.boston.com:80/ae/media/articles/2006/06/22/hes_a_hit_with_internet_set/|archive-date=June 26, 2006|accessdate=November 12, 2023}}</ref> He released four studio albums in the next two years: ''Clown Circus'', ''Live from the Haunted Candle Shop'', ''Hip to the Javabean'', and ''Damn Skippy''.
[[File:Neil Cicierega 2006-07-30.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|Cicierega wearing a Trapezoid [[name tag]] over a Lemon Demon shirt in 2006]]Neil Cicierega began releasing instrumental music and several remixes of video game music under the moniker Trapezoid in the late 90s and early 2000s, creating 3 albums whilst frequently active on [[Adventure Game Studio]].<ref name="XOXO">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB7fqT1uAII|title=Neil Cicierega, Internet Person – XOXO Festival (2016)|medium=[[YouTube]] video|publisher=XOXO Festival|date=November 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206172904/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB7fqT1uAII|archive-date=February 6, 2017|access-date=February 17, 2024}}</ref> The artist name was retroactively [[anagram]]med to "Deporitaz" as [[Trapezoid (band)|an existing band called Trapezoid]] demanded that he change it.<ref name="AudioPhix">{{cite web |last=Becker|first=Sarah|url=https://audiophix.com/posts/timeline-lemon-demon-nature-tapes-01hvcqsc2bq4|title=Timeline of Lemon Demon's 'Nature Tapes'|website=[[FanSided|AudioPhix]]|language=en|date=April 16, 2024|accessdate=April 16, 2024}}</ref> On January 21, 2003, Cicierega released Lemon Demon's first song, "Don't Be Like the Sun", later saying "eventually I started experimenting with singing, and once I felt ready to do that full time, I christened myself Lemon Demon and went into it head on".<ref name="Globe">{{cite web |last=Sweeney|first=Emily|url=http://archive.boston.com/ae/media/articles/2006/06/22/hes_a_hit_with_internet_set/|title=He's a hit with Internet set|website=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=June 22, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060626051314/http://www.boston.com:80/ae/media/articles/2006/06/22/hes_a_hit_with_internet_set/|archive-date=June 26, 2006|accessdate=November 12, 2023}}</ref> He then released his first four albums: ''Clown Circus'' (2003), ''Live from the Haunted Candle Shop'' (2003), ''Hip to the Javabean'' (2004), and ''Damn Skippy'' (2005).<ref name="XOXO"/>


⚫
In late 2005, Cicierega and animator Shawn Vulliez released a [[Adobe Flash|Flash]] animated music video for Lemon Demon's "[[The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny]]".<ref name="Dayton">{{cite web |last=Rini|first=Carol|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/56572956/dayton-daily-news/|title="Good guys, bad guys and explosions..."|website=[[Dayton Daily News]]|date=April 11, 2006 |accessdate=November 12, 2023}}</ref> The video amassed over 6.5 million views in 6 months on [[Newgrounds]] and topped the "Funny Five" on ''The [[Dr. Demento]] Show'' for several weeks, becoming the No. 1 Request for 2006.<ref name="Globe"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Hansen|first=Barret|url=https://drdemento.com/online.html?i=DDS0627|title="The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny" (the show's #1 song of 2006 thus far)|website=[[Dr. Demento]]|date=July 2, 2006|accessdate=November 12, 2023}}</ref> The song was later included in Lemon Demon's fifth album ''[[Dinosaurchestra]]'' (2006).<ref name="Bandcamp">{{cite web |last=Cohen|first=Max|url=https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/lemon-demon-dinosaurchestra-feature|title=Lemon Demon: The Man, The Meme, The Legend|website=[[Bandcamp]]|date=February 16, 2022|accessdate=November 12, 2023}}</ref> An updated recording of it was released to the [[Rock Band Network]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockband.com/songs/artists/Lemon+Demon |title=Lemon Demon on Rock Band Network |access-date=2011-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715194151/http://www.rockband.com/songs/artists/Lemon+Demon |archive-date=2011-07-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Lemon Demon's sixth studio album, ''View-Monster'' (2008),<ref>{{cite web |author=The Collegian|url=https://tucollegian.org/spirit-phone-shows-lemon-demons-growth/|title="Spirit Phone" shows Lemon Demon's growth|website=[[University of Tulsa|The Collegian]]|language=en|date=March 7, 2016|accessdate=January 30, 2024}}</ref> features "Modify" as a bonus track, which later became a popular song on [[TikTok]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Gray|first=Laura|url=https://www.gamepur.com/guides/roblox-music-codes-for-tiktok-songs|title=Roblox music codes for TikTok songs (November 2022)|website=Gamepur|language=en|date=October 31, 2022|accessdate=April 6, 2024}}</ref> A remix of [[the Beatles]]' "[[While My Guitar Gently Weeps]]" is additionally included as a bonus track on the album.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LDUuIm74pdMC|title=The Beatles|publisher=Pedia Press|language=en}} p. 1334.</ref> Another notable track from ''View-Monster'' is ''Bill Watterson'',<ref>https://www.discogs.com/release/3500065-Lemon-Demon-View-Monster</ref> about a fan obsessing over comic artist [[Bill Watterson]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/enwiki/w/watterson.htm|title=Bill Watterson|website=lambiek.net|access-date=December 3, 2024}}</ref>
[[File:Lemon Demon.jpg|thumb|left|Lemon Demon performing in 2006]]
⚫
In late 2005, Cicierega and animator Shawn Vulliez released a [[Adobe Flash|Flash]] animated music video for Lemon Demon's "[[The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny]]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Rini|first=Carol|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/56572956/dayton-daily-news/|title="Good guys, bad guys and explosions..."|website=[[Dayton Daily News]]|date=April 11, 2006 |accessdate=November 12, 2023}}</ref> The video amassed over 13 million views on [[Newgrounds]] and topped the "Funny Five" on ''The [[Dr. Demento]] Show'' for several weeks, becoming the No. 1 Request for 2006.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hansen|first=Barret|url=https://drdemento.com/online.html?i=DDS0627|title="The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny" (the show's #1 song of 2006 thus far)|website=[[Dr. Demento]]|date=July 2, 2006|accessdate=November 12, 2023}}</ref> The song was later included in Lemon Demon's fifth album ''[[Dinosaurchestra]]''.<ref name="Bandcamp">{{cite web |last=Cohen|first=Max|url=https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/lemon-demon-dinosaurchestra-feature|title=Lemon Demon: The Man, The Meme, The Legend|website=[[Bandcamp]]|date=February 16, 2022|accessdate=November 12, 2023}}</ref> The band's sixth studio album, ''View-Monster'', was released in 2008. In April 2009, Cicierega released his first four albums as free downloads on his website. An updated recording of "The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny" was released to the [[Rock Band Network]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockband.com/songs/artists/Lemon+Demon |title=Lemon Demon on Rock Band Network |access-date=2011-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715194151/http://www.rockband.com/songs/artists/Lemon+Demon |archive-date=2011-07-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Cicierega announced ''[[Spirit Phone]]'' as Lemon Demon's seventh studio album in January 2016, and released it on February 29, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://neilblr.com/post/137705396948|title=New Lemon Demon Album "Spirit Phone"|last=Cicierega|first=Neil|date=January 20, 2016|website=neilblr.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614115215/https://neilblr.com/post/137705396948|archive-date=June 14, 2019|access-date=2016-01-21}}</ref> The album was the No. 1 best-selling album on Bandcamp for the first week of its release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bandcamp.com/|title=Bandcamp|date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306042944/http://bandcamp.com/|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=December 9, 2023}}</ref> On July 10, 2018, it was announced that copies of the album on CD, cassette, and vinyl would be sold through [[Needlejuice Records]], who would later physically distribute remastered versions of all of Lemon Demon's studio work dating back to 2005.<ref name="Bandcamp"/> "Touch-Tone Telephone" later became Lemon Demon's most-streamed song, the first to surpass "The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny", and has garnered over 67 million plays on [[Spotify]] as of December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lemon Demon's Spotify page|website=[[Spotify]] |url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/4llAOeA6kEF4ytaB2fsmcW}}</ref>
Cicierega released ''[[Spirit Phone]]'' as Lemon Demon's seventh studio album on February 29, 2016.<ref name="XOXO"/> The album was the No. 1 best-selling album on Bandcamp for the first week of its release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bandcamp.com/|title=Bandcamp|date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306042944/http://bandcamp.com/|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=December 9, 2023}}</ref> On July 10, 2018, it was announced that copies of the album on CD, cassette, and vinyl would be sold through [[Needlejuice Records]], who would later physically distribute remastered versions of all of Lemon Demon's studio work dating back to 2005.<ref name="Bandcamp"/> "[[Touch-Tone Telephone]]" later became Lemon Demon's most-streamed song, surpassing "The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny" in September 2020. This was then surpassed by "Fine" in July 2024, which had garnered over 75 million streams on [[Spotify]] at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/4llAOeA6kEF4ytaB2fsmcW|title=Lemon Demon {{!}} Spotify|website=[[Spotify]]|access-date=July 27, 2024}}</ref>


On June 19, 2020, Needlejuice Records released ''Needlejustice'', a charity compilation album featuring 22 songs from artists they represent (including Lemon Demon) for the benefit of the [[NAACP Legal Defense Fund]]. Cicierega contributed a song to the album titled "Funkytown", which had originally been uploaded to his [[Patreon]] page in 2017. It features homages to popular songs from the 1970s and 1980s, including the titular "[[Funkytown]]" by [[Lipps Inc.]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Needlejustice, by Various Artists|url=https://needlejuice.bandcamp.com/album/needlejustice|access-date=2020-08-24|website=Needlejuice Records}}</ref>
Cicierega uploaded the song "Funkytown" to his [[Patreon]] page in 2017, later contributing it to the 2020 charity compilation album ''Needlejustice'', which benefits the [[NAACP Legal Defense Fund]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://needlejuice.bandcamp.com/album/needlejustice|title=Needlejustice {{!}} Various Artists|publisher=[[Needlejuice Records]]|website=[[Bandcamp]]|access-date=March 7, 2024}}</ref> It would later be released as an official single alongside "One Weird Tip" on January 21, 2023.<ref name="AudioPhix"/>


==Viral successes==
==Viral successes==
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{{main|The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny}}
{{main|The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny}}


On December 22, 2005, Lemon Demon and animator Shawn Vulliez released the Flash [[music video]] "The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny" on [[Newgrounds]]. The video features cartoon versions of dozens of real-life celebrities and fictional characters, largely from 1980s and 1990s [[pop culture]], in a large century-long brawl where "...only one will survive."<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/1108664581.html?dids=1108664581:1108664581&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Aug+26%2C+2006&author=Shauna+Rempel&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=H.3&desc=Copy%2C+paste%2C+animate|title=Copy, paste, animate|publisher=The [[Toronto Star]]|access-date=April 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507104737/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/1108664581.html?dids=1108664581:1108664581&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Aug+26%2C+2006&author=Shauna+Rempel&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=H.3&desc=Copy%2C+paste%2C+animate|archive-date=May 7, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> It gained a [[cult following]] among web enthusiasts.<ref name="auto"/> and became the "user's choice" on December 28, 2005, on [[Newgrounds]] where it has been viewed over 13.1 million times.<ref name="Globe"/> It appeared on several other websites including [[Albino Blacksheep]].<ref>{{citation|publisher=Dayton Daily News|date=April 11, 2006|title=Seen & Overheard|author=Bob Batz}}</ref>
On December 22, 2005, Lemon Demon and animator Shawn Vulliez released the Flash [[music video]] "The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny" on [[Newgrounds]]. The video features cartoon versions of dozens of real-life celebrities and fictional characters, largely from 1980s and 1990s [[pop culture]], in a large century-long brawl.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rempel|first=Shauna|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/toronto-star/20060826/283510791421587|title=Copy, paste, animate|website=[[Toronto Star]]|date=August 26, 2006|accessdate=January 30, 2024}}</ref> It gained a [[cult following]] among web enthusiasts and became the "user's choice" on December 28, 2005, accumulating 6.5 million views within 6 months.<ref name="Globe"/> It appeared on several other websites including [[Albino Blacksheep]].<ref name="Dayton"/>


=== "Brodyquest" ===
==="Brodyquest"===
On June 1, 2010, Cicierega released a video titled "Brodyquest" onto his main YouTube channel which pictured famous actor [[Adrien Brody]] going about his daily life in a comedic manner.<ref>{{cite web |title=BRODYQUEST | website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygI-2F8ApUM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/ygI-2F8ApUM |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=11 October 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The video became a famous meme and was released as a single and placed on the ''[[Nature Tapes]]'' EP. The video would be brought up by [[Stephen Colbert]] during his interview with [[Adrien Brody]] in a 2016 episode of ''[[The Late Show with Stephen Colbert]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Adrien Brody Appreciates "Brodyquest", Among Other Fine Art | website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndcXS7hFnpw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/ndcXS7hFnpw |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=11 October 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The video was also featured on Polygon's list of the greatest achievements in dumb internet video.<ref name="Polygon Brodyquest">{{cite web|title=The Greatest Achievements In Dumb Internet Video|website=Polygon|date=June 2021 |url=https://www.polygon.com/22417321/viral-videos-flash-youtube-all-time}}</ref> It has since been viewed on YouTube over 12.5 million times.
On June 1, 2010, Cicierega released a video and single titled "Brodyquest" on his main YouTube channel, picturing famous actor [[Adrien Brody]] going about his daily life in a comedic manner.<ref>{{cite web |last=Holliday|first=Laura|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/youtubes-comments-are-an-internet-treasure-we-must-protect|title=YouTube's Comments Are an Internet Treasure We Must Protect|website=[[The Daily Beast]]|date=June 26, 2023|accessdate=January 30, 2024}}</ref> The video became a [[viral video|viral]] meme, later receiving placement on the EP ''[[Nature Tapes]]'' (2014).<ref name="AudioPhix"/> It would be brought up by [[Stephen Colbert]] during his interview with [[Adrien Brody]] in a 2016 episode of ''[[The Late Show with Stephen Colbert]]''.<ref name=Zach>{{cite AV media |last=Colbert|first=Stephen|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndcXS7hFnpw|title=Adrien Brody Appreciates "Brodyquest," Among Other Fine Art|publisher=[[The Late Show with Stephen Colbert]]|medium=[[YouTube]] video|language=en|date=February 25, 2016|access-date=January 30, 2024}}</ref> The video was also featured on [[Polygon (website)|''Polygon'']]'s list of the greatest achievements in dumb internet video.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Broderick|first1=Ryan|last2=Davis|first2=Sarah|last3=Kesvani|first3=Hussein|url=https://www.polygon.com/22417321/viral-videos-flash-youtube-all-time|title=The Greatest Achievements In Dumb Internet Video|website=Polygon|date=June 1, 2021|access-date=October 7, 2023}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
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'''Compilation albums'''
'''Compilation albums'''
* ''Almanac 2009'' (2009)
* Almanac 2009 (2009)<ref>{{Citation|last=Lemon Demon|title=Almanac 2009|date=2009|url=http://archive.org/details/LemonDemonAlmanac2009|access-date=2020-12-24}}</ref>
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


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*''[[Nature Tapes]]'' (2014)
*''[[Nature Tapes]]'' (2014)
*''Something Glowing'' (2020){{efn|group=lower-alpha|Compilation of songs previously released on ''View-Monster'' on [[7-inch]] vinyl, mainly bonus tracks}}
*''Something Glowing'' (2020){{efn|group=lower-alpha|Compilation of songs previously released on ''View-Monster'' on [[7-inch]] vinyl, mainly bonus tracks}}
*''Acrobat Unstable Record'' (2022){{efn|group=lower-beta|Compilation bonus tracks previously released on ''[[Dinosaurchestra]]'' on [[7-inch]] vinyl}}
*''Acrobat Unstable Record'' (2022){{efn|group=lower-beta|Compilation of bonus tracks previously released on ''[[Dinosaurchestra]]'' on [[7-inch]] vinyl}}
*''One Weird Tip/Funkytown'' (2023)
⚫
{{notelist}}
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}
⚫
{{notelist}}


==Members==
==Members==
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Alignbars = justify
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/2003 till:08/03/2023 # it is best not to use auto-updating timelines as it can cause problems when the graphic updates on a daily basis
Period = from:01/01/2003 till:03/07/2024 # it is best not to use auto-updating timelines as it can cause problems when the graphic updates on a daily basis
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
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id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:Studio value:black legend:Studio_album
id:Studio value:black legend:Studio_album
id:EP value:gray(0.5) legend:Other_albums
id:EP value:gray(0.5) legend:EP


LineData =
LineData =
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at:02/29/2016
at:02/29/2016
color:EP
color:EP
⚫
at:11/01/2009
at:04/28/2011
at:04/28/2011
at:12/21/2012
at:12/21/2012
at:03/24/2014
at:03/24/2014
at:09/04/2020
⚫
at:01/01/2022


BarData =
BarData =
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PlotData=
PlotData=
width:11
width:11
bar:Neil from:01/01/2003 till:08/03/2023 color:vocals
bar:Neil from:01/01/2003 till:03/07/2024 color:vocals
bar:Neil from:01/01/2003 till:08/03/2023 color:guitar width:7
bar:Neil from:01/01/2003 till:03/07/2024 color:guitar width:7
bar:Neil from:01/01/2003 till:08/03/2023 color:keyboards width:3
bar:Neil from:01/01/2003 till:03/07/2024 color:keyboards width:3
bar:Alora from:01/01/2004 till:11/02/2012 color:bass
bar:Alora from:01/01/2004 till:11/02/2012 color:bass
bar:Alora from:01/01/2004 till:11/02/2012 color:vocals width:3
bar:Alora from:01/01/2004 till:11/02/2012 color:vocals width:3
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== External links ==
== External links ==
{{commons category}}
*{{Official website|http://www.lemondemon.com/}}
*{{Official website|http://www.lemondemon.com/}}
*[https://lemondemon.bandcamp.com/ Lemon Demon on Bandcamp]
*[https://lemondemon.bandcamp.com/ Lemon Demon on Bandcamp]
*[https://needlejuicerecords.com/pages/lemon-demon Lemon Demon on Needlejuice Records]
*[https://needlejuicerecords.com/pages/lemon-demon Lemon Demon on Needlejuice Records]
*[http://wiki.mumbergo.net/index.php/Main_Page WikiLemon]
*[http://wiki.mumbergo.net/index.php/Main_Page WikiLemon]

⚫
{{Neil Cicierega}}{{Authority control}}
{{Neil Cicierega}}
⚫
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Musical groups established in 2000]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2000]]
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[[Category:Musical groups from Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Massachusetts]]
[[Category:American synth-pop groups]]
[[Category:American synth-pop groups]]
[[Category:Newgrounds people]]

Latest revision as of 04:36, 12 December 2024

Lemon Demon
Lemon Demon performing in 2006
Lemon Demon performing in 2006
Background information
Also known as
  • Trapezoid
  • Deporitaz
OriginBoston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Genres
Years active2003–present
Labels
Members
Websitelemondemon.com

Lemon Demon is a musical project and band created by American comedian and musician Neil Cicierega in 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. Lemon Demon's studio work is performed solely by Cicierega, who is the project's sole official member. Live performances also include a backing band, with previous performances consisting of Alora Lanzillotta, Charles Sergio, Anthony Wry, Dave Kitsberg, and Greg Lanzillotta. As of 2024, Lemon Demon has released seven studio albums and five EPs.

History

[edit]
Cicierega wearing a Trapezoid name tag over a Lemon Demon shirt in 2006

Neil Cicierega began releasing instrumental music and several remixes of video game music under the moniker Trapezoid in the late 90s and early 2000s, creating 3 albums whilst frequently active on Adventure Game Studio.[2] The artist name was retroactively anagrammed to "Deporitaz" as an existing band called Trapezoid demanded that he change it.[3] On January 21, 2003, Cicierega released Lemon Demon's first song, "Don't Be Like the Sun", later saying "eventually I started experimenting with singing, and once I felt ready to do that full time, I christened myself Lemon Demon and went into it head on".[4] He then released his first four albums: Clown Circus (2003), Live from the Haunted Candle Shop (2003), Hip to the Javabean (2004), and Damn Skippy (2005).[2]

In late 2005, Cicierega and animator Shawn Vulliez released a Flash animated music video for Lemon Demon's "The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny".[5] The video amassed over 6.5 million views in 6 months on Newgrounds and topped the "Funny Five" on The Dr. Demento Show for several weeks, becoming the No. 1 Request for 2006.[4][6] The song was later included in Lemon Demon's fifth album Dinosaurchestra (2006).[7] An updated recording of it was released to the Rock Band Network in 2010.[8] Lemon Demon's sixth studio album, View-Monster (2008),[9] features "Modify" as a bonus track, which later became a popular song on TikTok.[10] A remix of the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is additionally included as a bonus track on the album.[11] Another notable track from View-Monster is Bill Watterson,[12] about a fan obsessing over comic artist Bill Watterson. [13]

Cicierega released Spirit Phone as Lemon Demon's seventh studio album on February 29, 2016.[2] The album was the No. 1 best-selling album on Bandcamp for the first week of its release.[14] On July 10, 2018, it was announced that copies of the album on CD, cassette, and vinyl would be sold through Needlejuice Records, who would later physically distribute remastered versions of all of Lemon Demon's studio work dating back to 2005.[7] "Touch-Tone Telephone" later became Lemon Demon's most-streamed song, surpassing "The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny" in September 2020. This was then surpassed by "Fine" in July 2024, which had garnered over 75 million streams on Spotify at the time.[15]

Cicierega uploaded the song "Funkytown" to his Patreon page in 2017, later contributing it to the 2020 charity compilation album Needlejustice, which benefits the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.[16] It would later be released as an official single alongside "One Weird Tip" on January 21, 2023.[3]

Viral successes

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"The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny"

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Main article: The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny

On December 22, 2005, Lemon Demon and animator Shawn Vulliez released the Flash music video "The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny" on Newgrounds. The video features cartoon versions of dozens of real-life celebrities and fictional characters, largely from 1980s and 1990s pop culture, in a large century-long brawl.[17] It gained a cult following among web enthusiasts and became the "user's choice" on December 28, 2005, accumulating 6.5 million views within 6 months.[4] It appeared on several other websites including Albino Blacksheep.[5]

"Brodyquest"

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On June 1, 2010, Cicierega released a video and single titled "Brodyquest" on his main YouTube channel, picturing famous actor Adrien Brody going about his daily life in a comedic manner.[18] The video became a viral meme, later receiving placement on the EP Nature Tapes (2014).[3] It would be brought up by Stephen Colbert during his interview with Adrien Brody in a 2016 episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.[19] The video was also featured on Polygon's list of the greatest achievements in dumb internet video.[20]

Discography

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  1. ^ Compilation of songs previously released on View-Monster on 7-inch vinyl, mainly bonus tracks
  2. ^ Compilation of bonus tracks previously released on Dinosaurchestra on 7-inch vinyl

Members

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Official members

  • Neil Cicierega – vocals, keyboards, guitar, programming, percussion, songwriting, production (2003–present)

Live members

  • Alora Lanzillotta – bass guitar, vocals (2004–2012)
  • Charles "Chooch" Sergio – guitar (2006–2012)
  • Anthony Wry – drums (2007–2008), guitar, vocals (2012)
  • Dave Kitsberg – guitar, vocals (2008–2012, 2016)
  • Greg Lanzillotta – drums (2009–2012)

Timeline

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References

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  1. ^ "Lemon Demon". AllMusic. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Neil Cicierega, Internet Person – XOXO Festival (2016)" (YouTube video). XOXO Festival. November 17, 2016. Archived from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Becker, Sarah (April 16, 2024). "Timeline of Lemon Demon's 'Nature Tapes'". AudioPhix. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Sweeney, Emily (June 22, 2006). "He's a hit with Internet set". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on June 26, 2006. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Rini, Carol (April 11, 2006). ""Good guys, bad guys and explosions..."". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  6. ^ Hansen, Barret (July 2, 2006). ""The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny" (the show's #1 song of 2006 thus far)". Dr. Demento. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Cohen, Max (February 16, 2022). "Lemon Demon: The Man, The Meme, The Legend". Bandcamp. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  8. ^ "Lemon Demon on Rock Band Network". Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  9. ^ The Collegian (March 7, 2016). ""Spirit Phone" shows Lemon Demon's growth". The Collegian. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  10. ^ Gray, Laura (October 31, 2022). "Roblox music codes for TikTok songs (November 2022)". Gamepur. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  11. ^ The Beatles. Pedia Press. p. 1334.
  12. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/3500065-Lemon-Demon-View-Monster
  13. ^ "Bill Watterson". lambiek.net. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  14. ^ "Bandcamp". March 6, 2016. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  15. ^ "Lemon Demon | Spotify". Spotify. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  16. ^ "Needlejustice | Various Artists". Bandcamp. Needlejuice Records. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  17. ^ Rempel, Shauna (August 26, 2006). "Copy, paste, animate". Toronto Star. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  18. ^ Holliday, Laura (June 26, 2023). "YouTube's Comments Are an Internet Treasure We Must Protect". The Daily Beast. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  19. ^ Colbert, Stephen (February 25, 2016). Adrien Brody Appreciates "Brodyquest," Among Other Fine Art (YouTube video). The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  20. ^ Broderick, Ryan; Davis, Sarah; Kesvani, Hussein (June 1, 2021). "The Greatest Achievements In Dumb Internet Video". Polygon. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
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