Hidden behind the mask of their hit song “Fade Into You” lies a plethora of dreamy, unique pieces that indie fans may never discover. When you first hear their number one song, you’d expect it to be a one-woman show. But behind Hope Sandoval’s velvety voice is co-writer David Roback, her guitarist and soulmate. Hope may be the voice, but both Hope Sandoval and David Roback are the heart of the ethereal indie rock band Mazzy Star.
On the surface, Mazzy Star may be described as a one-hit wonder. If you dig deeper, you will discover a treasure box that has yet to be opened by most who have stumbled across it due to the sheer amount of fame for their iconic indie melody, “Fade Into You.” The band itself is well known for being socially awkward, quiet sort of people. Some have described Roback and Sandoval as “Living in their own world,” almost as if just their music isn’t dreamy and unusual, but the band members themselves are too. This essence bled into Mazzy Star’s retention rate, background members of the band were constantly switching and never noted throughout the band’s history. However, the sheer talent expressed through their songs makes up for their lack of promotional drive.
Many fans have often noted the strange qualities of Mazzy Star’s music style. Their way of creating music is very unique compared to other indie artists of this age. And there is a reason for that. Mazzy Star was the start of an entirely new genre of music. “Described variously as dreamy, moody, and unusual, Mazzy Star created its own musical galaxy by mixing blues, country, psychedelic, and acoustic folk into skyrocketing success” As stated by the Gale Musician Profile from an interview dating back to 1995.
Mazzy Star is far more than just your average band. This mix of low energy, sparkly sound was the product of something much larger. They are the child of the Paisley Underground movement from the early 80s and the birth of a new age of music. The Paisley Underground as described by NPR reporter Andrew Flanagan was “a confederation of musicians and bands… that fused disparate forms of guitar-reliant pop into a sound particularly of its time.”
Through a complicated history of intertwined bands, Mazzy Star finds themselves in the end, by pulling artists from coexisting genres to create something entirely new. The band rose from the ashes of the dying rock band Opal, turning what could be another failed music group into one of the most successful Indie Rock bands to date.
How They Started
When I first heard the strum of David Roback’s guitar and the tone of Hope Sandoval’s angelic voice, I instantly fell in love. There was just something unique about what they created. It’s a cleanse for the mind or simply put, magic. We first discover the roots of the band in “Unconscious,” Roback’s first development into music. Unconscious was a band with his brother and the lead singer of the Bangles, Susanna Holf. After the band broke apart, he started Rain Parade, Hope Sandoval’s, and her best friend Sylvia’s, favorite band. David and Hope met for the first time when Sylvia snuck backstage to play one of her and Hope’s demo tapes to the band. David fell in love with Hope’s voice and here began a deep connection that later developed into a lifelong friendship. Thereafter Hope became a guest singer in David’s recordings. Even after David moved on from Rain Parade to form Opal with Kendra Smith, Hope was present in most recording sessions, if anything she was always in the background supporting David from the sidelines. So much so that when previous lead singer Kendra Smith left to record her music independently, Hope took her place as the new lead singer of Opal, creating the foundations for what would morph into Mazzy Star.
David Roback and Hope Sandoval’s Connection
Many have speculated over the years that a romantic relationship was kindled behind the scenes between Hope and David. Their sheer passion for their music and their chemistry in the recording studio fueled these rumors, as did the closeness and mystery of their friendship. However, Hope and David have both stated time and again that their relationship was purely platonic. As David was quite a lot older than Hope when they first met, they never really saw each other as romantic partners, more as platonic companions, sharing their passion for music, and their life on earth together.
Hope Sandoval and Performing Live
Hope and David would often note that they would go hours or even days without speaking to each other or their other band members. They didn’t really need to, it was almost like they could read each other’s minds. Many who worked with Hope and David remarked on their strange demeanor. They would often be found staying to themselves, not talking much, and making very few attempts at putting on a show for the public. If anything they were the complete opposite of what you would expect from a famous band.
“I like to sing. But it can be a problem because when you’re the vocalist it automatically makes you the front person for the band even though you might not want that, even though your partner’s just as responsible for everything but, everyone seems to focus on the singer.” Says Hope in a recorded interview.
Hope Sandoval’s reluctance to embrace the spotlight and her humble attitude toward her role as lead singer set her apart in the music industry. Unlike many other popular artists who strive for recognition and fame, Sandoval preferred to let the music speak for itself and instead focus on creating music that resonates with the audience.
‘Yeah, I don’t feel that comfortable on stage, It’s a really strange thing to be doing, to go on stage and all of a sudden have bright lights and spotlights. That would be really bizarre.” Says Hope Sandoval in an interview with Andrew Flanagan.”There’s nothing wrong with me that I just come out and sing and don’t speak, and don’t dance.” Says Hope in another interview from 1995.
Mazzy Star returned as a household name when “Fade Into You” rose to fame once again with a cover by Miley Cyrus in 2022. Cryus ushered in new fans, who were seemingly unaware of the band’s demise, and David Roback’s tragic passing in 2020. Mazzy Star has slowly begun a steady climb to the top of alternative music charts. However, it is not surprising that their music has found a new connection with younger generations. As genres reappear time and time again, bands that were once seemingly lost, also return. For many, Hope Sandoval’s haunting vocals and the band’s ethereal melodies serve as a source of comfort and nostalgia, offering healing in times of emotional need. Mazzy Star’s legacy lies not only in their contributions to indie music but also in the profound emotional connections their music fosters within their listeners’ hearts and memories. Their contribution to the music industry inspired many artists and their songwriting styles, encouraging them to get creative in the studio and create unique sounds no one had heard before. Artists such as Lana Del Rey, Cigarettes after sex, and Nirvana have all admitted to taking inspiration from the now diseased music group.
So you may be wondering, does this mean Mazzy Star is back? Will the new generation’s love for the band spark something in Hope Sandoval and convince her to go on tour again? Well sadly, after David Roback’s passing, it is unlikely that Hope will sing for Mazzy Star ever again. It is unfortunate but necessary that the band is laid to rest with David Roback.
Luckily there are still many ways we can enjoy Hope Sandoval’s vocals. Take a look into some of her other projects such as Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions, “The Spoils”, or “Paradise Circus” from Massive Attack.
Hope Sandoval still finds herself entering recording studios from time to time to aid other bands in songwriting. Although new and old Mazzy Star fans will mourn the loss of such a unique band, Hope will remain in the background of the alternative community. She is seldom seen on social media, but we can only hope she is finally doing what she always wanted to do: living her life the way she wanted to, experimenting with music for her own sake, not for the world’s.
