Willem Dafoe Fan Club is an experimental modern slowcore band consisting of Hollis Sparhawk and Noah Ruona. Both were born in Duluth, started playing music in Duluth, and met in Duluth. They use both 1980s funk instruments and more traditional guitars and drums enriched with distortion to create a distinct sound that will kick off Homegrown’s New Band Showcase. Both songwriters find inspiration in unique instrumentation, allowing them to explore soundscapes inspired by everything from Elliot Smith to Joy Division.