Portland-based band STRFKR doesn't shy away from getting a little weird. The psychedelic pop trio's name is unutterable among polite company, and that's just how members Josh Hodges, Shawn Glassford and Keil Corcoran like it.
Known for their energetic live performances that might feature a homemade laser show or crossdressing band members, STRFKR is a band for the tripped-out, dance-loving misfit in everyone.
STRFKR originally began as a solo songwriting project of Hodges' in 2007, which evolved into a band. But it wasn't something he intended to be a full-time career, Hodges said.
"We all either had friends in common that introduced us, or played with each other's bands, and everything kind of just fell into place," says Hodges. "The project was never something that was super precious to me or even very well thought out. It's always been loose and kind of just try anything and see what works."
Despite this initial lack of intention, STRFKR garnered interest with the release of the band's 2008 album "Starf*cker," which blended pop, psychedelic rock and electronica to create a highly danceable collection of songs. (Most notable, perhaps, is the standout track "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second," which was used in a Target ad and later featured in episodes of "Weeds" and "Blacklist.")
Since 2008, STRFKR has gone through some growing pains and seen some member changes, but has continued to produce highly addictive, danceable tracks, with Hodges at the helm.
"I wasn't precious about anything, especially in the beginning, so there are some early songs with some really embarrassing lyrics," says Hodges. "Songs that I thought, 'These lyrics don't matter, I'll probably just sing this song one or two times at a house show and that'll be it.'"
Ultimately, the songwriting process remains the same for STRFKR: Try to create something new and different. "I think, for me at least, it's just more interesting and fun," Hodges says. "Writing the same type of thing over and over again gets boring to me."
STRFKR's lyrics can border on the melodramatic at times, but there is something endearing about the band's earnestness, especially when songs about mortality are packaged as upbeat dance tracks. As to the band's subject matter, Hodges says that the inspiration really emerges in the moment. "I think it's just kind of a matter of where my mind is at the time of writing. I've written a lot about death. I'm usually me having a conversation with myself in the lyrics."
The band's last full-length album, "Miracle Mile," was released in 2013, although STRFKR recently dropped the single "Never Ever." For fans who've been waiting for the next big release, Hodges reports a new album should be coming out in September.
Although bands can go through periods of burnout, STRFKR seems practically unstoppable, packing their schedule with multiple shows that typically become sweaty, frenetic dance parties.
"We all grew up really only wanting to make music. I mean, that's all I wanted to do," Hodges says. "If my younger self could see what we get to do now, he wouldn't believe it. We've been able to travel to places I thought I'd see, and some I didn't even know existed."
STRFKR
With ?Turquoise Boy and DJ Jacob Mattie
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 8
Where: Williwaw Social, 601 F St.
Tickets: $25 in advance at tixr.com