The Living Tombstone stands out as an influential Israeli-American electronic rock band and dynamic YouTube channel, establishing its roots in 2011 through the collaborative efforts of producer Yoav Landau and vocalist Sam Haft. Renowned for crafting captivating musical compositions and visually engaging videos inspired by video games and pop culture phenomena, including iconic titles like Five Nights at Freddy’s, Overwatch, and My Little Pony, the band also showcases original musical creations.
The ensemble’s repertoire has sparked immense virality across various social media platforms, propelling them into the limelight while sparking the creation of numerous internet memes. Beyond their video productions, The Living Tombstone has actively contributed to the gaming realm, contributing music to the interactive experience of In Sound Mind and innovating with the development of the captivating game, AudioClash: Battle of the Bands. Esteemed music publication NME has aptly dubbed them “the preeminent gaming band of the online sphere.”
Professional Journey
Formation
The inception of The Living Tombstone traces back to the visionary efforts of musician Yoav Landau in 2011. With a passion for both musical expression and digital media, Landau initiated the project as a dual-purpose YouTube channel and a creative musical venture. Hailing from Israel, Landau’s initial foray into the world of creative remixes began within the fandom of the popular My Little Pony media franchise. His reimagining of a track from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic quickly garnered substantial attention, motivating Landau to pivot towards the expansive domain of video game communities, generating compositions aligned with gaming aesthetics.
Five years following the establishment of The Living Tombstone, Landau’s journey led him to the United States, where serendipity brought him into contact with accomplished vocalist Sam Haft. Haft, previously affiliated with diverse musical initiatives including the comedic musical group Sam & Bill, discovered resonance with Landau’s creative vision. The synergy between Landau and Haft flourished as they exchanged their individual compositions, culminating in a collaborative partnership that formalized Haft’s position as a pivotal member of The Living Tombstone. Their collaborative endeavors encompassed original compositions like “Jump Up Superstar,” featuring Haft’s nuanced backing vocals, and “My Ordinary Life,” acclaimed by LA Weekly as an epitome of their musical artistry. Beyond their musical accomplishments, both Landau and Haft passionately contributed to the intricate world-building surrounding The Living Tombstone, meticulously crafting characters, narratives, and lore interwoven with the band’s music and visuals. The burgeoning online recognition of their musical productions captured the attention of Warner Music, ultimately leading to a pivotal record label signing for The Living Tombstone’s promising trajectory.
