Player II Sessions Featuring DIIV

Inspired by the raw aggression of Nirvana and the art-rock abrasiveness of Sonic Youth, songwriter and DIIV frontman Cole Smith was always drawn to the guitar played by his heroes: the Fender Jaguar. Expressing his fondness for the instrument’s sound, he says, “I think of it as a little more tough and chaotic, and I think that says a lot about the direction people take the guitar in.” 

That blend of toughness and chaos has helped shape the New York-based indie rock band’s signature dream-pop-meets-grunge sonics and has provided the perfect foundation for Smith’s unique musical style and vision. 

Initially adopted by surf bands in the ’60s the Jaguar subsequently became a beloved fixture in punk, shoegaze and other edgy acts looking to take their creativity to the next level, even if it defies the mainstream. Smith explains, “I feel like the Jaguar does draw in a certain person. It’s the oddball. I like that. It has this whole weird look.” He also allows that in some ways the Jaguar chose him more than he chose it, saying, “It feels like the magic one that just randomly found its way into my hands.”

And while its shorter scale and offset body might look a little bit odd compared to more traditional guitars, the Jaguar is capable of huge, aggressive tone that can beautifully soundtrack the most ambitiously creative of projects. Watch Smith and DIIV showcase their magical wares on this performance of their new single “Frog in Boiling Water,” featuring the Fender Player II Series. 

Check out the Player II Jaguar here, and learn more about the whole Player II Series here.