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5 Shocking Facts About Michael C. Hall's Band: The 'Dexter' Star's Electric Double Life

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Few actors successfully pivot from playing one of television's most iconic serial killers to fronting a critically-acclaimed alt-rock band, but Michael C. Hall is the rare exception. As of late 2025, the Golden Globe-winning star is fully immersed in his musical project, a trio called Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum—often shortened to Princess Goes—proving his artistic range extends far beyond the dark confines of a blood-spatter analyst's lab. This deep dive uncovers the most surprising facts about the band's cinematic sound, its formidable members, and the latest updates on their music and touring schedule.

The band's latest album, Come of Age, released in late 2023, continues to garner buzz, setting the stage for what is anticipated to be a major 2025-2026 tour cycle. Moving past the shadow of his famous roles in Dexter and Six Feet Under, Hall has established a genuine and compelling musical presence, blending New Wave aesthetics with modern electronic sensibilities.

Michael C. Hall: Complete Biography, From Broadway to Bass Line

Michael Carlyle Hall, born February 1, 1971, in Raleigh, North Carolina, has always been a performer, with his career deeply rooted in the theatre before his television fame. His transition to a full-time musician is less of a surprise for those familiar with his extensive stage history, which includes major musical roles.

  • Full Name: Michael Carlyle Hall
  • Born: February 1, 1971 (Age 54 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
  • Spouse: Morgan Macgregor (m. 2016)
  • Notable TV Roles: David Fisher in Six Feet Under (2001–2005), Dexter Morgan in Dexter (2006–2013) and Dexter: New Blood (2021).
  • Major Broadway Roles:
    • The Emcee in Cabaret (1999)
    • Billy Flynn in Chicago (2003)
    • Title role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2014)
    • Thomas Newton in David Bowie's Lazarus (2015 Off-Broadway)
    • John Jones in The Realistic Joneses (2014)
    • Thom Pain in Thom Pain (based on nothing) (2018 Off-Broadway)
  • Music Career: Lead vocalist/lyricist for Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum (2018–Present).

Hall's background in Broadway musicals, particularly his work on David Bowie's Lazarus, was a critical turning point. The experience not only showcased his powerful vocal ability but also connected him with the musical collaborators who would later form his band.

Fact #1: The Band's Name is a Completely Random, Whimsical Phrase

The band's unusual and lengthy name, Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum, is perhaps its most intriguing entity. It’s a phrase that sounds like a line from a surrealist poem, and its origin is surprisingly simple and completely accidental. The name was suggested by the young daughter of keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen.

Katz-Bohen's daughter, who was a child at the time, simply uttered the phrase "Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum." The bandmates, drawn to its whimsical, evocative, and slightly avant-garde quality, immediately adopted it. The name perfectly encapsulates the group's eclectic sound, which is often described as cinematic, art-rock, and electronic.

The trio, however, frequently uses the shortened version, Princess Goes, for branding and album titles, such as their latest LP, Come of Age. This allows them to maintain the artistic spirit of the original phrase while being more accessible to new listeners.

Fact #2: Princess Goes is a True Supergroup of Musical Veterans

While Michael C. Hall is the famous face, Princess Goes is not a vanity project; it is a collaborative trio of seasoned music industry professionals. The band’s topical authority is built on the extensive résumés of its two other members: Matt Katz-Bohen and Peter Yanowitz.

Matt Katz-Bohen (Keyboardist):

  • Katz-Bohen has been the keyboardist for the legendary band Blondie since 2008.
  • His work with Blondie brings a distinct New Wave and synth-pop sensibility to Princess Goes' sound.
  • He is also known for producing and writing for other artists, including Cyndi Lauper.

Peter Yanowitz (Drummer):

  • Yanowitz is a highly respected drummer who has played with a long list of influential acts.
  • His credits include playing with The Wallflowers, Morningwood, and the avant-garde rock band Natalie Merchant.
  • Crucially, Yanowitz and Katz-Bohen were bandmates in the original Off-Broadway production of David Bowie's Lazarus, which is where they first met Michael C. Hall, forming the initial bond for the trio.

This combined experience—Broadway, Blondie's New Wave mastery, and deep indie-rock roots—is the foundation for the band’s unique blend of electronic, grunge, and sophisticated art-rock.

Fact #3: Their Sound is Heavily Influenced by David Bowie and New Wave

The musical style of Princess Goes is a rich tapestry of influences, but the shadow of David Bowie looms largest. Hall's involvement in Bowie's Lazarus was instrumental, and the band’s sound often features the same theatrical, brooding, and avant-garde qualities that defined the late rock icon's work.

Key musical entities and influences that shape their sound include:

  • New Wave: The synth-driven melancholia and danceable rhythms of classic New Wave acts.
  • Ambient Electronica: A heavy reliance on stripped-down synthesizers and electronic textures, giving the music an ethereal, sometimes dark, atmosphere.
  • Art-Rock and Cinematic Soundscapes: The songs are often described as atmospheric and cinematic, suitable for a film soundtrack, reflecting Hall’s acting background.
  • Grunge: Despite the electronic core, there is a raw, emotional intensity that draws from the raw energy of grunge.

Tracks like "Ketamine" from their debut EP and "Come of Age" from their latest album perfectly showcase this blend, moving from brooding introspection to pulsating, contemporary electronic dance music.

Fact #4: The 'Come of Age' Album Cemented Their Place in the Indie Scene

Released in September 2023, the sophomore album, Come of Age, was a critical success that solidified Princess Goes' reputation beyond the novelty of having a famous actor as a frontman. The album is a darker, more cohesive work that explores themes of maturity, existentialism, and modern life.

The album features several standout tracks that are essential entities for understanding the band's current direction:

  • "Come of Age": The title track, which is a powerful, driving piece of electronic rock.
  • "Blur": A track noted for its atmospheric and complex sound design.
  • "Jetpack": A high-energy song that highlights the band's ability to blend rock dynamics with electronic textures.

Following the album’s success, Princess Goes announced a European Tour and are widely anticipated to release a full slate of 2025-2026 North American tour dates. While specific new music for 2025 has not been confirmed, the band's current momentum suggests they are continuously creating and evolving their unique sonic world.

Fact #5: Michael C. Hall’s Stage Persona is a Complete Departure from 'Dexter'

The most shocking fact for fans of Dexter Morgan is the sheer transformation Hall undergoes as the lead singer of Princess Goes. His stage persona is a flamboyant, uninhibited, and theatrical figure—a complete 180-degree turn from the tightly controlled, emotionally repressed serial killer he played for over a decade.

Hall’s live performance is a masterclass in charismatic showmanship, drawing heavily on his theatrical roots. He is known for his alluringly haunting voice and an energetic stage presence that is less about rock-star swagger and more about conveying the emotional depth of the band's cinematic songs.

This creative outlet allows Hall to process and express a different kind of darkness and complexity, one that is musical and artistic rather than murderous. The band's exploration of themes like "Ketamine" and "Cruel World" gives him a platform to use his dramatic talents in a fresh, musical context.

In 2205, Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum is a vibrant, ongoing project that proves Michael C. Hall is not just an actor who sings, but a serious, committed musician whose band is a powerful creative entity in its own right. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter from this alt-rock trio.

michael c hall band
michael c hall band

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