 He met Bruce Pavitt (Sub Pop) and Calvin Johnson (Beat Happening, K Records), started the Young Pioneers with Brad Sweek and Chris Pugh (Swallow, Saba, Sun May) and was instrumental in the formation of the legendary Tropicana nightclub, where his old band Room Nine would play regularly.He was replaced by new drummer Shawn Allen, who would stay with Room Nine until the end.In 1986, the band also signed to the tiny Louisiana based indie label C'est La Mort, appearing on the first installment of the label's "Doctor Death" series later in the year.