Greg Saunier is drummer with San Francisco-based experimental rockband Deerhoof.



In 1992, Greg Saunier, having recently graduated with a degree in music composition from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, joined a short-lived San Francisco quartet called Nitre Pit, on drums.



In March 1994, when this quartet broke up suddenly with shows still booked, Saunier and then-bassist Rob Fisk decided to continue as a duo. They quickly devised a convulsive, improvisatory playing style to make up for their lack of material and stark instrumentation.



One such show where Fisk and Saunier were called upon to substitute for their former band was the 1995 Yo Yo A Go Go Festival in Olympia, WA. In the audience was Slim Moon, founder of the independent Olympia record label Kill Rock Stars. Moon signed Nitre Pit (as they were still known at that point) on for one 7" single, at which point the duo renamed themselves Deerhoof.