Like the rings in a tree trunk, all any of us do in the arts is build another layer on top of what’s come before. We aren’t merely the sum of our influences; we contribute our unique vision and our experiences, too. But we owe so much to our predecessors, those who inspired us to play. Backtracking our own influences to find the music that inspired them is fascinating and can open up new worlds of entertainment and creativity. Here’s what some of the great artists we listen to have been digging. It feels appropriate to start with a giant we’ve recently lost.
1. David Bowie: rap, classical, psychedelic
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Citing Syd Barrett as "the Pink Floyd for some of us older fans," Bowie listed Barrett’s The Madcap Laughs as one of his favorite records. Unlike most of Barrett’s fans, Bowie knew people who worked on the record and denied that Barrett was on the edge of madness during the recording. He simply did a really good job of making a crazy, mind-bending album.
Bowie also looked to the classical catalog for the experimental work of composer George Crumb. The album Black Angels (Cri, 1972), he said, “sometimes sounds like the devil’s own work.” He added that it terrified him the first time he heard it.
And going back to the earliest roots of hip-hop, Bowie turned to the Last Poets' eponymous album (Douglas, 1970), one of the most political records ever to chart.
2. Ben Folds: back to church
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Growing up in North Carolina, Ben Folds hung around with church musicians to try to cop the piano style of the Southern gospel sound. Meanwhile, he was getting into the soul sound of the 1970s. Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner were all influences. Not surprisingly, given Folds’ chops as a pianist and singer, he’s a huge fan of Elton John. “Take Me to the Pilot,” with its great piano solo, was a big influence. But he also gets into pop and hip-hop, listing Britney Spears as a favorite.
3. Anais Mitchell: folk songbook
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Anais Mitchell, known to many as the Queen of Modern Folk, released an album called Child Ballads in 2013. These are not lullabies; Mitchell’s songs are drawn from the compilation of music historian Francis James Child. This revered figure in the folk scene collected more than 300 traditional English and Irish folk songs back in the 19th century, and folk artists have been referring back to them ever since.
Mitchell’s in the company of Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Pete Seeger as patrons of the Child library. Their pliability, timeless quality, and strong melodies provide fertile material for musicians in rock, folk, or a cappella.
4. Bon Iver: disparate influences
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It’s no surprise when a longtime fan jumps at the chance to make music with his idol. It is a bit surprising when that young upstart is ethereal songster Justin Vernon (also known as Bon Iver) and his idol is Kanye West. Their collaboration shows that sometimes Auto-Tune is useful even when it’s not necessary.
The honey-voiced singer has also shown up in the studio with Jay-Z and Peter Gabriel, further confounding expectations. Anyone would jump at a paid gig with a superstar, but Vernon is more than just a hired gun; he’s a diverse music fan who draws inspiration from disparate sources.
5. St. Vincent: from roadie to virtuoso
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Indie darling and monster guitarist St. Vincent (Annie Clark) started out as a teenage roadie, hauling gear for her aunt and uncle, the critically adored jazz duo Tuck and Patti. Watching from onstage, she got to watch her gifted family members up close, along with the dozens of huge jazz acts with whom they shared the stage. But she was also into punk, indie, and experimental rock and has had a chance to work with some of her favorites. She drew the enviable gig of taking Kurt Cobain’s spot for Nirvana’s first performances after Cobain’s death and has recorded with Talking Heads’ David Byrne. Not bad for someone who started out dragging speakers out of trucks.
Jesse Sterling Harrison is an author, recording artist, and part-time farmer. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, three daughters, and a herd of ducks.
