Glenn Branca

USA, 1977–2018

American composer (1948-2018) who wrote symphonies for massed electric guitars in alternate tunings, performed at high volume to bring out overtones. The Ascension came from the New York no-wave scene.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Glenn Branca and 1 artist Glenn Branca influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Glenn Branca?

• La Monte Young — Branca's massed-guitar overtone symphonies extend the drone minimalism founded by La Monte Young into rock instrumentation.

Which artists did Glenn Branca influence?

• Sonic Youth — Moore and Ranaldo played in Branca's guitar orchestras — Sonic Youth's alternate tunings walked straight out of his ensembles, and his label released their debut.