Mike Watt
Mike Watt
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Michael David Watt is commonly known as Mike Watt. He was also a member of the punk rock band The Minutemen, alongside H.C. Priest and D. Boon.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on December 6, 1957, in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American musician, singer-songwriter, and bassist.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a musical family, Watt's early exposure to music was extensive. His father, Bill Watt, played the trombone and his mother, Betty Watt, sang in a local church choir. This upbringing influenced Watt's musical endeavors from an early age. In high school, he began playing bass guitar and was introduced to punk rock through bands like The Ramones.
Watt's involvement with punk rock led him to form The Minutemen in 1980, alongside H.C. Priest. The band quickly gained a reputation for their unique blend of punk, post-punk, and alternative rock sounds.
Major Accomplishments
Co-founder and bassist of The Minutemen, releasing four critically acclaimed albums.
Collaborated with other notable musicians such as Hüsker Dü's Bob Mould and Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore.
Played bass for Sonic Youth, touring extensively throughout the 1990s.Notable Works or Actions
Watt has released several solo albums, showcasing his versatility on both guitar and bass. Some notable works include:
Ball-Hoop (1987) - a critically acclaimed solo album featuring Watt's eclectic blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences.
* Contemplating the Engine Room (2003) - an album released after collaborating with Fred Frith.
Impact and Legacy
Watt's contributions to punk rock are undeniable. As co-founder of The Minutemen, he helped shape the sound of the genre and paved the way for future musicians. His innovative approach to bass playing, incorporating intricate fingerpicking techniques, has influenced a generation of musicians.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Watt is also known for his activism and outspoken views on social issues. He remains an influential voice in the music industry, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mike Watt's impact extends beyond his own music. His dedication to social justice and commitment to artistic experimentation have made him a respected figure in the punk rock community. As one of the most innovative and influential bassists of his generation, Watt continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Watt's influence on contemporary music is evident in artists such as Arcade Fire, who cite The Minutemen as an inspiration for their eclectic sound. His legacy extends beyond the punk rock genre, with Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood acknowledging Watt's impact on his own bass playing style.
As a testament to his enduring influence, Mike Watt remains widely quoted and remembered for his contributions to music, activism, and artistic innovation.
Quotes by Mike Watt
Imitation is being rewarded. They’re learning that if you fit right in the mold, you get rewarded. Music is no longer a form of expression – it’s a means to a lifestyle.
You need bad things to make good things. It’s like with farming – if you want to grow a good crop, you need a lot of manure.
The only thing new is you finding out about something. Like nothing’s really new, but you reinvent it for yourself and find your inner voice.
I think punk rock, especially for me, was a big middle finger to this whole talent thing.
Imitation is being rewarded. They're learning that if you fit right in the mold, you get rewarded. Music is no longer a form of expression - it's a means to a lifestyle.
The engine room really is a metaphor for my head, and all the things bangin' around, and I think I share that with a lot of people. A lot of memories, and a lot of hopes, and a lot of just dealing with the day-to-day. Sometimes it gets all abstract.
The only thing new is you finding out about something. Like nothing's really new, but you reinvent it for yourself and find your inner voice.
