Beck

Biography

Beck Hansen, born Bek David Campbell on July 8, 1970, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to prominence in the alternative rock scene of the 1990s. Known for his eclectic sound, Beck's music often incorporates elements of folk, funk, hip hop, rock, and psychedelia.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Los Angeles, California, to musician David Campbell and artist Bibbe Hansen, Beck was exposed to a diverse range of artistic and musical influences from a young age. His maternal grandfather, Al Hansen, was a notable artist in the Fluxus movement. After his parents' separation, he grew up in Los Angeles, where he was influenced by the city's hip hop and Latin music scenes. He dropped out of high school and traveled, eventually becoming involved in New York City's anti-folk movement.

Returning to Los Angeles, Beck honed his lo-fi, experimental style in coffeehouses and clubs. His breakthrough came in 1993 with the single "Loser," which became a surprise hit on alternative radio and MTV. This led to a deal with major label DGC Records, which allowed him to continue releasing material on independent labels as well.

Rise to Fame and Critical Acclaim

Mellow Gold and Odelay

Beck's major-label debut, Mellow Gold (1994), featured "Loser" and showcased his unique blend of genres, achieving mainstream success. He followed this with two independent releases, Stereopathetic Soulmanure and One Foot in the Grave. However, it was his 1996 album, Odelay, that solidified his status as a leading figure in alternative rock. Produced by the Dust Brothers, Odelay was a critical and commercial triumph, spawning hits like "Where It's At," "Devils Haircut," and "The New Pollution." The album earned Beck two Grammy Awards, including one for Best Alternative Music Performance.

Musical Evolution

Throughout his career, Beck has consistently reinvented his sound. Mutations (1998) explored a more folk and psychedelic direction and won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance. He then shifted to a funk and R&B-influenced sound with Midnite Vultures (1999). The introspective and acoustic Sea Change (2002) was a departure, earning widespread critical acclaim for its lyrical depth. He returned to a more upbeat, sample-heavy style with Guero (2005), which became his highest-charting album at the time. Subsequent albums like The Information (2006) and the Danger Mouse-produced Modern Guilt (2008) continued to explore new sonic territories.

Later Career and Awards

In 2014, Beck released Morning Phase, a record that drew comparisons to the acoustic sound of Sea Change. The album was a major success, winning three Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Album of the Year. His next album, Colors (2017), took a pop-oriented direction and won Grammys for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. His most recent studio album, Hyperspace, was released in 2019.

Discography

Studio Albums

Golden Feelings (1993)

Stereopathetic Soulmanure (1994)

Mellow Gold (1994)

One Foot in the Grave (1994)

Odelay (1996)

Mutations (1998)

Midnite Vultures (1999)

Sea Change (2002)

Guero (2005)

The Information (2006)

Modern Guilt (2008)

Morning Phase (2014)

Colors (2017)

Hyperspace (2019)