Thundercat
Biography
Stephen Lee Bruner, known professionally as Thundercat, is an American bassist, singer, songwriter, and record producer from Los Angeles. He is a virtuoso bassist known for his genre-defying music that blends elements of funk, R&B, soul, jazz fusion, and psychedelia.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on October 19, 1984, in Los Angeles, Bruner grew up in a musical family. His father, Ronald Bruner Sr., is an accomplished drummer who has played with artists like The Temptations and Diana Ross, and his mother, Pam, is a flautist and percussionist. His older brother, Ronald Bruner Jr., is a Grammy-winning drummer, and his younger brother, Jameel, is a keyboardist and a former member of the band The Internet. Thundercat began playing bass at an early age. By the age of 16, he joined the crossover thrash band Suicidal Tendencies, alongside his brother Ronald Jr.
Solo Career and Collaborations
Thundercat embarked on his solo career with his debut album, "The Golden Age of Apocalypse," released in 2011, which was co-produced by Flying Lotus. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration with the producer and his label, Brainfeeder. He has released several critically acclaimed solo albums, including "Apocalypse" (2013), "Drunk" (2017), and "It Is What It Is" (2020). His music often features complex arrangements, virtuosic bass playing, and a unique sense of humor.
Key Collaborations:
- Flying Lotus: A frequent collaborator, Flying Lotus has produced several of Thundercat's albums and featured him on his own projects, such as "Cosmogramma."
- Kendrick Lamar: Thundercat was a key contributor to Kendrick Lamar's landmark 2015 album "To Pimp a Butterfly." His work on the track "These Walls" earned him his first Grammy Award.
- Erykah Badu: He was a member of Erykah Badu's touring band and played on her album "New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)."
- Other Artists: He has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Mac Miller, Silk Sonic, Gorillaz, and Kamasi Washington.
Musical Style and Influence
Thundercat's music is characterized by its intricate bass lines, layered harmonies, and genre-blending sound. He is known for his use of a six-string bass guitar, which allows for a wider melodic and harmonic range. His lyrical themes often touch upon pop culture, science fiction, and personal experiences with a humorous and sometimes melancholic tone. He cites jazz legends like Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller as major influences on his playing.
Awards and Recognition
Thundercat has received significant critical acclaim throughout his career. In 2016, he won a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Performance for his work on Kendrick Lamar's "These Walls." His 2020 album, "It Is What It Is," won the Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album. The album, which was dedicated to his friend and collaborator Mac Miller, was praised for its emotional depth and musical complexity.