Smog
Smog, the musical project of Bill Callahan, emerged from the lo-fi indie scene of the early 1990s, delivering a brand of folk-tinged, introspective rock that was raw, minimalistic, and emotionally potent. His early work, recorded on primitive equipment, captured a sense of isolation and melancholia, earning him a cult following. Albums like Julius Caesar (1993) and Wild Love (1995) showcased his stark, poetic lyrics and unconventional song structures. With his distinctive baritone voice, Callahan’s music evolved over time, incorporating richer instrumentation and a more refined sound, particularly on albums like Knock Knock (1999) and Dongs of Sevotion (2000).
Under the Smog moniker, Callahan explored themes of love, disillusionment, and human fragility with a uniquely deadpan, observational style. In 2007, he abandoned the Smog name and began releasing music under his own name, continuing his evolution with albums such as Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle (2009) and Apocalypse (2011). Despite his shift in identity, the influence of Smog remains evident in the world of indie folk, inspiring artists such as Sufjan Stevens, Sharon Van Etten, and Bonnie "Prince" Billy.
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