Dylan Carlson, the visionary lead guitarist, lead singer, and stalwart constant member of the groundbreaking Drone doom ensemble Earth, took his first breath in the year 1967. Born in the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington, United States, his life's journey began amidst a backdrop of military influence, as his father worked for the Department of Defense. This unique circumstance would have a profound impact on Carlson's formative years, as his family would embark on a series of frequent moves to various cities across the country, including the historic city of Philadelphia, the vast state of Texas, the desert landscapes of New Mexico, and the bustling state of New Jersey. Ultimately, after a childhood marked by constant change and transition, Carlson would find his way back to his roots in Washington state, a place that would serve as the fertile soil from which his artistic vision would flourish.
As a teenager, Carlson's fascination with the world of rock music was ignited, with bands such as Molly Hatchet, AC/DC, and Black Sabbath leaving an indelible mark on his formative years and shaping his future musical pursuits. The Melvins, a group that would later hold a significant influence on his work, also played a crucial role in nurturing his creative spark. Furthermore, the avant-garde compositions of La Monte Young and Terry Riley further expanded his musical horizons, providing a rich tapestry of sounds and styles to draw from.
It was during his time in Olympia, Washington that Carlson's path crossed with a group of like-minded individuals who would eventually become his collaborators and bandmates. Slim Moon, Greg Babior, Dave Harwell, and Joe Preston were among the talented musicians who shared his passion for music and would join forces to form the influential and genre-bending group, Earth.
During this pivotal period in his life, Carlson would frequently indulge in creative experimentation alongside his roommate Kurt Cobain, introducing the future Nirvana frontman to the intoxicating allure of heroin, and collaborating on innovative, avant-garde soundscapes known as "sonic collages."
From 1991 to 1996, Earth, the musical entity he co-founded, underwent a series of significant lineup changes, a development that Carlson attributes to a complex interplay of both legal and drug-related issues. These challenges would ultimately hinder the release of full-length studio albums for a prolonged period, spanning from 1997 to 2005.
Kurt Cobain's acquaintance, Carlson, garnered significant attention for his purchase of the shotgun that the iconic musician employed in his untimely demise. What's more, Cobain had initially intended to utilize the shotgun for home protection purposes.
Throughout the entirety of his illustrious career, Carlson has persisted in being a perpetual and ubiquitous figure within the music industry, his remarkable contributions as the lead guitarist and lead vocalist of the esteemed group Earth having garnered him a devoted and ardent fan base, as well as widespread critical acclaim.
