Robert Pollard stands as a captivating figure in indie rock, the dynamic frontman of the beloved band Guided By Voices. For many Tape Op readers and music enthusiasts, Pollard embodies the spirit of lo-fi, a visionary who championed 4-track recording and transformed practice tapes into full-fledged albums. While some view him as a messianic figure of low fidelity, a closer look reveals Pollard as a masterful pop songwriter, whose recording approach was born from practicality as much as artistic intent. This interview, conducted after a high-energy Guided By Voices soundcheck during their Mag Earwhig tour, delves into the origins of their signature sound, with insights from guitarist John Petkovic of both GBV and Cobra Verde, offering a unique perspective on the Robert Pollard and Guided By Voices phenomenon.
Robert Pollard of Guided By Voices in an interview setting
The Lo-Fi Myth Debunked: More Than Just an Aesthetic
When asked about his perception as a “lo-fi messiah,” Robert Pollard offers a grounded perspective. He recounts a humorous anecdote, initially mistaking a question about tape burning for a story about Blue Oyster Cult, revealing a self-deprecating humor that contrasts with the messianic label. While he admits to “shit-canning” projects due to sound or sequencing issues, the myth of intentionally burning tapes is quickly dispelled. The lo-fi aesthetic, often associated with Guided By Voices, wasn’t always a deliberate artistic choice.
John Petkovic interjects with a candid, almost conspiratorial, explanation for the band’s lo-fi origins: “You know why he’s lo-fi? His wife Kim would not allow him to spend money in a big studio.” Pollard confirms this with a laugh, “She won’t even let me buy pot. She’s the reason for lo-fi. Really. She wouldn’t let me buy a four-track.” This playful banter reveals a key aspect of Guided By Voices’ early sound – necessity. Pollard elaborates on his basic equipment: “Musically, all I have to my name is a Harmony guitar that my brother gave me and a really cheap little solid-state tape recorder that my brother-in-law gave me.” This simple setup became the foundation for countless Guided By Voices recordings, highlighting how resourcefulness shaped their signature sound.
Evolving Beyond Lo-Fi: Embracing New Sounds
Pollard acknowledges the limitations of lo-fi, stating, “The whole lo-fi thing… we ran out of ideas for that as far as how far we could go with that. You can only go so far with lo-fi.” He describes the experimentation within those constraints – moving amplifiers, using various devices, even recording on household appliances. However, a desire to move beyond these self-imposed boundaries emerged.
Despite moving towards cleaner recordings, Pollard still appreciates the inherent qualities of lo-fi. “I like the immediacy and I like the warmth of a lo-fi recording,” he explains. He clarifies that the initial lo-fi approach wasn’t a conscious artistic manifesto but rather a reaction to external criticism. “When I started a band I wanted to make big, good-sounding rock music. It was never a conscious effort to say, ‘Let’s be lo-fi.’ We just retreated to the basement because of negative feedback. ‘So we’ll just do it ourselves, for ourselves, and fuck it all. We’re having fun and no one else likes it but we like it so we’ll just keep it to ourselves.'” This reveals a DIY ethos born from a desire for creative freedom and self-expression, inadvertently leading to the lo-fi aesthetic that would become their hallmark.
Navigating Studio Sound and Producer Choices
The conversation shifts to Guided By Voices’ album Mag Earwhig and the perception of a change in sound. Pollard downplays the shift, stating, “It’s not that drastic. It’s not that slick. If you want to hear hi-fi, listen to the new Foo Fighters album.” He contrasts their sound with high-production mainstream rock, emphasizing the cost difference. “To get a sound like that, you have to pay dearly. You gotta get a producer that costs $100,000.”
The discussion touches upon producer Steve Albini, known for his raw and authentic recording style. Pollard notes Albini’s flexible approach to payment, working with bands regardless of budget. He also mentions working with John Croslin (known for his work with Spoon and The Reivers). While appreciating Croslin’s talent, Pollard expresses minor dissatisfaction with the guitar sound from a particular recording session, attributing it to the studio environment rather than the producer himself. This reveals Pollard’s keen ear and attention to sonic detail, even while often working with limited resources.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Robert Pollard and Guided By Voices
Robert Pollard’s journey with Guided By Voices showcases an evolution from necessity-driven lo-fi recordings to a more expansive sonic palette. While the lo-fi label became synonymous with the band, this interview reveals a more nuanced story. It’s a story of resourcefulness, a DIY spirit born from both financial constraints and a desire for artistic autonomy, and ultimately, a testament to Pollard’s core strength: his exceptional songwriting. Whether recorded on a cheap tape recorder or in a professional studio, the essence of Guided By Voices remains Robert Pollard’s distinctive voice and his knack for crafting memorable pop songs.
