Robert Pollard

Robert Pollard started Guided by Voices in Dayton, Ohio in 1983. The band became known for releasing dozens of albums over the next few decades, with Pollard as the only constant member through various lineup changes. His songwriting had a stream-of-consciousness quality, with lyrics that could feel quirky or nonsensical.

Songs like 'Make Use' and 'Artificial Light' show his approach to melody and structure. Pollard's stage presence and behavior sometimes drew attention, and there was a period in the early 1990s when the band temporarily broke up. But they kept putting out records through the 1990s and 2000s.

He developed a cult following among listeners who connected with his particular way of writing songs. The sheer volume of material he produced, both with Guided by Voices and on his own, became part of his story.