1976 — 1981
Village Voice. East Village Eye.
Most of downtown New York formed at the Mudd Club and CBGB without ever placing an ad. But the Village Voice classifieds were how the wider art-music orbit of no wave connected — Glenn Branca recruiting guitarists for his ensemble, Mars finding a drummer, Theoretical Girls assembling. The scene was small enough that a single classified could change the next decade of American music.
1976
Village Voice · Manhattan
Drummer wanted for new band. No rock chops required. Free jazz, dub, noise. Must be willing to be loud.
Nancy Arlen answered. Mars lasted three years and released a handful of recordings — most famously their four contributions to Brian Eno's compilation 'No New York' (1978). They never made an album.…
1976
Village Voice · Manhattan
Composer-vocalist seeks collaborators for downtown chamber-rock project. Conservatory training a plus. No melody required.
Jeffrey Lohn met Glenn Branca through scene channels and the two formed Theoretical Girls with Margaret De Wys and Wharton Tiers. The band lasted three years; both Lohn and Branca went on to define…
1981
Village Voice · Manhattan
Composer seeks guitarists for orchestral ensemble. Reading skills helpful but not essential. Hard work, no money. — G. Branca.
Lee Ranaldo answered the ad and joined Branca's guitar ensemble. Through that scene he met Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon, who were forming Sonic Youth across town. Three decades, fifteen studio…