The Velvet Undergound

Consisting of Reed and Morrison on guitars, Maureen Tucker on drums, and Cale on viola, bass and occasional guitar, Velvet Underground was a group of talented musicians soon to be taken under the wing by Andy Warhol. Their sound was ‘an aggressive blend of studious minimalism off-kilter R&B, and primal rock ‘n’ roll.’¹ Early on, they became known for puzzling and perplexing audiences whenever they played, and their gritty lyrics paid tribute to Cale’s younger days of fascination with rock ‘n’ roll. 

Originally, John Cale was extensively trained on the piano and violin. However, after enrolling at London’s Goldsmith’s College, his traditional turning began taking a turn when he discovered modern avant-garde composers. After being introduced to Cage, he was inducted into the newly formed group, the Dream Syndicate, in which he played the electric viola. However, his appetite for rock & roll was beginning to rear its head, and it was through this craving that he met Lou Reed. Lou was a songwriter working for Pickwick Records, and he was trying to sell one of his songs by enlisting fellow musicians to perform it with him. It was during these rehearsals that Reed and Cale started to bond over similar music tastes.

In 1967, The Velvet Underground and Nico was finally released to the public. After collaborating with pop-art genius Andy Warhol, the album sold next to nothing and let loose on conventional rock & roll. However, Warhol did have a large impact on the band. His presence was greatly felt in the recording studios, and it was his decision to feature the German-born singer, Nico, on the album. He also helped the band secure a recording contract with Nerve Records, and it was his work of art that graced the cover of the album. All in all, Warhol played a large role in the bands beginnings.

Nowadays, The Velvet Underground and Nico is hailed as one of the most important rock albums ever released. It proved as ‘one of the most forward-thinking records of its time’² and expanded the possibilities of rock & roll. With everything from melodic chiming to simple steady beats, the album was extremely dynamic in range. This album was entirely new and unique among the Sixties rockers, with their sense of splendor in ugliness and dark lyrics prompting drug addiction and destructiveness. Their attitude has gone on to shape many bands of our generation, with many leading artists stating The Velvet Underground as major influences.

As an industry professional, I have always known of the importance of The Velvet Underground; however, I cannot honestly say that they were on the bands I grew up listening to. With that being said, having explored this bands sound and image, they certainly have found a new fan in me. Their sonic artistry is definitely something I look up to, and their portrayal of moods through the use of vocals and instrumentation is certainly noteworthy. Credited with one of the ‘very first alternative albums’,³ The Velvet Underground can undoubtedly be credited as one of the most important bands in rock history.