Role

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Composer  

Country

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United States of America

 

Glenn Kotche is a renowned American composer and percussionist, best known for his work with the Grammy Award-winning rock band Wilco. Born on December 31, 1970, in Roselle, Illinois, Kotche grew up in a musical family and began playing drums at a young age. He was inspired by his father, who was a drummer and a music teacher, and his mother, who was a pianist. Kotche attended the University of Kentucky, where he studied percussion and composition. He later earned a Master of Music degree from the University of California, San Diego. During his time in San Diego, Kotche became involved in the city's experimental music scene, performing with a variety of avant-garde ensembles. In 2001, Kotche joined Wilco as the band's drummer, replacing Ken Coomer. He has since become an integral part of the band's sound, contributing not only his drumming skills but also his talents as a composer and arranger. Kotche has been featured on all of Wilco's albums since his arrival, including the critically acclaimed Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born. In addition to his work with Wilco, Kotche has released several solo albums, including Mobile (2006), Sticks, Stones & Drums (2011), and Adventureland (2016). His solo work often incorporates elements of experimental and avant-garde music, as well as influences from world music and jazz. Kotche's compositions have been performed by a variety of ensembles, including the Kronos Quartet, the Bang on a Can All-Stars, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with a number of other musicians, including composer John Luther Adams, guitarist Nels Cline, and percussionist Steven Schick. One of Kotche's most notable compositions is his piece "Anomaly," which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet and premiered in 2010. The piece features a unique instrumentation, including a prepared piano, a drum set, and a variety of percussion instruments. "Anomaly" has been praised for its innovative use of sound and its ability to blur the lines between different musical genres. Another notable work by Kotche is his piece "Drumkit Quartets," which was commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2014. The piece features four drummers playing on a variety of percussion instruments, including drum kits, marimbas, and vibraphones. "Drumkit Quartets" has been praised for its rhythmic complexity and its ability to showcase the versatility of the drum kit as a musical instrument. Kotche's work as a composer and performer has earned him numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album for Wilco's A Ghost Is Born. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the field of percussion, receiving the Percussive Arts Society's International Drum Set Artist Award in 2009. In addition to his musical career, Kotche is also an avid visual artist and has created a number of multimedia installations that combine music, video, and sculpture. He has exhibited his work at a variety of galleries and museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Overall, Glenn Kotche is a versatile and innovative musician who has made significant contributions to the worlds of rock, classical, and experimental music. His work as a composer and performer continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in contemporary music, and he remains a vital and influential figure in the music world today.

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