Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Wharton Tiers is a renowned American musician, composer, and producer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on April 10, 1953, in Washington D.C., Tiers grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, which influenced his musical interests. Tiers began his musical journey by learning to play the drums at the age of 12. He was inspired by the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and other rock bands of the 1960s. He later became interested in jazz and classical music and started studying music theory and composition. In the early 1970s, Tiers moved to New York City to pursue his musical career. He played in various bands and worked as a session musician, playing drums on recordings for artists such as Glenn Branca, Rhys Chatham, and John Zorn. He also played in the No Wave band, Theoretical Girls, which was known for its experimental sound. In the late 1970s, Tiers started working as a producer and engineer. He produced albums for bands such as Sonic Youth, Helmet, and Dinosaur Jr. His production style was characterized by a raw, unpolished sound that captured the energy and intensity of the performances. Tiers also continued to compose and perform his own music. He released several albums under his own name, including "Brighter Than Life" (1985) and "Twilight of Idols" (1990). His music was influenced by a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, and rock. One of Tiers' most significant contributions to classical music was his work with the composer Glenn Branca. Tiers played drums in Branca's ensemble and produced several of his albums, including "The Ascension" (1981) and "Symphony No. 6 (Devil Choirs at the Gates of Heaven)" (1989). Branca's music was known for its use of multiple guitars and dissonant harmonies, and Tiers' production helped to capture the intensity of the performances. Tiers also worked with other avant-garde composers, including Rhys Chatham and John Zorn. He played drums on Chatham's "Die Donnergotter" (1987) and produced Zorn's "Naked City" (1990), which was a fusion of jazz, rock, and classical music. In addition to his work as a producer and composer, Tiers was also a respected educator. He taught music production at New York University and was a guest lecturer at other universities and music schools. Tiers' contributions to classical music were recognized with several awards and honors. In 1990, he received a Grammy Award nomination for his work on Sonic Youth's album "Daydream Nation." He also received a Bessie Award for his work with the choreographer Bill T. Jones. Tiers continued to work in the music industry until his retirement in 2018. He produced albums for bands such as The Feelies and The Bongos and continued to compose and perform his own music. His legacy in the world of classical music is characterized by his innovative production style and his willingness to experiment with different genres and musical styles.

More....