Thundercat talks about his experience performing with punk icons Suicidal Tendencies
Thundercat, renowned in the world of jazz, fusion, and R&B bass guitar, didn’t always have a career in those genres. In fact, he started his journey in the music industry playing a completely different type of music. Thundercat, with his impressive solo albums and collaborations with big names like Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, and Mac Miller, began his musical career as a member of the legendary hardcore punk band Suicidal Tendencies.
At the young age of 16, Thundercat, along with his brother Ronald Jr. on drums, joined forces with Suicidal Tendencies, a Californian crossover thrash metal band. Reflecting on those early days, Thundercat vividly remembers the chaotic atmosphere of their performances. “My main memory is thinking if I stood still for too long, I’d get hit with a beer can,” he recollects. This experience, even though intense, shaped Thundercat’s approach to music. “Whatever brain disposition that lets you know you’re in a dangerous situation, I don’t think I have. I think constantly performing has allowed that to not be such a problematic thing to me.”
In an interview with the Whiteboard Journal, Thundercat shared that his time with Suicidal Tendencies was like a crash course in developing his musical style. “It was very much developed on stage with Suicidal Tendencies,” he stated matter-of-factly. Working closely with Mike Muir, the band’s frontman, taught Thundercat valuable lessons that have stayed with him throughout his career. “Working with Mike Muir taught me to stand in the front and be my own artist,” he explained. “He taught me to not be afraid of the audience and the energy that hardcore punk music has had to offer. It taught me a bit of grit, attitude and to not think about anything other than what I was doing on stage.”
Through his time with Suicidal Tendencies, Thundercat honed his skills and developed a resilient attitude. This experience, although challenging, laid the foundation for his future success. Today, Thundercat is celebrated for his prowess as a bassist in the funk and R&B genres, with an impressive discography and collaborations that highlight his versatile talent. Despite his evolution as an artist, the lessons learned from his hardcore punk days continue to influence his artistry and stage presence.
In essence, Thundercat’s journey from hardcore punk to jazz, fusion, and R&B exemplifies the transformative power of diverse musical experiences. Each phase of his career, from the raw energy of Suicidal Tendencies to the nuanced harmonies of his solo work, has contributed to his unique sound and innovative approach to music. Thundercat’s story serves as a testament to the importance of embracing new challenges and drawing inspiration from unexpected sources in the pursuit of artistic growth and creativity.