Thundercat, aka Stephen Bruner, recounts a hilarious incident where he tried to introduce Snoop Dogg to Frank Zappa, leading to a pivotal moment in his eclectic career. The article explores his journey from thrash metal to Star Wars cameos, his genre-bending music, and the deeply personal themes of his new album, 'Distracted,' which navigates grief, self-discovery, and 'choosing happy.'
The article offers a deep dive into the unique world of Thundercat, born Stephen Bruner, beginning with a memorable anecdote about his time as a bass player for Snoop Dogg. Bruner humorously recalls attempting to play Frank Zappa's complex 'St Alfonzo’s Pancake Breakfast' for Snoop, resulting in the rapper's utter bewilderment and Bruner's eventual departure from the band. This story perfectly encapsulates Thundercat's incredibly eclectic musical background, which has seen him play in an early 2000s boyband, the thrash metal band Suicidal Tendencies, and collaborate with a diverse array of artists including Ariana Grande, Herbie Hancock, Erykah Badu, and the musicians behind Kendrick Lamar’s 'To Pimp a Butterfly.' Thundercat attributes his genre-agnostic approach to his musician parents, who taught him that musical categories are merely marketing tools. This philosophy is evident in his solo work, which fluidly combines funk, jazz-fusion, electronic pop, hip-hop, psychedelia, and more, always featuring his signature extravagant bass solos. Beyond his music, Bruner is a distinctive personality, known for his head-turning fashion, deep love for cartoons and sci-fi (including a cameo in 'The Book of Boba Fett'), and an encyclopedic knowledge of music ranging from Leon Ware to Limp Bizkit. The article then focuses on his forthcoming fifth album, 'Distracted,' which continues his stylistic adventurousness with collaborations from A$AP Rocky and Lil Yachty. While musically diverse, the album, like his previous works, delves into profound personal themes. Earlier albums addressed the drug-related death of his friend Austin Peralta and his problematic relationship with alcohol, while 'It Is What It Is' was consumed by grief over Mac Miller's passing. Bruner describes the creation and lockdown release of 'It Is What It Is' as a deeply traumatizing experience, akin to postpartum depression. In the aftermath, Bruner embarked on a period of self-reflection, giving up drinking and taking up boxing. 'Distracted' serves as a 'diary' of this journey, exploring themes of self-sabotage, failed relationships, and his suspected ADHD, which he humorously refers to as a 'superpower.' The album also features a poignant track with Mac Miller, 'She Knows Too Much,' recorded before his death, offering a glimpse into their joyous friendship. Despite the underlying struggles, Thundercat ultimately frames 'Distracted' as 'the sound of me choosing happy,' acknowledging that this process is inherently complex. He concludes with a philosophical outlook on life's constant challenges, comparing it to his early days in Suicidal Tendencies: 'stand still too long, somebody’s going to hit you with something.'
