Guided by Voices (GBV) is an American indie rock band founded in Dayton, Ohio in 1983. Its personnel has changed frequently, although the presence of major songwriter Robert Pollard has remained constant. Pollard (lead vocals), his brother Jim (guitar, bass), Mitch Mitchell (lead guitars), Tobin Sprout (vocals, rhythm guitars), Kevin Fennell (drums), and bassist Greg Demos were the band’s most well-known configuration. Guided by Voices’ music was influenced by early post-British Invasion garage rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, punk rock, and post-punk, and was initially noted for its lo-fi aesthetic and Portastudio four-tracks-to-cassette production methods. The band has had a prolific output, releasing 35 full-length albums as well as numerous additional releases, and has a devoted cult following. Their songs are notable for their frequent brevity, abrupt endings, and use of eclectic and homemade sound effects.
Guided by Voices was first split up in 2004. The “original” lineup was reformed in 2010 to perform at Matador Records’ 21st-anniversary celebration, after which they toured and released six new albums. GBV split for the second time in 2014, but Pollard resurrected the band in 2016 with a new record and a new lineup.