Dylan Carlson

Dylan Carlson, born in 1967, is the lead guitarist, lead vocalist, and the sole consistent member of the influential drone doom band Earth. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Carlson's childhood was shaped by his father's job with the Department of Defense, leading to relocations across cities such as Philadelphia, Texas, New Mexico, and New Jersey before settling back in Washington.

His passion for rock music ignited at the age of 15, inspired by iconic bands like Molly Hatchet, AC/DC, and Black Sabbath. Carlson also draws inspiration from avant-garde figures such as The Melvins, La Monte Young, and Terry Riley. In Olympia, Washington, he crossed paths with Slim Moon, Greg Babior, Dave Harwell, and Joe Preston, who would later join him in forming Earth. During this period, he collaborated with his roommate Kurt Cobain on "sonic collages," and introduced Cobain to heroin, alongside future Bikini Kill member Tobi Vail.

From 1991 to 1996, Earth experienced a revolving lineup, with Carlson citing legal and drug issues as reasons for the absence of full-length studio albums between 1997 and 2005. Notably, he purchased the shotgun that was used in Cobain's tragic death, asserting that he did not believe Cobain was suicidal at the time. Carlson later expressed regret over his participation in the 1998 documentary "Kurt & Courtney," feeling misled about the filmmaker's intentions.