Gus Van Sant

While Gus Van Sant's name is likely more familiar for his work as a prominent independent filmmaker, he also enjoyed a brief flirtation with music which later resulted in the release of a pair of albums. Born July 24, 1952 in Louisville, Kentucky, Van Sant first turned to music while attending the Rhode Island School of Design during the mid-1970s; three of his school friends -- David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, and Chris Frantz -- formed Talking Heads while also at the university. After graduation, Van Sant's artistic aspirations went on hold as he took a job in advertising; after moving back in with his parents, he returned to music, making a number of primitive home recordings during the early 1980s. Upon moving to Portland, Oregon, he also formed a band named Destroy All Blondes, but with the success of his 1985 feature debut Mala Noche -- and with the subsequent popularity of films including Drugstore Cowboy, My Own Private Idaho and To Die For -- music was all but forgotten. Finally, in 1997 Van Sant issued his early recordings as the LPs 18 Songs About Golf and Gus Van Sant. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide