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Key Information

Bradford James Cox (born May 15, 1982) is an American singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the indie rock band Deerhunter.[6] Cox formed Deerhunter with Paul Harper and Dan Walton in 2001. To date, the band has released eight studio albums along with several singles and EPs.

Cox also pursues a solo career under the moniker Atlas Sound, a name Cox has used since he was ten to refer to his own music.[7] Cox has released three full-length productions under this name: Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel (2008), Logos (2009), and Parallax (2011). Cox's method of creating music is stream of consciousness, and he does not write lyrics in advance.[8]

Music career

[edit]

Deerhunter

[edit]
Main article: Deerhunter

Cox founded Deerhunter with bassist Paul Harper and drummer Dan Walton, who named the band, in early 2001.[9] The band expanded after Cox met a teenage transient, Moses Archuleta, who was sleeping on the floor of Cox's friends. Archuleta initially played Ace Tone Organ and electronics. The band's first shows were experimental and based on improvisation. Cox continued recording slightly more structured material and releasing it on CD-R and cassette using the name Atlas Sound. Harper was soon replaced by Justin Bosworth. Colin Mee had also joined the band on guitar around this time. Walton eventually left the band and Cox suggested Archuleta move to drums. The band's live shows and recordings became more song-oriented. They recorded their debut 7" for Die Slaughterhaus.[10] Josh Fauver joined the band on bass in 2004 after Bosworth died in a freak skateboarding accident. This four-piece lineup recorded Deerhunter's debut self-titled LP (2005) on Atlanta-based label Stickfigure Records.[10]

Cox suggested Lockett Pundt, whom he befriended while attending Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, join the band on guitar so that he could concentrate on vocals and electronics. This five-piece lineup recorded their breakthrough album, Cryptograms (2007). Mee then left the band after failing to show up for a North American tour.[11] As a four-piece again, the band subsequently released Microcastle (2008), Weird Era Cont. (2008), and Halcyon Digest (2010). Fauver then left the band and was replaced by Josh McKay on bass.[12]

The band now consisted of Cox on guitar and vocals, Pundt on guitar and occasional vocals, McKay on bass, and Archuleta on drums for both albums Monomania (2013) and Fading Frontier (2015). The band announced in 2018 that Fauver had died unexpectedly.

Deerhunter's most recent album, Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared? (2019), saw Javier Morales join the band playing a plethora of instruments such as the piano, tenor saxophone and bass clarinet.

Atlas Sound

[edit]

Atlas Sound is the musical solo project of Cox, although he has used the name to represent his music since he was a child.[13] He had access to a cassette player with two tape decks, which he used to layer guitar and drum sounds, and his own voice.[13] In listening to some of these old tapes, of which Cox believes he has over five hundred in storage, he found "Some of it is absolutely, terrifyingly bad, but sometimes I'm just like, 'Wow, that's cool'. That's actually how some Deerhunter songs happened. 'Spring Hall Convert' [from Cryptograms] was like that. That was a tape I made in ninth or tenth grade". Cox writes his music using a stream-of-consciousness method by not writing lyrics in advance and constructing songs by adding more parts until he feels "it's getting crowded".[14] The name of his project is derived from the brand of tape player he used, Atlas Sound.[15]

Cox began Atlas Sound in the wake of his work with Deerhunter because "I have ideas that I can't make work with a five-piece rock band... There's kind of this palette of sounds that I use that I don't necessarily get to use with Deerhunter".[16] Because the music Deerhunter makes is a collaborative effort, Cox does not want to assert himself as its principal songwriter. "I might have an idea for a fragment of a song, but I want to leave it skeletal so the guys can fill it out. Whereas with Atlas Sound, everything is done in an hour". Cox created the music for his first record in the software Ableton Live, using an array of computer-based instruments, as well as his own live recordings.[17]

To date, there have been three major releases by Cox as Atlas Sound: Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel (2008), Logos (2009), and Parallax (2011). Both Let the Blind Lead and Logos were released on Kranky in the US and on 4AD in Europe, whereas Parallax was released solely on 4AD. The lyrics of Let the Blind Lead are autobiographical in nature, reflecting life experiences of Cox.[17] In discussing his second album, Cox characterized his first as being a "bedroom laptop type thing" and "very introverted". In contrast, Logos was written in several parts of the world, and is "not about me. There are collaborations with other musicians. The lyrics are not autobiographical. The view is a lot more panoramic and less close-up. I became bored with introspection".[18] An unfinished version of Logos was leaked onto the internet in August 2008, over a year before its release date.[19] In response, Cox almost ceased production on the record, later saying "I did not react well to the leak, in retrospect. It became the kind of internet-fueled drama that I was quickly learning to despise".[18]

In late 2010, Cox published four volumes of demos on his blog, entitled Bedroom Databank.[20] These demos were taken down from MediaFire by Sony Music, but they later apologised to Cox, stating that the files "were mistakenly removed".[21]

Atlas Sound was chosen by Animal Collective to perform at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival that they curated in May 2011.[22]

Other work

[edit]

Cox has also recorded as part of other bands, such as the short lived "Wet Dreams", an otherwise all-girl garage / noise band in which he played drums. He also recorded several tracks on the Black Lips second album We Did Not Know the Forest Spirit Made the Flowers Grow (2004), playing drums on the song 'Notown Blues' from that album.[23]

He also is a part of the "Avant-Garage" band Ghetto Cross, with Cole Alexander from Black Lips, Frankie Broyles, and Asha Lakra.[24]

Cox contributed to the Karen O-scored soundtrack for the 2009 Spike Jonze film Where the Wild Things Are.[25]

In November 2012, it was announced that Cox would portray Jared Leto's lover in the 2013 feature film Dallas Buyers Club, co-starring Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner.[26]

In September 2019, Cox collaborated with Cate Le Bon, releasing a joint EP titled, Myths 004.[27]

In July 2025, Cox hosted a two-part set on NTS Radio titled, Bradford Cox: Summer and Smoke Pt. 1 (Day) and Pt. 2 (Night).[28]

Equipment

[edit]
Cox with Deerhunter in 2010

Guitars

[edit]

For the most part, Bradford favors vintage and modern Fender and Gibson guitars. Some of his guitars include:[29]

  • Fender Jaguar (1964 Fiesta Red, Formerly owned by Stereolab's Tim Gane)
  • Fender Jazzmaster (1966, Block Inlays Originally white, has aged to a yellow color)
  • Fender Stratocaster[30]
  • '74 Gibson Les Paul Signature[31]
  • Fender Bronco (70s stripped natural finish)
  • Teisco Del-Rey EV-2, Humbuckers, Blue (possibly modified)
  • Various Gibson Acoustics
  • EKO 60's 12 String Acoustic
  • Epiphone Small Body Acoustic strung in "Nashville Tuning"

Effects and amplifiers

[edit]
Pedalboards

Bradford Cox's Deerhunter Pedalboard as of 2016 Tours.[29][32][33]

1966 Fender Jazzmaster into – (signal chain as follows)

  • Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner
  • Fairfield Circuitry Unpleasant Surprise (Used for Lead Parts, Noise)
  • Henretta Engineering Chord Blaster (Used For Overdrive)
  • Eventide PitchFactor
  • Behringer Reverb Machine RV600
  • Ibanez CF7 Chorus / Flanger (Rarely Used)
  • Ibanez DE7
  • Line 6 DL4
  • Boss Noise Suppressor

Out to Fender Hot Rod DeVille 4x10

Cox also uses an exposed spring reverb tank / filter unit for noise and effects

Vocal effects pedal board Beyerdynamic M69 microphone into:

  • Digitech DigiVerb (through mic for backwards vocals only)
  • Digitech DigiDelay (through mic for vocal loops only)
  • Eventide MixingLink preamp / FX loop
Amps

When playing live with Deerhunter, Bradford previously used Univox U-1226 Head into a vintage Marshall 4x10 Cabinet. He has also used a Marshall JCM800 half-stack, and occasionally a 1970s Peavey Classic combo amplifier. He currently uses a Fender Hot Rod DeVille 410.[29]

Songwriting

[edit]

Cox describes his mode of songwriting as 'automatic or stream-of-consciousness'. "Usually I go into a sort of trance and I'll have five or six songs afterwards", he said, speaking to Victoria Segal of Q in November 2010. "What is interesting is seeing how the band adapts them and mutates them into the final product. Lots of accidents and primitive irrational things happen. It can be difficult trying to explain the process to a producer or engineer. They generally want to help you polish things and I tend to want to sabotage that", he added.[34]

Personal life

[edit]

Cox was born with the genetic condition Marfan syndrome.[2] As a teenager, he dropped out of high school (although he later earned a GED) and his parents divorced, leaving him "to live in my childhood home alone. I literally lived in this large suburban house by myself." Cox has called his changing musical taste while growing up reflective of his life and mental state. Around the age of ten, his Marfan syndrome began to affect his body in more visible ways; this is the point at which he "first started looking awkward." With no friends, Cox became interested in how music could sound "heartbreaking or nostalgic or melancholy"; he identified with the title character of the 1990 film Edward Scissorhands, and especially enjoyed the soundtrack, which was composed by Danny Elfman. Cox's tastes shifted to music that was more "monotonous or hypnotic", such as the Stereolab album Transient Random-Noise Bursts with Announcements (1993). Around twenty years of age, his life situation brought about "a period", during which he became "only interested in this certain sort of suburban psychedelic pastoral thing. It was escapism. I didn't want as much emotional manipulation. It's kind of the opposite of Edward Scissorhands."[35]

Cox has described himself as gay,[36] though he previously has stated that he leads a non-sexual/asexual lifestyle.[37][38] However, in a 2011 interview with Rolling Stone, Cox said that he no longer identifies as asexual but rather as queer: "For a long time I just said I was asexual, but now I just realized that… I'm still, I guess… I mean, I'm queer. I just sort of, don't really have a very big self-esteem, so asexuality is sort of like a comfort zone where you don't get rejected."[39] Cox stated in an October 19, 2016, radio interview: "There's so many types of sexuality, but one that I think is overlooked is to be asexual. I am absolutely asexual. I am a virgin at 34 years old."[40] In 2019, Cox confirmed that he was still a virgin.[41] Cox also identified as non-binary in a 2019 tweet.[42][43]

In December 2014, Cox was hospitalized after being hit by a car in Atlanta.[44]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Bradford Cox discography

With Deerhunter:

As Atlas Sound:

With Cate Le Bon

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bradford Cox

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bradford James Cox (born May 15, 1982) is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and best known as the , , and primary songwriter of the indie rock band Deerhunter, which he co-founded in , Georgia, in 2001. Born with , a that affects and has influenced his physical appearance and health throughout his life, Cox grew up in Georgia amid personal challenges including and extended hospital stays. Cox's music with Deerhunter blends elements of , ambient rock, , and , resulting in seven , with most released through the label , including the breakthrough Cryptograms (2007, Kranky), the double release Microcastle and (2008), (2010), (2013), (2015), and Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared? (2019). He has also pursued a solo career under the moniker Atlas Sound, releasing albums such as Let the Blind Lead Those Who See But Cannot Feel (2008), Logos (2009), and Parallax (2011) on labels Kranky and , often exploring lo-fi and experimental sounds. In addition to music, Cox has collaborated with artists including Panda Bear, , and Laetitia Sadier of , and contributed scores to projects like the documentary Teenage (2013), short films for the Foundation, and the soundtrack for (2009) alongside . Beyond music, Cox entered with his film debut in 2013 as Sunflower, a character and lover to 's role, in , earning praise for his performance opposite and . He has also modeled, walking for in 2019, and openly identifies as asexual, discussing his experiences with and personal identity in interviews. Residing in with his rescue dog Faulkner, Cox continues to influence the indie and scenes through his innovative songwriting and boundary-pushing artistry.

Early life

Family background

Bradford Cox was born on May 15, 1982. Cox grew up in poverty in , and experienced significant family upheaval during his childhood when his parents divorced amid contentious circumstances, leading him to live alone in his childhood home from the age of 15 until 18. He was diagnosed with , a , at a young age, which manifested in physical characteristics such as his tall stature of 6 feet 4 inches and slender build; at age 16, he underwent surgeries that required months in the hospital, often requiring frequent hospital visits and affecting his daily mobility and health. His family provided early exposure to music, including through a home machine that Cox used to experiment with recording as a child, and an inherited appreciation for early American music traditions from his father.

Education and early interests

Bradford Cox dropped out of high school during his teenage years but later obtained a (GED) certificate. Cox developed an early interest in music around age 10, when he received his first guitar and began experimenting with songwriting and using a simple karaoke-style . He later used the moniker Atlas Sound for his independent musical endeavors. Growing up in , Cox immersed himself in experimental and indie music through self-directed study, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as film soundtracks and composers. His exposure to the local indie scene further shaped these pursuits, as he engaged with underground punk and communities. In his teens, Cox continued solo recordings at home, layering sounds and exploring lo-fi techniques that reflected his growing fascination with ambient and noise elements, often revisiting and refining early experiments over time.

Music career

Deerhunter

Deerhunter is an American rock band formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2001 by vocalist and guitarist Bradford Cox, alongside bassist Paul Harper, drummer Dan Walton, and multi-instrumentalist Moses Archuleta. The band's early lineup evolved rapidly, with Harper and Walton departing shortly after formation, leading to the addition of guitarist Colin Mee and bassist Justin Bosworth, establishing a more stable configuration for initial recordings. Cox, who serves as the band's primary songwriter and creative force, has described the group's origins in the local DIY scene, where they experimented with lo-fi and noise elements in informal settings. The band released their debut album, the limited-edition (2004 cassette on Die Stasi Records; 2005 CD on Stickfigure Records), featuring raw recordings. Their second full-length album, Cryptograms, followed in 2007 through Kranky, marking a shift from raw, cassette-based demos to a polished exploration of ambient and . This record, characterized by droning textures and psychedelic improvisation, received critical praise for its atmospheric depth and Cox's ethereal vocals, positioning Deerhunter as a key player in the post-shoegaze revival. Following lineup changes, including the departure of Mee in 2007, the core group solidified with the addition of guitarist Lockett Pundt and bassist Josh Fauver, enabling extensive touring across and to support the album. Deerhunter's sound evolved significantly over subsequent releases, transitioning from the abrasive noise rock of their early work to more structured, melodic indie rock infused with dream pop and folk elements. Their 2008 double release of Microcastle and the companion Weird Era Cont. on Kranky showcased this maturation, blending krautrock rhythms with introspective lyrics and earning widespread acclaim for their innovative songcraft. Halcyon Digest (2010, 4AD) further refined this approach, incorporating jangly guitars and nostalgic themes, and is often regarded as a high-water mark, lauded by critics for its emotional resonance and accessibility while retaining experimental edges. The album's success propelled international tours, including headline slots at festivals like Coachella and Primavera Sound, where the band's live performances—known for immersive visuals and extended jams—captivated audiences. Later albums continued this trajectory of stylistic refinement. (2013, ) leaned into and raw energy, reflecting Cox's personal struggles, and was praised for its bold departure from prior subtlety. (2015, ) adopted a warmer, synth-driven palette post-Cox's recovery from a severe car accident, emphasizing collaborative contributions from Pundt and receiving positive reviews for its introspective maturity. The band's eighth studio album, Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared? (2019, ), explored dystopian themes with orchestral arrangements and electronic flourishes, concluding a prolific era amid extensive global touring. Throughout their career, Deerhunter's discography has garnered consistent critical acclaim, with albums frequently appearing on year-end lists from outlets like and , solidifying their influence on indie and . By 2023, Deerhunter entered an indefinite hiatus following the 2019 release, with Cox and bandmates focusing on individual projects while affirming the group's ongoing viability in interviews. The current lineup consists of Cox (vocals, guitar), Archuleta (drums, synths), Pundt (guitar, vocals), and McKay (bass, replacing Fauver in 2013), maintaining a collaborative dynamic despite the pause in activity.

Atlas Sound

Atlas Sound is the solo recording project of Bradford Cox, a moniker he adopted during his pre-teen years in the mid-1990s while experimenting with a cassette machine in . Cox's early efforts under the name involved rudimentary home recordings, laying the foundation for a body of work distinct from his band Deerhunter. The project gained wider recognition with the release of its debut full-length album, Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel, in 2008 on the Kranky label, followed by in 2009 and in 2011, both issued by . Cox's recording approach for Atlas Sound emphasizes a stream-of-consciousness method, often capturing ideas in single, uninterrupted sessions lasting about an hour per track, primarily in home environments using software like for layering sounds and minimal effects. This lo-fi aesthetic incorporates experimental ambient elements, such as repetitive drum loops inspired by and multi-tracked beats, allowing for spontaneous composition without extensive editing. The process prioritizes immediacy and personal expression, contrasting the more collaborative structure of Deerhunter recordings, though it occasionally overlapped with the band's touring schedule during the late 2000s. Thematically, Atlas Sound's releases explore motifs of isolation, dreamlike , and , drawing from Cox's experiences with loss, unrequited emotions, and transitional phases of . Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel evokes a "haunted" atmosphere filled with ghosts and , reflecting on and the impacts of illness like AIDS on children, while later works like Logos and Parallax delve into psychedelic wanderings and inner turmoil. No full-length Atlas Sound material has been released since in 2011, though Cox has periodically discussed ongoing creative ideas for the project without confirmed outputs as of 2025.

Collaborations and side projects

Bradford Cox contributed to the for the 2009 film , directed by , as part of Karen O and the Kids. He co-wrote the track "Animal" alongside and , and provided bells for the cover "Worried Shoes," while also co-writing "Capsize" with O, Aaron Hemphill, , Jack Lawrence, and Tom Biller. These contributions blended experimental elements with the film's whimsical, childlike aesthetic, emphasizing communal playfulness in the music. In 2019, Cox collaborated with Welsh musician on the EP Myths 004, released by as part of the label's Marfa Myths festival residency series. Recorded spontaneously during a residency in , the six-track EP features loose, improvisational sessions that diverge from both artists' typically meticulous styles, capturing unpolished jams with themes of misfortune, companionship, and absurdity—such as tales of firemen and plastic bags. Tracks like "Canto!" and "Secretary" highlight their shared affinity for tender, eccentric songcraft, affirming a mutual artistic oddity. Cox has pursued various minor releases and experimental endeavors outside his primary projects, including ambient and noise explorations shared through limited platforms. In July 2023, he performed a solo set at the Mother Lode vintage market in , his first public appearance in several years. In July 2025, he hosted a two-part radio residency on titled , with Part 1 (Day) airing on July 4 and featuring selections from folk, , rock 'n' roll, modern classical, and genres, followed by Part 2 (Night) delving into rhythm & blues, rock 'n' roll, modern classical, and blues. These sets showcased Cox's curatorial interests in blending vintage and avant-garde sounds for immersive, thematic broadcasts.

Musical style

Songwriting approach

Bradford Cox employs a stream-of-consciousness method in his songwriting, often typing lyrics directly without overanalyzing or pre-planning, allowing ideas to flow naturally during the creative process. He has described this as "," where music, chords, and lyrics emerge unconsciously, viewing himself as an audience member who lets standout elements guide the composition. This approach favors during recording sessions, using minimal setups like an 8-track recorder to capture spontaneous performances, often surprising him later with their emotional potency. Central to Cox's philosophy is emotional vulnerability, expressed through abstract narratives that treat albums like films rather than linear stories, prioritizing raw feeling over explicit detail. He emphasizes collaboration within bands like Deerhunter, incorporating group input but rarely altering core content based on feedback, which fosters a collective yet auteur-driven dynamic. Cox avoids traditional song structures, rejecting competitive "next level" ambitions in favor of that stands independent of predecessors or successors, often integrating and ambient elements—such as toy instruments or unedited contributions from collaborators like James of Broadcast—to add textured depth. Over time, Cox's has evolved from raw, hyper-intensive experimentation in his youth—marked by constant and draining —to a more reflective and structured pop sensibility in later works, adapting to personal growth while maintaining vital, necessity-driven creation. This shift reflects a calmer post-depressive state, where noise serves as refined artistry rather than uncontrolled force, allowing for serene clarity in compositions.

Influences and evolution

Bradford Cox's musical style draws heavily from the aesthetics of My Bloody Valentine, which profoundly shaped the noisy, reverb-drenched sound of Deerhunter's early recordings. He has also acknowledged the Velvet Underground's influence, particularly their ability to blend emotional vulnerability with experimental structures, as seen in his appreciation for tracks like "I Found a Reason." R.E.M.'s introspective songwriting and Southern-rooted lyricism further inform Cox's approach, reflecting the literary and regional undercurrents of Atlanta's music scene. Additionally, elements tied to his upbringing infuse his work with themes of eccentricity and decay, evoking the humid, haunted atmosphere of the American South. Over time, Cox's sound evolved from the abrasive noise and shoegaze experiments of Deerhunter's debut era—evident in albums like Cryptograms—toward a more polished psychedelic pop sensibility. This shift culminated in his 2011 Atlas Sound project Parallax, where swirling psych elements and melodic clarity marked a departure from raw distortion to introspective, cosmic arrangements, a trajectory that continued in later Deerhunter releases like Fading Frontier (2015) and Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared? (2019). The 2019 album, described as a spiritual sequel to Fading Frontier, emphasized cheery melodicism and baroque influences within a refined pop framework, even as themes of despair persisted. The transition reflects Cox's growing emphasis on emotional precision over chaotic intensity, influenced by broader psych-pop traditions. Personal health challenges, including living with since childhood, have deeply influenced the thematic layers in Cox's music, fostering explorations of alienation, depression, and isolation. This condition, which affects and has required ongoing medical interventions, permeates Deerhunter's catalog with motifs of bodily fragility and existential unease, as Cox has described his work as a conduit for chronic anxiety. These experiences add a raw, confessional depth, distinguishing his evolution from sonic experimentation to narratively driven . Since the 2019 release, Deerhunter has been on an indefinite hiatus, with Cox not issuing new music as of 2025. In recent reflections, he has noted feeling too old for the intense vitality of his earlier work, while critiquing the banality of contemporary and expressing interest in more transgressive directions. This perspective underscores his ongoing contemplation of personal and stylistic renewal amid a period of creative pause and broader scene fatigue.

Equipment

Guitars

Bradford Cox primarily employs vintage Fender offset guitars in his work with Deerhunter and Atlas Sound, favoring models such as the and Jazzmaster for their distinctive tonal qualities that lend themselves to experimental and ambient soundscapes. These instruments, including vintage and Jazzmaster models, contribute to the band's signature shoegaze-influenced textures through their short-scale necks and unique switching systems, which allow for unconventional playing techniques and noise explorations. In addition to Fender models, Cox incorporates vintage-inspired guitars like the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Signature, a semi-hollowbody electric known for its warm, resonant tone suitable for both live performances and studio recordings. This guitar has been spotted in Cox's setups during Deerhunter shows, providing a contrast to the brighter, more erratic Fender offsets and adding depth to layered arrangements. He also utilizes other retro instruments, such as the Teisco Del Rey EV-2, a 2000s reissue of a 1960s Japanese electric guitar design that offers lo-fi, tremolo-heavy sounds ideal for his atmospheric compositions. Over the course of his career, Cox's guitar choices have evolved from standard electric models like Fender Stratocasters and Telecaster Deluxes in early recordings to more unconventional and vintage pieces, reflecting a shift toward diverse timbres in his solo and band projects. These selections are often paired briefly with effects pedals to enhance their experimental potential, though the core sound derives from the instruments' inherent characteristics.

Effects and amplifiers

Bradford Cox employs a range of effects pedals to craft the distorted and ambient textures central to Deerhunter and Atlas Sound's sound, with the Boss TU-2 tuner serving as a foundational tool for precise tuning during live performances and recordings. Among his key effects, Cox frequently uses delay and reverb pedals such as the Digitech Digiverb and Digidelay for creating spacious, echoing atmospheres, alongside the Eventide PitchFactor for pitch-shifting harmonies and modulated delays that add ethereal layers to tracks like "Helicopter" on Cryptograms. Fuzz and distortion pedals, including the Boss DS-1 and MXR M104 Distortion+, contribute to the heavy, saturated guitar tones prominent in Cryptograms, where they drive the album's noisy, immersive walls of sound in songs such as "White Ink" and the title track. For amplification, Cox relies on the for its versatile clean and overdriven tones during live shows, providing dynamic headroom that complements his effects chain. He also incorporates the combo amp to achieve warm, vintage chime and versatility across clean and distorted settings in both studio and stage contexts. In home recording, Cox initially embraced lo-fi setups using Tascam portable eight-track recorders to capture raw, experimental textures with inherent grit and tape warmth, as heard in early Deerhunter works. Cox has incorporated digital tools like for and processing since the late 2000s, enabling more polished yet ambient productions on albums such as , where the Eventide PitchFactor integrates seamlessly into the digital workflow.

Other pursuits

Acting roles

Bradford Cox made his acting debut in 2013 as Sunny, the boyfriend of the AIDS patient (played by ), in Jean-Marc Vallée's . The role marked Cox's entry into cinema as a non-professional actor, with casting announcements noting that he joined the production late, during in New Orleans alongside stars and Leto. Cox described the opportunity as unsolicited, stating that the role was offered to him directly rather than pursued through auditions, and the scenes were largely improvised on set. He characterized the experience as "completely random" but positive, highlighting the collaborative atmosphere among the cast and crew, though he had limited interaction with Leto, who remained in character throughout filming using method acting techniques. As a first-time performer without formal training, Cox's portrayal contributed to the film's intimate depiction of the 1980s AIDS crisis, drawing on his outsider perspective from the music world. The film earned widespread critical acclaim, including Academy Awards for Best Actor (McConaughey) and Best Supporting Actor (Leto), and was praised for its raw authenticity in addressing HIV/AIDS stigma and treatment access. Cox's supporting turn as Sunny, though brief, was noted for its natural vulnerability, aligning with the production's emphasis on realistic ensemble dynamics over polished performances. Since 2013, Cox has not taken on additional major acting roles, focusing instead on his musical endeavors, though he has expressed interest in future film work involving marginalized characters in experimental contexts.

Modeling

In 2019, Cox made his modeling debut, walking the runway for Gucci's Fall/Winter 2019 fashion show in .

Media appearances

Bradford Cox has engaged in several notable interviews that reveal his perspectives on the music industry and his career trajectory. In a 2015 interview, Cox expressed frustration with the contemporary scene, describing his sense of alienation from its trends and emphasizing a shift toward more personal and experimental work. A June 2025 Fluxblog post republishing past interviews with Cox noted the absence of new Deerhunter material since 2019's Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?, highlighting the band's indefinite hiatus and Cox's focus on individual pursuits during this period. Cox has also hosted radio programming, showcasing his curatorial tastes. In July 2025, he presented a two-part set titled , where he selected and played tracks spanning folk, rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, modern classical, and , highlighting influences from these genres through rare and eclectic selections. On television, Cox appeared with Deerhunter in 2013 to promote their album , performing the title track on in a stylized nod to early rock aesthetics. Cox maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @bradfordcox, where in 2025 he shared posts addressing health and well-being, including wishes for "great health and good fortune" to followers, alongside contemplations on new aesthetic directions linked to Deerhunter's visual identity.

Personal life

Health challenges

Bradford Cox was born with , a that affects the body's and has profoundly influenced his physical health throughout his life. This condition has led to skeletal abnormalities, including an unusually tall stature—standing at 6 feet 4 inches—and elongated limbs, resulting in a distinctive lanky frame that is often visible during his live performances. Additionally, carries significant cardiovascular risks, such as heart defects and potential aortic complications, which Cox has openly discussed as requiring ongoing medical monitoring from a young age. He spent much of his childhood in and out of hospitals due to these issues, shaping his early experiences with healthcare. In December 2014, Cox was struck by a car in , Georgia, leading to his hospitalization with severe injuries, including a neck brace and intense pain that necessitated immediate medical treatment. The accident exacerbated his physical vulnerabilities and triggered a period of deep depression, which he later described as erasing illusions about his resilience and significantly disrupting Deerhunter's touring schedule during recovery. This event compounded the lifelong strain of his condition, forcing a temporary halt to professional commitments while he focused on physical rehabilitation. Cox has managed his through regular medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments, though he has emphasized the emotional toll of its visibility and associated health stresses in various interviews. In discussions spanning his career, he has linked episodes of nervous breakdowns—such as one in 2011 during a European tour and intensified depression following the 2014 accident—to the cumulative impact of physical limitations, , and touring demands. These challenges have prompted adaptations in his daily life, including a focus on pacing his activities to mitigate cardiovascular strain, though he continues to perform with a raw physicality that reflects his condition.

Identity and relationships

Bradford Cox has publicly identified as , evolving his self-description to include asexual and identities. In a 2019 interview, he described his sexuality as asexual, emphasizing that he had remained a virgin into his late 30s and viewed romantic or sexual pursuits as secondary to his artistic focus. He has consistently framed his as fluid and integral to his creative expression, stating that he chooses to identify primarily as "" while rejecting more rigid categorizations. In a July 2019 tweet, Cox explicitly identified as non-binary and asexual. Cox's approach to gender aligns with a rejection of binary norms, as evidenced by his public challenges to assumptions about his identity. During a 2019 concert in , when a heckler referred to him as a "white, male," Cox interrupted to question the label, responding, "Did you just call me male? I don’t even know that you can assume my , my friend." This incident highlights his non-binary perspective, where he resists traditional assignments in favor of a more ambiguous, personal understanding. His fashion choices, such as wearing dresses in performances, further explore queerness beyond conventional boundaries, though he has noted discomfort with some aspects of this visibility. Details about Cox's romantic relationships remain scarce, as he maintains a high degree of privacy regarding his , prioritizing platonic connections within community. He has described his daily existence as reclusive, centered around his work and close friendships with bandmates and collaborators, whom he regards as chosen family amid his health challenges. In interviews, Cox has expressed that his asexual orientation reinforces this focus on non-romantic bonds, allowing him to channel energy into music rather than intimate partnerships. In discussions of gender and sexuality, Cox advocates for fluidity over fixed labels, particularly in creative contexts, arguing that queerness should not be commodified or confined. He has critiqued the mainstream music industry's treatment of queer identities as marketable traits, instead viewing them as innate aspects of his worldview that inform his songwriting without needing explicit validation. As of 2019, Cox has not issued major updates to these self-identifications, occasionally using social media to express support and well-wishes to others in the community, underscoring his emphasis on empathy and shared experiences.

Discography

Deerhunter releases

Deerhunter's discography under Bradford Cox's leadership began with early, low-fidelity recordings and evolved into critically acclaimed releases distributed by major independent labels. The band's debut effort, the unofficial album , was self-released on Stickfigure Recordings in 2005, capturing raw, experimental sessions recorded in 2004 that reflected the initial lineup's chaotic energy.
AlbumRelease DateLabelNotes
CryptogramsJanuary 29, 2007KrankyDebut on a prominent experimental label; Cox served as primary songwriter and co-producer alongside the band.
Microcastle / October 27, 2008 (Microcastle) / December 1, 2008 (Weird Era Cont.)Kranky / Dual release marking the band's shift to broader distribution; Microcastle debuted at No. 123 on the 200. Cox handled much of the production, emphasizing layered .
Halcyon DigestSeptember 27, 2010First fully global release; peaked at No. 79 on the . Co-produced by Cox, Lockett Pundt, and Ben Allen III.
MonomaniaMay 7, 2013Emphasized influences; reached No. 71 on the . Produced by the band with Nicolas Vernhes, with Cox leading songwriting.
Fading FrontierOctober 16, 2015Recorded amid lineup stability; charted at No. 53 on the . Co-produced by Cox and James Ford.
Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?January 18, 2019Final studio album to date; peaked at No. 89 on the . Co-produced by Cox, Pundt, and .
Key EPs include Fluorescent Grey (May 2007, Kranky), bundled with Cryptograms reissues and featuring ambient tracks co-written by Cox and Pundt; Rainwater Cassette Exchange (May 18, 2009, / Kranky), a transitional release previewing Halcyon Digest themes; and Timebends (June 28, 2019, ), a live EP capturing the band's post-2019 touring sound. Notable singles encompass "Nothing Ever Happened" (October 14, 2008, ) from Microcastle, which highlighted the band's leanings; "Revival" (September 7, 2010, ) and "Memory Boy" (April 11, 2011, ) from Halcyon Digest, both gaining indie radio play; "" (April 1, 2013, ), the title track single; and "Death in Midsummer" (May 25, 2018, ), a precursor to the 2019 album. Throughout these releases, Cox has been the band's driving creative force, contributing vocals, guitar, and keyboards while often taking on production duties to shape Deerhunter's signature blend of , , and pop. Early albums like Cryptograms and Microcastle were produced primarily in-house by Cox and core members amid frequent lineup shifts, including the death of bassist Justin Bosworth in 2004 from a accident and the solidification of guitarist Lockett Pundt and drummer Moses Archuleta by 2007. By the , with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Josh McKay in 2013, the band achieved greater stability, allowing Cox to collaborate with external producers like Ben Allen III and James Ford for polished yet experimental outputs. This evolution from lo-fi origins to refined indie staples underscores Cox's role in guiding Deerhunter's progression.

Atlas Sound releases

Atlas Sound, Bradford Cox's solo project, encompasses a series of experimental recordings that emphasize lo-fi aesthetics, ambient textures, and introspective songwriting, often recorded in bedroom settings using minimal equipment. The project's debut full-length album, Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel, was released on February 18, 2008, by Kranky Records in CD, LP, and digital formats. This 18-track collection draws from earlier four-track demos, blending with elements to create a hazy, immersive . Follow-up album Logos arrived on October 20, 2009, also via Kranky Records, available in CD, LP, and digital editions. Featuring 11 songs co-produced with guests like Noah Lennox of , it shifts toward more structured while retaining experimental flourishes, including tracks like "Walkabout" and "Criminals." The third and most recent full-length, Parallax, was issued on November 8, 2011, by in CD, LP, and digital formats. This 11-track effort, self-produced by Cox, explores themes of isolation and memory through polished yet ethereal compositions, highlighted by singles "Mona Delta" and "The Shivering." Prior to these albums, Cox issued several singles and EPs under Atlas Sound, often as limited vinyl or digital releases that showcase raw, unpolished demos. The earliest, Recent Bedroom Songs (2007, self-released digital), compiles four lo-fi tracks recorded on a four-track recorder. Winter Vacation followed as a 7" single in 2008 on Kranky, featuring two ambient-leaning songs. Walkabout, a 7" vinyl and digital single from 2009 on 4AD, includes a non-album B-side alongside the Logos track. Additionally, the Rough Trade Bonus Disc EP (2009, Rough Trade CD) was bundled with UK editions of Logos, offering four exclusive recordings. These early outputs highlight the project's experimental roots, with Cox frequently sharing unfinished material via blogs and limited runs. Splits and limited editions further exemplify Atlas Sound's DIY ethos. The Cole Alexander/Bradford Cox Split (2006, Rob's House Records, limited to 500 black 10" vinyls) pairs Cox's two tracks with those from The ' Cole Alexander. Another, Old King Cole Younger / Atlas Sound Split (2007, Rob's House Records, limited 10" vinyl at RPM), includes three Atlas Sound songs alongside the folk duo's contributions, emphasizing intimate, tape-recorded experiments. In the 2020s, Cox revisited early material with Teenage (Tape), a limited cassette released on April 15, 2025, by Cascade Delete in a Norelco case format. This 17-track, over-one-hour compilation selects from vast archives of 1980s and 1990s demos created as a teenager, originally tied to the 2014 documentary film Teenage (digital soundtrack via Cinereach Music in March 2014), underscoring the project's ongoing archival and experimental dimension.

Other contributions

In addition to his primary projects, Bradford Cox has made notable contributions to film soundtracks and collaborative EPs. For the 2009 Spike Jonze film Where the Wild Things Are, Cox co-wrote the track "Animal" with and , and provided instrumental and compositional input on "Capsize" alongside , , Aaron Hemphill, Jack Lawrence, and Tom Biller. In 2014, Cox composed and performed the original score for the documentary Teenage, directed by Matt Wolf, which was released digitally by in March 2014. The instrumental collection features ambient and experimental tracks such as "Natural Harp Monitor," "Skeleton Disk Loop," and "Snow on Cape," blending glitchy electronics with ethereal soundscapes to evoke the film's themes of youth and historical unrest. Cox collaborated with on the 2019 EP Myths 004, the fourth installment in Mexican Summer's annual Myths series, recorded spontaneously during the Marfa Myths festival over one week. The six-track release includes songs like "Canto!," "Secretary," and "Fireman," characterized by raw, improvisational with lo-fi production and shared vocals. Other minor releases include a guest performance with on a cover of Pink Floyd's "Lucifer Sam" for a 2011 EMI reissue campaign celebrating the band's catalog. In 2021, Cox contributed a solo cover of ' "" to 4AD's 40th anniversary compilation Bills & Aches & Blues, reinterpreting the track with sparse, haunting acoustics that emphasize its melancholic undertones. Recent interviews have highlighted Cox's ongoing archival efforts, including discussions of unreleased material from his early solo experiments under the Atlas Sound moniker.

References

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