The speaker mentions starting their musical journey at a young age, specifically when they were twelve years old. They recall joining a band that was part of an era often referred to as new wave, which was characterized by fresh and innovative sounds emerging from the music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In this quote, James Murphy reflects on how musical genres evolve over time and how they can take on different meanings. He suggests that there is a distinct difference between being part of an authentic movement when it first emerges and participating in it later as a nostalgic or ironic reference to the past. By highlighting his experience with new wave music before it became associated with retro sentiment, he underscores the significance of being part of something at its inception rather than as a re-enactment of yesteryear.
James Murphy is an American musician known for founding LCD Soundsystem, a band that gained prominence in the early 2000s. As both a vocalist and producer, his work has been influential in shaping contemporary music styles, blending elements of punk rock, electronic dance music, and indie rock. This quote provides insight into his personal journey as an artist who has experienced firsthand how cultural movements can shift from groundbreaking innovations to nostalgic references over time.
