Cedric Bixler-Zavala
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Cedric Bixler-Zavala – Life, Music & Vision
Discover the life, music, and philosophy of Cedric Bixler-Zavala (born November 4, 1974), the dynamic American singer, lyricist and performer behind At the Drive-In, The Mars Volta, Antemasque, and other projects. Explore his roots, artistry, bands, controversies, and lasting influence.
Introduction
Cedric Bixler-Zavala (born November 4, 1974) is an American musician known for his energetic performances, cryptic lyrics, and genre-bending musical ventures.
| Project / Band | Signature Albums / Works |
|---|---|
| At the Drive-In | Relationship of Command (2000) |
| The Mars Volta | De-Loused in the Comatorium (2003), Frances the Mute, Amputechture, The Mars Volta (2022), Lucro Sucio; Los Ojos del Vacio (2025) |
| Antemasque | Antemasque (2014) |
| Zavalaz | Active project with unreleased and live material |
| Anywhere | Experimental albums blending ambient and rock |
Notable Quotes
“I love to take common sayings, pervert them, mutate them a little. So you think I am singing one thing, but when you read it, it is different.”
Though not as widely quoted as historical figures, his interviews and lyric fragments reflect his creative philosophy: language as malleable, performance as ritual, pain and joy intertwined.
Lessons from Cedric Bixler-Zavala
-
Embrace contradiction
Cedric’s work often lives in tension—between aggression and melody, clarity and obscurity, grief and celebration. -
Let collaborations grow and evolve
His decades-long partnership with Omar Rodríguez-López shows the creative power (and friction) of deep artistic alliances. -
Transform loss into art
Many of his most powerful themes stem from personal tragedy; he uses grief as creative fuel. -
Reinvent persistently
From punk roots to progressive rock to ambient experiments, he refuses to be boxed in. -
Perform with embodiment
His stage presence reminds us that music is as much physical, theatrical, and embodied as it is auditory.