Ty Segall

Ty Segall – Life, Music, and Memorable Quotes

Explore the life and career of Ty Segall (born 1987) — a prolific American multi-instrumentalist and underground rock figure. From garage rock roots to bold experimentation, discover his biography, musical evolution, style, and quotations.

Introduction

Ty Garrett Segall (born June 8, 1987) is a fiercely creative and prolific American musician, singer-songwriter, and producer.

Over the years, he has released numerous solo albums, been part of multiple side bands, and earned acclaim for his restless creativity and evolving sound.

Early Life & Education

Ty Segall was born as Ty Garrett Segall in Laguna Beach, California on June 8, 1987.

He began surfing around age ten, an early pastime before music fully took hold.

When MTV filmed Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County in his region, Segall later criticized the show’s role in pushing out countercultural and artistic local communities, lamenting that “you can’t get any of that rad, grimy shit back.”

He studied Media Studies at the University of San Francisco after high school, but music became his central vocation soon after.

Before fully committing to music, Segall did a brief job constructing grow boxes for cannabis plants for about eight months.

Musical Career & Artistic Development

Beginnings & Solo Launch

Segall’s early involvement in underground bands included Epsilons, The Traditional Fools, Sic Alps, and others. Ty Segall, through Castle Face Records, with support from fellow musician John Dwyer.

Over time, Segall became famous for his prolific output: many albums, EPs, and side projects across a wide range of rock styles.

Evolution & Style

Segall’s musical style is expansive, oscillating between garage rock, psychedelic rock, noise, lo-fi, indie rock, and even touches of folk or acoustic elements.

His influences run deep: he has cited Black Sabbath, David Bowie, T. Rex, The Beatles, Neil Young, The Byrds, and underground bands such as The Stooges and Black Flag.

In recent years, Segall has talked about pacing his output—he acknowledges that being extremely prolific can risk diluting impact. Possession is noted for tightening his sound, incorporating orchestral elements (strings, horns) and exploring narrative lyricism more deeply.

Collaborations & Side Projects

Segall is not only a solo artist but a frequent collaborator. His backing group is known as the Freedom Band, featuring longtime collaborators like Mikal Cronin, Charles Moothart, and Emmett Kelly.

He also participates in bands such as Fuzz, GØGGS, Broken Bat, and The CIA.

His 2017 self-titled album was recorded live with a full band under engineer Steve Albini, marking a deliberate move into more collaborative, band-based recording rather than layering everything himself.

Legacy & Influence

Ty Segall’s legacy lies in bridging the DIY underground with serious artistic ambition. He embodies the spirit of prolific creativity while continuously refining and evolving his sound.

He’s respected for his authenticity—he doesn’t shy away from noise, messiness, or experimentation. At the same time, he leans into structure, melody, and emotional resonance as he matures.

Many contemporary rock and indie musicians cite Segall as an influence in how to balance raw energy with compositional focus.

Memorable Quotes by Ty Segall

Here are a selection of quotes from Ty Segall that reveal his perspective on art, process, and identity:

• “Each album I do, I try to have at least a slight rule, whether it's the band has to get together and record live, or all guitars, all fuzz on, all the time.”

• “No one deserves anything more than anybody else. Because of that fact, you treat everyone the exact same way as best as you can. Same with musical ideas. My ideas aren't better than anybody else's.”

• “I really like to think of each record as its own thing. So, for sure, but I hate the idea of being stuck in anything. Like I want to do a Hawkwind-style record too, or a noise rock record or a hardcore record. Why not, you know?”

• “But I think it’s hard for me to only put out one record a year. Because I get too antsy.”

• “I do believe in the myth of San Francisco … There is a force, a magical kind of thing there. … That weirdness … really creates some weird thing in the air.”

• “When I sit down and try to write lyrics first … most of the time, they come off as a put-on, or less genuine than you would think.”

These quotes reflect his humility, experimental restlessness, and sensitivity to creative process.