Silver Apples Members, Gear & Sound

Silver Apples is an avant-garde duo from New York City, known for their pioneering influence in electronic and experimental rock music. Formed in 1967, the group originally consisted of Simeon Coxe (vocals, audio oscillators) and Danny Taylor (drums). Their innovative sound is an eclectic mix of electronic, space rock, psychedelic rock, and proto-punk, characterized by the use of audio oscillators and unconventional instrumentation. They began their journey after Coxe’s experiments with a 1940s audio oscillator led to the dissolution of their previous band, leaving just Coxe and Taylor to explore new sonic territories under the name Silver Apples.

Silver Apples’ sound is an exploratory blend of interstellar drones, pulsing rhythms, and electronically generated melodies. The duo’s music is a fascinating amalgam of rhythmic percussive elements and the ethereal hums and beeps produced by Coxe's custom-built instrument, the Simeon, which combined multiple oscillators and manual controls. Their sonic character leans heavily on dreamy, rhythmic soundscapes with a raw, experimental edge. To achieve their unique auditory experience, Coxe often utilized equipment like the Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay and the Line 6 Pod X3, which helped layer and modulate their sound, creating the hypnotic and otherworldly vibe that defines their music.