John Darnielle is an acclaimed American author, musician, and podcaster, who was born on March 16, 1967, in Bloomington, Indiana. He is best known for his horror novels and his work as the primary member of the band The Mountain Goats. Darnielle grew up in Southern California and had a challenging childhood due to an abusive stepfather. After high school, he moved to Portland, Oregon, where he developed an addiction to hard drugs, including methamphetamine.
Darnielle currently resides in Durham, North Carolina, with his wife, Lalitree, and their two sons. In addition to his work as a musician and author, he is also a podcaster and activist. His musical career began in the 1990s when he started recording music on a cassette tape deck. He gained a cult following and eventually signed with 4AD records in 2002. As the primary member of The Mountain Goats, Darnielle is the writer, composer, guitarist, pianist, and vocalist for the band.
As an author, Darnielle has made a significant impact in the horror genre. His debut novel, "Wolf in White Van," was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction in 2014. His writing style is often described as poetic and evocative, drawing readers into his dark and twisted worlds. Darnielle's personal experiences and struggles with addiction have influenced his work, adding depth and authenticity to his stories.
In addition to his musical and literary pursuits, Darnielle is also a podcaster and activist. He has hosted a podcast called "I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats" since 2017, where he discusses his music and shares stories from his life. As an activist, Darnielle has been vocal about social and political issues, using his platform to raise awareness and promote positive change. Overall, John Darnielle is a talented and multifaceted artist who continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his music and writing.