Experimental Rock/Art Rock:
* Frank Zappa: Like The Residents, Zappa was a musical visionary who pushed the boundaries of rock music. He incorporated elements of jazz, classical, and even avant-garde composition into his work.
* Captain Beefheart: A highly influential figure in experimental rock, Beefheart was known for his unique vocal style, unconventional songwriting, and bizarre stage persona.
* The Residents' contemporaries: Devo, Pere Ubu, The Talking Heads, and The B-52's emerged around the same time as The Residents and shared a similar spirit of experimentation and challenging the status quo.
* Laurie Anderson: A pioneer of multimedia performance, Anderson's music blends electronic soundscapes with spoken word and avant-garde theatrics.
* The Mars Volta: This progressive rock band, known for their complex arrangements and theatrical presentation, shares a similar sense of musical adventure with The Residents.
Avant-Garde & Experimental:
* The Velvet Underground: Though their sound is different, The Velvet Underground shared a similar DIY ethos and a willingness to push musical boundaries.
* Kraftwerk: German electronic pioneers who laid the foundation for electronic music and had a significant influence on The Residents.
* Throbbing Gristle: One of the pioneers of industrial music, Throbbing Gristle's music was often unsettling and challenging.
* Dead Kennedys: Though best known for their punk sound, the band's politically charged lyrics and willingness to experiment with different genres resonate with The Residents' anti-establishment approach.
* The Butthole Surfers: Known for their wild and unconventional performances, this band shares The Residents' penchant for shock value and absurdist humor.
Artists with a Theatrical Element:
* The Flaming Lips: This band's outlandish stage shows and whimsical music often feature elaborate costumes and surreal imagery, similar to The Residents.
* Alice Cooper: A pioneer of shock rock, Cooper's theatrical performances and dark, horror-inspired music resonate with The Residents' theatrical aesthetic.
* The Birthday Party: This Australian post-punk band's raw energy and dark, theatrical performances shared a similar spirit with The Residents.
Other Artists to Explore:
* The Residents' Influences: Explore the music of artists who influenced The Residents, such as Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, The Velvet Underground, and Kraftwerk.
* Contemporary Experimental Artists: There are many contemporary artists exploring experimental music and sound, such as Grouper, Tim Hecker, Oneohtrix Point Never, and Sufjan Stevens.
Ultimately, the best way to find artists similar to The Residents is to delve into the world of experimental music and explore different genres and subgenres. The Residents' sound is a unique blend of elements, so the search for similar artists may involve a journey through the fringes of music.