Novoselic was already interested in bands like Led Zeppelin, Devo, Black Sabbath, and Aerosmith. He also enjoyed Yugoslav rock bands like Zabranjeno Pusenje, Prljavo Kazaliste and Azra. While in Croatia, he picked up an interest in punk rock, and discovered bands like the Sex Pistols and the Ramones. He has cited Paul McCartney, Geezer Butler, and Gene Simmons as the fundamental influences of his bass playing.Sometime later, Novoselic's brother Robert walked into his friend Kurt Cobain, who had noticed loud music coming from upstairs. Robert told Cobain that it was his older brother, who listened to punk rock. Cobain eventually befriended the elder Novoselic and the pair ended up sharing similar musical tastes, including a fondness for local band The Melvins. The two had several mutual friends and began hanging out shortly thereafter. Some time later, Cobain gave Novoselic a demo tape of his former band Fecal Matter. After several months of indecision, Novoselic finally listened to the tape, liked it, and agreed to start a band with Cobain.
