Music Inspires Art: Daily Grind
The Band
Daily Grind and I have an interesting history together. It all started with a school assignment I procrastinated on and a photo shoot in a bar. I am glad to say that I met them because I would not be where I am today without them. The band based out of Pittsburgh funded their first album The Green Plan via Kickstarter which I was very fortunate to help out with the design work. I previously went to their shows photographing and documenting what they were going through. It was a game to me; seeing how accurately I could predict movements, crowd responses, general expressions, and still capture their individual personalities. We both have come a long way since then, developing our own styles and sounds. DG holds a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for everyone. I highly recommend people keep an eye on this band because they are going to do amazing things.
The Collaboration
A conversation one day with Brad (vocals, guitar) was what inspired me to examine the way I interpret music when I am painting. I used to be so frustrated constantly being surrounded by musicians who primarily experience things via their hearing while I am purely a visual person. It was interesting to hear their take on how they "see" things when writing.
Song: Australia
Lyrics: “There is no oxygen just dirty hair and twisted faces”
Colors: Bright neons
Thoughts: Dancing like it’s 1985, festivals, trippy, hula-hoops
My Interpretation
This was fascinating for me because in the past I had been at all their practices, or jam sessions so I normally have heard some variation of the song prior to it forming anything. It was a fresh take on one of their songs that I had not had heard previously.
Sitting around for 2 weeks thinking of an idea
I began painting like a concert festival scene picturing all these bright lights and colors. I’m not used to using neon colors so it took a little while for me to settle into the feel of things. I am very sensitive to certain colors and those of you who know me know that I do not have a neon personality.
I actually had an idea in mind with this face but it came out looking like a childish goblin and I HATED it. So reluctantly I walked away and that face haunted me for two weeks sitting in my room.
Finally one day I was listening to the song and imagining what it would feel like to be on drugs at a concert. Where everything is bright and exciting, the energy levels are high but there is this dark undertone to everything. A sense of paranoia at the idea of being in a crowd just full of people and lights but these twisted faces keep coming into view.
That’s just how I chose to approach it, thank you so much to Daily Grind for being part of the collaboration and working with me over the years. Go check them out: www.dailygrindmusic.com
The Final
Dirty Hair and Twisted Faces
Thanks for looking
-Marmalade :)