released in 1997, blonde redhead‘s album *fake can be just as good* is one of my secrets where direct raw aggression, loud distortion, chaotic energy and scattered melodies tighten their grip so hard that they completely take over. new listeners of the band’s music have been warned to stay away from this obscure album but in my own opinion, i feel that this is the strongest, most powerful root of their past that must be heard and given into.

listen:: futurism vs passeism, pier paolo, symphony of treble
image by tara mcpherson

to me, everything in my world is visual. i see to music, i see to words, i see to dreams. like as if the sky was falling, im spellbound and emotional and speechless when i stumble upon beautiful art.

i asked one of my favorite artists
kris lewis

how does music influence yr creative process?

Music is an essential part of my painting environment. I choose my music to match and support the mood of what I’m painting, the styles have to be in synch with one another. The right music will amplify and complement my creative process and just makes for a better creative atmosphere. Although I don’t specifically look for inspiration in music, I’m open to it’s influence upon my mood, my tone, and my art – it’s just one element of the total environment that lends to creating something heartfelt and new.

…favorite songs to listen to while creating…

arcade fire :: neighborhood #1 (tunnels)
elliott smith :: speed trials
the clash :: straight to hell
the shins :: those to come
interpol :: length of love
radiohead :: let down
sigur ros :: glosoli

paintings by kris lewis.

I was thinking the other day that I haven’t made many mixed cds for myself, so I compiled some of my favourites and made a cd for each season of the year. Appropriately, each disc compliments each season. As the end of summer approaches, I wonder where autumn will bring me.

1. Nada Surf – Popular
2. Bruce Cockburn – My Beat
3. 13 & God – Perfect Speed
4. Smashing Pumpkins – 1979
5. Radiohead – Yes I Am
6. The Weakerthans – One Great City!
7. Beta Band – I Know
8. Radiohead – Polyethylene
9. Neil Young – My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)
10. Bob Dylan – Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues
11. Dandy Warhols – Bohemian Like You
12. Counting Crows – Mr. Jones (Alternate live version)
13. Harvey Danger – Flagpole Sitta
14. Readymade FC – Simple Appareil
15. Red Snapper – Four Dead Monks
16. The Soundtrack of Our Lives – Age of No Reply
17. Beta Band – Dry the Rain

With the sun setting on the horizon, windows down and wind blowing through my hair, nothing beats a good mix.Just drive into the sunset.