NEW YORK — The unfortunate passing of renowned filmmaker and artistic innovator David Lynch is profoundly felt not only in cinema but also in the realm of music, where he has left an indelible mark on countless artists spanning various generations.
Lynch, whose death was publicized on Thursday, was actively involved in creating and shaping the musical landscape for many of his films. He not only composed soundtracks but also collaborated with diverse artists, directed numerous music videos, and released his albums, inspiring various creatives along the way.
Lynch’s 1978 debut film, “Eraserhead,” featured a distinctive and clangorous soundtrack that he composed. The track “In Heaven,” performed by a woman residing within the radiator of protagonist Henry Spencer, holds significant importance throughout the film. The song has resonated with numerous indie rock fans and has been covered by bands like The Pixies, while also making its way into Modest Mouse’s “Workin’ on Leavin’ the Livin’.”
Chris Isaak’s 1989 ballad, “Wicked Game,” soared to popularity when featured in Lynch’s 1990 film “Wild at Heart,” which starred Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern. This moment illustrates Lynch’s powerful influence over musical trends through cinema.
The partnership between Lynch and composer Angelo Badalamenti stands as one of the most iconic music and film collaborations. Their journey commenced with 1986’s “Blue Velvet,” leading to a prolific collaboration, including Badalamenti’s memorable theme for “Twin Peaks.” Julee Cruise’s hit “Falling” exemplifies the enchanting yet mysterious essence of the show and its foggy Pacific Northwest setting.
Moby, who sampled the “Twin Peaks” theme in his 1991 hit “Go,” transformed the piece into an anthem that defined a genre. In 2009, Lynch directed a music video for Moby’s “Shot in the Back of the Head,” showcasing his impactful work directing videos for a variety of artists, from Nine Inch Nails to the German band Rammstein.
In 2001, Lynch ventured into music with his debut album, “BlueBOB,” an eclectic mix of industrial and blues rock that contains tracks like “Thank You Judge.” This particular song exhibits a dissonant, reverb-heavy sound that appeals to fans of avant-garde music.
Collaborating with singer Karen O from the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Lynch released “Pinky’s Dream” as part of his 2011 album, “Crazy Clown Time.” The electro-pop track showcases O’s dynamic vocal range and Lynch’s innovative sound.
On his third album, “The Big Dream,” Lynch teamed up with Swedish singer Lykke Li for the melancholic track “I’m Waiting Here,” a song that evokes the essence of a sunset meeting a long, open road.
The 2017 revival of “Twin Peaks,” titled “Twin Peaks: The Return,” featured memorable performances from a range of Lynch-approved artists, including a standout rendition from the synthpop group Chromatics. Their song “Shadow” seamlessly fit the show’s aesthetic, making it seem as though the group was designed for that very moment.
Lynch’s unique narrating voice is the first to grace Flying Lotus’s track “Fire Is Coming.” His distinctive vocal delivery combines perfectly with the beat-driven style of the DJ, offering a captivating opening to the song.
Lastly, Lynch’s final album, “Cellophane Memories,” a collaboration with artist Chrystabell, can be considered a fitting conclusion to his artistic journey. Described with terms like “surrealist” and “genre-defying,” the album encapsulates Lynch’s signature sound through Chrystabell’s ambient vocals. The closing track, “Sublime Eternal Love,” serves as a haunting farewell, aligning with the emotional depth often associated with Lynch’s artistic vision.
