Lights Are Always On: Chairlift

If you're like me, then you were probably introduced to Chairlift (like so many were) via the famous iPod commercial featuring their song "Bruises." It's a great little spot, and famous for a reason, but if that's where your knowledge of the band's music begins and ends - I highly recommend you check out their sophomore album "Something" and be blown away.

Chairlift's debut LP "Does You Inspire You" has moments of greatness that aren't to be overlooked ("Planet Health", "Evident Utensil", "Le Flying Saucer Hat"), but their follow-up is a fantastic leap in every category.

The inspiration behind the above posters comes chiefly from the music video for "I Belong in Your Arms", which itself was partly inspired by singer Caroline Polachek's time in Japan as a child. The colors are directly taken from the cover art of past Chairlift singles. The textures and smudges were somewhat of a last-minute addition, but I think it adds a layer of interest that wasn't present before. I was also hoping to evoke a comic book/manga feel with each poster, which is hopefully evident not just in the word balloons but also in the general layout.

For more insight into what I was thinking, check out these thumbnails that ultimately led to the final designs. As you can see, the idea I ended up pursuing was based on the thumbnail in the upper right with the red "C."

More thumbnails...

Here are the raw scans for the portraits I drew...

Caroline Polachek

Patrick Wimberly

Chairlift recently organized a Hurricane Sandy Benefit show at Glasslands Gallery in Brooklyn, in which all the proceeds went to Sandy relief. The sold-out event featured a fantastic line-up that I can no longer plead ignorance to: Chairlift guitarist Jason McMahon, Slowdance, Empress Of, and Twin Sister - all leading up to Chairlift taking the stage somewhere around 12:30am.

It was a lovely set. Singer Caroline Polachek was clearly in a state of gratitude ("We're Chairlift. This is Glasslands. And you are awesome."), as was the audience. Highlights included the drastically different live version of "Evident Utensil" and "Take it Out On Me" (the latter being my favorite song from Chairlift's last album). It was also cool to see Caroline's sister Jen joining the band as backing vocalist for "I Belong in Your Arms", and then for "Grown Up Blues" (a live debut!!), and finally "Amanaemonesia."

Despite the sometimes excruciating wait time between bands, all the acts seriously impressed (which is a rare thing), and it was all for a great cause.

Here are the framed, final prints - numbered, signed, and personalized by me for the band - a few hours before the show started.

And I met the band! My head nearly exploded when I shook Caroline's hand and she asked "Have we met before?" in complete earnest. She and Patrick were both incredibly nice, and I'm beyond thankful for the entire experience.

A very special moment...