From just about the very beginning, Ghostly and I have been friends. I’ve always liked Ghostly’s sound, but I’ve also liked their vision. First, it was Michael Segal‘s playful Boy Cat Bird artwork that got my attention (after moving from handwritten white labels to records with completed artwork, that is). Will Calcutt‘s photography has always been in line with the audio aesthetic. And then, as time progressed, The mind-altering texturization that Michael Cina applies became too dreamy to resist. And these are just three of the nearly 40 visual artists that the label supports.
But let’s get back to the music. That’s what first got my attention. Ghostly was an early supporter of ADULT., when few labels knew what to do with their punk-electro clash of sounds. I got to know Dabrye, who I appreciated for what I’ll call his beat-bop sensibilities, in all its deceptive complexity. The ethereal ambiance of KILN, the pop leanings of Matthew Dear and Lusine, up to the dreamscapes of harpist Mary Lattimore. I fully expect to love whatever will be released next on the label.
Maybe we’ll get a taste of what that will be when Clark and I join the lineup once again for Ghostly 20, their well-deserved celebration of 20 years in the making. In the creating, bringing it front, surround and center.
But you know, even though we’re talking about music, and we’re talking about art, it’s really about the people that bring all of this to life. And in addition to the artists, there’s label founder Sam Valenti, who’s been a true supporter of not only his roster, but of my work — and Clark’s work — along the way. I’m incredibly happy we’ll share the bill with Sam for the occasion.
See you at The Regent on September 26. Come early. Bring your ears.
The top photo of Clark and I from a Ghostly event in 2001 was taken by the incredible Doug Coombe.
