From film to sound: David Lynch’s latest creative enigma with Chrystabell

As a long-time fan of David Lynch’s work, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement when he announced his upcoming project. While many of us were hoping for a new installment of Twin Peaks or perhaps a fresh cinematic venture, the surprise unveiling of an album collaboration with Chrystabell was certainly unexpected.


A lot of enthusiasm has been stirred among David Lynch’s fans due to his latest announcement. Just recently, he subtly hinted at an impending release with the intriguing statement, “Something is on its way for you to watch and listen! And it will be arriving on June 5,” in a video posted on social media.

Instead of anticipating a new Twin Peaks series or movie, what was unveiled turned out to be something entirely different. As expected, on the given date, David Lynch surprised fans with a new album titled Cellophane Memories, scheduled for release on August 2 via the Sacred Bones label. This project is a joint effort with Chrystabell, who played Agent Tammy Preston in Twin Peaks: The Return.

Shortly following the album’s announcement, its atmospheric lead single titled “Sublime Eternal Love” was unveiled, complete with a music video that was personally directed by Lynch.

As a devotee, I find the video beautifully captures David Lynch’s distinctive dreamlike and uncanny atmosphere, although it doesn’t quite match the radical unorthodoxy of his masterpiece, Eraserhead. The account of their collaboration is crafted in a way that mirrors Lynch’s elusive style, hinting at unconventional or perhaps non-existent meaning. Indeed, it’s a quintessential Lynchian narrative…

David Lynch had a stroll through the woods…

As stated in the press release, the creative project titled Cellophane Memories originated from a dreamlike experience Lynch had while walking through a forest at night. He described encountering a brilliant light amidst the trees that he believed morphed into Chrystabell’s voice, sharing a secret with him. This mystical blend of light and sound interacting with nature served as the foundation for their enduring creative collaboration (a tale that seems almost magical).

Crystabell mentioned on her website: “Prior to being connected with David through someone who proposed we work together musically, I was unaware that he was both a composer and musician. Interestingly, David has an unusual approach to creating music. To me, he views the music as a means to evoke emotions. These emotions manifest during improvised recording sessions in his studio, which he refers to as ‘experiments’.”

David Lynch the musician

Beyond being a famous movie director, David Lynch is also a skilled musician. He not only plays musical instruments but is also proficient in sound design. For instance, he played a significant role in the music of the film “Inland Empire,” where he first teamed up with Chrystabell. Prior to this, Angelo Badalamenti appeared to be his primary musical collaborator. Following “Inland Empire,” they worked together on her 2011 album “This Train” and the 2016 EP “Somewhere In The Nowhere.”

Despite not pleasing everyone with his musical style, Lynch’s work as a musician is highly respected by some for its capacity to mirror the enigmatic and unusual qualities present in his films. The press release for the album Cellophane Memories encapsulates its thematic emphasis, posing the question, “It brings us back to a fundamental query: what constitutes a mystery? Regrettably, the solution to this puzzle remains undiscovered.”

As a lifelong fan of David Lynch’s work, I eagerly anticipate his upcoming concept album that promises to delve into themes like mystery and the interplay of various elements such as light and dark, time, silence, and music. Having been captivated by his surreal and thought-provoking storytelling in films like “Twin Peaks” and “Mulholland Drive,” I can only imagine the depth and complexity that this album will bring to these themes.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but acknowledge that Lynch is famously associated with the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack of Lost Highway. The tracklist features musical heavyweights like David Bowie, adding an extra layer of allure to his cinematic masterpiece.

Read More

2024-08-02 15:01