On the Record

In curating this issue’s art project, tattoo artist London Reese asked some of his fellow tattooers if they were willing to go on the record. They took his request literally and delivered some art sure to go platinum.

Zero 

@thezeromachine

Why did you pick this album?

My favorite teenage memories are encapsulated within this album.

What are your top five songs to listen to while making art?

Lee Fields “Honey Dove”H.E.R. “Comfortable”H.E.R. “Focus”Daniel Caesar “Best Part”Idris Muhammad “Could Heaven Ever Be Like This”

Phil Hatchet Yau

@philhatchetyau

How does listening to music ignite your creativity?

Music puts me into certain mental and emotional states and it is a sure fire way to drive the attitude and tone of my art.

Why did you pick this album?

I grew up listening to classical and oldies, but alternative rock was the first stop into my own musical taste. No Doubt was a cornerstone of rock at the time and “Tragic Kingdom” is an undeniable classic.

Shay Bredimus

@shaybredimus

Why did you pick this album?

I felt like all the Maiden cover art by Derek Riggs in the ’80s was iconic, but I felt like this one was fitting for this current moment in time.

What’s your favorite song on this album? Why?

“Hallowed Be Thy Name” is like listening to an epic movie.

Glendale Bully

@glendalebully

How does listening to music ignite your creativity?

I love listening to music while I’m in a creative atmosphere. I prefer rap music for the hype, but anything can get me going.

What are your top five songs to listen to while making art?

“Trapped In the Sun” by Future,  “3 Headed Goat” by Lil Durk, “Sky” by Playboi Carti, “My Turn” by Lil Baby and “Tequila Shots” by Kid Cudi.

Matt Truiano

@matttruiano

Why did you pick this album?

The original album art grabbed my attention. I’m always a sucker for cheesy illustrations from past decades. 

What’s your favorite song on this album?

“Paradise By The Dashboard Light.” It’s genius in its composition. Eight minutes of what feels like a Broadway rock opera with all the feels. Mainstream songs aren’t written like that anymore.

Nikki Simpson

@nikkisimpsontattoos

Why did you pick this album?

I picked this album because it’s such a classic; every song is a banger, they stirred up a lot of commotion in the metal community and I love a good controversy. Somehow, this record STILL makes money to this day. That’s legendary stuff right there. I had a lot of fun with the dynamics of the basic snake on the album and using my own tattoo style snake playing off of each other. 

What are your top five songs to listen to while making art?

The music I’m listening to while I’m drawing or tattooing depends on my mood. If I’m in a hyped mood with a lot of energy, I love listening to “Legend Has It” by Run the Jewels. If I want to zone out I’ll listen to “Lateralus” by Tool. If I’m trying to relax and just vibe I love “In the Waiting Line” by Zero 7. When I just wanna jam out to something heavy and sexy I’ll listen to “You Know the Butcher” by Deftones. And lastly if I want to just have a good time with my client, I’ll listen to something absolutely stupid and ridiculous like “Hotdog” by Limp Bizkit.

London Reese

@londonreese

How does listening to music ignite your creativity?

Music is that magical art form that takes you away from life and allows your mind to wander into the abyss of creativity. Music heavily influences my artistic process, my mood whilst creating and inspires the message in most of my artwork. 

What’s your favorite song on this album?

“Are You Experienced?”

Justin Burnout 

@justinburnouttattoos

Why did you pick this album?

I feel it’s such an iconic album cover and as soon as I saw it on the list, I had ideas coming to me straight away. The ideas took different directions, but the main idea came to me straight away. 

What are your top five songs to listen to while making art?

I couldn’t say my top five songs, but three albums that always seem to make the list are; If These Trees Could Talk – “The Bones of a Dying World,” Nipsey Hustle – “Victory Lap,” Architects – “Lost Forever//Lost Together.” There are so many more but these are some real go-tos.

Matt Buck

@HE_DRAWS

How does listening to music ignite your creativity?

The height and depth of emotion that music conveys is something that I try to absorb like a sponge in order to squeeze out through my fingers and into my art. Also, many of the bands that I listen to write songs about fascinating historical subjects and those usually light a fire under my butt to start sketching.

What are your top five songs to listen to while making art?

“Take This Waltz” by Leonard Cohen, “Skyforger” by Amorphis, “Tarantella” by The King’s Noyse, “Symphony No. 9 in E Minor” by Antonín Dvorák, and “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel.