What happens when a visionary filmmaker and an iconic rock band merge music, film, and blockchain? The result is an NFT project unlike any other.
Lynch and Interpol’s 2011 collaboration resurfaces through exclusive NFTs, blending animation with fresh recordings of ‘Lights’.
The partnership traces back to 2011 when Interpol enlisted Lynch to create visuals for their Coachella performance. Lynch produced the animated short film “I Touch a Red Button Man,” showcased alongside the band’s live rendition of “Lights.”
A decade later, this collaboration has been transformed into eight unique NFTs, each combining elements of the original animation with fresh acoustic interpretations of the song.
Paul Banks, Interpol’s frontman, expressed the band’s enthusiasm for the project, stating, “To be frank, Interpol is crazy about David Lynch, and we are over the moon to have ever been able to align our name with his in an artistic forum.” He added, “Humbly, we believe that as digital artefacts go, these are worthy of preservation in the infinite digital realm.”
On October 26 2021, SuperRare hosted NFT auction sales for the launch of the collection. The first NFT entitled “I Touch A Red Button” sold for 20.7 ETH, corresponding to $82,000 within “hours of its debut.
In collaboration with HIFI Labs, Interpol, and Lynch ensured that the NFT release was innovative and environmentally conscious. They partnered with Aerial to offset the carbon footprint of minting NFTs, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices in the digital art space.
Jack Spallone, Head of Crypto & Product at HIFI Labs, highlighted the project’s significance:
“What makes us so excited about this release is it memorializes the collaboration between David Lynch and Interpol. Using Ethereum, these NFTs can live in eternity as artifacts of cinematic and musical history.”
The collection also featured an interactive component, inviting fans to contribute creatively. One of the eight NFTs was designed to be customized by fans, fostering a sense of community and shared artistic expression. This approach engaged Interpol’s audience and expanded the boundaries of traditional art collaborations.
Reflecting on the project’s ethical considerations, Banks noted:
“We are pleased to enter the NFT space in as ethical a manner as we could, in conjunction with Aerial. We hope to bring an artful and interactive approach to this launch.”
This endeavour is a testament to the evolving landscape of art and technology. It not only bridges film, music, and blockchain but also paves the way for future NFT collaborations in the art world, redefining how creators engage with audiences.
