KCRW Volunteer Taryn Olsen was sitting behind me this morning when I heard her exclamations of “This is so awesome!” Of course I had to know what it was – ends up it was a new Death Cab for Cutie video directed by bassist Nick Harmer and artist Shepard Fairey, who said the idea was to “take the viewer on a journey to encounter the “Home Is A Fire” lyrics as street art.”
More from Shepard:
“Street art appeals because it makes the landscape a little less dreary for the viewer, and it is a bureaucracy free creative outlet for the participants. I would say that a street art call to action is “if you don’t like your home… reshape it”. The power of street art is in its intrigue and authenticity, so it was crucial to actually put all the lyrics and images up on the streets. We wanted the viewer to experience the urban environment in a very real and intimate way that celebrates that one person’s wart is another’s beauty mark. Some of the art was put up prior to the video shoot in places that seemed appropriate to the lyrical themes, while other pieces were put up during the shoot. We filmed the preparation of materials as well to demonstrate the energy and process involved in becoming pro-active. Some of the street art was cleaned within a day. Street art, like everything, is ephemeral but I hope that in watching this video and listening to the song, people see a little magic and potential in the unappreciated details of the landscape of their lives, no matter how fleeting they may be.”
Previously, Shepard Fairey filled in for Henry Rollins as a KCRW DJ and you can still check out his set streaming online.
RR