Music icons Talking Heads, after a 32-year-hiatus, collaborate with actress Saoirse Ronan and esteemed director Mike Mills for their first music video production.
In the Latest Edition of Pulling Weeds With Chris, * we dive into the fascinating career of Mike Mills, a creative powerhouse who's left an indelible mark on the music, film, and art worlds. Sign up here to get this weekly gem in your inbox!*
From designing iconic artworks for Supreme, Beck, X-Girl, Sonic Youth to directing music videos for the likes of Air, Pulp, The National, and iconic films like Beginners, 20th Century Women, and C'mon C'mon, Mike Mills has collaborated with some of the best musicians and actors on the planet. In a recent project, he directed the first ever music video for Talking Heads' classic "Psycho Killer," starring Saoirse Ronan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the band's first gig (you guessed it, at CBGB, opening for the Ramones.)
Sounds Familiar?
user agreement | class action waiver and arbitration provisions | privacy policyMike shared some insights when I chatted him up at his LA home about his musical beginnings, dumb music videos, bypassing film school, and all things Frank Ocean.
Me: I recently talked to a pal about the "Psycho Killer" video. He told me that his pops listened to the cassette, and it was his first musical memory.
Mike: I can't recall mine exactly. But remember, I was trying to form a punk band, clueless about music. My sister had Fleetwood Mac's Rumours. I listened to it to grasp the concept of a verse and a chorus for our destructive punk music. Oddly enough, a beautiful, complex record for a newbie to music to learn from!
Speaking of Talking Heads, they've been a integral part of my life too. Again, my sister was the one who introduced me to their brilliant tunes sometime in my youth. Their music has made a profound impact on me and it seems everyone has a personal Talking Heads story! Saoirse even played "This Must Be the Place" at her wedding. It feels surreal knowing everyone on the set shares a unique, Talking Heads connection. Thinking about their lives is mind-boggling. Granted, being in Talking Heads must be a unique experience.
Mike Mills, with his diverse portfolio, has collaborated in music, film, and art, including designing artworks for Supreme and directing music videos for Air, Pulp, The National, and more. His recent project, the Talking Heads' classic "Psycho Killer" music video commemorating their first gig, has a personal touch as it echoes the musical memory of many, including the speaker's friend's father. Sharing a common bond with Talking Heads, the speaker also fondly recalls their music from his youth and appreciates how their music has made a lasting impact on lives and continues to do so.
