When sound and imagery are combined together they bring both the film and the piece of music to the next level.
There has been a great response to the original music created for our latest OPALUS fashion films. Therefore, you've been asking and we are proud to officially introduce to you who is behind these inspiring sounds... introducing, the talented Joe Laisi!
Joe has written, preformed and recorded the music for the following films: OPALUS and LUXX Ready to Wear Campaign (a series of 4 short films, one score), The Colorful Mind of a Surrealist Call for Submissions, and Drifting Shadows of Intrigue Issue Release. Joe is currently working on two new scores for our soon to be released (and longest yet) fashion films!
Find out more about Joe in this official OPALUS interview!
OPALUS
It is such a talent to be able to transform what a visual feels like into a sound that has this same feeling which enhances the piece as a whole. Please tell us what this process is for you.
JOE LAISI
It's a combination of looking at the visuals and an explanation of what the director is going for. Then I sit down with guitar and try to feel out what suits the piece the best. A little trial and error is involved also until it comes out the way I want it to sound.
OPALUS
What instruments have you been using to create these pieces for OPALUS?
JOE LAISI
All of the instrumentation has been done on the guitar, except I used a drum on the video for Luxx. Other than that it has been a combination of electric and acoustic guitars combined with some effects pedals.
OPALUS
What types of sounds/music styles are most inspiring you at the moment?
JOE LAISI
I've always been a fan of pure, natural, guitar plugged into a tube amplifier kind of sounds. Let the guitar and amp take care of the tone. I do use other sounds in my guitar rig (delay, reverb, tremolo) but there is something special about a great sounding guitar plugged straight into an amp and turned up loud!
Rock and roll has and will always be my inspiration.
OPALUS
Our current issue is about, the colorful mind of a surrealist. For many artist they can see visuals when they hear music. When you look at art, do you ever hear music pouring out of it?
JOE LAISI
The odd time, but not really. I like to separate art and music. When I look at a piece of art or a picture I appreciate it for what it is visually, how it comes across to the eyes. If I want to hear music I put on a record and listen. To me they are two separate entities, unless of course I am asked to create a sound for a specific piece of art. Then I'll have to sit down, get into my head, and combine the two.
OPALUS
How long have you been playing guitar, and what is your favorite style to play?
JOE LAISI
I've been playing for 18 years. As far as styles go I've always been a fan of punk rock. Straight forward no flash and dash kind of playing. Pure, raw, and simple has always been my go to.
OPALUS
You are in a couple bands, where can people listen to them?
JOE LAISI
Drive The Day
Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals
Freedom Over Fear is our debut album with pre-production in the works for a follow up album.
JFR
Project X is the second full length album from this band. I was hired on to tour as a rhythm guitar player and ended up being involved in a music video for the song Take Me As I Am as well as recording the rhythm guitar on the album Project X.
The band is going through some personnel changes right now so it's a little up in the air as to what is happening in the future.
There is also a punk band but that one is kind of a secret of sorts. All will be revealed in due time.
OPALUS
If your imagination could create the perfect environment to create in, what would it be?
JOE LAISI
A room with giant windows, wide open to hear the sounds of the outside world. Sun, waves crashing, birds singing , wind whispering through the trees. A calm reflective space where my mind would be free and open. A place where I could be as free as I need and let the inspiration from the outside world flow into my head and out through my fingers. I believe they call this your happy place!
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