Colin Greenwood, the bassist of Radiohead and an accomplished photographer, shares insights into his dual passions. He discusses his journey capturing candid moments of his bandmates both on stage and in the studio, which culminates in his new book, "How to Disappear." Topics include the evolution of bass playing in iconic songs, the intricate relationship between music and photography, and how capturing intimate moments can define one's artistry. Greenwood reflects on nostalgia, connection, and the importance of visual storytelling in music.
Colin Greenwood recounts his childhood experiences and the influence of his military father's lifestyle on his adaptability and connections in music.
He highlights the evolution of Radiohead’s sound from their early 'bomb-tastic' music to a more experimental 'blippity-blop' style, reflecting their artistic growth.
Through his book 'How to Disappear,' Colin shares intimate photographs that intertwine visuals with personal anecdotes, capturing the band's dynamics during their musical journey.
Deep dives
The Journey of a Musician and Photographer
Colin Greenwood, the bassist for Radiohead, shares the unique intersection of his music career and passion for photography. He recalls his childhood experiences, including moving frequently due to his father's military job, which shaped his ability to adapt and connect with others. Music was an integral part of his family life, with a diverse range of influences from classical to pop shaping his musical taste. His upbringing culminated in his decision to pursue music deeply, eventually leading him to form Radiohead with his schoolmates.
The Evolution of Radiohead's Sound
The discussion underlines the evolution of Radiohead’s music, with Colin describing their early work as 'bomb-tastic' compared to the later, more experimental sounds characterized as 'blippity-blop.' He emphasizes that their artistic journey reflects their changing musical influences and experimentation, evident in tracks from their first album, 'Pablo Honey,' to later projects. This transition showcases how the band's sound matured over time, aligning with their personal growth and changing cultural contexts. Colin humorously notes that his mother’s unique descriptions of their music capture their creative journey accurately.
The Influence of Photography on Music
Colin discusses the profound impact of photography on his outlook as a musician, particularly when documenting the band's journey and the emotions of live performances. His approach to photography is heavily influenced by the work of Gaylord Oscar Heron, igniting his passion for capturing candid, intimate moments. The balance between documenting the band and experiencing the music translates into his work, providing a visual narrative of their shared experiences. He reflects on how photographing crowds during performances enriches his understanding of both the audience’s experience and the music itself.
How to Disappear: A Photographic Journey
In his book 'How to Disappear,' Colin compiles photographs that portray the intimate dynamics of Radiohead from 2003 to 2016, providing a visual history that coincides with their musical evolution. The title, inspired by a song from their album 'Kid A,' reflects the delicate balance between presence and absence that Colin captures by often being behind the camera rather than in front of it. The book is not merely a collection of images but intertwines photographic art with personal anecdotes, creating a diary-like reflection on his experiences with the band. Through careful selection, Colin illustrates the deep connection between his photography and the band's creative process.
Navigating Success and Artistic Integrity
Colin opens up about the pressures of success following the hit single 'Creep' and how it shaped Radiohead’s path. Despite initial fears of becoming a one-hit wonder after their first album, the band focused on creating authentic music, leading to the critically acclaimed album 'The Bends.' Their commitment to artistry over commercial success lay the groundwork for future albums, solidifying their place in rock history. Colin expresses a gratefulness for the opportunity to experiment creatively, illustrating how they navigated the music industry while staying true to their artistic vision.
Since 2003, Radiohead’s bassist, Colin Greenwood, has taken his camera to the studio and on stage to document the rise of one of the world’s most cherished bands. He joins to discuss his legendary musical career and his beautiful new book, How to Disappear, capturing intimate photographs of his bandmates at work.
