Backstage

I’ve been a Wilco fan since 1996. Sure, I love the records, but here’s what I love the most about the band: I love their spirit. Of creativity, of exploration, of brotherhood, of independence. There’s a rare blueprint there to tune into. Not just how to make a cool record, but how to live a creative life, on all fronts. From the record covers, to the show posters, to their loft studio, and back to those incredible songs, I’m just constantly blown away by the care, craft and consideration that goes into a Wilco… uh… product? That’s a weird word. How about this: A Wilco offering. 

When we got the opportunity to work with the band to create this Wilco x Field Notes Box Set, of course I was elated. But also, a bit intimidated. These guys aren’t slouches, you know? I still feel a little wobbly, just to be close to something I’m such a fan of. I never approached them to do a poster or anything, I was content to be a fan and anticipate the next release. To contribute to their universe? A complete honor.

Jim quickly calmed me down and I got to work selecting colleagues for the project. I wanted there to be some Chicago in there, and some varying styles, but mainly I wanted to indulge myself and work with people I’ve wanted to work with forever. They had to like Wilco, and they had to be open to band members pushing them into weird territory. I got them locked in, and we got to work.

Cody Hudson is mellow. But his shapes kind of sneak up on you. I just love his output. He’s one of those people that you just know that, frankly, whatever he touches, he makes it a certain kind of unspoken cool. This was our sprinkle of Chicago.

Lauren Dickens doesn’t take any shit. She has NO PROBLEM putting me right in my place, and I love that about her, and, really love that about her work. Smart, great sense of humor, with great design chops. I’ve been a fan for some time, and had to have her be a part of the ensemble.

John Gall gave me life. John’s the guy who reached out to me to make my book! But that was just the tip of the iceberg. I knew about his collage skills already, and got to know his gentle ways, and fine taste in bands. He liked the Cows. I like the Cows. Kismet! 

I always caution Brett Stenson. The guy’s just putting out a little too much awesome, and I don’t want him to burn out. This Wisconsin firecracker is the MVP of the “things I that keep blowing my mind out there” the last bunch of years. He just continues to evolve and make cooler and cooler forms. I can’t get enough of it. Keep it up, buddy!

And finally, Lawrence Azerrad. Just typing that name out, a jealous itch forms in me. This is the guy who gets to work for Wilco! All the way back to Summerteeth, I remember reading his name and thinking, You lucky duck! When I got to know him a bit, and see his versatility from project to project, I was sort of intimidated by the guy. Warm and inviting, he’s the real deal, and always has something impressive in the works. We were honored to have the band’s graphic designer help with this project.