FAINT WAVES

Based out of Los Angeles, Louie Zong is an Emmy-nominated jack of all trades; he’s an animator, an illustrator, and a musician. There’s a lot that could be said about all those things, but instead I’m going to turn your attention to his album covers, because one could make the argument that all of his skills and interests converge here (and with great results too). 

With an art style landing somewhere between Peanuts, The MOTHER/Earthbound video game series, 90’s cartoons, and claymation; Louie Zong has attached a unique visual identity to his musical work. Per his own words on his website, Louie dabbles in many creative areas but has a particular love for the ways music and art combine to tell stories. That love is more than evident from the moment you see and hear Louie’s work. It culminates in a sort of wildly successful multi-media vision, as many of the pieces attached to his music immediately get the imagination going, while the music gives you a backdrop for wherever your mind may wander. Louie’s greatest strength is perhaps what so many illustrators, writers, and musicians hope to achieve with their work—conjuring up a world.

From your first glance at the album art to the opening moments of “TRAFFIC JAM” off RAT TAXI, for instance, you’re transported somewhere else entirely. It’s a colorful and evocative world that appears to be composed of modeling clay and is inhabited by children’s toys, a diorama world filled with animated hustle and bustle. Drawing on French Touch, Funk, Smooth Jazz, and even Boom Bap style Hip-Hop; this is a 90’s fever dream, following a rat pal that you should be cheesed to meet. Even if you didn’t intend on listening to the entire record (why wouldn’t you?), you’ll immediately be sucked into this world that Louie Zong has visually and musically constructed. Not to get into album review territory, but I defy you not to get lost in the soundscape of this album, let alone his other work. It’s as much about soundtracking and scoring, breathing life into that artistic world, as it is about simply writing an album. For Louie Zong, it all seems to be one and the same, a singular vision. His albums, RAT TAXI and Business!, are all the evidence you need of that. The only thing I can say is that these releases are the product of an active and beautiful imagination. Truly inviting and engrossing, both musically and visually. 

Step into the world of Louie Zong. I’m glad I did. 

You can find Louie Zong on Bandcamp, Twitter, and YouTube. You can also learn more about Louie and his work on his website.