What do you listen to while you work? It’s definitely all over the place. A typical day could easily include Johnny Cash, The Ronettes, The Misfits, and Gang Starr in succession. Some days when I’m feeling ambitious, I will put together a playlist, but I’m usually too lazy and just hit “shuffle.” (Although you run the risk of every terrible song you have ever put on your iPhone playing when you do that.)

How do you listen? If I’m in the shop, I’m mostly listening on headphones to my iPhone because the machinery tends to be really loud. If I’m in the home office, I listen on my computer. This is all assuming that my next-door neighbor isn’t playing his keyboard in the backyard, because if he is, I’m all ears.

Do you have any favorite music websites/providers? My friend Matt runs The Bomarr Blog which always has some great music on it that I’ve probably never heard. I also check out KEXP and La Blogothèque for good live performances.

Does music influence your work? It’s tough to say. In a way, it must, because I am constantly listening to music while working — but it’s hard to give a concrete example. It might influence the speed at which I work more than the work itself. I tend to get more work done when I’m listening to Glenn Danzig yell at me than when I am listening to the soothing sounds of Bon Iver.

Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste? I usually leave this up to my friends, who have more time and/or better musical taste than I do and keep me in tune with the latest music. I’ve also noticed that as I get older, the music my parents played for me when I was young is having a bigger influence on me. I have some serious James Taylor and Jackson Browne rock-blocks from time to time.

What song or artist best represents the work you create? This is a tough one. I guess it would need to be something without too many distractions, just straightforward and simple but also with an edgy/unique sound. Johnny Cash seems to fit the bill.

Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist: The Eames Lounge Chair in Black on Black (seen as a special edition) or if not, black on oiled walnut because you would have no choice but to sit back and relax and enjoy. Just don’t fall asleep.

CHRIS’S PLAYLIST:

1. If I Were A Carpenter, Johnny Cash
2. Rocket Man, My Morning Jacket
3. No One’s Gonna Love You, Band of Horses
4. Bad Love, Battleme
5. Juarez, We Are Augustines
6. Highway Patrolman, Bruce Springsteen
7. Beth/Rest, Bon Iver
8. Love is All, The Tallest Man On Earth
9. Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Neil Young
10. Where Eagles Dare, Misfits
11. Sweet Baby James, James Taylor
12. Faithfully, Journey

Photos: Chris Brigham