The passing of David Lynch at the age of 78 leaves an irreplaceable void in the worlds of cinema and music. Known for pioneering films like Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, and Mulholland Drive, Lynch’s creative genius extended beyond the screen into a parallel legacy in sound. Through composition, collaboration, and curation, he built musical worlds as surreal and transformative as his visual storytelling.
Music in Lynch’s films was never just an accessory; it was a vital dimension of his cinematic vision. The haunting industrial drones of Eraserhead (1977) and Angelo Badalamenti’s ethereal Twin Peaks score are as much a part of Lynch’s identity as his enigmatic plots and dreamlike imagery. Iconic moments like the Lady in the Radiator performing “In Heaven” in Eraserhead or Dean Stockwell’s eerie lip-sync to Roy Orbison’s “In Dreams” in Blue Velvet have become timeless symbols of his ability to use sound as a narrative force.
Lynch’s collaboration with composer Angelo Badalamenti remains one of the most iconic partnerships in film history. Together, they created the haunting theme for Twin Peaks and songs like Julee Cruise’s “Falling,” which became instant classics. Their work not only underscored the surreal beauty and mystery of Lynch’s stories but also brought a unique dreamlike quality to the music itself. In Twin Peaks: The Return (2017), Lynch showcased his love for live performance by featuring artists like Nine Inch Nails, Sharon Van Etten, and Chromatics. The electrifying performance of Nine Inch Nails’ “She’s Gone Away” in Episode 8, one of the series’ most daring and avant-garde moments, perfectly encapsulates Lynch’s ability to fuse sound and image into unforgettable experiences.
Beyond his work as a filmmaker, Lynch pursued music as a solo artist and collaborator. His albums, including Crazy Clown Time (2011) and The Big Dream (2013), reveal his experimental edge, blending atmospheric production with reverb-heavy vocals. Tracks like “Pinky’s Dream,” featuring Karen O, and “I’m Waiting Here,” a collaboration with Lykke Li, reflect Lynch’s ability to create hauntingly evocative music that stands on its own while echoing the moods of his films.
Lynch’s influence also shaped the broader musical landscape. Moby’s career-defining track “Go” famously sampled the Twin Peaks theme, and Lynch directed music videos for artists like Chris Isaak, Nine Inch Nails, and Flying Lotus. His love of sound and his embrace of the surreal inspired countless musicians to push boundaries and explore new creative frontiers.
His final album, Cellophane Memories, created with longtime collaborator Chrystabell, serves as a poignant coda to his musical legacy. With its hypnotic soundscapes and austere lyrics, the album captures the essence of Lynch’s artistry. Its closing track, “Sublime Eternal Love,” is a haunting, romantic piece that feels like a distillation of his life’s work—a final gift to fans of his otherworldly creativity.
David Lynch once described music as “a magic,” a sentiment that resonates in every note of his work. From the eerie hum of industrial soundscapes to the tender strains of a love ballad, his music offered a gateway into the strange and beautiful worlds he created. As the world mourns his passing, Lynch’s musical legacy continues to inspire, providing a soundtrack for exploring the light and dark corners of the human experience.
