Ever wonder what someone walking past you on the street is listening to on their earbuds? Or what someone in the next car over from you is rocking out to at a stoplight? Sure you do.
I always find it fascinating to know what folks listen to while they’re working. True, some work better in total silence and free from distraction but those who carefully procure and painstakingly choose a lineup of songs to listen to while hard at work seem to have a clear idea of what really helps them rise to their most creative and productive peaks.
In an attempt to get to know a little more about some of the most distinctive and innovative personalities in the area, I thought it would be interesting to find out what music some of our local movers and shakers listen to while they’re hard at work.
Chad Mize is one of the better-known muralists in the area, even if you haven't met him in person, you've driven by — or taken a photo in front of — one of his murals; which can be found in Hyde Park, St. Pete and in restaurants like the doodle wall tucked away in Ichicoro Ane. The St. Petersburg-based multimedia artist who is as comfortable creating massive murals as he is designing fun, quirky t-shirt graphics is moved and inspired by music. Always busy and creating, Mize, who has created his own design brand titled CHIZZY and runs the Mize Gallery in downtown St. Pete, ranks music as one of the motivating factors behind his far-reaching, hip, fresh style.
I connected with the renowned visionary and artist to find out what he prefers listening to while he creates.
Is there a specific musical artist that inspires you most while you work?
I like all types of music and I guess depends on my mood at the time. For 2019, I decided to post one song/music video a day on Facebook and that sort of dictates my music for that day.
What role does music play in your creative process?
Music plays a big part for me creatively. I typically have music blasting all day long, either in my office doing digital work or in the studio spray painting a new piece of art.
When did you realize music played an integral part in influencing how you work?
MTV was a big part of my childhood and I remember being in love with the visuals of music videos and the bumpers/commercials for MTV. We didn’t have cable early on so I would watch at my friend's house after school when I was around 12. When I started buying CDs, I remember purchasing ones just based on the cover art and then playing the disc and liking only one or two songs. Bummer.
Do you ever opt to work in complete silence as opposed to with music playing?
Yes, I do like silence sometimes. It’s nice to clear your head and also easier to write. I’m actually not listening to music so I can answer these questions.
What’s the most fulfilling or rewarding part of having music playing throughout the day?
Music for me takes me to happy and sad places in time. Music is an audible time stamp in life. Sometimes I will play a mix that I made from 20 years ago and can remember actually making it and what I was doing at that time.
Here’s a link to the latest in a long line of music mixes Mize creates to play while he’s working to keep himself engaged:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6igntzI4eGPSHWLzpIxQxp?si=mpkBetDKQsq4wYNmlZLVAQ
Follow @cl_music on Twitter to get the most up-to-date music news, concert announcements and local tunes. Subscribe to our newsletter, and listen to us on WMNF 88.5-FM’s “Radio Reverb” program every Saturday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
