Layla Vladi, a German visual artist renowned for her surrealist style, has collaborated with Krist Novoselic and Mark Pickerel, creating official artwork for their latest musical endeavors. The project features Novoselic, bassist of Nirvana and member of 3rd Secret, and Pickerel, known for his work with Screaming Trees. The Bona Fide Band, which includes guitarist Kathy Moore and vocalists Jillian Weiss and Jennifer Johnson, combines iconic grunge sounds with Vladi’s distinctive visual style. This collaboration has been noted for its blend of classic tracks like “Love Buzz” and “The Man Who Sold The World,” performed live for the first time in years.
Music and Visual Art
The Bona Fide Band was born from an impromptu jam session between Novoselic and Pickerel, bringing together musicians with a shared history in the grunge movement. Vladi’s artwork, reflecting the band’s raw and emotive style, plays a significant role in defining their visual identity. Her art captures the energy and nostalgia of the music, bridging traditional and digital techniques to create a cohesive narrative that complements the band’s performances.
Vladi expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Working with Krist, Mark, and the rest of the band has been an inspiring process. My goal was to visually represent the music’s emotional depth and historical roots while pushing into new artistic territory.”
Legacy
The collaboration between Vladi and the band emerged as a creative opportunity during a break in 3rd Secret’s activities. The ensemble developed a setlist that blends iconic covers with original works, drawing from their extensive musical backgrounds. Vladi’s close involvement with the band—from rehearsals to live sessions—allowed her to draw direct inspiration, resulting in artwork that extends the band’s sonic landscape into the visual realm.
Krist Novoselic noted the significance of this collaboration, highlighting how Vladi’s artwork complements their performances: “Layla’s art is an extension of our music, enhancing each performance with a unique visual narrative.”
This partnership not only brings a fresh perspective to the music but also underscores the enduring connection between visual art and musical expression. Vladi’s contributions mark a meaningful addition to the band’s evolving legacy, uniting the past with new artistic explorations.
