In the spring of 2021, when the world had suddenly become very small, I found myself wanting to do something in service of the album that has meant more to me than any other: Dusk at Cubist Castle by The Olivia Tremor Control
Like so many people, I was looking for something creative to hold onto during the pandemic. But I didn’t want to make a documentary that was just about the album. I wanted to make something that reflected the spirit of Dusk itself… a work created by a community.
So I started reaching out.. I wrote to musical heroes, friends, fellow fans, and anyone I knew whose life had been changed by Dusk at Cubist Castle. I asked them to tell me what the album meant to them, to share their memories, and, if they wanted, to film themselves talking about it. I didn’t care if it was shot on a phone, an old camcorder, or a grainy webcam. In fact, I loved the imperfections. That’s what Dusk has always felt like to me: people coming together to create something bigger than themselves. Handmade. Imperfect. Beautiful.
I never planned to say I “directed” the film.
I wanted to say I collected it.
The goal was to finish it in time for the album’s 25th anniversary, but as that date got closer, I realized I wasn’t going to make it. I remember sitting with my therapist, feeling genuinely heartbroken that I had let myself.. and everyone who had contributed.. down.
He said something I’ll never forget:
“Why don’t you finish part of it? And.. Share what you have on the anniversary. Art doesn’t have an expiration date… especially when you’re making it as an act of love.”. So right.. Heck we wouldn't be getting a new OTC record.. if this was not the case..
So on the 25th anniversary of Dusk at Cubist Castle, I shared the first 20 minutes of the realized film.
The project itself had become much bigger than I had ever imagined. I had asked a bunch of friends.. to record a cover of a song from the record… Twenty-seven artists came through… each covering a different song from the album. I created a music video for every one of those covers while also trying to weave together a documentary celebrating this extraordinary record and the community that surrounds it.
Now, somehow, five years have passed.
Today we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dusk at Cubist Castle, and my little film still isn’t finished.
A lot has happened since I first had this idea. The Elephant 6 Recording Co. documentary came out and introduced this beautiful story to a whole new audience. We lost the incomparable Will Cullen Hart. And a brand new OTC record will be released this fall. The story of Elephant 6 continues to evolve, and so does this little documentary that began during one of the strangest moments in our lives.
But one thing has never changed. Every time I put on Dusk at Cubist Castle, it still feels like my heart exploding with joy.
It is still my favorite album of all time.
Today, to celebrate its 30th anniversary, I wanted to share a small piece of the film.. not because it’s finished, but because that’s what I’ve learned this project was always about. Sharing the journey. Celebrating the community. Honoring the music.
To everyone who sent memories, footage, artwork, performances, encouragement, or simply believed this was worth making… thank you. I’m forever grateful.
Happy 30th anniversary to the unrealized film script known as Dusk at Cubist Castle.