Craig Leon and Ian Ottaway Discuss Art and Music in Dual Interview

Artribune publishes a dual interview with American record producer Craig Leon and songwriter Ian Ottaway, exploring their definitions of art and music. Leon, born in Miami in 1952 and based in England, discovered the Ramones and Talking Heads, produced early Blondie and Suicide records, and collaborated with the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, London Symphony Orchestra, and Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. He cites Ivan Albright's painting "What I Should Have Done I Did Not Do (The Door)" as his favorite visual artwork. Ottaway, raised in Wichita, Kansas, and later based in Berlin, worked with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Mark Lanegan, and Joe Cardamone. His latest album, written after his father's death, blends rock'n'roll, trip hop, electronica, and goth. Ottaway names floral prints by Susie Bick and Gucci, Tracey Emin's "Kiss Me Kiss Me," and Vincent Van Gogh's "Weeping Woman" among his favorite visual works. Both artists affirm their identity as artists.