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Exclusive Interview: Chad Michael Ward

Published

15 years ago

on

BD Music has scored an exclusive interview with photographer/director/artist/all around awesome guy Chad Michael Ward. The interview goes over his artistic history, what it was like to work with some of todays hottest bands, and who some of his biggest inspirations are. While you’re checking out the interview, make sure to check out Ward’s Top 10 Horror WTF Moments. WARNING: Images after the jump are NSFW.

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Jason Voorhees actor Derek Mears

1) How did you get into photography/art and directing?
I’ve wanted to be an artist all my life, from the time I was old enough to draw with crayon, really.  I originally started off as a writer.  Eventually, I discovered Photoshop and started doing digital art back around 1996 or so.  It didn’t take long before I was doing album covers for tons of European death metal bands.  After a few years, I moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles and got asked by a client to do some photography work.  That blossomed over a few years to where I was doing more photography than artwork.  That led to some production design gigs for music videos and film, where I realized I really wanted to get into directing.  Several years later I’m doing digital art for dozens of novels a year, photographing tons of bands and commercial clients and directing music videos.  I still do production design here and there, and have started writing again as time permits.  
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2) Your work, while often grotesque and horrifying, is quite beautiful. How do you walk that line?
I don’t know that I have an answer for that.  I don’t intentionally intend to walk any line when creating images.  I just shoot and/or paint what I see in my head.
3) Some of the photographs show your models in pain or in dangerous situations. Have there been any accidents or problems that arose during your shoots?
Shoots can be somewhat brutal or physically demanding on my models, but I’ve never had any real problems or accidents.  I think the only person who ever ends up getting hurt is me because I’m a very physical photographer/director when on set and can be a bit clumsy sometimes.  I always somehow end up with cuts and bruises after a shoot.  
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4) You’ve worked with some of the biggest music artists out there, including Marilyn Manson, Static-X, Combichrist, and more. What have those experiences been like?
Every experience is unique and exhilarating in its own way.  I’m just thrilled that I’ve been able and continue to be able to create art with other amazing artists.  Each has its own set of challenges and rewards that makes it worth getting up in the morning for.

Video directed by Chad Michael Ward
5) Who are some of your inspirations?
Hmm…there’s a wide variety of influences on my work.  Everyone from Joel-Peter Witkin to Dave McKean to David LaChapelle to Ashley Wood.  I’m also heavily influenced by directors such as Takashi Miike, Chris Cunningham, Floria Sigismondi, David Fincher and Mark Romanek. I’m also influenced by people like H.R. Giger, Clive Barker, Cliff Nielsen, Bill Sienkiewicz, Barron Storey, Mark Ryden, Phil Hale, Kent Williams.
6) What do you do to get inspired? Is there some specific kind of music you listen to? Movies you watch? Etc…
Everything inspires me, to be honest.  Movies, music, LIFE.  There’s no one genre the defines who I am.  I am a huge horror fan, obviously, but if you were to look at my DVD collection, you’d see a pretty eclectic collection of work.  Same with music; my ipod can bounce from Marilyn Manson to Coco Rosie to Tom Jones to Eminem to Iron Maiden to Yeah Yeah Yeahs.  It’s all over the place.  I just do my best to absorb anything and everything around me and let that help shape the visions in my head.
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7) Can you tell us of any upcoming projects that you’re excited about?
I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you. I’ve got a ton of crazy and exciting projects and tours coming up between now and the end of the year. Keep an eye out on my website at www.digitalapocalypse.com for updates, news and release dates of my upcoming books and videos.
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Music

‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ Celebrates 60 Years with Limited Zoetrope Vinyl Release

Published

6 days ago

on

June 10, 2026

By

A Halloween classic turns 60 this October, and Craft Recordings is celebrating with a special limited edition vinyl release for Peanuts special “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.

Arriving August 7 and available to pre-order today, this anniversary reissue comes pressed on an eye-catching 45 RPM zoetrope LP, featuring memorable scenes from the special on each side, plus a new essay from Sean Mendelson.

Get a peek at the cool new release below.

The release features Vince Guaraldi‘s jazzy score, including favorites like “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” “Graveyard Theme,” and, of course, the iconic “Linus and Lucy.”

After its first official release in 2018 and rerelease upon the discovery of the original master tapes in 2022, the soundtrack returns to vinyl in its entirety, alongside a selection of rare outtakes.

If the zoetrope LP isn’t enticing enough, look for a variety of limited-edition Halloween treats that can be found at exclusive retail partners, including an Orange 4-inch Tiny Vinyl (Target) available starting July 17, featuring “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” on Side A and “Graveyard Theme” on Side B. Pumpkin-shaped pressings will also be available in exclusive colorways from August 21st, including Electric Pumpkin Patch (Barnes & Noble), Pumpkin Spice (Walmart), Ghost White (Target), and Candy Corn (Craft Recordings). Additionally, the Orange Pumpkin pressing will be back by popular demand at all major retailers.

In the 1966 animated special, the Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween. Linus hopes that he will finally be visited by The Great Pumpkin, while Charlie Brown is invited to a Halloween party.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown tracklist:

Side A:

1. Linus and Lucy

2. Graveyard Theme

3. Snoopy and the Leaf/Frieda (With the Naturally Curly Hair)

4. The Great Pumpkin Waltz

5. Linus and Lucy (Reprise)

6. Charlie Brown Theme/Charlie Brown Theme (Minor Theme)/Graveyard Theme (Reprise)

7. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (Reprise)

8. The Red Baron/Military Drum March

9. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (2nd Reprise)/The Great Pumpkin Waltz (3rd Reprise)

10. Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (2nd Reprise)

11. Fanfare/Breathless/Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (3rd Reprise)

12. Charlie Brown Theme (Reprise)

 

Side B:

1. Breathless (2nd Reprise)

2. It’s a Long Way to Tipperary/There’s a Long, Long Trail A-Winding/Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag/Roses of Picardy

3. Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (4th Reprise)

4. Linus and Lucy (2nd Reprise)/Linus and Lucy (3rd Reprise)

5. Charlie Brown Theme (2nd Reprise)

6. Linus and Lucy (Alternate Take 1)

7. Graveyard Theme (Alternate Take 1)

8. Charlie Brown Theme (Alternate Reprise Take 1)

9. Linus and Lucy (Alternate Take 2)

10. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (Alternate Reprise Take 2)

 

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