Austin York, co-founding member of one of our favorite Richmond bands Sleepwalkers, has delved into the realm of animation by teaming up with the renowned DJ Harrison on the track “Galaxy” from Harrison’s latest album, Shades of Yesterday.
The collaboration didn’t just happen by chance. Austin shares, “I wanted to animate something for Devonne’s music for a while. The music he makes is very cinematic and in my wheelhouse of animation.” Their connection blossomed from their shared presence in Richmond’s music circles, with mutual respect laying the foundation for collaboration. It was a simple Instagram comment from Harrison expressing his admiration for Austin’s work that sparked the conversation, leading to the perfect marriage of sound and vision. “I hit him up and asked if he had anything I could animate for him. He came back with the track “Galaxy” off his most recent record on Stones Throw, which felt like the perfect fit for what I had been experimenting with in animation.”
When asked about the thematic direction of the animation, Austin reveals, “Devonne pretty much said do your thing.” With creative freedom granted, Austin embarked on a journey of exploration, crafting imagery that resonated with the ethereal vibes of the track. Initially toying with the idea of a spaceman motif, the duo opted for a more atmospheric approach, immersing viewers in a visually stunning cosmic landscape that harmonizes seamlessly with the music.
Austin’s creative process is a labor of love. “I wouldn’t call it a full-on studio quite yet. I do everything from home myself at the moment – storyboards, character design, frame-by-frame animation. I’m drawing thousands of frames by hand.” he explains. From storyboards to frame-by-frame animation, every aspect is meticulously crafted by his own hand. His dedication to the craft shines through as he breathes life into each frame, embodying the spirit of a true 2D animator with a penchant for nostalgia.
In a landscape where visual artistry often takes a backseat, Austin’s mission is clear – to bridge the gap between music and animation. “As a musician, I’d like to see more musicians upping their visuals, But I think it’s not affordable … especially if what they want is animation. Because the only animators available charge astronomical prices or work for giant firms or corporations. So I’m trying to fill the gap a little.” he asserts.
As for what the future holds, Austin remains coy but optimistic. “I have a thousand personal projects at different stages of production,” he teases. While the specifics remain under wraps, one thing is certain – there’s no shortage of creativity flowing from this Richmond native.
For those interested by Austin’s work and eager to embark on their own creative journey, he extends an open invitation: “I want to develop concepts with anyone interested in my style and hand-drawn animation.” With boundless potential on the horizon, the stage is set for a renaissance in Richmond’s artistic landscape, led by visionaries like Austin York.
You can get in touch with Austin HERE
