Dave Chisholm: Art and Music
It should come as no surprise that with a doctorate in jazz trumpet from the Eastman School of Music in 2013, Dave Chisholm has an intense love of music. However, it was when he combined that passion with his artistic talents, he really began to find his groove. Creating a series of music-based books including the groundbreaking graphic novel + original soundtrack Instrumental (2017, Z2 Comics) Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound. This effort garnered Dave a Ringo Award and was followed by Chasin’ the Bird: Charlie Parker in California (2020, Z2 Comics) and Enter the Blue (2022, Z2 Comics).
Fondness for the Horror Genre
But music isn’t Dave’s only interest. He also has a fondness for the horror genre in both film and comics. Thus, when he was approached to work on Oni Press’s new horror inspired series Plague House, he leapt at the chance, working with writer Michael Conrad and Oni Press Editor Bess Pallares.
With issue #1 hitting stands on April 2nd, we caught up to Dave for a short visit to discuss his artistic beginnings and his collaboration with Michael on Plague House. So, let’s welcome multi-talented musician and artist, Dave Chisholm to GVN Talking Comics.
Beginnings
GVN: Thank you for giving us a moment of your time, Dave. Since this is our first opportunity to chat, let’s start with your creative beginnings. When did you take an interest in comic art and whose work inspired you to consider that prospect? Especially since I know your first love was music.
DAVE: Oh man…it’s a lifelong obsession that started before I can remember. Def before music! Early favorites were Bernie Wrightson, BWS, and Todd McFarlane. I’m lucky to have had a childhood utterly immersed in comics, music, art, and creativity!
Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound
GVN: After mentioning your music background, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention your Ringo Award Winning graphic novel “Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound.” A work of love from you and Z2 Comics. While working on this project, did you have any hopes for how it would be received by critics and fans, or were you simply focused on creating a book that you and perhaps, Mile Davis fans could be proud of?
DAVE: I always strive to make something that is amazing and put everything I have into my work, to make something that I would love to read and look at! I’m glad you dig it!
Oni Press ‘Plague House’
GVN: Your latest book is a collaboration with talented writer Michael Conrad on Oni Press “Plague House.” A deep dive into the haunted house genre as only Michael can do. How did this collaboration come about, and how excited were you to take on the horror genre?
DAVE: Michael and I have known each other on social media for several years now, and I was THRILLED when he and Bess approached me to do the art for Plague House! I’m honestly so pumped to make a horror book. I love horror movies and comics!
Working with Michael Conrad
GVN: As you worked on this book, did Michael try to steer you in a certain direction, or did he just rely on your great talents to present the story he was trying to tell?
DAVE: Michael is a great collaborator—his scripts are clear and thoughtful and he’s open to any input from me to help make the visual storytelling more clear or pointed—but those instances have been really rare. He just lets me cook! And I am grateful!
Upcoming from Dave
GVN: Thank you once again, Dave for your kind attention. In closing, I want to give you the chance to tell our readers about any other projects you might want them to look out for.
DAVE: The collected edition of SPECTRUM, published by Mad Cave, drops in July—this book, written by Rick Quinn with visuals by me, is so rad. I hope y’all read it!!!
Oni Press Plague House #1 by Michael Conrad and Dave Chisholm haunts book and comic stores on April 2nd.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
