Fred Armisen Dedicates Album to Late Person, Expresses Daily Grief
Fred Armisen, known for his multi-talented persona as a comedian, actor, musician, and writer, has revealed his latest project – a unique album titled 100 Sound Effects. This unconventional collection features a total of 101 distinct soundscapes, each bearing descriptive titles like Trying Out an Electronic Drum Kit with Headphones at a Music Store and Walking into a Video Room at an Art Museum and Walking Out Quickly. Rather than traditional songs, these tracks are intended to serve various purposes, such as functioning as a sound library, an industrial resource for creative endeavors, or simply offering a stimulating auditory experience.
The concept for 100 Sound Effects stemmed from Armisen’s fascination with the process of recording haunted house sound effects albums and the enjoyment he imagined would come with creating them. Eager to bring this idea to life, he initially planned to work on the project at Steve Albini’s renowned studio, Electrical Audio, in Chicago. However, due to the nature of the album and the uncertainty regarding its duration, Armisen decided to pursue the endeavor closer to his residence in Los Angeles.
In an effort to realize his vision, Armisen enlisted the help of the late Steve Albini, whom he refers to as being “instrumental” in the album’s creation. Unfortunately, Albini passed away in 2024 following a heart attack. Upon informing Albini of his project, he sought recommendations for an engineer in LA. Albini, excited about the concept, reached out to Dave Grohl, who suggested Darrell Thorp as a suitable collaborator. Subsequently, Armisen and Thorp commenced their work at Studio 606, later transitioning to Sunset Sound. Armisen expressed his gratitude towards Albini for his pivotal role in the project and dedicated the album to his memory, reflecting on his profound sense of loss since Albini’s passing.
Scheduled for release on September 26, 100 Sound Effects offers a sneak peek with the unveiling of a track titled Music Venues, compiled from the contents of the album. The full tracklisting and the opportunity to pre-order the record are available on the Drag City website. Armisen’s ambitious venture into the realm of sound effects highlights his innovative approaches to music creation and his collaboration with industry stalwarts like Albini and Grohl underscores the album’s significance. Through this unconventional project, Armisen continues to push creative boundaries while paying tribute to the invaluable contributions of his peers in the music industry.