Will Butler and Marcel Dzama Talk Punk Culture, Politics and Propaganda

“To all the criminals out there: do not follow your obsession, but if you’re an artist, go for it.”

Perhaps this best encapsulates the fascinating conversation between Arcade Fire's Will Butler and visual artist Marcel Dzama on the latest episode of Dialogues. Butler, the fruit of a Texan polygamous family with a flair for entertainment and Dzama, member an ex-Winnipeg biker gang family with a fascination in antique battle weapons…this episode explores just how these individuals have found their way into the art world and have crossed each other’s paths–against all odds.

Marcel Dzama has been creating art for as long as he can remember. From stage sets to cover art, TV shows to music videos, this visual artist contemplates how his surrealist art films and ink drawings have managed to permeate into several creative spheres, including his dada-esque contribution to Will Butler's upcoming solo album. After more than a decade with the award-winning band Arcade Fire, Butler reveals the story behind his decision to go solo and to put music on a year-long hiatus to study Public Policy at Harvard. As the conversation flows from one subject to the next, it is clear that these two creative individuals aren't afraid to dig deep and to analyze each other's similarities and differences (including, we might add, a deep connection with Punk culture and a deep disconnection with the current political climate).

Currently, Dzama is one of the visual artists being represented by the prestigious David Zwirner in New York City–an institution that founded the Dialogues podcast. Hosted by Lucas Zwirner (yes, that Zwirner), the unlikely combination of guests on Dialogues provide a unique commentary on "the intersection of music, visual arts, politics and beyond." Just to give you an idea, previous guests include Jeff Koons, Russell Tovey, Lisa Yuskavage and more.