Mention Nirvana and we are immediately reminded of Kurt Cobain, the lead vocal and guitarist of the most influential band of the 90s. Thanks to clothing labels like Hysteric Glamour, Number (n)ine etc. we are able to keep the memories of the Grunge era and its champions like NIRVANA and Kurt Cobain.

Apart from the all the brands that help to cement this monumental period of the music history, we must not forget all the photographers that help to capture all the moment which define that period.

Project for adidas

Fans of Nirvana/Kurt Cobain definitely know the name of Charles Peterson. Born in Seattle, he is known as the unoffical photographer of the SUB-POP label and the grunge movement. Beside documenting the grunge movement, he is also well known for his work with brands like adidas, xbox, adobe, dr.martens etc. MADNESS is honor and grateful to have an interview with Charles Peterson.

Project for Dr.Martens

After releasing his black and white photography book Screaming Life in 1995 which generated much attetion with its images of Kurt Cobain, he released his third monogrpah: the MUDHONEY’s song inspired TOUCH ME I’M SICK in 2003.It immediately become a collectible among fans of the Grunge/Punk movement. Some of the Kurt Cobain’s images inside the book caught the attention of Number (N)ine who licsensed the image to be used on their apperal releasesand were also featured in the final collection from the now defuncted Number (N)ine label.

MUDHONEY Touch Me I’m Sick Cover

Charles Peterson himself had also released his own line of apperal which feature images from his both his monograph Screaming Life and TOUCH ME I’M SICK. Hong Kong INCRDIBLE Shop had bought in a series of these apperals which featured images of Nirvana / Kurt Cobain which other brand had not used before.Our personal favourite will be the one which feature Kurt and his wife Courtney Love playing the guitars. The collar come with the print – Charles Peterson Rock Photo “Touch Me I’m Sick” and every appreal come with a guitar pick too !

Check out the interview below where Charles Peterson chat to us about his apperal release, photography, music and culture !

Touch Me I’m Sick Book Cover

Interview : C = Charles , M = Madness
M : When did your career started?

C: I started photographing in 1976 when I was about 12 years old. I’ve been shooting bands since about 1982 and making a full time living with my photography since 1991.

M : Can you tell us about the equipments you use for your photography work?

C : Now I use digital mostly (Leica M9 and Nikon D3) but back in the grunge days it was mostly Nikon cameras with a 24mm lens and a Vivitar 285 flash.

M : You have been working in photography for years (from film till digital), do you still use film? Which one do you prefer and what do you think about digital?

C : I still use film sometimes. My last big project on breakdancers was all shot with medium format film. But now the digital cameras are so good I’m seeing less need to do so. I do prefer film but not the cost and running across town to have it processed.

M : As you know, DSLR is getting cheaper than before and many people are using them. At the same time many aspire to work in the photography industry, what do you feel about this movement?

C : Both a blessing and a curse. I like the fact that everyone has access to photography but there’s a lot more to making a great photo than just snapping the shutter and looking at the pic on the back. Film, even in a cheap camera is a lot more forgiving and soulful. I fear many people’s childhoods are now caught on camera phones.

M : You are very well known in the music industry and have photographed many legendary bands/artists. Who is your favorite to work with and is there any special story to share with us?

C : Probably my most memorable time was photographing Johnny Cash in the recording studio. I was so nervous! He was staring at me as no one had introduced me to him so I went up to say hello. He gave me a deep “Hi I’m John” back. Crazy.

M : Are you close with any bands/artist right now?

C : Not really, though Mark from Mudhoney is still a good friend and I see many people from back in the grunge days. I’m 46 now so it’s harder to be a part of the scene. But I still listen to new music, just a lot harder to get me out to gigs now.

M : We saw that in TOUCH ME I’M SICK, not only GRUNGE bands are featured but also AMERICAN HARDCORE bands like BLACK FLAG and FUGAZI. Do GRUNGE and AMERICAN HARDCORE affect your living, styling and career?

C : Well, they affected my career or I wouldn’t be doing this interview! But they were a big part of my life when I was younger and taught me to be DIY and have an interest in the world and politics and things like that. I’ve always considered myself a punk because that was the first movement I was involved in.

M : What is your feeling about Kurt Cobain, whom you have shot so many photos with?

C : That is a hard one because I see him almost everyday in my photos yet sometimes I don’t see him at all. He was a gifted yet very sad person. I’m glad and proud that I was able to capture a good period in his life doing what he liked doing best.

M : What other brands have you work with before apart from Number Nine? How different is the creative process working with brands?

C : I’ve done a lot of diverse things from skateboards, snowboards, to hotel room doors. I like the fact that my photos seem to be timeless and iconic enough to be used in those ways.

M : Can you give us some tips about shooting concert and the technical aspect of it?

C : Be sure to use the negative space. Look behind you. Use fast lenses. Get close. Compose and look for the moments. Don’t forget the details.

M : Are you planning to visit any place soon and is there any up coming project which is related with MUSIC?

C : I’m part of a number of museum shows on rock photography both current and in the near future. I will also be teaching a rock photography camp to high schoolers this summer. And raising my new baby, Felix, who just turned one. We are going to Hawaii next week. Yay!

Tee Selling Point : INCREDIBLE – 2/F, 69 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong www.incredibleshophk.com
Charles Peterson Web : www.charlespeterson.net
Nirvana : www.nirvana-music.com
Kurt Cobain : www.kurtcobain.com

Text : Hasheeme / Translation : MurderFreak (Eng) / Photo : Hasheeme (Products) & Charles Peterson

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