The world of cinema and music mourns the loss of David Lynch, a singular talent and visionary filmmaker whose influence extended far beyond the screen. Lynch, whose death was announced Thursday, left an indelible mark not only in film but also in the music world, where his creative impact inspired generations of artists.

Lynch’s artistic legacy transcends mediums, seamlessly blending surrealist storytelling with evocative soundscapes. As a filmmaker, his distinctive style redefined modern cinema, while his contributions to music revealed a deep understanding of its power to shape atmosphere and emotion. From composing haunting soundtracks to collaborating with iconic musicians, Lynch’s work continues to inspire and resonate across generations. His unique ability to pair visual and auditory elements created unforgettable experiences that will be cherished for years to come.

"Eraserhead" and "In Heaven"

One of Lynch’s earliest musical contributions came with the 1978 debut film “Eraserhead.” He composed much of the soundtrack, establishing a surrealist ambience that would define much of his career. The song “In Heaven,” performed by a woman living in the protagonist’s radiator, became iconic, inspiring covers by The Pixies and being sampled by Modest Mouse in “Workin’ on Leavin’ the Livin’.”

Chris Isaak’s "Wicked Game"

Chris Isaak’s 1989 track “Wicked Game” achieved widespread recognition after its inclusion in Lynch’s 1990 film “Wild at Heart,” starring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern. This is a testament to Lynch’s ability to elevate music through his cinematic vision.

Angelo Badalamenti and the "Twin Peaks" Theme

Lynch’s collaboration with Angelo Badalamenti is considered one of the strongest music-film partnerships in history. Beginning with 1986’s “Blue Velvet,” their work together culminated in the unforgettable theme for “Twin Peaks.” The song, titled “Falling,” became a hit for singer Julee Cruise and encapsulates the eerie beauty of the Pacific Northwest setting in the series.

Moby and "Go"

The influence of Lynch’s music extended to other artists, such as Moby, who sampled the “Twin Peaks” theme in his 1991 hit “Go.” Lynch later directed the music video for Moby’s 2009 track “Shot in the Back of the Head,” showcasing his versatility as a director.

"BlueBOB" and "Thank You Judge"

In 2001, Lynch released his debut album, “BlueBOB,” an industrial, goth-inspired blues rock project. Tracks like “Thank You Judge” stood out for their heavily distorted and reverb-heavy soundscapes, offering an avant-garde listening experience.

"Crazy Clown Time" and "Pinky’s Dream"

His 2011 album “Crazy Clown Time” featured the electro-pop track “Pinky’s Dream,” a collaboration with Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The song was a standout opener, blending Lynch’s surrealist sensibilities with Karen O’s distinctive vocals.

"The Big Dream" and "I’m Waiting Here"

On his third album, “The Big Dream,” released in 2013, Lynch teamed up with Swedish singer Lykke Li for “I’m Waiting Here,” a hauntingly beautiful track that evokes a sense of melancholic nostalgia.

Chromatics and "Shadow"

The 2017 return of “Twin Peaks” featured performances by Lynch-approved artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Eddie Vedder, Sharon Van Etten, and Julee Cruise. One standout moment came from the synthpop band Chromatics, whose performance of “Shadow” in episode two perfectly captured the show’s otherworldly atmosphere.

Flying Lotus and "Fire Is Coming"

Lynch’s voice added an intriguing element to Flying Lotus’ 2019 track “Fire Is Coming.” His distinctive narration looped over the beat-heavy production added an inspired and surreal touch to the song.

"Cellophane Memories" and "Sublime Eternal Love"

In his final musical collaboration, Lynch worked with artist Chrystabell on the 2022 album “Cellophane Memories.” Described as surrealist and genre-defying, its closing track, “Sublime Eternal Love,” serves as a poignant coda to Lynch’s musical journey, with haunting, reverbed vocals and ambient soundscapes that evoke the signature style he cultivated throughout his career.