JASON PIERCE A.K.A. J. SPACEMAN

CMJ Photoshoot at the SOHO Grand Hotel in New York City

WHEN: 2001

WHERE: SOHO Grand Hotel, NYC

WHY: Photos for CMJ New Music Monthly story on the upcoming Spiritualized release Let It Come Down

Jason Pierce of Spiritualized at the SOHO Grand Hotel, 2001

When I arrived at the SOHO Grand Hotel in downtown Manhattan the publicist informed me that there was a change of plans. The photoshoot with J. Spaceman would have to take place in his hotel room. There was a brief moment of panic as I thought back on the obstacles encountered during the Iggy Pop photoshoot. But when I walked into his hotel room all my fears fell away. A huge window looking out onto West Broadway illuminated the room with a nice, even, soft light. 

The frame naturally happened. Nothing needed to be arranged. It’s as if there were a stylist on set placing props into the frame. The fish bowl, beer bottles, a pack of smokes, a lighter, and an overflowing ashtray were just as they were when I entered the room. This portrait—thanks to the elements present in that moment—was self-made. My job was simple, just don’t get in the way. Words were not needed. Jason lit up a smoke. I clicked the shutter and that was it.

The image has a life of its own. Each time I look at it I see something different: The tension between outside and inside. . . Leaning into the darkness, moving away from the light. . . A story of addiction. . . The fish, a companion, trapped in a similar fate. . . Is the fish going to be okay. . . Two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl. . . Or simply, a gifted artist tolerating yet another promotional photo shoot.

Twenty-two years have passed since that day—my memory, blurry. I do remember that my time with Jason was limited. I don’t recall our conversation, or if there even was a conversation. I am, however, of sound mind to say that I walked in to the room and captured a moment.