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In the late '70s I started to search for the perfect sound - whatever that might be, before that I was mainly interested in drugs, insanity and the rock'n'roll lifestyle.
Lou Reed
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the artist's journey from a chaotic lifestyle to a quest for artistic authenticity.

Lou Reed's quote illustrates a pivotal moment in his life where he transitions from the superficial allure of drugs and the hedonism of rock music to a deeper search for artistic expression and the 'perfect sound'. It showcases the complexity of an artist's evolution and the often tumultuous path toward discovering true creativity and inspiration.

Themes

ArtSoundCreativityJourneyMusic

In practice

Example use cases

This quote would be great to use in a discussion about the evolution of musical artists at a conference.

More from Lou Reed

I was a product of Andy Warhol's Factory. All I did was sit there and observe these incredibly talented and creative people who were continually making art, and it was impossible not to be affected by that.
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I've always believed that there's an amazing number of things you can do through a rock'n'roll song and that you can do serious writing in a rock song if you can somehow do it without losing the beat.
Lou ReedRead
When I record an album I'm trying to get as close as possible to that perfect moment.
Lou ReedRead
That's why I survived because I still believe I've got something to say.
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I take drugs just because in the 20th century in a technological age living in the city there are certain drugs you have to take just to keep yourself normal like a caveman. Just to bring yourself up or down, but to attain equilibrium you need to take certain drugs. They don't getcha high even, they just getcha normal.
Lou ReedRead
They put the thing down your throat so you don't swallow your tongue, and they put electrodes on your head. That's what was recommended in Rockland State Hospital to discourage homosexual feelings. The effect is that you lose your memory and become a vegetable. You can't read a book because you get to page 17 and have to go right back to page one again.
Lou ReedRead

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