Concert: Custom (2002) live at TMF Live | The Music Factory

Duane Eric Lavold, known professionally as Custom, was born on June 15, 1967, in Canada and grew up immersed in a diverse range of music and activities. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in skiing, playing the cello, and the keyboard. He recorded his initial songs on cassette tapes and idolized bands like the Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd, The Cure, and artists like Prince. After high school, Lavold pursued a degree in international commerce at Brown University, where he met Duncan Sheik, a connection that would later evolve into a professional collaboration.
Initially venturing into filmmaking, Lavold moved between Halifax and Vancouver, directing notable works including the short film Loafing, which won the Audience Award at the 1997 Slamdance Film Festival. His film career faced a setback with the unreleased film Limp, starring INXS singer Michael Hutchence, whose untimely death led to complications that shelved the project indefinitely.
In 1999, Lavold relocated to New York City, setting up a home studio in Chinatown with aspirations to carve out a music career. His breakthrough came with the song “Hey Mister,” leading to a stint with Virgin Records. Disagreements with the label’s management, particularly Nancy Berry, led to his departure and subsequent signing with ARTISTdirect after a competitive bidding process.
Under the stage name Custom, chosen to align with his vision of a full-band setup, Lavold released his debut album Fast, an endeavor that showcased his multi-instrumental talents on a modest budget. Despite the early promise, his musical career faced challenges after ARTISTdirect dissolved. His subsequent artistic endeavors included a digital production brand and several film projects, including an unpublished work known as "The Hockey Movie."
Standing at an imposing height of 6 feet 8 inches, Custom was not only physically towering but also a significant figure in the rock music and indie film scenes. His eclectic interests and artistic ventures left an indelible mark on those he collaborated with and his audience. Lavold passed away on December 18, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and a spirit of independence in both the music and film industries.
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[@MrLummel]

Thanks for this! 🙏🤘❤