Collab Tracks: Louder! Louder! Louder!

Two years ago, we launched the Pick Progress series poster portion—a venture designed to highlight the magic that happens when creatives come together. From the beginning, we were fortunate to partner with Collab Tracks, a unique collaborative project founded by Andrew Sexton. Collab Tracks isn’t just a project; it’s an experience, a multi-dimensional celebration of art that pushes the boundaries of creativity by weaving music, storytelling, and visual design into one cohesive masterpiece.

Collab Tracks’ vision is simple and ingenious: it brings together creatives from different mediums and sets them on a journey to create a three-part piece of art. It begins with a playlist. One person curates a selection of songs, crafting a vibe or theme as a foundation for what’s to come. Next, a writer immerses themselves in the music, letting the melodies and lyrics guide their thoughts, emotions, and storytelling. The result could be a short story, a poem, or a meditative reflection—whatever flows naturally. Finally, an artist steps in. Drawing inspiration from the playlist and the written piece, they channel their creativity into a striking visual, often an album cover that ties everything together.

The result? A fusion of art forms that feels alive, connected, and deeply resonant.

In 2023, we were honored to see Pick Progress alums Aisha Sharif, David Muhammad, and Chandler Johnson contribute to Collab Tracks with their volume entitled ‘Louder! Louder! Louder!’ This collaboration was a symphony of their talents—a playlist that screamed energy and passion, a story that amplified that spirit, and artwork that brought it all home. Each of them got their unique perspective, yet together, they created something more significant than the sum of its parts.

As 2024 approaches, we’re reminded how much we need art like this to carry us forward. Music, words, and visuals all have the power to move us—and collaborations like Collab Tracks show us how much they can move us together.

So, as we gear up for 2025, let’s take a moment to soak in this fantastic creation, whether you’re looking for good music to fuel your next project, a story to spark your imagination, or visuals to inspire your next big idea, ‘Louder! Louder! Louder!’ has it all.

Dive in, and let’s ride into the new year with creativity turned up.

Here I am: a groove
that transforms
itself. One day I keep
my head to the sky,
the next I chase cars,
bars, or Bonita Applebum.
Then, I become
what my umi says:
a jazz tune, smooth,
a saxophone-colored
dream. Don’t mess with
me. I am juke joint fly–
my own playlist.