Alexander Laurence's Blog, page 1799
August 29, 2017
Samantha Urbani Shares New Video "Hints & Implications"
SAMANTHA URBANI
RELEASES VIDEO FOR"HINTS AND IMPLICATIONS" VIAPAPER
TAKEN FROM HER DEBUT EP POLICIES OF POWEROUT NOW VIA URU / LUCKY NUMBER
"Urbani hasn't lost her creative spark... grooves are more sinuous and the lyrics just as cutting" - SPIN
"'Hints & Implications' is another slice of gut-punching, guitar-driven power-pop" - DIY "boldness with a pop edge and an almost punk attitude." - Dazed
WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlAf8mejJUc
Following the recent release of Samantha Urbani's long awaited debut EP Policies of Power, "Hints and Implications" has today been given the video treatment. PAPER premiered the video, saying it "has all the Y2K psychedelic mania we are permanently nostalgic for. Urbani pooled all her favorite literary and pop culture references to create something uniquely her own, something that sounds like no easy feat, but definitely worth it." Directed by Daniel J. Algarin, the video splices retrograde graphics as Urbani tussles with an alter-self and proves to be the perfect visual accompaniment to the EP's bold opening track. In Urbani's own words:
"The concept of the video was originally meant to be a surrealist inescapable nightmare, a dream within a dream- my favorite Poe poem- as the songs about an impossible communication block & the ontology of interpersonal truth itself- juxtaposed with the absurdity of mundane life - I kept saying "twilight zone x maya deren x clerks" (3 of my favorite and most relatable things ever) - but as the video started coming together more through the edit than the treatment, it related to the sound of the song more than the concept - new wave x nu metal.
We tied it into the amazing EP artwork by Brodie Kaman, and held it up to the coloring genius of the video for Lush's first video for De Luxe & the genius Jean Paul Goude x Grace Jones images... starring my most Edward Furlong self, in my mystic pizza hat."
Until now, Samantha Urbani, best known as the front-woman for conceptual punk pop chart crashers Friends, has been teasing us with sporadic drops of tantalizing pop gems - from the urban strut of "U Know I Know", to the sparkling, irresistible rush of "1 2 3 4" and, most recently, the R&B infused "Go Deeper". Now, Urbani has unleashed the full scale of her brilliantly skewed pop vision with her debut solo EP, Policies of Power.
Writing, recording and producing the EP with a number of key collaborators, including co-producer Sam Mehran, in several different bedrooms and basements in LA and NYC, Policies of Power is both a remarkably assured and sleek statement of intent for Urbani, as well as a sly clarion call for listeners to dissemble and question the dynamics of power and communication. With this EP Urbani has well and truly declared herself a force of nature on the pop landscape.
Policies of Power EP is available to order now, on a limited edition transparent colored vinyl run of just 300 copies, The EP is released by Lucky Number, in-conjunction with Samantha's label URU.
Listen / buy EP here: http://hyperurl.co/SamanthaUrbani Buy Limited Ed. Vinyl here: https://luckynumber.bandcamp.com/album/policies-of-power-ep
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Liars Release New Video For "Cred Woes"; New Album TFCF Out Now
LIARS
RELEASE NEW VIDEO FOR “CRED WOES”
NEW ALBUM TFCF OUT NOW
U.S. TOUR BEGINS SEPTEMBER 13
Photo: Zen Sekizawa
"[TFCF] couldn’t be a more appropriate marker of the irrepressible project’s evolution, nor a more fitting testament to Liars’ legacy." – Pitchfork
“TFCF signals yet another rebirth.” – Spin
"...fuckin' great...absolutely lovely..." – Noisey
“a triumph that [Liars] continue successfully exploring such drastically different paths." – Brooklyn Vegan
LIARS have shared a brand new video for “Cred Woes,” following the release of TFCF - out now on Mute.
“Cred Woes” is the first track to be released from TFCF (which stands for Theme From Crying Fountain), and the new video is directed by Yoonha Park, who previously worked with the band on the video for “Pro Anti Anti,” from 2014’s MESS.
Follow the protagonist of the video on his “minimal wage routine” HERE.
In support of TFCF’s release, Angus and a new touring band are embarking on a world tour that arrives in the US on September 13 in Detroit. Full details below with more dates to be confirmed. Visit Liars' website for exclusive ticket and album bundles.
Liars have, as a matter of course, sounded radically different with each album, pursuing new concepts and occupying diverse mindsets. On this, Liars’ eighth studio album, the bustling backdrops of Los Angeles, Berlin and New York have been replaced with a presence far more intimate and autobiographical as Liars once again boldly step out of their comfort zone into vastly new musical territory.
Angus Andrew decamped to his native Australia, specifically to a remote part of the Australian bush, to create an album unlike any Liars had attempted before. Cut off from the rest of the world in his remote home studio, with no other distractions, Angus gave free reign to artistic impulses he’d never explored and those included experimenting with the acoustic guitar and sampling.
The album’s reinvention of the Liars paradigm – blurring the lines between electronic and acoustic, between the experimental impulse and the addictive pop sensibility – is evidence that Angus’s creative energies remain as healthy as ever.
Embark on The Path to Crying Fountain by listening to this specially-curated playlist from Mute. While navigating The Path, listeners will hear the sonic progression of Liars’ discography that has led to Crying Fountain.
TFCF was written and recorded by Liars (Angus Andrew). Butchy Fuego, who performed live with Liars following Julian Gross’s departure in 2014, plays drums on three tracks. TFCF was mixed by Gareth Jones and mastered by Christian Wright.
LIARS 2017 TOUR
September 13 – Detroit, MI – El Club
September 15 – Chicago, IL – Riot Fest
September 16 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
September 18 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair
September 20 – Hamden, CT – The Ballroom at The Outer Space
September 21 – Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw
September 23 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
September 24 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel
September 25 – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5
October 6 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
October 7 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
October 10 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
October 13-15 – Joshua Tree, CA – Desert Daze Festival
October 27 – London, England – Heaven
October 28 – Manchester, England – Transformer 2
October 30 – Bristol, England – Colston Hall
November 1 – Glasgow, Scotland – Art School
November 4 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Jazzhouse
November 9 – Utrecht, The Netherlands – Le Guess Who? Festival
November 10 – Brussels, Belgium – Orangerie
November 11 – Kortrijk, Belgium – Sonic City
November 13 – Paris, France – Le Maroquinerie
November 14 – Zurich, Switzerland – Salzhaus
November 15 – Fribourg, Switzerland – Fri-Son
November 16 – Milan, Italy – Magnolia
November 17 – Rome, Italy – Monk
November 18 – Bologna, Italy – Locomotiv
November 29 – Bucharest, Romania – Control
Watch the video for “Cred Woes”
Listen to “Coins In My Caged Fist”
Listen to “The Grand Delusional”
Listen to “Cred Woes”
RELEASE NEW VIDEO FOR “CRED WOES”
NEW ALBUM TFCF OUT NOW
U.S. TOUR BEGINS SEPTEMBER 13
Photo: Zen Sekizawa
"[TFCF] couldn’t be a more appropriate marker of the irrepressible project’s evolution, nor a more fitting testament to Liars’ legacy." – Pitchfork
“TFCF signals yet another rebirth.” – Spin
"...fuckin' great...absolutely lovely..." – Noisey
“a triumph that [Liars] continue successfully exploring such drastically different paths." – Brooklyn Vegan
LIARS have shared a brand new video for “Cred Woes,” following the release of TFCF - out now on Mute.
“Cred Woes” is the first track to be released from TFCF (which stands for Theme From Crying Fountain), and the new video is directed by Yoonha Park, who previously worked with the band on the video for “Pro Anti Anti,” from 2014’s MESS.
Follow the protagonist of the video on his “minimal wage routine” HERE.
In support of TFCF’s release, Angus and a new touring band are embarking on a world tour that arrives in the US on September 13 in Detroit. Full details below with more dates to be confirmed. Visit Liars' website for exclusive ticket and album bundles.
Liars have, as a matter of course, sounded radically different with each album, pursuing new concepts and occupying diverse mindsets. On this, Liars’ eighth studio album, the bustling backdrops of Los Angeles, Berlin and New York have been replaced with a presence far more intimate and autobiographical as Liars once again boldly step out of their comfort zone into vastly new musical territory.
Angus Andrew decamped to his native Australia, specifically to a remote part of the Australian bush, to create an album unlike any Liars had attempted before. Cut off from the rest of the world in his remote home studio, with no other distractions, Angus gave free reign to artistic impulses he’d never explored and those included experimenting with the acoustic guitar and sampling.
The album’s reinvention of the Liars paradigm – blurring the lines between electronic and acoustic, between the experimental impulse and the addictive pop sensibility – is evidence that Angus’s creative energies remain as healthy as ever.
Embark on The Path to Crying Fountain by listening to this specially-curated playlist from Mute. While navigating The Path, listeners will hear the sonic progression of Liars’ discography that has led to Crying Fountain.
TFCF was written and recorded by Liars (Angus Andrew). Butchy Fuego, who performed live with Liars following Julian Gross’s departure in 2014, plays drums on three tracks. TFCF was mixed by Gareth Jones and mastered by Christian Wright.
LIARS 2017 TOUR
September 13 – Detroit, MI – El Club
September 15 – Chicago, IL – Riot Fest
September 16 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
September 18 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair
September 20 – Hamden, CT – The Ballroom at The Outer Space
September 21 – Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw
September 23 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
September 24 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel
September 25 – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5
October 6 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
October 7 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
October 10 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
October 13-15 – Joshua Tree, CA – Desert Daze Festival
October 27 – London, England – Heaven
October 28 – Manchester, England – Transformer 2
October 30 – Bristol, England – Colston Hall
November 1 – Glasgow, Scotland – Art School
November 4 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Jazzhouse
November 9 – Utrecht, The Netherlands – Le Guess Who? Festival
November 10 – Brussels, Belgium – Orangerie
November 11 – Kortrijk, Belgium – Sonic City
November 13 – Paris, France – Le Maroquinerie
November 14 – Zurich, Switzerland – Salzhaus
November 15 – Fribourg, Switzerland – Fri-Son
November 16 – Milan, Italy – Magnolia
November 17 – Rome, Italy – Monk
November 18 – Bologna, Italy – Locomotiv
November 29 – Bucharest, Romania – Control
Watch the video for “Cred Woes”
Listen to “Coins In My Caged Fist”
Listen to “The Grand Delusional”
Listen to “Cred Woes”
ALASKALASKA share new song "Patience", Debut EP Out September 29th
ALASKALASKA RELEASE NEW SONG "PATIENCE" FROM DEBUT EP
SUPPORTING ALVVAYS ON THEIR UK / EU TOUR
Photo: Steph Wilson | Hi Res Here ALASKALASKA is an art-pop 6 piece from London. They make beautiful groove-laden music that seamlessly blends jazz, disco, funk and R&B into a bold and playful sound uniquely their own; synthetic beats play alongside live drums, delayed guitars and swirling saxophones to create something musically rich and delightfully intricate. Band leader and vocalist Lucinda twists brooding and introspective lyrics - akin to the words of Arthur Russell - into infectious melodies reminiscent of Warpaint, Dirty Projectors or Talk Talk, which demand repeat listens and could as easily soundtrack an afternoon alone as they could a party. They've built a cult following and reputation as extraordinary performers through a handful of low-key London shows.
Their music has been described as "swirling art-jazz" ( NME ), "gorgeous" ( DIY ), and "instantly hypnotic" ( FADER ). Following early support from Beats 1, they've already received 10 Radio 1 plays, winning over the national stations specialist team of Annie Mac, Huw Stephens ("so, so good"), and Phil Taggart ("I really, really like this").
Today they release their new single "Patience". A song inspired by the more pop-leaning side of the Tsonga (or Shangaan) disco movement with a climatic intertwining sax driven finale. It has become a highlight of their live performances and serves as another taste of their brilliant self-titled debut EP - the perfect introduction to their unique brand of off-kilter pop.
ALASKALASKA (EP) is out on September 29th via Marathon Artists' imprint House Anxiety (the label that introduced the world to King Krule and Courtney Barnett). Limited ticket and 12" EP bundles are available exclusively from Dice now. Pre-order the EP here. They're also heading out on a full UK / EU tour supporting Alvvays starting tonight until September 18th.
LISTEN / SHARE "PATIENCE" HERE
ALASKALASKA Live Dates:
29th August- Talking Heads, Southampton *** supporting Alvvays3rd September - Institute 2, Birmingham *** supporting Alvvays4th September - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham *** supporting Alvvays6th September - Bullingdon Arms, Oxford *** supporting Alvvays7th September - Gorilla, Manchester *** supporting Alvvays8th September - Koko, London *** supporting Alvvays11th September - Point Ephemere, Paris *** supporting Alvvays12th September - Blue Shell, Cologne *** supporting Alvvays13th September - Molotow, Hamburg *** supporting Alvvays14th September - Musik + Frieden, Berlin *** supporting Alvvays16th September - Trix, Antwerp *** supporting Alvvays17th September - Ekko, Utrecht *** supporting Alvvays18th September - Bitterzoet, Amsterdam *** supporting Alvvays28th September - Bethnal, Green Working Men's Club
ALASKALASKA Online | Facebook | Instagram
SUPPORTING ALVVAYS ON THEIR UK / EU TOUR
Photo: Steph Wilson | Hi Res Here ALASKALASKA is an art-pop 6 piece from London. They make beautiful groove-laden music that seamlessly blends jazz, disco, funk and R&B into a bold and playful sound uniquely their own; synthetic beats play alongside live drums, delayed guitars and swirling saxophones to create something musically rich and delightfully intricate. Band leader and vocalist Lucinda twists brooding and introspective lyrics - akin to the words of Arthur Russell - into infectious melodies reminiscent of Warpaint, Dirty Projectors or Talk Talk, which demand repeat listens and could as easily soundtrack an afternoon alone as they could a party. They've built a cult following and reputation as extraordinary performers through a handful of low-key London shows.Their music has been described as "swirling art-jazz" ( NME ), "gorgeous" ( DIY ), and "instantly hypnotic" ( FADER ). Following early support from Beats 1, they've already received 10 Radio 1 plays, winning over the national stations specialist team of Annie Mac, Huw Stephens ("so, so good"), and Phil Taggart ("I really, really like this").
Today they release their new single "Patience". A song inspired by the more pop-leaning side of the Tsonga (or Shangaan) disco movement with a climatic intertwining sax driven finale. It has become a highlight of their live performances and serves as another taste of their brilliant self-titled debut EP - the perfect introduction to their unique brand of off-kilter pop.
ALASKALASKA (EP) is out on September 29th via Marathon Artists' imprint House Anxiety (the label that introduced the world to King Krule and Courtney Barnett). Limited ticket and 12" EP bundles are available exclusively from Dice now. Pre-order the EP here. They're also heading out on a full UK / EU tour supporting Alvvays starting tonight until September 18th.
LISTEN / SHARE "PATIENCE" HERE
ALASKALASKA Live Dates:
29th August- Talking Heads, Southampton *** supporting Alvvays3rd September - Institute 2, Birmingham *** supporting Alvvays4th September - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham *** supporting Alvvays6th September - Bullingdon Arms, Oxford *** supporting Alvvays7th September - Gorilla, Manchester *** supporting Alvvays8th September - Koko, London *** supporting Alvvays11th September - Point Ephemere, Paris *** supporting Alvvays12th September - Blue Shell, Cologne *** supporting Alvvays13th September - Molotow, Hamburg *** supporting Alvvays14th September - Musik + Frieden, Berlin *** supporting Alvvays16th September - Trix, Antwerp *** supporting Alvvays17th September - Ekko, Utrecht *** supporting Alvvays18th September - Bitterzoet, Amsterdam *** supporting Alvvays28th September - Bethnal, Green Working Men's Club
ALASKALASKA Online | Facebook | Instagram
Echo Showcase with Allison Weiss & Cillie Barnes
We'll be back at the Echo on Saturday, September 9 with a STACKED lineup::: A.W. (Allison Weiss)
:: Cillie Barnes
:: Wait. Think. Fast.
:: Naomi Greene
All ages, 5:30pm doors, and a ton of vendors on the back patio so you can shop between sets.
:: RSVP
:: Tickets
:: Or you're on the $5 list at the door
Sparks share beautiful stop motion video for "Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)"
SPARKS RELEASE VIDEO FOR TRACK"EDITH PIAF (SAID IT BETTER THAN ME)"
UPCOMING ALBUM HIPPOPOTAMUSOUT SEPTEMBER 8 & AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER
TICKETS FOR U.S. TOUR DATES AVAILABLE NOW!
"Two hundred years from now, the dictionary definition for brilliantly eccentric pop will remain the same: Sparks" - MOJO - 4 stars
"Sparks remain all about tomorrow... [Hippopotamus] could lift them once more above the cult parapet" - Record Collector - 5 stars - Album of the Month
"No end of delights..." - Uncut - 8/10
"A truly magnificent record that showcases Sparks' many facets." "One of the finest albums of the year so far!" - Louder Than War Magazine - 9/10
"Fresh, inventive, quirky and instantly recognisable." "They're continually coming up with new ways to keep us intrigued." - Vive Le Rock - 9/10
"Sparks are true originals... the Mael brothers are back, and as delightfully oddball as ever...Hippopotamus represents everything you've come to love about Sparks, while demonstrating how it's never too late to join them..." - Classic Pop - 4 stars
"It is, without question, a five-star classic...This is pop of an all-too rare form: clever, witty, and catchy as hell....Sparks remain a genuine treasure in this world of manual evacuation passed off as popular music." - Diffuser
"Hippopotamus (like all Sparks albums) often functions like a short story, with each song reaching a narrative or thematic conclusion that often leaves the listener amused and/or befuddled, but always the wiser of some little overlooked absurdity in life." - Under The Radar
Sparks (Californian brothers Ron and Russell Mael) have just released their beautiful video for "Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)," the latest single from their upcoming album Hippopotamus - out September 8 via BMG.
The stop-motion video for "Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)" was meticulously directed and designed by animator / puppeteer Joseph Wallace, pairing his visually arresting animation with Sparks' musically uplifting, yet, lyrically melancholic track.
"Perfectly capturing the mood of the song Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me), the video is also a rapturous work of art in its own right. Perhaps Sparks' best video ever." - Ron and Russell Mael, Sparks
Watch the official music video below.
Sparks - Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)
Recorded in Los Angeles, Hippopotamus sees Sparks take the pop form, shake it up, and create an album that is adventurous, fresh, and idiosyncratically 'Sparks.' Described as "the smartest, most consistently evolving band in the history of rock", and internationally-acclaimed as pop pioneers, Sparks' music has always been innovative and instantly identifiable.
"Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)" follows the release of the title track and "What The Hell Is It This Time." All three songs are available for download and streaming, and are available instantly with the full album iTunes pre-order.
Hippopotamus is available now for pre-order on digital, CD and LP formats.
Sparks - What The Hell Is It This Time?
Sparks - Hippopotamus
Official Artwork
Official Tracklist01. Probably Nothing02. Missionary Position03. Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)04. Scandinavian Design05. Giddy Giddy06. What The Hell Is It This Time?07. Unaware08. Hippopotamus09. Bummer10. I Wish You Were Fun11. So Tell Me Mrs. Lincoln Aside From That How Was The Play?12. When You're A French Director (featuring Leos Carax)13. The Amazing Mr. Repeat14. A Little Bit Like Fun15. Life With The Macbeths
International Tour Dates09/10 - Ateliér Babylon, Bratislava, Slovakia09/11 - Lucerna Music Bar, Prague, Czech Republic09/12 - Columbia Theatre; Berlin, Germany09/14 - Paard van Troje; Den Haag, Netherlands09/15 - Den Atelier; Luxembourg City, Luxembourg09/16 - Ancienne Belgique; Brussels, Belgium09/18 - Waterfront; Norwich, UK (SOLD OUT)09/19 - Boiler Shop; Newcastle, UK09/20 - Queens Hall; Edinburgh, UK (SOLD OUT)09/22 - O2 Ritz; Manchester, UK (SOLD OUT)09/23 - Rock City; Nottingham, UK09/24 - O2 Institute 1; Digbeth, UK09/26 - O2 Academy; Bristol, UK09/27 - O2 Shepherds Bush Empire; London, UK09/28 - 02 Shepherds Bush Empire; London, UK10/01 - La Gaîté Lyrique; Paris, France
US Tour Dates10/10 - Le Poisson Rouge; New York, NY10/11 - Le Poisson Rouge; New York, NY (SOLD OUT)10/14 - El Rey Theatre; Los Angeles, CA10/15 - El Rey Theatre; Los Angeles, CA10/17 - El Rey Theatre; Los Angeles, CA10/20 - The Chapel; San Francisco, CA (7PM)10/20 - The Chapel; San Francisco, CA (11:30PM)
Tickets on sale now!
For updates, follow Sparks: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
UPCOMING ALBUM HIPPOPOTAMUSOUT SEPTEMBER 8 & AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER
TICKETS FOR U.S. TOUR DATES AVAILABLE NOW!
"Two hundred years from now, the dictionary definition for brilliantly eccentric pop will remain the same: Sparks" - MOJO - 4 stars
"Sparks remain all about tomorrow... [Hippopotamus] could lift them once more above the cult parapet" - Record Collector - 5 stars - Album of the Month
"No end of delights..." - Uncut - 8/10
"A truly magnificent record that showcases Sparks' many facets." "One of the finest albums of the year so far!" - Louder Than War Magazine - 9/10
"Fresh, inventive, quirky and instantly recognisable." "They're continually coming up with new ways to keep us intrigued." - Vive Le Rock - 9/10
"Sparks are true originals... the Mael brothers are back, and as delightfully oddball as ever...Hippopotamus represents everything you've come to love about Sparks, while demonstrating how it's never too late to join them..." - Classic Pop - 4 stars
"It is, without question, a five-star classic...This is pop of an all-too rare form: clever, witty, and catchy as hell....Sparks remain a genuine treasure in this world of manual evacuation passed off as popular music." - Diffuser
"Hippopotamus (like all Sparks albums) often functions like a short story, with each song reaching a narrative or thematic conclusion that often leaves the listener amused and/or befuddled, but always the wiser of some little overlooked absurdity in life." - Under The Radar
Sparks (Californian brothers Ron and Russell Mael) have just released their beautiful video for "Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)," the latest single from their upcoming album Hippopotamus - out September 8 via BMG.
The stop-motion video for "Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)" was meticulously directed and designed by animator / puppeteer Joseph Wallace, pairing his visually arresting animation with Sparks' musically uplifting, yet, lyrically melancholic track.
"Perfectly capturing the mood of the song Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me), the video is also a rapturous work of art in its own right. Perhaps Sparks' best video ever." - Ron and Russell Mael, Sparks
Watch the official music video below.
Sparks - Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)
Recorded in Los Angeles, Hippopotamus sees Sparks take the pop form, shake it up, and create an album that is adventurous, fresh, and idiosyncratically 'Sparks.' Described as "the smartest, most consistently evolving band in the history of rock", and internationally-acclaimed as pop pioneers, Sparks' music has always been innovative and instantly identifiable.
"Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)" follows the release of the title track and "What The Hell Is It This Time." All three songs are available for download and streaming, and are available instantly with the full album iTunes pre-order.
Hippopotamus is available now for pre-order on digital, CD and LP formats.
Sparks - What The Hell Is It This Time?
Sparks - Hippopotamus
Official Artwork
Official Tracklist01. Probably Nothing02. Missionary Position03. Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)04. Scandinavian Design05. Giddy Giddy06. What The Hell Is It This Time?07. Unaware08. Hippopotamus09. Bummer10. I Wish You Were Fun11. So Tell Me Mrs. Lincoln Aside From That How Was The Play?12. When You're A French Director (featuring Leos Carax)13. The Amazing Mr. Repeat14. A Little Bit Like Fun15. Life With The Macbeths
International Tour Dates09/10 - Ateliér Babylon, Bratislava, Slovakia09/11 - Lucerna Music Bar, Prague, Czech Republic09/12 - Columbia Theatre; Berlin, Germany09/14 - Paard van Troje; Den Haag, Netherlands09/15 - Den Atelier; Luxembourg City, Luxembourg09/16 - Ancienne Belgique; Brussels, Belgium09/18 - Waterfront; Norwich, UK (SOLD OUT)09/19 - Boiler Shop; Newcastle, UK09/20 - Queens Hall; Edinburgh, UK (SOLD OUT)09/22 - O2 Ritz; Manchester, UK (SOLD OUT)09/23 - Rock City; Nottingham, UK09/24 - O2 Institute 1; Digbeth, UK09/26 - O2 Academy; Bristol, UK09/27 - O2 Shepherds Bush Empire; London, UK09/28 - 02 Shepherds Bush Empire; London, UK10/01 - La Gaîté Lyrique; Paris, France
US Tour Dates10/10 - Le Poisson Rouge; New York, NY10/11 - Le Poisson Rouge; New York, NY (SOLD OUT)10/14 - El Rey Theatre; Los Angeles, CA10/15 - El Rey Theatre; Los Angeles, CA10/17 - El Rey Theatre; Los Angeles, CA10/20 - The Chapel; San Francisco, CA (7PM)10/20 - The Chapel; San Francisco, CA (11:30PM)
Tickets on sale now!
For updates, follow Sparks: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
Ramonda Hammer Share "Destroyers" Video with TIDAL; September Tour Dates Announced
Ramonda Hammer Share "Destroyers" Video with TIDAL New EP Destroyers Out Now On New ProfessorSeptember Tour Dates Announced
“Devin Davis' knotty, unguarded wail and Justin Geter's distortion-heavy, brutally melodic riffs ... are like an alternate Nineties where L7 was the biggest band in the world.” - Rolling Stone “Grunge-pop finds a new hero in Ramonda Hammer” - CLRVYNT"Led by guitarist/songwriter/vocalist Devin Davis, Ramonda Hammer is a Los Angeles-based four-piece steeped in the sounds of 90s alt rock and college radio." - She Shreds"Ramonda Hammer strikes a thin dichotomy between thrasher-pop anxiety and a rocker's shoulder shrug." - Earmilk "A fresh twist to a modern classic: grunge." - AudioFemme
“Devin also namedrops Bully and Dilly Dally as two modern bands she’d like to tour with (both of which also came to my mind while listening to Ramonda Hammer).”- Brooklyn Vegan
"The track is a melancholy bit of ’90s alternative, with heavy rhythms dragging a dreamy guitar line behind them." - Consequence Of Sound on "Too Much Too Recently""Ramonda Hammer have perfected an indie-rock sound that’s equal parts power and melody."- LA WeeklyWatch: "Destroyers" official video at TIDAL or YoutubeListen: Destroyers at AudioFemmeListen: "Too Much, Too Recently" at Consequence of Sound or SoundcloudListen: "Destroyers" at CLRVYNT or SoundcloudListen: "Bender" at All Things Go or SoundcloudRamonda Hammer have shared their new video for "Destroyers" with TIDAL and is also available to share at Youtube. The song is the title track of their new EP out now on New Professor. The video was directed by Matthew Anderson who says:
I was stoked when Andy Hengl told me that he wanted me to direct a video for Ramonda Hammer about the destruction of a relationship between two guys. I'm really inspired by the imagery of James Bidgood, the queer punk of Derek Jarman, and surreal stylization of Fellini's Satyricon and I thought that marrying this kind of landscape with some 90's grunge feels (because Ramonda Hammer) would be a prime space for exploration. When I shared the concept with Devin and Andy, they were totally on board and gave me all of the freedom to create this video. I'm super proud of the energies and enthusiasm that the band, cast, and crew poured into making this happen.The band have announced a September tour in support of Destroyers. The tour will include shows in Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin, Brooklyn, Boston and more. All upcoming shows are listed below. Ramonda Hammer is a Los Angeles grunge-pop quartet whose name comes from a lady featured on the television show Cheaters. The show is funny and sad, kind of how front-woman and band founder Devin Davis writes her songs. "Davis is the queen of grunge,” (KSPC) playing with quirky chord progressions, time signature and tempo changes, and dynamic, biting vocal melodies. TheDestroyers EP follows up the band's debut album Whatever That Means, which is not only a playful nod to everyone who’s puzzled by the band’s name, but is a lyric from a track on the album.Ramonda Hammer is Devin Davis, Andy Hengl, Justin Geter, and Mark Edwards.
Ramonda Hammer Tour Dates
09.03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Resident09.05 – San Diego, CA @ Blonde Bar09.06 – Tucson, AZ @ The Flycatcher09.08 – Austin, TX @ TBA09.09 – New Orleans, LA @ House Show09.10 – Tallahassee, FL @ Bread And Roses Kitchen (BARK)09.12 – Nashville, TN @ House Show
09.14 – Washington, DC @ TBA09.15 - Philadelphia, PA @ House Show09.16 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barranquilla09.17 – Brooklyn, NY @ Alphaville09.18 – Boston, MA @ The Burrow 09.19 – Buffalo, NY @ Electric Avenue09.20 – Indianapolis @ Indiana City Brewery09.21 – Detroit @ Kelly's Bar09.22 – Chicago @ TBA09.23 – Omaha @ TBA09.25 – Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
“Devin Davis' knotty, unguarded wail and Justin Geter's distortion-heavy, brutally melodic riffs ... are like an alternate Nineties where L7 was the biggest band in the world.” - Rolling Stone “Grunge-pop finds a new hero in Ramonda Hammer” - CLRVYNT"Led by guitarist/songwriter/vocalist Devin Davis, Ramonda Hammer is a Los Angeles-based four-piece steeped in the sounds of 90s alt rock and college radio." - She Shreds"Ramonda Hammer strikes a thin dichotomy between thrasher-pop anxiety and a rocker's shoulder shrug." - Earmilk "A fresh twist to a modern classic: grunge." - AudioFemme“Devin also namedrops Bully and Dilly Dally as two modern bands she’d like to tour with (both of which also came to my mind while listening to Ramonda Hammer).”- Brooklyn Vegan
"The track is a melancholy bit of ’90s alternative, with heavy rhythms dragging a dreamy guitar line behind them." - Consequence Of Sound on "Too Much Too Recently""Ramonda Hammer have perfected an indie-rock sound that’s equal parts power and melody."- LA WeeklyWatch: "Destroyers" official video at TIDAL or YoutubeListen: Destroyers at AudioFemmeListen: "Too Much, Too Recently" at Consequence of Sound or SoundcloudListen: "Destroyers" at CLRVYNT or SoundcloudListen: "Bender" at All Things Go or SoundcloudRamonda Hammer have shared their new video for "Destroyers" with TIDAL and is also available to share at Youtube. The song is the title track of their new EP out now on New Professor. The video was directed by Matthew Anderson who says:
I was stoked when Andy Hengl told me that he wanted me to direct a video for Ramonda Hammer about the destruction of a relationship between two guys. I'm really inspired by the imagery of James Bidgood, the queer punk of Derek Jarman, and surreal stylization of Fellini's Satyricon and I thought that marrying this kind of landscape with some 90's grunge feels (because Ramonda Hammer) would be a prime space for exploration. When I shared the concept with Devin and Andy, they were totally on board and gave me all of the freedom to create this video. I'm super proud of the energies and enthusiasm that the band, cast, and crew poured into making this happen.The band have announced a September tour in support of Destroyers. The tour will include shows in Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin, Brooklyn, Boston and more. All upcoming shows are listed below. Ramonda Hammer is a Los Angeles grunge-pop quartet whose name comes from a lady featured on the television show Cheaters. The show is funny and sad, kind of how front-woman and band founder Devin Davis writes her songs. "Davis is the queen of grunge,” (KSPC) playing with quirky chord progressions, time signature and tempo changes, and dynamic, biting vocal melodies. TheDestroyers EP follows up the band's debut album Whatever That Means, which is not only a playful nod to everyone who’s puzzled by the band’s name, but is a lyric from a track on the album.Ramonda Hammer is Devin Davis, Andy Hengl, Justin Geter, and Mark Edwards.
Ramonda Hammer Tour Dates
09.03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Resident09.05 – San Diego, CA @ Blonde Bar09.06 – Tucson, AZ @ The Flycatcher09.08 – Austin, TX @ TBA09.09 – New Orleans, LA @ House Show09.10 – Tallahassee, FL @ Bread And Roses Kitchen (BARK)09.12 – Nashville, TN @ House Show
09.14 – Washington, DC @ TBA09.15 - Philadelphia, PA @ House Show09.16 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barranquilla09.17 – Brooklyn, NY @ Alphaville09.18 – Boston, MA @ The Burrow 09.19 – Buffalo, NY @ Electric Avenue09.20 – Indianapolis @ Indiana City Brewery09.21 – Detroit @ Kelly's Bar09.22 – Chicago @ TBA09.23 – Omaha @ TBA09.25 – Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
Whispertown Reveals New Single "Freefaller"; I'm A Man out September 1 on Graveface Records
Whispertown Reveals New Single "Freefaller" I'm A Man out September 1 on Graveface RecordsLos Angeles Record Release Show September 1 at The Bootleg, On Tour This Fall With M. Ward 
photo credit: Heather Porcaro
"She's the nicest and I always really loved her voice." - Kim Deal on Morgan Nagler
"Morgan Nagler is my favorite songwriter. Period.” - Jenny LewisStream: "Freefaller" at Audiofemme or SoundCloud
Stream: "Born To Ride" at Lenny Letter or SoundCloud
Stream: "I'm A Man" at Impose Magazine or SoundCloud
Los Angeles-based band Whispertown has revealed a new single, "Freefaller," from the forthcoming album I'm A Man due September 1 on Graveface Records. The track is streaming at AudioFememe along with with an exclusive interview with Whispertown's Morgan Nagler. I'm A Man is available to pre-order now at Bandcamp.
Whispertown will be touring this fall with M. Ward in support of I'm A Man and has announced a Los Angeles record release show taking place on September 1 at The Bootleg Theater. Tickets for the show are available HERE. All upcoming shows are listed below.
Whispertown is the latest iteration of the unique vision of Morgan Meyn Nagler (songwriter, lead vocals, guitar). What was once The Whispertown 2000 has morphed into a less structured version of itself, with Nagler’s unmistakable vocals leading a revolving cast of musicians and artists. I'm A Man (produced by Jake Bellows), set to be released September 1 on Graveface Records, marks Nagler’s return, and third full length release. After being diagnosed with a polyp on her vocal cord, and faced with the possibility of never singing again, Nagler discovered she is without a doubt a “lifer”, and married to song writing, for better and for worse. I'm A Man is a stripped back acoustic album, set in a naturally psychedelic world, where words reveal themselves in modern mantra - “New Genes in Blue Jeans”.
In various formations, Nagler and company garnered support slots for Jenny Lewis, The Breeders, Bright Eyes, She & Him, Maria Taylor, Rilo Kiley, Azure Ray, Conor Oberst and many more. The band soon caught the attention of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, inspiring the first signing to their own Acony Records. Shortly thereafter the band released 2008’s Swim, their debut release from Acony, followed by 2012’s Parallel (the first release under the Whispertown moniker).
Additionally, Whispertown's Morgan Nagler has traveled around the world playing her own music and has also worked countless co-writes with artists such as HAIM (“Falling”), Kim Deal (“The Root”,”Range on Castle”), Rilo Kiley (“Dreamworld”) and the Dave Rawlings Machine (“Sweet Tooth”) to name a few.
Whispertown Tour Dates
09.01 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Bootleg (Record Release Show) #10.13 - Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre *10.14 - Englewood, CO @ The Gothic Theatre *
10.16 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sister *
10.18 - Tucson, AZ @ 191 Toole *10.19 - Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom *10.20 - Flagstaff, AZ @ Orpheum Theatre *
# with Jake Bellows, Nik Freitas, Jason Boesel & Special Guests
* with M. Ward
photo credit: Heather Porcaro "She's the nicest and I always really loved her voice." - Kim Deal on Morgan Nagler
"Morgan Nagler is my favorite songwriter. Period.” - Jenny LewisStream: "Freefaller" at Audiofemme or SoundCloud
Stream: "Born To Ride" at Lenny Letter or SoundCloud
Stream: "I'm A Man" at Impose Magazine or SoundCloud
Los Angeles-based band Whispertown has revealed a new single, "Freefaller," from the forthcoming album I'm A Man due September 1 on Graveface Records. The track is streaming at AudioFememe along with with an exclusive interview with Whispertown's Morgan Nagler. I'm A Man is available to pre-order now at Bandcamp.
Whispertown will be touring this fall with M. Ward in support of I'm A Man and has announced a Los Angeles record release show taking place on September 1 at The Bootleg Theater. Tickets for the show are available HERE. All upcoming shows are listed below.
Whispertown is the latest iteration of the unique vision of Morgan Meyn Nagler (songwriter, lead vocals, guitar). What was once The Whispertown 2000 has morphed into a less structured version of itself, with Nagler’s unmistakable vocals leading a revolving cast of musicians and artists. I'm A Man (produced by Jake Bellows), set to be released September 1 on Graveface Records, marks Nagler’s return, and third full length release. After being diagnosed with a polyp on her vocal cord, and faced with the possibility of never singing again, Nagler discovered she is without a doubt a “lifer”, and married to song writing, for better and for worse. I'm A Man is a stripped back acoustic album, set in a naturally psychedelic world, where words reveal themselves in modern mantra - “New Genes in Blue Jeans”.
In various formations, Nagler and company garnered support slots for Jenny Lewis, The Breeders, Bright Eyes, She & Him, Maria Taylor, Rilo Kiley, Azure Ray, Conor Oberst and many more. The band soon caught the attention of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, inspiring the first signing to their own Acony Records. Shortly thereafter the band released 2008’s Swim, their debut release from Acony, followed by 2012’s Parallel (the first release under the Whispertown moniker).
Additionally, Whispertown's Morgan Nagler has traveled around the world playing her own music and has also worked countless co-writes with artists such as HAIM (“Falling”), Kim Deal (“The Root”,”Range on Castle”), Rilo Kiley (“Dreamworld”) and the Dave Rawlings Machine (“Sweet Tooth”) to name a few.
Whispertown Tour Dates
09.01 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Bootleg (Record Release Show) #10.13 - Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre *10.14 - Englewood, CO @ The Gothic Theatre *
10.16 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sister *
10.18 - Tucson, AZ @ 191 Toole *10.19 - Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom *10.20 - Flagstaff, AZ @ Orpheum Theatre *
# with Jake Bellows, Nik Freitas, Jason Boesel & Special Guests
* with M. Ward
August 28, 2017
The National Share Video for "Day I Die" + New Album Out Sept 8th
THE NATIONAL SHARE NEW VIDEO FOR "DAY I DIE"
PERFORMING ON THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT ON SEPTEMBER 7TH
SIRIUSXM SHOW AT BOWERY BALLROOM ON SEPTEMBER 8TH
BAND TO BE FEATURED ON CBS THIS MORNING - SATURDAY ON SEPTEMBER 9TH
NEW LIVE DATES IN BERKELEY, LAS VEGAS MEXICO CITY ANNOUNCED
SLEEP WELL BEAST OUT SEPTEMBER 8TH VIA 4AD
Photo Credit: Graham MacIndoe
The National shared their latest track "Day I Die" from their forthcoming album Sleep Well Beast . The video, which was directed by Casey Reas, compresses the frenetic energy of performing with the grind of touring. It's a day in the life of The National. Reas adds, "Graham MacIndoe captured eighteen time-lapse photo series during rehearsals at Le Centquatre in June 2017 in Paris. Hours of rehearsal are compressed into a few minutes. Over five thousand of these photographs were brought together to create the final video.
I wrote custom software to collage multiple photographs together and to compile them into videos. A flickering color layer abstracted from broadcast television signals augments the black and white footage. The images are played back at 12fps, near the threshold of the persistence of vision." Watch the video HERE.
Starting Monday, September 4th the band will takeover SiriusXMU. Listen all week for exclusive interviews as they play tracks off their new album. On September 5th, World Cafe and NPR Music will host a First Listen Live performance where the band will perform their new album to a sold out crowd in Philadelphia. The performance can be streamed on NPR.org/music. On Thursday night, the band will perform on CBS' The Late Show with Stephen Colbert . To celebrate the release of Sleep Well Beast on September 8th, the band will perform their new record in a special, intimate show atBowery Ballroom exclusively for SiriusXM. The performance will air live at 7:00 pm ET on SiriusXMU, channel 35, and through the SiriusXM app on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com. On September 9th, the band will be featured on CBS This Morning - Saturday.
The National claimed their first #1 at commercial radio on the Triple-A radio chart with"The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness" and recently shared the track "Carin at the Liquor Store." Both songs, along with the previously released "Guilty Party" are off the band's seventh studio album Sleep Well Beast out next week on 4AD. Sleep Well Beast will be available in CD, digital and double LP formats.
In September, The National will embark on their nearly sold-out tour. U.S. stops include Forest Hills Stadium in New York on October 6, The Hollywood Bowl on October 11, and Greek Theatre in Berkeley on October 14 with a Sunday matinee on October 15. In advance of the tour The National have played Glastonbury in the second to headlining slot on the mainstage ("Could The National Be Glastonbury's Next Headliners?" said the NME review ), performed two intimate nights in the round at Hudson's Basilica and just played at Haven Festival in Copenhagen. For additional information and pre-sale registration visit www.americanmary.com. Photos, album art and bio available here.
Sleep Well Beast Album Cover
PRAISE FOR SLEEP WELL BEAST"The National's upcoming full-length, Sleep Well Beast, is shaping up to be the best album the band has done." - NPR
"The National are having a moment, however unassumingly, at the top of whatever is left of serious rock music." - Magnet
"Sleep Well Beast is a towering achievement." - Under the Radar
"'The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness' blends elements of the National's signature indie rock anthems with a shot of disco funk. A shuffling drum beat and a grimy guitar loop mix with a slow-burning blend of piano, synths and horns that rise at the end..." - Rolling Stone
"'Guilty Party' is an instant National classic; a brooding, longing love song of defeat, with a haunting melody that lingers in your head long after the song is over." - WXPN
TRACK LIST:Nobody Else Will Be ThereDay I DieWalk It BackThe System Only Dreams in Total DarknessBorn to BegTurtleneckEmpire LineI'll Still Destroy YouGuilty PartyCarin at the Liquor StoreDark Side of the GymSleep Well Beast
WORLD TOUR:# w/ Daughter% w/ Local Natives^ w/ This Is The Kit* w/ Adia Victoria
9/05/17 - Union Transfer - Philadelphia, PA (SOLD OUT)9/16/17 - Cork Opera House / Sounds From a Safe Harbour - Cork, IRELAND (SOLD OUT)9/17/17 - Vicar Street - Dublin, IRELAND (SOLD OUT)9/18/17 - Vicar Street - Dublin, IRELAND (SOLD OUT)9/20/17 - Usher Hall - Edinburgh, UK (SOLD OUT)9/21/17 - Usher Hall - Edinburgh, UK (SOLD OUT)9/22/17 - O2 Apollo - Manchester, UK (SOLD OUT)9/23/17 - O2 Apollo - Manchester, UK (SOLD OUT)9/25/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)9/26/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)9/27/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)9/28/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)10/05/17 - Wang Theatre - Boston, MA * (SOLD OUT)10/06/17 - Forest Hills Stadium - New York, NY #10/7/17 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA #10/8/17 - Masonic Hall - Detroit, MI #10/11/17 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA % #10/12/17 - CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre - San Diego, CA #10/14/17 - Greek Theatre - Berkeley, CA # (SOLD OUT)10/15/17 - Greek Theatre - Berkeley, CA10/21/17 - Elbphilharmonie - Hamburg, GERMANY (SOLD OUT)10/23/17 - Tempodrom - Berlin, GERMANY (SOLD OUT)10/24/17 - Tempodrom - Berlin, GERMANY (SOLD OUT)10/25/17 - AFAS Live - Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS (SOLD OUT)10/26/17 - AFAS Live - Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS10/28/17 - Coliseum - Lisbon, PORTUGAL (SOLD OUT)10/30/17 - Bozar - Brussels, BELGIUM (SOLD OUT)10/31/17 - Bozar - Brussels, BELGIUM (SOLD OUT)11/02/17 - Pitchfork Paris, Paris FRANCE11/04/17 - Annexet - Stockholm, SWEDEN (SOLD OUT)11/05/17 - Annexet - Stockholm, SWEDEN11/06/17 - Sentrum Scene - Oslo, NORWAY (SOLD OUT)11/07/17 - Sentrum Scene - Oslo, NORWAY11/27/17 - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall - Portland, OR ^ (SOLD OUT)11/28/17 - Paramount Theatre - Seattle, WA ^ (SOLD OUT)11/29/17 - Paramount Theatre - Seattle, WA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/01/17 - Queen Elizabeth Theatre - Vancouver BC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/02/17 - Queen Elizabeth Theatre - Vancouver BC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/04/17 - Verizon Hall - Philadelphia, PA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/05/17 - The Anthem - Washington,DC ^ (SOLD OUT)12/07/17 - Metropolis - Montreal QC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/08/17 - Metropolis - Montreal QC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/09/17 - Sony Centre - Toronto ON, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/10/17 - Hamilton Place Theatre - Hamilton ON, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/12/17 - Civic Opera House - Chicago, IL ^ (SOLD OUT)12/13/17 - Civic Opera House - Chicago, IL ^ (SOLD OUT)1/20/18 - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - The Joint - Las Vegas, NV1/23/18 - Pepsi Center WTC - Mexico City, MX2/21/18 - Sydney Opera House Forecourt - Sydney, AUSTRALIA2/25/18 - Villa Maria Winery - Auckland, NEW ZEALAND2/27/18 - Riverstage - Brisbane, AUSTRALIA3/1/18 - Sidney Myer Music Bowl - Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
PERFORMING ON THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT ON SEPTEMBER 7TH
SIRIUSXM SHOW AT BOWERY BALLROOM ON SEPTEMBER 8TH
BAND TO BE FEATURED ON CBS THIS MORNING - SATURDAY ON SEPTEMBER 9TH
NEW LIVE DATES IN BERKELEY, LAS VEGAS MEXICO CITY ANNOUNCED
SLEEP WELL BEAST OUT SEPTEMBER 8TH VIA 4AD
Photo Credit: Graham MacIndoeThe National shared their latest track "Day I Die" from their forthcoming album Sleep Well Beast . The video, which was directed by Casey Reas, compresses the frenetic energy of performing with the grind of touring. It's a day in the life of The National. Reas adds, "Graham MacIndoe captured eighteen time-lapse photo series during rehearsals at Le Centquatre in June 2017 in Paris. Hours of rehearsal are compressed into a few minutes. Over five thousand of these photographs were brought together to create the final video.
I wrote custom software to collage multiple photographs together and to compile them into videos. A flickering color layer abstracted from broadcast television signals augments the black and white footage. The images are played back at 12fps, near the threshold of the persistence of vision." Watch the video HERE.
Starting Monday, September 4th the band will takeover SiriusXMU. Listen all week for exclusive interviews as they play tracks off their new album. On September 5th, World Cafe and NPR Music will host a First Listen Live performance where the band will perform their new album to a sold out crowd in Philadelphia. The performance can be streamed on NPR.org/music. On Thursday night, the band will perform on CBS' The Late Show with Stephen Colbert . To celebrate the release of Sleep Well Beast on September 8th, the band will perform their new record in a special, intimate show atBowery Ballroom exclusively for SiriusXM. The performance will air live at 7:00 pm ET on SiriusXMU, channel 35, and through the SiriusXM app on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com. On September 9th, the band will be featured on CBS This Morning - Saturday.
The National claimed their first #1 at commercial radio on the Triple-A radio chart with"The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness" and recently shared the track "Carin at the Liquor Store." Both songs, along with the previously released "Guilty Party" are off the band's seventh studio album Sleep Well Beast out next week on 4AD. Sleep Well Beast will be available in CD, digital and double LP formats.
In September, The National will embark on their nearly sold-out tour. U.S. stops include Forest Hills Stadium in New York on October 6, The Hollywood Bowl on October 11, and Greek Theatre in Berkeley on October 14 with a Sunday matinee on October 15. In advance of the tour The National have played Glastonbury in the second to headlining slot on the mainstage ("Could The National Be Glastonbury's Next Headliners?" said the NME review ), performed two intimate nights in the round at Hudson's Basilica and just played at Haven Festival in Copenhagen. For additional information and pre-sale registration visit www.americanmary.com. Photos, album art and bio available here.
Sleep Well Beast Album Cover
PRAISE FOR SLEEP WELL BEAST"The National's upcoming full-length, Sleep Well Beast, is shaping up to be the best album the band has done." - NPR
"The National are having a moment, however unassumingly, at the top of whatever is left of serious rock music." - Magnet
"Sleep Well Beast is a towering achievement." - Under the Radar
"'The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness' blends elements of the National's signature indie rock anthems with a shot of disco funk. A shuffling drum beat and a grimy guitar loop mix with a slow-burning blend of piano, synths and horns that rise at the end..." - Rolling Stone
"'Guilty Party' is an instant National classic; a brooding, longing love song of defeat, with a haunting melody that lingers in your head long after the song is over." - WXPN
TRACK LIST:Nobody Else Will Be ThereDay I DieWalk It BackThe System Only Dreams in Total DarknessBorn to BegTurtleneckEmpire LineI'll Still Destroy YouGuilty PartyCarin at the Liquor StoreDark Side of the GymSleep Well Beast
WORLD TOUR:# w/ Daughter% w/ Local Natives^ w/ This Is The Kit* w/ Adia Victoria
9/05/17 - Union Transfer - Philadelphia, PA (SOLD OUT)9/16/17 - Cork Opera House / Sounds From a Safe Harbour - Cork, IRELAND (SOLD OUT)9/17/17 - Vicar Street - Dublin, IRELAND (SOLD OUT)9/18/17 - Vicar Street - Dublin, IRELAND (SOLD OUT)9/20/17 - Usher Hall - Edinburgh, UK (SOLD OUT)9/21/17 - Usher Hall - Edinburgh, UK (SOLD OUT)9/22/17 - O2 Apollo - Manchester, UK (SOLD OUT)9/23/17 - O2 Apollo - Manchester, UK (SOLD OUT)9/25/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)9/26/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)9/27/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)9/28/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)10/05/17 - Wang Theatre - Boston, MA * (SOLD OUT)10/06/17 - Forest Hills Stadium - New York, NY #10/7/17 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA #10/8/17 - Masonic Hall - Detroit, MI #10/11/17 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA % #10/12/17 - CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre - San Diego, CA #10/14/17 - Greek Theatre - Berkeley, CA # (SOLD OUT)10/15/17 - Greek Theatre - Berkeley, CA10/21/17 - Elbphilharmonie - Hamburg, GERMANY (SOLD OUT)10/23/17 - Tempodrom - Berlin, GERMANY (SOLD OUT)10/24/17 - Tempodrom - Berlin, GERMANY (SOLD OUT)10/25/17 - AFAS Live - Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS (SOLD OUT)10/26/17 - AFAS Live - Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS10/28/17 - Coliseum - Lisbon, PORTUGAL (SOLD OUT)10/30/17 - Bozar - Brussels, BELGIUM (SOLD OUT)10/31/17 - Bozar - Brussels, BELGIUM (SOLD OUT)11/02/17 - Pitchfork Paris, Paris FRANCE11/04/17 - Annexet - Stockholm, SWEDEN (SOLD OUT)11/05/17 - Annexet - Stockholm, SWEDEN11/06/17 - Sentrum Scene - Oslo, NORWAY (SOLD OUT)11/07/17 - Sentrum Scene - Oslo, NORWAY11/27/17 - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall - Portland, OR ^ (SOLD OUT)11/28/17 - Paramount Theatre - Seattle, WA ^ (SOLD OUT)11/29/17 - Paramount Theatre - Seattle, WA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/01/17 - Queen Elizabeth Theatre - Vancouver BC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/02/17 - Queen Elizabeth Theatre - Vancouver BC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/04/17 - Verizon Hall - Philadelphia, PA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/05/17 - The Anthem - Washington,DC ^ (SOLD OUT)12/07/17 - Metropolis - Montreal QC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/08/17 - Metropolis - Montreal QC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/09/17 - Sony Centre - Toronto ON, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/10/17 - Hamilton Place Theatre - Hamilton ON, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/12/17 - Civic Opera House - Chicago, IL ^ (SOLD OUT)12/13/17 - Civic Opera House - Chicago, IL ^ (SOLD OUT)1/20/18 - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - The Joint - Las Vegas, NV1/23/18 - Pepsi Center WTC - Mexico City, MX2/21/18 - Sydney Opera House Forecourt - Sydney, AUSTRALIA2/25/18 - Villa Maria Winery - Auckland, NEW ZEALAND2/27/18 - Riverstage - Brisbane, AUSTRALIA3/1/18 - Sidney Myer Music Bowl - Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
Music Tastes Good To Donate 100% of Proceeds from Every Ticket Sold to Oxfam America for 24 Hours Starting, Thursday, August 31
Music Tastes Good To Donate 100% of Proceeds from Every Ticket Sold To Oxfam America for 24 Hours Starting, Thursday, August 31
For a 24 hour window, this Thursday, Music Tastes Good will be donating 100% of the proceeds from every ticket sold, directly to Oxfam America. You can participate in this incredible offer by grabbing your tickets at www.mtglb.co/tickets, starting Thursday, August 31st, at 12 am PT.Music Tastes Good had previously announced a donation of $5 for single-day VIP passes and $10 for weekend VIP passes sold, respectively, would be given toOxfam."We're hoping this benefit inspires our guests to purchase their tickets early, give something good, and receive something good in return. Oxfam is doing the hard for work millions of people who truly need it. We're happy to help raise awareness, and invite our guests to come party with us in Long Beach," said Music Tastes Good Creative Director, Chris Watson.Oxfam is a global organization working to end the injustice of poverty. We help people build better futures for themselves, hold the powerful accountable, and save lives in disasters. Our mission is to tackle the root causes of poverty and create lasting solutions.Through a donation to Oxfam you can help fund Oxfam’s lifesaving work and bring hope to families facing hunger, poverty, and injustice in more than 90 countries around the world. You can help refugees seeking safety, support disaster survivors to rebuild even stronger, keep communities healthy by preventing the spread of disease, help farmers adapt to climate change and feed their families, and so much more.Music Tastes Good passes start at $75 a day, passes for the new "Taste Tent" experience start at $150, and VIP passes start at $225. The event, to be headlined by Ween and Sleater-Kinney, with appearances by RIDE, Charles Bradley and his Extraordinares, ALVVAYS, Bomba Estereo, Los Lobos, of Montreal and many more, is scheduled to take place September 30 and October 1 at Marina Green Park in Downtown Long Beach, CA.www.mtglb.co/ticketsView the Music Tastes Good festival lineup at: http://mtglb.co/lineup.www.oxfamamerica.org| facebook.com/oxfamamerica |twitter.com/oxfamamerica
