August 31, 2005
Clogs: Resting, Traveling, Then Re-Grouping
Clogs have been hibernating. Bassoonist Rachel Elliott spent the summer in rural Vermont. Percussionist Thom Kozumplik has been occupied by projects like Loop 2.4.3 and Uncle Jimmy's Dirty Basement. Guitarist Bryce Dessner has been traveling in Europe with The National. Strings player Padma Newsome has made occasional appearances with the group, but mostly been composing in Australia, save for a spell at the Walton Estate in Ischia, Italy -- the latter thanks to a commissioning award from Harvard University's Fromm Music Foundation.
Clogs will be re-grouping in November for a short tour with Bell Orchestre, the Pitchfork-approved side project of indie rock sensations, The Ar...
June 20, 2005
Pela Garnering Exposure, Touring with National
First off hello to Entertainment Weekly readers that have ended up here looking for Pela's exclusive "Download This" track.
As an additional gift from us, here is a photo Pela's guitarist, Nate Martinez (with rock face) and The National's drummer, Bryan Devendorf (in towel), in front of a European castle.
The good news does not end there. Pela's debut EP, All in Time, was released last month, and the great reviews have started to come in. Salon.com writes "The latest from the consistently excellent Brassland label is All in Time, the debut EP by Brooklyn, N.Y., band Pela. I get a really good feeling about this band - long on skills and passion, short on pos...
June 20, 2005
Friedlander at The Knitting Factory
Erik Friedlander is in residence at the Knitting Factory's Old Office for the month of July. He'll be playing every Tuesday in various iterations - solo, with Topaz, in duos with Ikue Mori and Teho Teardo, etc. Look at our [LINK TO COME]tour page for details. There's even more information on Erik's site.
May 12, 2005
Friedlander Playing With Darnielle Amid Mountain Goat Mania
Congrats to Erik Friedlander. He has just completed a hugely successful five-date NE swing opening for the Mountain Goats. (He also joined the group on stage for three or four songs.) Erik's contributions to their latest album, The Sunset Tree, have garnered mentions in the likes of the Boston Herald and Billboard who wrote, "There is an undertone of sadness here, often amplified by Friedlander's cello in the timeliest of spots." Publications like The New Yorker are calling this the Mountain Goats' best album to date. (Brassland's Alec Hanley Bemis got into the act in a long rant on Coolfer.com blog.)
We'd like to give Erik some credit for helping frontman John...
May 2, 2005
Pela Parties in Alphabet City, Opens for BSP and Feist
We write to encourage your attendence at three fine events celebrating the release of Pela's 5-song debut, All in Time. First of all:
9pm-11pm, Wednesday May 4th
"First Taste" listening party
Hi-Fi, 169 Avenue A, NYC 10009
Ph: 212.420.8392
This event is free, open to the public, and you can get $2 IPAs, Brooklyn Lager, and Pilsner from 9-11pm. To see a full-size flyer.
Later this month, the band will open up for British Sea Power & Feist at their sold out Bowery Ballroom show on May 14th; they will celebrate the release of All in Time four days later with a show at Mercury Lounge. Deets and links on our tour page. (Unfortunately we will not be posti...
March 24, 2005
Erik Friedlander Opens For The Mountain Goats in May
Erik Friedlander has just announced five May dates opening for The Mountain Goats. This extends Erik's ambitious March and April gigging schedule, and is part of his burgeoning association with certain unsavory elements of the "indie rock scene." Earlier this month, Erik spent 11 hours at John Vanderslice's Tiny Telephone studio in San Francisco. The fruit of those labors will be heard on Vanderslice's new album, slated for August 2005 release. You can also hear his mandolin and cello playing on The Mountain Goats' wonderful new album, The Sunset Tree. It will be released in April, but if you're impatient you can hear Erik's star turn right now on The Dilaudid EP, a d...
March 24, 2005
Pitchfork Still Sporting Clogs
The Pitchfork love for CLOGS does not stop. Check out this revealing and informative profile that ran on the site earlier this week. We also recommend visiting the American Music Center's online magazine NewMusicBox.com to view an exclusive web video of Clogs performing Ingram Marshall's "In Deserto (SmokeCreek)" at Symphony Space this past January. It's available until April 15th.
March 24, 2005
The National's Alligator Doing Swimmingly
Beggars Banquet is currently streaming The National's new album, Alligator, in its entirety on their website. The band will play at New York's Museum of Television & Radio on Tuesday, April 5th as part of Seattle radio station KEXP's week long visit to our fine city. If you're free at 2pm you can reserve a spot at the show by registering here. If you're lazy, it will be broadcast and webcast live.
March 24, 2005
Brassland Hooks Pela, Releasing EP
We are proud to announce our latest signing, Pela. They are from the Red Hook section of Brooklyn and their music might just change your life. We've posted a bio, some music samples, and other info in the near future. For now, take a look at their site, PelaMusic.com.
March 4, 2005
Brassland Hits the Road (Again), Parties at SxSW
Both Erik Friedlander and The National are touring the US in March. The National will play ten shows in the Midwest and South, including three gigs during Austin's SXSW festival. Erik Friedlander will do a west coast tour with his quartet Topaz, and has also announced a schedule that will extend into May, including four performances in Victoria, BC and a trio of gigs at John Zorn's new space The Stone. Check out our tour page for details.
Meanwhile, Brassland is throwing its first ever SXSW party on Friday, March 18th 2-8pm at Ruta Maya, 3601 South Congress Ave. Here is [LINK TO COME]the flyer. The sponsor list is long and bizzy, but includes our friends at French Kiss Recor...
March 4, 2005
Clogs' Stick Music Continues to Rack Up Acclaim
Much to our surprise and satisfaction, word on Clogs' Stick Music does not stop. Earlier this week both DustedMagazine.com and PitchforkMedia.com joined the chorus of acclaim from the New York Times, Mojo, the Guardian UK, etc. Dusted said: "This is music that breathes a solitary chill into bone, barely supported by its elegant dissonance and spider-web silk textures." Pitchfork rated it an 8.6 explaining, "When trying to describe Clogs' music to other folks, it might be better to forgo any genre distinctions and head straight for the thesaurus so you can find fresh and exciting ways to say 'sublime.'" Thank you to the interweb for your support!
If that wasn't en...
February 15, 2005
Clogs Have Been Very Busy
It's been an unbelievably productive and artistically satisfying five months for the group since we published our last update on them in September. In lieu of trying to figure out how to string it all together, here are some bullet points:
* Clogs continue to receive high praise in the American and European press, following the release of their third album, Stick Music, and subsequent touring on both continents. Click on the respective publication names to see the glowing notices in [LINK TO COME]New York Times, [LINK TO COME]Mojo, All About Jazz, and [LINK TO COME]The Wire. Most notably, we were high-fiving over a five-star live review in [LINK TO COME]The Guardian UK. It ran a...
February 15, 2005
Brassland at SXSW
Both The National and Erik Friedlander will endure Austin, Texas's sweatlodge-like climate so they can play everybody's favorite music festival and eat some kickass BBQ. Yeah, that's right March 16-20 we're going to
December 21, 2004
Friedlander Joins The Mountain Goats For Music-Making
October Erik Friedlander played an opening set at New York's Knitting Factory for super-fan and super-songwriter John Darnielle aka The Mountain Goats. Erik's playing that night was so hot that someone literally fainted during his set. (Okay, actually said audience member had a seizure, and it was rather scary, though they seemed to be fine by the end of the night.) Point being? Erik got along with them so well that Mr. Darnielle flew him out to Northern California a month ago to join in on the sessions for The Mountain Goats third album on 4AD.
On his blog Mr. Darnielle wrote of Erik's tenure as a Goat: "Having completely elevated everybody's game during his short s...
December 15, 2004
The National: Album (or EP) of the Year!
Last month The National were featured in Magnet's [LINK TO COME]Magnified section, and we are even prouder to announce that their Cherry Tree EP has been named album of the year in Salon.com. They ranked right above much hyped Montreal band, The Arcade Fire. (Take that Canada!) Neither album was nominated for a Grammy, though. Bummer.
In future "record of the year" news, The National have recently completed sessions for their Beggars Banquet debut. Basic tracks were recorded at various studios and overdubs happened in large part in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, in the Brassland offices, on the Dessner family compound. The sessions were led by Paul Mahajan, who has previously worked on...
September 19, 2004
Clogs Touring the US
Clogs are in the midst of the US leg of their world tour. It's already found them playing the sales floor of the world's largest record store (Amoeba Hollywood), a warehouse (PICA's T:BA festival in Portland), and a movie theater (providing live score to silent films in Seattle). They play clubs sometimes, too. These days they are mixing repertoire from their three albums, as well as debuting new material including crowd favorite "Lantern," or "Candle," or "Lighthouse." (They haven't settled on a name yet.) The excitement continues throughout the fall. Right now, the final American date is a CMJ blowout at the Knitting Factory on Wednesday, October 13th featuring sax player P...
September 19, 2004
The National Moving on Up, Sign With Beggars
Huge, slobbery wet, geezus-they-might-get-famous congratulations to The National, who have recently signed a deal to release future records on London-based indie Beggars Banquet. The boys are currently working on a third full-length in the Ditmas Park 'hood. It's tentatively scheduled for spring 2004, though it's uncertain which Beggars label will release final product (4AD, Matador, and XL are in the family). They join a diverse and way rad group of Beggars' artists including Devendra Banhart, The Pixies, Dizzee Rascal, and TV on the Radio. It's been a good time, and we wish 'em the best of luck. L'chaim!
September 19, 2004
Friedlander in Europe
Erik has just dropped us a note that he'll be doing a short European solo tour November 2nd - November 8th. We'll have more details soon. You can also catch him opening for the Mountain Goats at the Knitting Factory on Friday, October 8th.
August 13, 2004
Cherry Tree Rakes in Accolades
The National's Cherry Tree has begun raking in accolades. Thank you Salon for calling it "more powerfully moving on each repeat play." Thank you BetterPropaganda for making the lead off track, "Wasp Nest," one their top MP3 downloads for three weeks running. Thank you, again, UNCUT for giving the album a five star review. Thank you Hi-Fi for hosting the record release party this past Wednesday. Thank you to Cincinnati's Shake It! for pressing up a limited 10" vinyl version. Last but not least, thank you to Other Music for hosting a FREE in-store performance this Sunday, August 15th at 7pm. We hope to see you there.
August 13, 2004
Clogs Tour Stick Music
We've just posted a full itinerary for Clogs' extensive fall tour. Their third album Stick Music will begin appearing in stores next week, though we expect it will become more widely available as word spreads throughout the fall. Buy it now online, or ask for it by name at your favorite local record shop.
August 13, 2004
Erik Friedlander Posts Clips of Tour
Erik Friedlander has just posted this collection of Quicktime movie clips from his recent US solo tour. Re-live the magic, or get a preview of what you can expect next time he comes to your town.
August 13, 2004
Baby Dayliner
Baby Dayliner is hard at work on his sophomore album. He continues to gig regularly in NYC, and is available for weddings, bar mitzvahs, and divorce proceedings worldwide.
July 19, 2004
The National: Cherry Tree Update, Prepping New Album
Their new mini-album, Cherry Tree, will be available in stores across the US starting today, July 19th. We're not going to spend a lot of time discussing how awesome this record is, but we will point you toward the 5-star review which appeared in the respected British music magazine, UNCUT. Outside of the Rolling Stones' Exile on Mainstreet, Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde, and a few other eternal classics, there aren't many albums that receive this kind of praise. Thank you UNCUT.
There will be no extensive touring on behalf of this EP because The National are working on a new album. They have scheduled a release party in New York, however, and there are some other sur...
July 19, 2004
Clogs Release Stick Music, Tour US and Europe
The ensemble is gearing up for a big wave of activity starting in late August, when they release their third album, Stick Music. This will be followed by an extensive US and European tour. We will have more details soon.
July 19, 2004
Baby Dayliner and Erik Friedlander News
Baby Dayliner continues to gig in New York. He is laying plans for some national touring as he is laying down tracks for a new album to be released in early 2005. Erik Friedlander is resting up after two solo tours, one on the east coast and midwest, and one down the west coast. He is hoping to schedule some more dates for parts of the country he didn't visit this time out.
May 24, 2004
The National, Erik Friedlander, Clogs, Baby Dayliner Tour
Three days ago, The National left for their fourth tour of Europe in the past 18 months. After that they'll rest awhile. Erik Friedlander is gearing up for a West Coast tour in June. Please attend. Clogs continue to plan some national dates for this fall, when composer and strings player Padma Newsome returns from Australia. Baby Dayliner continues to gig regularly in Manhattan, as he lays plans for some national touring. We also want you to know that recently, while DJing for his friend Chase Phoenix, Baby Dayliner had cause to open for Busta Rhymes and the Jurassic 5 at college shows in Poughkeepsie, NY and Providence, RI. It was surreal.
May 24, 2004
Brassland Opens New Office
Glenn is celebrating the grand opening of a new Brassland office near the Dessner compound in Ditmas Park. Rejoice! (One day we must tell you about Ditmas, a great place if you're looking for Victorian Mansions, used tires, or fried chicken.)
April 23, 2004
Brassland Puts Out New Records
This summer Brassland will release a 30-minute EP by The National, called Cherry Tree. It contains five new songs by the band; a duet between lead singer Matt Berninger & Clogs' Padma Newsome; and a live performance of "Murder Me Rachael" from Bernard Lenoir's Black Session on France Inter Radio. Visit the band's site AmericanMary.com for more details. While we're at it, let us pass along thanks to The Walkmen, Pernice Brothers, and 16 Horsepower. The National's recent opening slots with these bands found them playing to their biggest US crowds to date.
Late summer or early fall we will release Clogs' Stick Music, a tour-de-force concept album by Padma Newsom...
April 23, 2004
Erik Friedlander Receives A Little Hype, BD Planning On Some
Erik Friedlander's Maldoror continues to collect acclaim. We've recently become aware of this piece which aired on KCRW in the wake of his SXSW apperance. They noted that a "lone man and his electric cello on an outdoor stage, in the middle of sonic mayhem...stopped traffic with his single, solitary bow."
Baby Dayliner's UK promotional tour was a big success. We expect reviews of his debut, High Heart & Low Estate, to start appearing "everywhere" in May, in both the US and Europe. UNCUT will feature him in their "Almost Famous" section in June.
April 23, 2004
New Tours: Friedlander, The National, Baby Dayliner
Three of our artists have announced new 2004 tour dates. Erik Friedlander has finished routing a June west coast tour. The National will be doing a month long European tour in May-June, along with four opening dates for Longwave in the Northeastern United States. Clogs have begun booking dates for autumn tours in the US and Europe. Baby Dayliner is opening for El Vez in early May, though we expect he'll have many more dates to come.