News

August 14, 2008

802 Tour Kicks Off Tonight, Vancouver Show Cancelled

The 802 Tour with Sam Amidon, Doveman, and Nico Muhly kicks off tonight in Seattle. To celebrate, we created a Facebook page for all our "friends." So come socially network with us. Maybe even write on our "wall."

In additional news, a friend of ours not on Facebook named Oren Bloedow from Elysian Fields will join Sam, Thomas, Nico, and Nadia onstage, rotating between drums, keyboards, and guitar throughout the show.

If we learned anything from Bryan Devendorf's "Reports From The Road," it's that the touring life can be difficult - so much so that problems often appear before the tour begins. With that in mind, we regret to inform anxious Vancouverites that...


August 5, 2008

Nico Dines With The Times, Receives More Blog Buzz, Postpones Other Music Show

Nico Muhly was recently profiled in The New York Times as part of the Sunday edition's regular feature "A Night Out With". So what did Nico do on his night out with the paper of record? He ate duck spaetzle with friends while discussing MSG, intransitive verbs, and what foods are acceptable to eat from other tables' plates. (French fries are o.k.)

Meanwhile, press surrounding Mothertongue continues to come in. Mp3 blog Dublab posted an exclusive edit of "Mothertongue" while plugging Nico's upcoming 802 Tour with Doveman and Sam Amidon. Paper Magazine wrote a kind review, describing Nico as an "impressive innovator" and the album as "a stunning meditation on the an...


July 24, 2008

Doveman Goes On Letterman With Grizzly Bear

In case you missed it, Doveman made it onto Letterman last night accompanying fellow New Yorkers Grizzly Bear in a performance of their new song "Two Weeks." You can see Thomas hunched over his keyboard in back, firing off arpeggios with quiet dignity. An mp3 of the performance is available for download on Stereogum.

If the performance below gets you all riled up, be sure to catch Doveman in the flesh this August on The 802 Tour with Sam Amidon and Nico Muhly. And if you're still feeling restless, get Footloose.


July 22, 2008

The Internet Gets Footloose with Doveman

Following the release of his cover version of the Footloose soundtrack, Doveman received some pretty positive pub, going on WNYC and making Entertainment Weekly's "The Must List." Fortunately, the good word continues to spread as the blogosphere catches on. BuzzFeed described the record as "stunning" while compiling a nice little list of other places you can go to read about the release. NPR featured "Let's Hear It For The Boy" on their program All Songs Considered. Even Gawker jumped into the media frenzy, calling Doveman's version of the title track "a beery-eyed-at-the-bar-at-4:30am-thinking-about-college sad hipster jam" while inventing the adverb "baconly." Very clever,...


July 17, 2008

Nico Muhly To Perform In-Store at Other Music

In order to promote the release of his album Mothertongue as well as prepare for the 802 Tour with Doveman and Sam Amidon, Nico Muhly will give a free in-store performance at New York City's Other Music on Tuesday, August 5th. Please note that seating is limited, so get there early.

In other news, Mothertongue is doing splendidly overseas, where record stores (such as this one below in Tokyo, Japan) are so excited they're making kickass displays written in different, non-English mothertongues. Shibuya? More like Shibu-yeah!



July 15, 2008

Doveman's Footloose Featured in Entertainment Weekly

Last week, Thomas Bartlett of Doveman appeared on Soundcheck with John Schaefer to talk about the band's cover version of the soundtrack to the 1984 film Footloose. (You can stream Thomas's radio appearance in the previous news post.)

This week, the media's positive response to the band's digital release continues with a write up in Entertainment Weekly's The Must List. Found on page 70 of the July 18th issue, the nice press talks about the inspiration behind the album while specifically mentioning "Let's Hear It for the Boy" as a highlight. For those interested, you can stream the album here.


July 7, 2008

Doveman Speaks to WNYC About Footloose, Guests With Grizzly Bear

As you might have already discovered, Doveman recently released a cover version of the soundtrack to the 1984 Kevin Bacon dancing picture Footloose. You can listen to and/or download (for free!) the tunes on Footloose's microsite. Since its release, word of the project has spread, and subsequently Thomas was invited to speak about the album on WNYC's Soundcheck with John Schaefer. The show aired this past Tuesday (July 8th) on 93.9 FM. You can stream Thomas's appearance below.

In other Doveman news, Thomas will be playing with Grizzly Bear on The Late Show with David Letterman on July 23rd. If the band's performance on Conan (watch it on Red Lasso) wa...


July 1, 2008

Nico Muhly Gets Cooking With The Fader, Receives More American Attention

As reported yesterday, Nico Muhly has been written up in several British publications. Well, they're not the only ones; as the US release of Mothertongue approaches, America's paying attention, too. The Seattle Weekly, in anticipation of Nico's upcoming 802 Tour with Doveman and Sam Amidon, wrote a brief piece alluding to Nico's previous work with musical stalwarts Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Björk while describing Muhly's arrangements as "intimate and spare...earthy [and] romantic." A lot of kudos packed into such a small entry.

While others are busy praising Muhly's music, what is the man himself up to? Eating, apparently. In The Fader, Muhly chops, boils...


June 30, 2008

The Official 802 Tour Site Launches

As previously reported, Brassland artists Nico Muhly and Doveman will be touring North America with their friend and fellow Vermont native Sam Amidon.

To mark the occasion, Brassland, along with 802 Tour partner Bedroom Community, launched a website where you can conveniently find performance dates, artist biographies, pictures, streaming videos, and mp3s to download.

Click here to visit the official 802 Tour website.


June 30, 2008

Mothertongue Given Four Stars In London's Sunday Times

As the American release of Mothertongue approaches, good press surrounding Nico Muhly begins to pour in from overseas. London's Sunday Times recently named Mothertongue its "Pop CD of the Week," stating that the album is "never less than fascinating." We certainly agree - otherwise, we wouldn't put it out.

Other UK media outlets have also been paying attention. For the intellectual Brassland consumer, Q printed that Nico's music is "warm as it is highbrow." The Independent compared Muhly to Steve Reich, writing that listening to Mothertongue is "like listening to a spider's web being spun, a weightless, gossamer series of overlapping threads." Uncut, in another...


June 18, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #14)

Previously on Reports from the Road, Bryan received gifts from old friends and overheard a conversation concerning shit and figure skating. Today, Bryan takes shots at us (we'll take it this time), and Chicago, while revealing a touching story of a pizza date and his less than honorable intentions. The National only have a few shows left with REM, but there will be many memories to come both here and on Flickr.

DAY FIFTEEN (6/6)­: Chicago.

If you're keeping score, it was not an Uno's but an Old Chicago Pasta & Pizza we visited back in Colorado. Double fault, Brassland.org.

The last time I was at an Uno's I was fourteen and on a date with a girl name...


June 14, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #13)

Giving two thumbs up to Don Cheadle and expressing a certain ambivalence to what was presumably an Uno's pizzeria, Bryan Devendorf spent his previous installment of "Reports From The Road" revealing some of his juicier thoughts. Settling back into the bus (better known as "The Hurricane"), Bryan again finds himself in the zone, ready to follow his literary muse with the renewed energy only a tour bus can provide. Today's episode finds The National playing the cavernous Xcel Energy Center in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." (10,000!) Read below for Bryan's latest allusions to current events, references to pop culture, and Spanglish. To view some "Pictures From The Road," head over to...


June 12, 2008

Nico Muhly To Conduct Symphonies for Antony

As reported on Pitchfork, Nico Muhly will be conducting local symphonies for Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons) on his brief international tour this September and October. The performance dates are:

9/5 Portland, OR - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (with the Portland Symphony)
9/10 Milan, Italy - Teatro degli Arcimboldi (with the Milan Symphony)
9/12 Zaragoza, Spain - Expo Zaragoza (with the Milan Symphony)
10/30 London, England - The Barbican (with the London Symphony Orchestra)
10/31 London, England - The Barbican (with the London Symphony Orchestra)


June 11, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #12)

Yesterday, you received Bryan's personal opinion on Nickelback. Like most people, he thought they sucked. Today, you can read his thoughts on Republican John McCain and actor Don Cheadle. A hint: he thinks one is old and the other's a good actor. (Which is which?) In the midst of such personal confessions comes more Bryan-esque reportage from the road - The National did this, The National ate there, etc. The possibility for blandness always poses a threat, but Bryan - being a real man - savors the challenge, taking on banality with quick, wry wit and keen observations. Meanwhile, Scott Devendorf observes with a camera, taking pictures for


June 10, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #11)

A day after reaching his monumental tenth post, Bryan Devendorf returns with his second entry in double figures. What's happened in 24 hours? The National find themselves near Morrison, Colorado, playing the same spot where John Denver made music on TV. Accordingly, the venue's historical significance and the area's rugged geography bring back memories for Bryan, a man always good for an anecdote. This time, it's about 5th grade, U2, and the Reagan era. In addition, you'll learn which band Bryan doesn't particularly care for as well as the name of The National's sound man. Fun facts, for sure. If you care to see our raconteur and his band live (they're quite g...


June 9, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #10)

Despite the instability of the touring lifestyle, Bryan Devendorf of The National has been writing his "Reports From The Road" steadily for three weeks, reaching double-digits in posts today, June 9, 2008. A milestone, no doubt. To mark the occasion, Bryan sends word from Oakland en route to Denver. As always, he goes at it like a pro, not once sacrificing clarity or detail to simply mail it in. In short, he does it for his adoring legions of fans. He does it for you. To reciprocate the kindness, check our shows page to find out where you can catch our road warrior in the flesh. To see Bryan and the band outside the office in a candid fashion, head over to Flickr. Enjoy and take care.
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June 7, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #9)

After ditching the Extended Stay for the Westin, The National's Bryan Devendorf began his San Francisco stay with some new jeans and a well-researched, Wikipediafied "Report From The Road." The SF trip continues with two shows with REM and Modest Mouse at UC-Berkeley's William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre. More pictures are on the way; for now, enjoy the words.

DAYS NINE & TEN (5/31 & 6/1): The Greek Theatre

A musician can expect to lose thirty percent of his possessions while on tour. Chalk it up to Buddhism. I think Philip Glass said this. Worry not, friends, I did not lose the Helly Hansen jacket in the fracas at that place in Hollywood. It was a different jack...


June 6, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #8)

Bryan Devendorf's blogathon continues today with his eighth post. The National continue to tour North America, opening for REM and Modest Mouse. Along the way, Bryan and company have been taking pictures, supplementing Bryan's artfully crafted prose with digital images. To understand the life of a touring musician, this is your one-stop shop.

DAY EIGHT (5/30): "All those DayGlo freaks who used to paint their face…"

I wake up on the bus in the parking lot of an Extended Stay America in one of those small East Bay cities that orbit San Francisco like the moons of Saturn. Traffic streams past on an elevated freeway; a high chain-link fence borders the grounds....


June 5, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #7)

Yesterday, we received word from San Diego. Today Bryan Devendorf sends us balanced, well-constructed prose from Los Angeles, the city of angels and The Dude. In this post, Bryan finds himself playing the legendary Hollywood Bowl with REM and Modest Mouse. As you'll soon find out, rock stars other than The National have played there, too. Read below to learn some Devendorf family history, why playing at 6:30 in the evening sucks, and one of Bryan's favorite haunts in LA.

DAY SEVEN (5/29): The Hollywood Bowl

Traffic or apathy (or both?) have kept the crowds away for our set. "No one shows up at 6:30" floats in the air over the dry, eucalyptus-ridden Hollywood hills....


June 4, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #6)

As The National's tour across North America picks up steam, the amount of free time for the band has dwindled. As such, the frequency of Bryan Devendorf's "Reports From The Road" has slightly declined. But have no fear. Persevering through such adversity, Bryan continues to churn out posts - complete with photographs - for your reading pleasure. Today, we hear Bryan's thoughts from sunny San Diego. Tomorrow, who knows where he'll be? If curious, you can check the shows page. Hopefully the band and Bryan haven't already passed you by.

DAY SIX (5/28): Two words. San Diego.

Tonight we have a show at a House of Blues. Sans Modest Mouse, sans REM. The dressin...


May 30, 2008

The 802 Tour and Other Doveman News

This August, Doveman will be touring the United States and Canada with recent Brassland roster addition Nico Muhly and folk musician Sam Amidon as a member of the 802 Tour presented by Brassland and Icelandic label Bedroom Community. Promoting With My Left Hand I Raise the Dead as well as his latest, super secret project (see below), Doveman will be joined onstage by Sam Amidon and various guest musicians to create a newer, slightly different interpretation of Doveman's signature "lamp rock" aesthetic. Visit the shows page to view specific dates and venue locations.

In other news, Doveman is putting the finishing touches on a special project that'll be revealed later this...


May 29, 2008

Nico Muhly On The 802 Tour This August

Nico Muhly will be touring the U.S. and Canada in August in support of his upcoming release, Mothertongue (in-stores on 7/22, out now on iTunes). He'll be joined on this tour by fellow Vermont-to-New York transplants, Thomas Bartlett (aka Doveman) and Sam Amidon. We're calling it the 802 Tour.

Previously, these three have appeared in each other’s shows and played on each other’s records. The performances will feature music from each of the three of them, as well as some sneak previews of future collaborative schemes. Sam will perform a set of folk ballads interspersed with the occasional Melville reading and some liturgical dance, accompanied by Thomas, with guest plinks by Nico....


May 29, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #5)

With both words and photographs, Bryan Devendorf continues to document The National's North American tour opening for REM and Modest Mouse. So far, we've read of Vancouver, Seattle, Bend, and somewhere in California en route to San Diego; we've heard tales of bus troubles, kick-ass rain gear, and Memorial Day basketball with Pabst; we've learned about naughty words, biker gangs, and Dave the substitute trumpet player. So much information, so many thoughts divulged, and the tour has hardly begun. What more could Bryan possibly have to say? Plenty. To see for yourself, read below:

DAY FIVE (5/27): You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave...


May 28, 2008

Details on Dessner-Curated RedHot Compilation Emerge

As reported on Pitchfork, Aaron and Bryce Dessner are curating a compilation for the AIDS charity Red Hot. The album will be released by The Beggars Group with proceeds going to YouthAIDS. The lineup for the album will include songs by Sufjan Stevens, Grizzly Bear, Feist, The National, The Decemberists, David Byrne with The Dirty Projectors, Spoon, Bright Eyes, The Books with Josè Gonzàlez, The New Pornographers, Antony (from Antony and The Johnsons) with Bryce Dessner, Stuart Murdoch (from Belle & Sebastian), Bon Iver, Andrew Bird, and My Brightest Diamond.


May 28, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #4)

The National keep on trucking across the West Coast, playing shows with REM and Modest Mouse as they gradually make their way east. Road warrior and drummer Bryan Devendorf has been keeping a travelogue of the tour's progress, revealing to the average pop music consumer behind-the-scenes information such as troubles involving both the bus and trailer, shortages of food and alcohol at the Sasquatch! Music Festival, and trumpet player substitutions between Bend, OR and San Diego, CA. And the revelations keep coming - read below to learn how Bryan and the band spent their Memorial Day.

DAY FOUR (5/26): The parking lot at the end of the world; or, California über alles.

...


May 27, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #3)

The National's tour with REM and Modest Mouse is well under way with a couple of shows in the Northwest. Throughout the journey, drummer Bryan Devendorf has been keeping a journal, revealing information on the tour's progress as well as his thoughts on various cultural topics. So far, we've heard his take on Mike Piazza and Face/Off while learning about the band's bus troubles and border agents' slang for biker gangs. In the latest installment of "Reports From the Road," Bryan provides more musings for your reading pleasure. Enjoy! (Pictures from the band's travels can be viewed on Flickr.)

DAY THREE (5/25): The Planet Oregon

Additional misfortune...


May 26, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf (Post #2)

The National are in the midst of an international tour with REM and Modest Mouse. (Well, Canada and the US, but still.) Amid the chaos of traveling from gig to gig, drummer Bryan Devendorf has been kind enough to keep up with a blog, sending us news from the road when he finds the time to sit down and organize his thoughts. Yesterday we learned from Bryan why Côte de Beaune is absolutely delicious. Today, he provides more nuggets of wisdom; if you're curious to learn who the "H.A.'s" are and why Face/Off makes for a memorable film, keep reading.

DAY TWO (5/24): Border Patrol and Sasquatch!

The bus died today - something to do with the battery - which set us back sev...


May 25, 2008

Reports From The Road by Bryan Devendorf

As you might already know, The National have begun touring with alt-rock heavyweights REM and Modest Mouse across the US and Canada. (Visit the shows page for upcoming dates.) Throughout the tour, drummer Bryan Devendorf has been kind enough to provide us with sporadic updates of how things are going, starting with the band's 5/23 show in Vancouver. For those interested in understanding how Bryan is like former Mets slugger Mike Piazza, read below.

DAY ONE (5/23): Deer Lake Park, Vancouver BC

Woke at eight a.m. in a motel parking lot on the outskirts of Bellingham, Washington, the next to last town before the Canadian border en route to Vancouver. Seagulls wheeled in th...


May 24, 2008

Mothertongue on iTunes, Nico Featured in Times

For those with computers, the wait is over. Digital copies of Nico Muhly's Mothertongue have been released on iTunes (complete with bonus track titled "Skip Town"). Physical copies of the album - sans "Skip Town" - will be available in all good US record shops on July 22nd.

But that's not all concerning Nico, who was recently profiled by British critic Simon Reynolds in the London Times. The piece, written in anticipation of Mothertongue's European release on Icelandic label Bedroom Community, among other things reveals Muhly's thoughts regarding music's relationship to lunch. A must read!


May 23, 2008

Baby Dayliner Now Playing With Live Band

After a quiet winter and spring, Baby Dayliner has surfaced in time for summer, playing the Found Sound Launch Party last night at Brooklyn's Southpaw. As fans present at the gig might have noticed, however, Baby Dayliner left his suitcase of gear at home to play backed by a full, live band. Many thanks to Brooklyn Vegan for breaking the news while praising Baby D's "one of a kind" style.

Look out for more Baby Dayliner shows this summer (including one at the Mercury Lounge on June 21st) and be sure to check back here for upcoming BD news.