Music Matters movement launched to make marauding file-sharers feel meek!

By Erika H on Mar 26 2010

Discovery Channel’s Life series has finally begun, but there are some other titular life endeavors to contend with (step aside, Milton Bradley). Sage Francis’s new LP, entitled Li(f)e, is due for release May 11 from ANTI-/Epitaph. According to Francis’ website, the album includes music composed by Jason Lytle (ex-Grandaddy), Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie), Tim Fite, members of Calexico and DeVotchKa, and the late Mark Linkous (whose compositions are “then interpreted by Francis and the band”). To indify the rapper’s album further, producer Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Iron and Wine) and Califone’s Tim Rutili and Jim Becker make up that aforementioned band.

Perhaps the most unexpected collaboration, however, is with French composer Yann Tiersen on the track “Best of Times.” Despite first impressions, Francis wants to make abundantly clear that this isn’t just a random rap/hip hop + indie/anti-hip hop mash-up. According to Francis:

I sought out Yann’s soundtrack for Amélie immediately after first seeing the film,” he stated. “I would play the main song from it on piano from time to time. And when I received the music from him it just felt so heavy to me, so incredibly epic that I knew I had to make the most of it. I didn’t know what to do and then I stumbled upon this letter that I had written to my girlfriend a few years ago explaining where I was in life and what she meant to me and what I was hoping to accomplish. And the very first line of that letter ended up being the first line of the song. And when I put that down, it just sparked all these intense childhood memories. The song ended up being my own little movie with words.

Touching, isn’t it? For Tiersen’s sake, I hope Sage Francis realizes there’s more to his repertoire than the white-washed Audrey Tautou film with cute garden gnomes. Either way, should be interesting.

• Sage Francis: http://www.myspace.com/sagefrancis
• ANTI-: http://www.anti.com
• Epitaph: http://www.epitaph.com

By Liz Louche on Mar 26 2010

Like an electro groundhog taking note of his Clash-loving, neon shadow, the first spotting of M.I.A.’s name on a festival bill usually signals the approach of summer. And this year that special festival is the bicoastal HARD LA/HARD NYC extravaganza featuring Ms. Arulpragasam and friends Rye Rye, Sleigh Bells, Theophilus London, and many more. M.I.A. will be premiering material from her new album, slated for release this summer. Both all-ages HARD outings promise two outdoor stages. Plus the NYC edition features ferry rides included in the price of admission! Nothing says summer magic like FERRY RIDES.

07.17.10 - Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles State Historic Park
M.I.A., Theophilus London, Rye Rye,12th Planet, Ninjasonik, Nguzunguzu, The Gaslamp Killer, Destructo & more TBA

07.24.10 - New York, NY - South Island Field at Governors Island
M.I.A., Sleigh Bells, Theophilus London, Skream, Benga, Ninjasonik,12th Planet, Nguzunguzu, Borgore, Destructo & more TBA

• M.I.A.: http://www.miauk.com
• HARD Fest: http://www.hardfest.com