With the idea of being signed to a label becoming more about access to distribution and marketing and less a necessary step in fame, it's nice to see artists like Daniel Johnston and his family doing fine ‘n’ dandy by essentially self-releasing tunes on his own label, Eternal Yip Eye Music. With the exception of Fun, his only release on (possibly evil) major label Atlantic, Johnston had by the end of 2007 reacquired the masters for all of his music, including those released on Gammon, Shimmy Disc, and Trikont. Could this mean a reissue of 1990 or even Don't Be Scared (TMT Review) on vinyl? MAYBE!
Johnston plans to add even more to his already hefty discography -- not just in the coming months, but in the coming years. Dude's got foresight, that's for sure. Having recently reissued Hi, How Are You and Yip/Jump Music on vinyl, Johnston will finally release Lost and Found February in the U.S. (it was previously only available in the UK). According to Johnston's publicist, there are also "several completed albums which will be released over the next few years," including one major work in which Johnston will collaborate with "several major producers and artists." Originally intended for release this year, the new album is now slated for release early 2009.
Meanwhile, Daniel Johnston is set to hit the road in February, presumably in time for the U.S. release of Lost and Found. Live appearances are never wholly predictable for Johnston, so you should take advantage (TMT Live Review)! You can bet your sweet smellhole I'll be at one of these shows.
Go to Johnston's official site or the Rejected Unknown fansite for more information.
