The National have always been open in interviews about the fact that friction between members of the band was an undeniable part of the recording process for both of their past two albums, Boxer and, their latest, High Violet . Speaking to ABC News' Dan Harris, however, it's fascinating to watch Aaron and Bryce Dessner describe the process on video, as you can truly see how their intense passion for the music is the impetus for their embracing of frustrating muiscal negotiations with singer Matt Berninger. "I'm not afraid to [...]

Sufjan Stevens, Matt Berninger, Aaron Dessner, and Shara Worden joined Clogs (as well as the rest of an epic lineup ) at this year's Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee last month, but the Soof wasn't only in town to offer up his banjo and vocal skills. Stevens also debuted Destroy Those Irritating Memories , his abstract new short film, which, according to All Good Naysayers , features distorted stills from old television shows his step-father gave him as a child. Though the below audience footage of the film doesn't offer an ideal [...]

Clogs, the instrumental outfit featuring guitarist Bryce Dessner (of The National), bassoonist Rachael Elliott, percussionist Thomas Kozumplik, and violist Padma Newsome have announced the March 2nd release of their fifth studio album, titled The Creatures in the Garden of Lady Walton . But here's where it gets really cool: Newsome composed the 10-track effort with extensive vocal work from Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond. What's more, National bandmates Aaron Dessner and Matt Berninger, the legendary Sufjan Stevens, and the Osso String Quartet all lent their talents for guest contributions. Talk about friends with benefits. [...]

Άλλη μια ενδιαφέρουσα συνεργασία εικαστικών με μουσικούς. Αυτή τη φορά ο εικαστικός Matthew Ritchie συνεργάζεται με τους μουσικούς Bryce Dessner and Aaron Dessner για το project The Long Count . Εκτός από τη δωδεκαμελή ορχήστρα συμμετέχουν οι τραγουδιστές Matt Berninger (The National), Kim and Kelley Deal (The Breeders, The Pixies), Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond). Φυσικά οι της μουσικής μιλάνε για το νέο των National, οι των εικαστικών μιλάνε για το νέο Ritchie. Ωστόσο δεν είναι η πρώτη φορά που ο Ritchie συμπράτει με μουσικούς. Συνεργασία με τον Dessner υπήρχε και στο [...]
Wallpaper (featuring Jacob Safari & Kid Static) - "Pool Party" ; It may have been a drab and gray summer for the most part, but that didn't stop Wallpaper from doing their best to get the party started. They provided the remix of "The Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell" that got everyone hooked and on this tune they create the coolest vibe ever to get down at a pool party! This is how I'll remember summer 2009, even if that's being a bit delusional! Grade : B+ [...]

[ via ] Was feeling a bit down tonight and looking for some appropriate music. The blogosphere obliged. Thank you, internet! MP3: Aaron Dessner - We Were Born [ via ] MP3: Dawes - When My Time Comes [ via ] MP3: Luxury Pond - I Don't Believe You [ via ]

Imaginary City by So Percussion Subscription tickets for the 2009 BAM Next Wave Festival (which includes The Long Count and Imaginary City among other offerings) go on presale for Friends of BAM and subscribers (2008 Next Wave Festival and 2009 Spring Season) on Monday, June 15 (today). Public Next Wave Festival subscriptions go sale Monday, June 22 . Also, tickets for the BAM Special Winter Presentation of a A Streetcar Named [...]

"The Long Count" at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House (Oct 28 - 31) The always eclectic BAM Next Wave Festival revealed its 2009 schedule today and while there are no huge indie rock concerts at the Opera House this time, there is still plenty of interesting stuff happening this year, including pieces by Meredith Monk , DJ Spooky , Sō Percussion , and a world premiere of " The Long Count " by Bryce Dessner, Aaron Dessner , and Matthew Ritchie featuring [...]

Dark Was The Night is the upcoming stunning new double CD set from the Red Hot Organization and 4AD . Honestly, and I never say this about compilations, let alone double records, but this thing could well be my favorite album of the year. Dark Was The Night was masterfully produced (and I'm not just saying that, this thing really is a producer's tour de force) by brothers Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National , and it includes contributions from the following impressive roster of artists: [...]

The Decemberists , Grizzly Bear , Feist , Spoon , and Arcade Fire are only a few of the artists featured on the forthcoming ' Dark Was the Night '. The double-disc album, due out February 17, is a benefit compilation album whose proceeds will benefit the Red Hot organization's work with AIDS research. The benefit album, which features a slew of collaborations including Feist and Grizzly Bear , was curated by the National 's Aaron and Bryce Dessner . [...]
A specially recorded compilation with a ridiculously good indie cast entitled Dark is The Night produced by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National will be released on 4AD on the February 16th (Worldwide) and 17th (North America) 2009. A total of thirty-two exclusive tracks have been recorded for the compilation, which will be available as a double cd, triple vinyl and download album, with profits benefitting the Red Hot Organization - an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS. Red Hot was founded on the premise that even [...]