Paul Kerr – June 17, 2016 at 07:08PM
Tags:_AMERICANA
A documentary about the late, enigmatic Mark Linkous aka Sparklehorse will make its U.K debut at The Union Chapel, Islington on Friday the 25th of June. A cult and hugely influential figure in the alternative music scene, the critically acclaimed Linkous had a dramatic life that saw him battle with drug and alcohol addiction, paralysis, and debilitating mental illness that resulted in his eventual suicide. Sparklehorse’s music was heralded by his peers and critics; a mix of delicate pop, discordant punk and melodic odyssey. It has been described as “defiantly surrealist… with all manner of references to smiling babies, organ music, birds, and celestial bodies.” His collaborators included PJ Harvey, Tom Waits, The Flaming Lips, Danger Mouse, David Lynch, Thom Yorke (Radiohead), and Nina Persson (The Cardigans) to name but a few.
After Linkous’ suicide in 2010, U.K. based filmmakers Alex Crowton and Bobby Dass decided to create a film about Mark’s life and music, having previously worked with the singer to make a promo film. They invited Linkous’ friend and collaborator, Angela Faye Martin to invoke a narrative about the artist’s darkly powerful oeuvre and with an eye for the poignancy of his brief life of 47 years, they embarked on a portrayal of the life and work of a creative genius at odds with his world, the anti-creative forces Linkous metaphorically referred to as, ‘witches of white noise’.
The film features interviews with Linkous himself as well as; Jonathan Donahue & Grasshopper (Mercury Rev), Jason Lytle (Grandaddy), David Lowery (Camper Van Beethoven), Emily Haines (Metric), Adrian Utley (Portishead), John Parish (PJ Harvey), Matthew Wright, Ed Harcourt, Gemma Hayes and others. The Union Chapel showing will include a Q& A with writer & Co-Producer/ Directors (Alex Crowton & Bobby Dass) plus performances from Gemma Hayes, Adrian Utley, Happyness & Angela Faye Martin.
Currently this London premier is the only planned UK showing of the film although it is expected that further showings throughout the UK will be arranged. The producers have also mentioned plans for eventual DVD release. In the meantime, here are the trailers and a couple of clips from the film. you can get more information regarding the film from this website and tickets for the London showing can be got here.
—
Feed: http://ift.tt/1e0sXXN
Inoreader Page: http://ift.tt/1UTw3gU
Blog post: http://ift.tt/28LIX8d