Happy President’s Day! It was a very busy weekend with the opening of the 16th Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. We volunteered four box office shifts at the Wilma and MCT, attended the parties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and still managed to squeeze in a block of four documentary shorts and two features. One of the shorts, After the Fire, won last year’s Pitch Day competition, and we can’t wait to see what gets pitched this year on Thursday.
At Friday night’s party at the Elks Lodge, we met director James Martin and his wife Jen West, as well as cinematographer Bud Simpson and Eva. They were involved in the short film Being with Elephants which screened Saturday afternoon and will screen again on Thursday at 4 p.m. at MCT. They were amazing company and we managed to run into each other several times over the weekend. We only wish we could see their film, but our schedule doesn’t permit that,
At Saturday night’s party at the Missoula Art Museum, we met Jonathan Sutak, the director of Dons of Disco. Before the Mili Vanilli lip-syncing scandal, there was Den Harrow, an Italo Disco artist who sold 20 million records without singing a word. This brilliant movie told the story of the plan by American singer-songwriter Tom Hooker and Italian producer Miki Chieregato to have a male model become the face of their music. It was a compelling story about the music industry and left us wanting to know even more about this fascinating tale, and the dispute that developed between Hooker and Harrow. We highly recommend this film.
Last night we attended Industrial Accident: The Story of Wax Trax! Records. This was the story of a small record store in Chicago that accidentally created a whole new genre of music and launched the careers of acts such as Ministry, Front 242, REVCO, My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult and inspired others like Nine Inch Nails. It was a remarkable story directed by Julia Nash, the daughter of Jim Nash, who together with his partner Dannie Flesher, created this alternate reality for people whose musical tastes were far from the mainstream. We also highly recommend this film.
Today we are volunteering at the box office at the Elks Lodge before heading off to work, followed by tonight’s party at the Dana Gallery.
NEW SINGLES
Our first single comes from our dear PR friend, Doug Deutsch Publicity Services. It is the latest from LA Music Critic Award winner for best EDM/Dance artist/band TNEO, and we really dig the groove of “Circles Around You.” This one will definitely get you up and dancing on this Monday morning.
Next up is the latest from the amazing Alyssa Jacey. She has recently married the love of her life, Jutt Huffman, and the resulting new music is full of hope and love. Check out “Our Love” and share it with those you care for.
Our third single comes from the band Crystal Tides, and is an upbeat alt pop song called “Backbiting.” We love their groove and think this song has some serious legs. Check it out.
Next up is the latest from Grammy-winning artist Aqualung. “Complicated” is the second single from his new album Additional Futures. We think it’s one of his best ever and can’ wait to review the entire album soon.
Our final single this week is a rare treat. This one is a country tune from William Shatner (yes, Captain Kirk) and Jeff Cook of the incredible country band Alabama, which also features country legend Neal McCoy and acapella group Home Free). We are shocked at how good it is. Here’s “Why Not Me.”
NEW MUSIC VIDEOS
Our first music video has the incredible guitarist/vocalist Jess McAvoy serenading the streets and subways of New York City with her truly inspirational song, “Do What you Want.” We love it.
Next up is the latest from The Stoneface, an amazing band out of Belarus. We love the rocking sound of “That Summer” and think you will too.
Video number three comes from Swedish alt pop artist Augustine. We love the sound of his latest, “Luzon,” and think he has a great career ahead. His sound is perfect for American radio, and the cinematography in the video is outstanding. Check it out and see.
Our next video is from New Orleans-based Berlin Taxi and has a definite 80s new wave vibe. We love “Last Night” and think you will too.
Our final music video today is “Shacked up Sweetie,” a rousing country tune from Canadian Francine Honey. This one will get your boots on the dance floor. Enjoy!