Photo by Steven Walter – www.waltphoto.com
I’ve always been fascinated by the way bands and artists choose to record their work. As an artist who works with film, recording performances and moments to edit and screen later, I’ve spent a great deal of time considering the consequences of choosing to present recorded images over live ones. Which is also probably why I am also drawn to performance art and video installations.
What happens to the music (or image) when it becomes a recording of a live moment? How does hearing (or seeing) the same performance on loop effect our perception of the art itself?
These are some of the thoughts that come to mind as I read about Trampled By Turtles‘ newest album Stars and Satellites. The band are known for their energetic live performances and have spent years honing their craft and trying to create the same energy from their live performances in their album recordings.
The band formed out of several rock groups in 2003 in Duluth, Minnesota. Inspired by traditional folk music, Trampled By Turtles spent several years playing covers and writing original music based on the themes and styles of folk and bluegrass. After several years on the road the group discovered their passion for energetic live performances and cultivated their dedicated fan base. It was the connection and live energy from these performances that inspired the group to go into the studio for their 4th release, Duluth, with a new agenda. While partially successful in conveying the right energy in the Duluth recordings, Trampled By Turtles went into recording their 5th album, Palomino, with even more ambition, recording in several studios and spaces, as if touring.
The band achieved a new sound with their most recent release, 2012′s Stars and Satellites. Straying from their intentions of making a recorded live performance, the group set out to make an album that “breathes…to feel and sound warm and more like one piece of work than several pieces put together.” Stepping out of their comfort zone, the new album showcases “great emotional depths and introduces their most intricately written songs yet.”
Trampled By Turtles recently made their television debut on Letterman. Check out the performance here: Trampled By Turtles – \”Alone\” on Letterman
With years of intense touring, nothing but praise for their new album and 2012 plans of playing all the hit summer festivals, Trampled By Turtles are on the top of their game. Come check out one of their much-praised live performances with fiddles and all when they play the Crystal Ballroom on May 22nd. Tickets available for just $20 through Cascade Tickets.
