Monday, July 30, 2007
Ingmar Bergman r.i.p. 1918-2007
Ingmar Bergman died today. He was a genius filmaker and artist. My favorite filmmaker for sure. We payed homage to Bergman when we named three of the titles on Kenotic after his film trilogy: "Through a Glass Darkly", "Winter Light" and "the Silence". We also included a piece of dialogue from the film, Winter Light in the song, "You May Emerge From This More Dead than Alive."
Do yourself a favor and check out some of his films. Some of my favorites are:
the Seventh Seal
Winter Light
Wild Strawberries
the Virgin Spring
Fanny and Alexander
...just to name a few...
peace,
Marc
Posted By Hammock Music at 7:07 AM
Thursday, July 05, 2007
First Live Performance!
Hello, friends. Andrew and I will be performing for the first time ever on August 3. The way this came together is a very long story, but we'll be performing at a private after party in the presence of two of our artistic heroes, Jon Thor Birgisson (lead singer and guitarist of Sigur Ros) and Alex Somers (graphic designer and member of the band Parachutes). Yeah...no pressure, right? For any of you interested in how this came about, I'll try to keep it short.
Jonsi and Alex's art collaboration is called Riceboy Sleeps. We absolutely love their work and I just sent an email to them one day saying how much I liked what they're doing, never expecting to hear back. Jonsi went to the Hammock MySpace site and sent us this note:
Hey .. .
I listened to your songs on myspace .. twice .. . and they sound so good .. ..
You know the secret .. . good soundscapes and good melodies .. . .
best thing i have heard on myspace .. . .
hugs jonsi
We've been told since that it was the first time he's ever sent anything like this outside of Sigur Ros's immediate circle of friends, which blows us away.
About this time, Josh Varnedore's Gallery 801 in Hot Springs, Arkansas was chosen to be the site of Riceboy Sleeps's first-ever exhibition outside of Iceland, and our good friend Chuck Dodson (thanks, Chuck) mentioned to Josh that Hammock might be a good fit to perform at the exhibition after party. They talked it over with Riceboy Sleeps, and when Josh expressed to us how much Jonsi and Alex wanted us to do it, we knew we couldn't pass this opportunity up. We'll be performing for the first-time ever on August 3 at Chuck Dodson's gallery, The Gallery@404B, which is hosting the Riceboy Sleeps after party.
We're sorry that this first performance is going to be at a private event...that part was out of our control (if you're a member of the press, the gallery might be holding some passes back for you). But this opportunity, and preparing for it, has really opened us up to the idea of performing this music live on a regular basis. For the Riceboy Sleeps show, it will be just the two of us on guitars doing kind of a sound installation, but for the future, we're envisioning performing with a full version of Hammock. Hope you can be with us then.
As always, thank you for listening.
Peace,
Hammock
Posted By Hammock Music at 10:29 AM
10 Comments:
-
Brent said...
- Beautiful, guys! I'm very happy for you!
- aquaraven said...
- That is SOOO awesome! I've known about Riceboy Sleeps since its beginning, and adore Sigur Rós and all its related bands (Album Leaf, Amiina, Riceboy Sleeps, Parachutes) so I have to say I'm quite jealous of you guys!
Good luck with everything. And I'm not exaggerating when I wish that every person on this earth could hear your music. - THE James Boyd said...
- Congratulations! That's awesome how that came about. Very excited for Hammock, and very exciting news for Hammock fans. I can't even begin to imagine how you guys can pull off the sonic landscape in a live setting with only two of you! But if anyone's capable of it, it's you guys. Best of luck during rehearsals and the gig...if you have a spare minute, can you tell us about the ambient record (aka The Sleepover Series Vol. 2?)! Thanks for keeping us all in the loop. You guys are the best.
-
Nicky Nature said...
- That is one of the greatest things I have heard in a while. Most artists fantasize about meeting their heros. Enjoy it to its fullest my friends.
- said...
- That sounds great !!
You must come to JAPAN in the future !!! all the best ;) - said...
- Wonderful news guys! I hope it goes well. I'd love to have you guys play at my wedding.
- said...
- WOW! Psyched for you guys. If the show were closer, I'd be there.
Speaking of great shows, I caught Thievery Corporation a month ago. I would highly recommend it to anyone reading this blog. (easily Top 10 shows of all time) - said...
- how was the show?? (brent...stuck in Canada)
- said...
- Pretty insane. While the show centered on the DJ/production duo, they were accompanied by percussion, guitars, sitars, horns, & strings mixed with various vocal styles (from samba to hiphop)
- matt said...
- did anyone get a video of the live performance??
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Thank God!
The Verve are back together! One of my all time favorite bands... According to their site they've been recording new material with the original lineup. They'll be playing some shows in November. Hopefully, they can keep it together and see it through!
We've also got some exciting hammock news to tell you. We'll keep you posted.
lost in space,
Marc
Posted By Hammock Music at 10:07 AM
10 Comments:
- aquaraven said...
- That's awesome! "Bittersweet Symphony" has long been one of my favorite songs.
Can't wait to hear what Hammock has been up to!! - said...
- I'm trying not to let myself get too excited theirs been alot of reunions happening lately and alot of them end up being purely for money and the artists end up not doing anything good.
Hopefully the Verve will break this mold. I would love to see them go back to a sound they had in their early album's.
Cant wait for the Hammock news Marc!! - said...
- LOVE the Verve....and I'm looking forward to hearing new stuff from them....
and I'm excited to hear news from Hammock, too! Take care, guys! (Brent Diaz) - Hunter said...
- Wow, the live performance opportunities sound really cool! When y'all start doing more of them, make sure to hit around Charlottesville, VA, or at least D.C. ;)
- Hunter - said...
- Marc, any chance the performance will be recorded?
- Brent said...
- Live performances? Marc..got some news to share? I mean, okay I won't play dumb, I knew there was something in the works, but let's have some solid news here...where and when? If it's within relatively reasonable driving distance to Toronto, I am so there :). Take care, guys...
- Hammock Music said...
- Eric,
We probably won't be recording this performance, however since we're primarily performing new material specifically for this event you'll probably hear this material on future hammock recordings! - Hammock Music said...
- Brent
Is Arkansas too far??
-marc - Brent said...
- News about new Hammock material is always good news, whether or not I get to hear it soon or a little ways in the future. AR is a good 18 hours away....hmmm.....maybe if I visited my KY friend on the way? Ha-ha...guess I better decide soon.
- said...
- I'm w Diaz. Their earlier stuff (Storm in Heaven, No Come Down) is more appealling/experimental than Northern Soul/Urban Hymns.
Saw 'em live in '95 (at the old 930 Club) & was blown away by McCabe's guitar work.
1. Maybe They Will
Sing For Us Tomorrow
or iTunes
1. Raising Your Voice...
Trying to Stop an Echo
Trying to Stop an Echo
or iTunes
2. The Sleep Over Series Volume 1
The Sleepover Series Vol. 1 is a record of beatless, ambient, atmospheric soundscapes. It's called Sleepover because it is extremely dreamy and contemplative, consisting mostly of ambient guitar with a few keyboards thrown in. Hammock has one track on the record, but the rest was written, recorded and performed by Marc Byrd.
NEW $10.00
Purchase Now<<
The Sleepover Series Vol. 1 is a record of beatless, ambient, atmospheric soundscapes. It's called Sleepover because it is extremely dreamy and contemplative, consisting mostly of ambient guitar with a few keyboards thrown in. Hammock has one track on the record, but the rest was written, recorded and performed by Marc Byrd.
NEW $10.00
Purchase Now<<
3. Stranded Under Endless Sky: EP
Only $4.99
or iTunes
4. Kenotic - Debut
Only $9.99
or iTunes
>>TWO ALBUMS FOR One PRICE
Purchase Stranded Under Endless Sky and Kenotic together for only $12.00
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>>OTHER SPECIALSPurchase Now<<
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Story Site Is Up, With Music Clips...
Album Available at Darla, New Songs, New Story Sit...
Echoes, artwork, release date, etc...
More info, live shows, new record, etc...
new record
News pt. 1...
exciting news...
exciting news...
Madeleine L'Engle R.I.P.
A couple of new videos: Raising Your Voice....Try...
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>>Reviews
Chosen by Echoes listeners as a Top 25 release of 2006, named by Echoes as Top 25 Essential CD of 2006, and Echoes CD of the Month for January, 2007
Pick of the week for Filter Magazine and cited as a Top 10 release for 2006
"Raising Your Voice... Trying to Stop an Echo" is a massive artistic statement. A Gravity¹s Rainbow of ambient chamber rock, it defies the iTunization of the world. You want to hear the whole thing, slipping it on, cranking up the volume and riding it into an infinite sunset. A dream guitar masterpiece" --John Diliberto, Host, Echoes
Named #2 in Silent Ballet's Top 50 Instrumental Releases of 2006. "Hammock follows up its debut album with another collection of utterly indescribable and magnificent songs...This is music that seeps deeply into the pores and goes straight for the heart...Brilliant only begins to scratch the surface..." --The Silent Ballet
9/10. This longing, melodic, melancholic, and thoughtful texture that seems to tug at one¹s heartstrings from start to finishÅ It¹s the type of music that hits you in the gut immediately, Nothing about this album is less than Grade A+ material. It's an album that forces one to reflect on both the highs and lows in one¹s life.² ÂPop Matters
Throughout the eighteen tracks there is a glorious stillness to be found, even when the drums turn the album into a shoegazing masterpiece, the guitars throwing lazy shapes (and the occasional shadow) across the tunes Opening track 'I Can Almost See You' is as beautiful as anything you have heard this year, an album that is best appreciated when heard in its entirety, although it can be neatly summarised by listening to 'Floating Away In Every Direction', the title speaks volumes and the music perfectly matches the sentiments, but don¹t take my word for it, go and get your own copy and be transported. ÂSimon Lewis, Terrascope
Waves of glimmering Cocteau Twins-like guitar traverse over barren landscapes, twinkling like nearby constellations. It is at once distant and extremely joyous, a life affirming, yet somehow Zen-like expression of mood and of depthÅ It's a lot to take in, and each minute is profoundly emotive and heartbreaking. Hammock may require patience, but those who possess it will be rewarded in spades.² ÂJeff Terich, Treble Magazine
Hammock's brand of musical expression is honest, patient, meticulous and acknowledging of the warm-blooded nature of its listeners. It stirs the soul like little other music that's out there in this day in age.² ÂLuke Daniel Rush, Sound the Sirens
"The Hammock sound is unique; harsh yet beautiful, and curiously satisfying while still leaving one wanting more. Raising Your Voice is a work of genius by a duo who are pathfinders in guitar based drone ambience. It's essential listening for anyone interested in ambient music." --Dene Bebbington, Melliflua
"Hammock's sad, epic music bathes the listener in multi-tracked electric guitars swimming in a sea of reverb and gentle distortion, sometimes alone, sometimes with piano, cello and/or a steady rock backbeat. It's a somber, fuzzy sound but crucially a melodic one too, with an appeal to both electronic ambient and indie rock listeners." --Ambient Music Guide
"Just when you thought this amazing band could not attain the splendid heights of their previous efforts, they go ahead and release a jaw dropping disc of pure sonic BLISS at the end of 2006! Not since the golden days of Brian Eno has an artist created devastatingly beautiful atmospheres that transport you in a dreamlike state beyond the stars..." --Dark Symphonies "5/5. Gorgeous. Stunning. Sublime! Deserves no distractions or interuptions from barking dogs, people talking and general noise pollution. A candidate for best ethereal rock record of the year." --Kenyon Hopkin, Advance Copy
Pick of the week for Filter Magazine and cited as a Top 10 release for 2006
"Raising Your Voice... Trying to Stop an Echo" is a massive artistic statement. A Gravity¹s Rainbow of ambient chamber rock, it defies the iTunization of the world. You want to hear the whole thing, slipping it on, cranking up the volume and riding it into an infinite sunset. A dream guitar masterpiece" --John Diliberto, Host, Echoes
Named #2 in Silent Ballet's Top 50 Instrumental Releases of 2006. "Hammock follows up its debut album with another collection of utterly indescribable and magnificent songs...This is music that seeps deeply into the pores and goes straight for the heart...Brilliant only begins to scratch the surface..." --The Silent Ballet
9/10. This longing, melodic, melancholic, and thoughtful texture that seems to tug at one¹s heartstrings from start to finishÅ It¹s the type of music that hits you in the gut immediately, Nothing about this album is less than Grade A+ material. It's an album that forces one to reflect on both the highs and lows in one¹s life.² ÂPop Matters
Throughout the eighteen tracks there is a glorious stillness to be found, even when the drums turn the album into a shoegazing masterpiece, the guitars throwing lazy shapes (and the occasional shadow) across the tunes Opening track 'I Can Almost See You' is as beautiful as anything you have heard this year, an album that is best appreciated when heard in its entirety, although it can be neatly summarised by listening to 'Floating Away In Every Direction', the title speaks volumes and the music perfectly matches the sentiments, but don¹t take my word for it, go and get your own copy and be transported. ÂSimon Lewis, Terrascope
Waves of glimmering Cocteau Twins-like guitar traverse over barren landscapes, twinkling like nearby constellations. It is at once distant and extremely joyous, a life affirming, yet somehow Zen-like expression of mood and of depthÅ It's a lot to take in, and each minute is profoundly emotive and heartbreaking. Hammock may require patience, but those who possess it will be rewarded in spades.² ÂJeff Terich, Treble Magazine
Hammock's brand of musical expression is honest, patient, meticulous and acknowledging of the warm-blooded nature of its listeners. It stirs the soul like little other music that's out there in this day in age.² ÂLuke Daniel Rush, Sound the Sirens
"The Hammock sound is unique; harsh yet beautiful, and curiously satisfying while still leaving one wanting more. Raising Your Voice is a work of genius by a duo who are pathfinders in guitar based drone ambience. It's essential listening for anyone interested in ambient music." --Dene Bebbington, Melliflua
"Hammock's sad, epic music bathes the listener in multi-tracked electric guitars swimming in a sea of reverb and gentle distortion, sometimes alone, sometimes with piano, cello and/or a steady rock backbeat. It's a somber, fuzzy sound but crucially a melodic one too, with an appeal to both electronic ambient and indie rock listeners." --Ambient Music Guide
"Just when you thought this amazing band could not attain the splendid heights of their previous efforts, they go ahead and release a jaw dropping disc of pure sonic BLISS at the end of 2006! Not since the golden days of Brian Eno has an artist created devastatingly beautiful atmospheres that transport you in a dreamlike state beyond the stars..." --Dark Symphonies "5/5. Gorgeous. Stunning. Sublime! Deserves no distractions or interuptions from barking dogs, people talking and general noise pollution. A candidate for best ethereal rock record of the year." --Kenyon Hopkin, Advance Copy
:(
May he rest in peace.
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