We're very excited to announce that Brooklyn based indie-rockers The National will be taking over Qthemusic.com this week coinciding with the release of their much anticipated new album High Violet.
Riding high on the crest of a wave built over four previous records (and two EP's), the quintet release their new creation today in the UK on 4AD records, seeking to top the slow-burn critical praise they received for Alligator in 2005 and almost unanimously positive verdict for 2007's Boxer.
So what can you expect to mark the occasion? Well some of the following at least... over the week we'll have an interview with Matt Berninger and Aaron Dessner where we discuss the early days, the band formation and their first gigs; Their songwriting process, Matt's approach to lyrics and the making of High Violet, including the guest contributions from Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, Richard Reed Perry et al.
We'll also ask the band to tell us some their musical influences and current listening habits, and for a group that is often described as literary we'll also get them to pick some of their recommended reads - plus we'll have an exclusive competition for signed goodies, including vinyl and set lists. If that wasn't enough, we'll also have photos from their recent landmark Royal Albert Hall show (and the Electric Ballroom "rehearsal").
That's not all though, you can get involved by telling us your favourite The National composition and we'll compile the results into a Spotify mixtape, a sort of "introduction to The National" - hopefully with an appropriately more evocative loaded-with-imagery title than that. Failing that we'll just ask the band to "Say something perfect, something we can steal"...
It's sure to be an interesting week we hope you'll enjoy as much as the new record - a full review of which you'll find as lead review in the current issue of Q Magazine with Paul McCartney on the cover. In the next one (Q288 - Out May 25), you'll also find an interview and feature with the band aswell.
The National guest edit Qthemusic.com
Andy Thomson
Qthemusic.com
Monday:
- Track of the Day: The National - Afraid of Everyone
Q Editor Paul Rees, gives his take on it, plus Aaron Dessner from the band describes how Sufjan Steven's contribution cements the track for him.
- The National election: Submit your favourite tracks for an introductory playlist.
(announced Friday!).
Tuesday:
- High Violet Interview part 1 - Matt Berninger and Aaron Dessner discuss the early days
Wednesday:
- Two sets of headphones - The National's Musical Roots and Influences.
Thursday:
- The National Gallery - Photos from the landmark Royal Albert Hall gig (and the Electric Ballroom "rehearsal").
Friday:
- The National's Library - A recommended reading list.
9:00 AM | 15/05/2010
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slow and steady..
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