Film School Get Commercial, Unveil Remixes

So XBox is promoting a new toy, Kinect, for the holidays.  Kinect – an electronic device that allows you to control games, movies, and music using the “natural magic” of your body – has recently gained attention through its commercial campaigns, most of which feature families and friends “playing sports” in the comfort of their well-decorated homes, and a few cut scenes of people doing the same activities outside, except for real and exposed to harmful elements such as UV rays, greenhouse gases, child predators, etc. 

Apparently, $150, a high-speed internet connection, and an XBox Live Gold membership are all you need to avoid the shame of engaging in a healthy, active lifestyle and the risk of injury.  Why go outside and kick a ball around?  That’s for poor people…

At any rate, Film School have decided to lend their own ”natural magic” to soundtrack one such commercial.  The song, “Distant Life”, appears on Fission, which Hi-Speed Soul released in August of this year.  If the concept of foregoing outdoor activities in lieu of playing video games aggravates you, just close your eyes and listen to the music.  I wonder if L.A.-based Film School got sweet coin for selling the rights, or if XBox paid out in Microsoft points. 

Writing catchy tunes comes with other great perks aside from RTF exposure, like remixes by accredited remixologists.  More than one, if you’re lucky.  Former FS guitarist, Nyles Lannon, does a pretty cool job on “Waited”, though I’m not usually one for remixes.  Check out both tracks below:

“Waited” – Nyles Lannon remix
“Heart Full of Pentagons” – Cereal Spiller remix

Film School Take On The Parish

My experiences with Film School’s live performances haven’t always been positively memorable.  There was the first year I “saw” them at SXSW in 2003, which was more of an hour-long drive for buttons, an EP, and friendly chit-chat with Jason Ruck and Ben Montesano as the band loaded up their gear after I watched only the last few minutes of their set through a window.  The second time I saw them, which was in support of Hideout at Emo’s in 2007, was marred by too many rum and Cokes, and embarrassing drunken conversation with the band in which I may have admitted a crush on Lorelei Plotczyk.  I was hoping this time would be different.  After last night’s show at The Parish, one of Austin’s better venues, I was almost convinced that it was different, but something bugged me all the same.    

photo credit: Phillip Sada

Despite Fission‘s heavily synth-infused sound, the band pulled it off organically live.  Ruck calmly managed keyboard responsibilities with one hand and laptop adjustments with the other as his bandmates moved energetically to the sounds of their new material.  Each member, decorated in a conceptual display of colored lights representing Fission‘s album art,  leaned into the music and filled the rich folds of The Parish’s acoustics with the complete warmth and depth of the new album.    

After the set’s opener “Still Might” (one of the album’s more even-tempered songs) drifted to an end, it was clear that Film School wanted to establish Fission‘s angsty pop feel as they burned through songs like “Heart Full of Pentagons“, “When I’m Yours”, and “Distant Life.” Unfortunately, and due to no discredit of theirs, the crowd seemed unresponsive to their new shift.  Were these people at the same show as I? Were they hearing the same songs?    

While Film School’s new album is a bright beacon distinguishing itself from their earlier work, it’s nothing to thumb your nose at, and marks a mature progression toward their evolution as a group.  I mean, how long do you really want to hear your favorite bands play the same old shit?  Though the crowd seemed most energetic when shouting “play old school Film School”, the new school Film School raged on.  Plotzcyk showcased her prominent vocal presence on the new material, bouncing lyrics off of Bertens’ with a voice full of breath and sunlight.  Their lyrical interplay resulted in an endearing charm that was exciting to watch as they, full of smiles, engaged in musical conversation with one another.  And when Bertens strummed the intro to “Sunny Day“, it was only his shimmering guitar that could match the quivering beauty of her voice.    

photo credit: Phillip Sada

On they played, tearing through the new album’s majority, stopping only to question the audience’s liveliness and to blame a few small hiccups on “too many Lone Stars”.  At last (at least as far as some audience members were concerned), they endulged in a little “old school Film School.”  I expect a band to play their new stuff when touring in support of a new album, but I must admit a certain penchant for hearing some of the old songs that forged their career.  Let’s just say I was not at all disappointed when they unveiled “Compare”, easily my favorite track on Hideout.  They further appeased the indignant crowd by playing “Two Kinds” and “Lectric” (which was shouted out as a request several times by a drunken reveler whose favorite past time, aside from bothering Bertens pre-performance, was bumping into everyone within a 10-foot radius).    

When they ended with “Meet Around 10″, I was fearful the band’s disillusionment with the crowd would result in the lack of an encore, but they responded rather quickly, going “against the English” by performing not one, but two additional songs (the last of which was “Breet” from their 2006 self-titled LP).    

photo credit: Phillip Sada

Personally, I could’ve done without the lackluster crowd, but Film School is never disappointing as a live act.  They’re one of those bands for whose concerts you can pay the nominal ticket fee and confidently expect a tight performance.  Last night’s show was an absolute manifestation of the swells and lulls for which fans have adored Film School albums, and despite Fission‘s different sound, its content is the glorious sum of their foundational elements: layered guitar tonality; heavy bass riffs; tight drumming; and atmospheric keys/samples; plus, the addition of a rhythmic dance frenzy that will at least have your shoulders shaking if not your hips swaying.

Back to School

Film School‘s latest LP, Fission, drops today and marks the 4th full-length for the prolific Pacific pop-rockers.  Recently picked up by Hi-Speed Soul, the album, which knocks down FS’ former wall-of-sound in exchange for the bright, open expanses of dreampop, showcases not only a new sonic shift for the quartet, but is the impetus for their North American tour this fall.  And true to FS tours of the past, they will return to ATX.

You can purchase Fission online and at your favorite indie record retailer.  Speaking of records, the LP is also available in limited edition clear vinyl format, which includes a coupon for the free digital download and a Film School poster to hang on the wall next to all your Teen Beat covers.  Grand!  But Film School ain’t stoppin’ there…

They are steaming full-tilt toward their fall tour with choice fan interaction like never before.  Until September 8, FS is offering the unique opportunity for fans and designers to create their upcoming tour merchandise.  Yep, Film School is enlisting you and your so-called artistic talents to submit animal artwork inspired by the striped theme of Fission‘s cover art.  The top 3 designs, voted on by fans, will be slapped on the merchandise that will accompany Film School as they make their way on a month-long 20-date tour beginning in San Diego (read full contest details here). Call it a lazy method of generating merch, we call it a cool way to save little dog and cat buddies who have reached the ends of their temporal leashes in public shelters (10% of all merchandise proceeds will be donated to Tony LaRussa’s ARF).

So have a heart.  Sample Fission‘s opening track, ”Heart Full of Pentagons“, and check out Film School’s tour schedule below:

09.19 – San Diego, CA – The Casbah*
09.20 – Tucson, AZ – Plush
09.22 – Dallas, TX – The Nightmare**
09.23 – Austin, TX – The Parish** #
09.24 – Baton Rouge, LA – Spanish Moon
09.25 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
09.27 – Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506

with The Depreciation Guild
09.28 – Washington, DC – DC9 
09.29 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s 
09.30 – Brooklyn, NY – Glasslands $
10.01 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge 
10.02 – Cambridge, MA – TT The Bears 
10.03 – Montreal, QC, Canada – Pop Montreal at Casa Del Popolo 
10.04 – Toronto, ON, Canada – El Mocambo 
10. 06 – St Louis, MO – Firebird 
10.07 – Newport, KY – Southgate House @
10.08 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern 
10.09 – Milwaukee, WI – The Cactus Club 
10.10 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry 
10.11 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room
10.12 – Denver, CO – Hi Dive 
10.13 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge 
10.15 – Seattle, WA – Sunset Tavern 
10.16 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios

with Love Like Fire
10.19 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
10.20 – Santa Cruz – The Crepe Place
10.21 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo

* performing with Dream Tiger
** performing with TV Torso
# performing with Monahans
$ performing with Home Video
@ performing with The Harlequins

Hi-Speed Picks Up Film School, Slows Down Release

The Summer of Film School will have to be temporarily postponed as the California band announced today via Facebook that Hi-Speed Soul Records will now release their upcoming LP, Fission. 

Hi-Speed Soul, whose artistic family consists of the venerable Adam Franklin, Swervedriver, and Creeper Lagoon, has warmly welcomed Film School as its newest member.  While it’s good news for the band who will now have a label backing their latest album – and a host to accept pre-orders of the CD and vinyl – it will push the album’s release date from July 20th back to August 31st.  Bad news for eager listeners. 

Here’s what Film School had to say this afternoon:

Big News – Film School is happy to announce that rather than self-releasing as originally planned, we’re now working with Hi-Speed Soul Records to release Fission.

HSS is a Southern California-based label that we respect and are practically family with at this point; home to Nada Surf, Adam Franklin, Swervedriver, and others. We’re excited about our shared DIY music ethic and the potential to bring more of our fans into the mix and be part of the release.

Working with the label means the album now won’t be available until August 31st. Sorry to keep you waiting longer, and thanks for your support and understanding – soon enough Fission will be out, and we’ll be in your city playing a show for you! We’ll be announcing those dates for our North American 2010 fall tour very soon. We can’t wait to see you out there.

Trust us when we say that the album is well worth the wait.  In the meantime, sample Fission‘s opening track “Heart Full of Pentagons” (inspired by a Facebook status update) here.  You’ve heard of love triangles… how about a love pentagon?

Film’s Cool

Greg Bertens - Film School

 

Summer in San Antonio is brutally oppressive.  You can hear how hot it is as the heat leans audibly against windows, which crackle as their construction swells with the oppressive breath of sun.  But the coolest thing we’ve done all summer is chat with Film School frontman, Greg Bertens.  We talked about FS’ musical shift, the upcoming album, and a potential tour.  Our conversation with this fuzz-warrior-turned-dream-popstar took our minds off the unbearable heat, and for a moment, there was a hint of Pacific breeze. 

*   *   * 

Thanks for taking the time to do this, I really appreciate it. 

Greg Bertens: Oh, no problem.  Thank you. 

Sure.  Let’s talk about Fission, the upcoming release you have due out at the end of July.  Its sound marks some noticeable differences for you guys as Film School.  So… 

GB: Mhmmm. 

How natural were those changes for you guys, and is it something you feel you’ve been striving toward? 

GB: Oh yeah, definitely.  I mean… you know, it’s interesting, actually.  The past couple years, there’s been a lot of changes, in general, I think, within the band, one of them being that we separated from Beggars and, I don’t know, I also had a moment where I was at an MBV (My Bloody Valentine) show.  It was funny.  They were playing and – I hadn’t seen them, I’d never seen them before – and it was the first time I saw them and I just like their music so much… and I think that there was this moment where, you know, I felt like they were playing well, and people were really enjoying it, but I realized that I was just kind of over sonic… big sonic rock. (laughter) 

Yeah? 

GB: Which is ironic because I went to that show to be inspired, you know? 

Right, yeah, that’s interesting. 

GB: Yeah, and I just I felt, like, they’re doing it well, but it’s not really moving me, and I think it’s time to move on, you know, in terms of music.  And so I think that at that point, it just kind of freed up a lot of  preconceived ways of approaching music that I’d had.  I think that’s probably what you’re hearing; you’re probably hearing a result of that. 

Well, that’s perfect.  You were inspired, anyways, just in the other direction. 

GB: Yeah, exactly, you know, not at all what I was expecting to have happen.  I think that there were a lot of people that enjoyed that show; I just kind of had the opposite reaction for some reason and moved on. 

So how long have you guys been kicking around the songs that are on this new album? 

GB: We’ve been working on them for about a year, a year and a half or so.  You know, there’s a variety of songs; like, 4 or so were written by Lorelei, one of them by Jason, our keyboardist, so there’s a lot of variety on it.  But I think basically within, yeah, about a year and a half time or so. 

And you’re going to release it on FFO. Was there anything in particular that attracted you all to that label coming off of Beggars? 

GB: Well, FFO is actually our own label. (laughter) 

(laughter) Oh, so you knew someone there?… 

GB: So it’s a self-release, but, you know, we’re actually in talks with other labels now, so I don’t know; we’re kind of discussing exactly what we…how we want to release this.  It’s still on the table. 

After your recent LP Hideout, you guys kind of went underground for a few years, so what were you up to during that time? 

GB: Well, let’s see…you know, it came out in 2007, but we were touring all the way through the end of 2008, so when we were done with that…I think our last show was in Norway (laughter), in Oslo, and when we got back, it was the end of November or mid-November or something, and we basically took 3 or 4 months off.  We did, like, three North American tours, and England, and Norway, and so we were pretty beat down, tired; but we kind of started writing around then, too. So for all of, basically, 2009, we were working on writing.  By the end of 2009, we were recording, and then mixing through 2009 into 2010, so, you know, I think that people think there’s a lot of time off, but, really, there wasn’t ‘cause we were out on the road for about a year and a half. 

Sure, right, I understand. 

GB: Yeah. 

Now you guys have seen some lineup changes, but you’ve released two strong LPs with the current lineup.  You guys are really confident and energetic onstage when you play live.  How proud are you of this lineup? 

GB: Oh yeah, it’s great, I mean… I really like all the members.  You know, it’s possible that we’re going to actually have a couple different people out on the road with us, we’re not really sure yet.  Being that we’re a band that lives in… a couple guys live in different cities. We’re based in L.A., but a couple guys live in different cities, so we’re not really sure exactly what the lineup is going to be on the road.  But, yeah, we all worked on this album [Fission] together. 

What was the motivation for Lorelei’s stronger presence vocally on Fission? 

GB: Well, for one, she wrote a bunch of great songs (laughter).  You know, I think also, I just… ever since Hideout when she came into the band, I just wanted more of a strong female presence and to me, it was just kind of a natural progression coming from Hideout that I thought that I’d like more of, so that’s kind of where we’re at. 

Let’s talk a little bit more about touring.  Do you have any details that you can share in regard to support of this album? 

GB: Not yet.  I wish there were.  You know, we’re planning a fall tour, we’re definitely going out.  It’ll probably be a North American tour, we haven’t really decided any dates yet or who we’re going out with or anything like that, but I know that we probably should be doing that very soon. 

As far as any other plans for the immediate future aside from possible tours and, of course, the release of this album, does Film School have anything else going on? 

GB: Well, let’s see… besides releasing the album and touring, I don’t know… what else is there? (laughter).  We have some videos coming up… 

You had a song off of Hideout on a TV show… 

GB: Oh yeah, 90210. 

Yeah, yeah, there you go.       

GB: Yeah, I mean, I’m sure there’ll be that kind of stuff, you know… things happen when you release the album.  I’m sure there’ll be some kind of, maybe, involvement with TV or film.  Hopefully.  If we’re lucky. 

That you know of, how’s the response you’ve been getting to Fission’s new sound so far?         

GB: Right.  Well, you know, it hasn’t really gone out yet to many people, but everyone seems to like it so far.  I mean, I hope that continues.  You never know because a lot of people you’re giving it to in the beginning are kind of just friends and stuff like that, and your friends just want you to be well, but people who don’t really know us that well that we’ve given it to – (people) that have no reason to pat us on the back – seem to like it, so you know I hope that just… 

It’s a good sign already. 

GB: Yeah, I hope it’s a good sign, yeah. 

One more question.  It may sound silly, but, you know… people who love your music, they have their favorite songs.  If you had to choose your favorite Film School song, what would you pick? 

GB: Oh, wow. Favorite Film School song… going back how far?  Pre-Beggars?  Can it go back pre-Beggars?   

Any song.        

GB: Well, let’s see… Beggars would probably be… I like “Sick of the Shame”, actually. 

Good choice!  (laughter)         

GB: Yeah, on the Beggars stuff.  There was a song, actually, that I was humming to myself the other day when I was in the car, and I realized it was off Brilliant Career from 2001.  (laughter)  Which is crazy, you know, I’m like, where did that song come from?  ‘Cause we haven’t… we’ve never played it live and, you know, it’s a song I haven’t listened to in, maybe, 8 years or something like that.  I’d hum it to you, but I can’t. 

It’s haunting you somehow… 

GB: Yeah, yeah.  God, I might have to get back to you with the name of the song.   That’s the thing, you know, I don’t even remember the names of my songs. 

Yes, I’m bad with song names. 

GB: Yeah, you know how people can’t remember the names of bands’ songs?  And I can’t even remember the names of some of our songs so… 

All right, no worries.        

GB: It was from a long time ago. 

Let’s just leave it at that, right?      

GB: Exactly. 

Listen, Greg, I appreciate all the time you’ve given me.  Those are all the questions I’ve got for you.  I received an advance copy of Fission.  I think it’s awesome, you guys are going in a great direction. 

GB: Aw, thanks, man.  That means a lot to me, thank you. 

Yeah, for sure.  I look forward to hearing some details on the tour dates so we can check y’all out. 

GB: That’s great.  Thanks so much, I appreciate it. 

*   *   * 

Snatch your copy of Fission in stores or online July 20th, and stay tuned to The Sound Mind for updates on Film School’s proposed fall tour.  Check out streaming audio of a track off the upcoming release here.

Gone “Fission”

Summer is upon us.  Warm days that beckon from beyond the windows of your job, that tear the joyous peals of laughter from children’s mouths, that pluck the minds from the distracted and send them daydreaming along soft edges of endless sun.

Summer is upon us.

It should come as no surprise that California, a coastal paradise long associated with surf and sun, would be the breeding grounds for the creativity and sounds featured on Film School’s new album, Fission, which arrives just in time for this glorious season.  The album, the fourth LP of their long and illustrious career, is appropriately titled for a 12-track amalgam that radiates such expressive energy and harvests itself along a collection of songs that embody the careless abandon of July afternoons.  From the opening bars of “Heart Full of Pentagons” to the cathartic end of “Find You Out,” Fission doesn’t shimmer with nuclear energy, but a new, clear energy that casts a clean glow that no previous LP the Bay Area band has produced can match.

Synth textures dominate and unite with the optimistic vibe of most of Fission’s songs to instantly lend the tracks to a dance floor romp: sampled drums blend with a live kit while guitars waver brilliantly across the aural horizon; bass riffs dictate the infectious tempo; and soothing vocals air out secrets of infidelity and romanticism. 

While Film School’s musical direction may have shifted on their upcoming release, much of what stapled their music to the poignant memories of your life remain: rich guitars, clever song structures, and songs packed with emotive lyrics.  Their departure from albums past is evident in a stronger female vocal presence and increased use of keyboards and samples, courtesy of Lorelei Plotczyk and Jason Ruck who apparently led much of the way during Fission’s production.  Greg Bertens, meanwhile, dipped into his past to channel the laconic, forceful vocals that made songs such as “On & On” and “Harmed” irresistibly catchy.

Where Hideout’s mature sound may have been tinged with a distinctly delicate despair, Fission digs a tunnel out to the bright future that exists in the juxtaposition of Film School’s past and present strengths; a carefree sense of youth and liberation.  They have embraced some of their roots, found old ways to be new and new ways to be old, and the result is one creative mid-life crisis you can condone.

My heart is on the go, go, go…

Mark you calendar; Fission is available July 20th on FFO Records.  See the tracklist below…

01 Heart Full of Pentagons
02 When I’m Yours
03 Time to Listen
04 Waited
05 Meet Around 10
06 Direct
07 Still Might
08 Distant Life
09 Sunny Day
10 Bones
11 Nothing’s Mine
12 Find You Out

Film School in Session Despite Looming Summer

After three years of inactivity, California nu-gazers, Film School, are releasing their 4th LP since their 2001 debut Brilliant Career.  The new LP, a 12-track charmer entitled Fission, is scheduled for a July 20th release on FFO Records.

Film School’s music is glorious, drifting back and forth between bright, pop melodies and dark, driving anthems.  The sheen of their “brilliant career” has been marred only by revolving lineups and label troubles, and not a lack of creativity.

After the success of Hideout, an immediate follow-up to the 2006 self-titled full-length, the California quintet experienced a 3-year pause in productivity while relationships between them and Beggars Banquet declined.   Now undaunted, the band extends its newest album, Fission, which promises to be more dynamic still.

Film School will tour in support of the upcoming album, though no tour dates have been finalized.