Bands have always been better in smaller spaces. and as it is both intimate and/or unorthodox, it feels both personal and exclusive. filmmaker/music fans and their audiences have also found that it makes really captivating online footage.
The leader of the pack has always been la blogotheque‘s take away shows out of France, which has caught the best bands in the world over the years. Bloc Party being begged into doing a song outside of a pub, Arcade Fire playing crammed in an elevator, etc. There’s a new great one of Basia Bulat, shot two years ago singing The Shore; then brand new and untitled, now a track on her latest album, Heart of My Own, which everyone is saying is incredible.
The popularity of take away shows demonstrates it’s a good idea; capturing intimate musical experiences on video, to allow the sharing of the entire thing with whoever is interested. there’s a lot of people who are. it’s also inspired filmmakers to do their own take on the idea, often applying it to their own music scene.
Recently, Mitch Fillion is one of a few people that has borrowed the concept and applied to their own surroundings, making really stunning videos of the best Toronto-and-area bands. Mitch’s site Southern Souls aims to capture bands from Southern Ontario or those passing through. His videos demonstrate a unique perspective, interesting scenery, and utmost quality in sound and in video. His recent one of my favourites the Balconies is only one of a whole bunch, that is starting to build a pretty impressive catalogue. Ohbijou, Diamond Rings, Great Bloomers, Pick a Piper, and most recently Leif Vollebekk, who is just incredible and whose CD re-release show at the Cameron House had people standing outside the room listening in because there wasn’t room for them inside.
cool post bobby…Thanks for introducing me southern souls. what amazing videos!