Marisa Cerio of Boy Genius and I collaborated on a experimental music and art show by the Verrazano bridge a few years ago. The first year I created an abstract narrative to play behind her band. The next year, I curated an experimental film exhibiton bringing 8 filmmakers local and around NYC to screen. Besides our affinity to off-color humor, creatively I loved working with her, Jason, Lisa, and Jeff on this music video. I can’t stress how hard working, responsible and punctual people are appreciated. In bringing the resources together in directing this video, it was a no-brainer to call on the services of director of photography Hugh Mackey. It was the first video I shot on HD, and wanted to make sure that the DP had a good sense of what New England locales look like. Hugh, originally from Ticonderoga, lent some great insight in bringing Boy Genius’ vision to fruition.
In 2007, I worked as the Director of Photography on a music video for world renown rapper Dres from Blacksheep. On a low budget, and the resilient work ethic of the people involved, we were able to put this music video together.
Ezra and I had collaborated on some experimental pieces a few years back and to see his musical evolution has been inspiring. From a legacy of musicians, Ezra always had an affinity to vaudville, ukeleles, and technology. It was a natural progression when he first started to perform as kilgore trout is dead.” In this video he played at my weekly open film night in conjunction with animator Steven Lapcevic.
I was able to snag an impromptu performance from Kevin after his appearence at “midevenings with jay miller” and had a great time just talking about being a musician on staten island. He spoke about his gravitation to Dock street during the popularity of Monty Love, jay millers band a few years ago, and his first exposure to people with various different opinions from his own. He talked with great affection about coming home and performing in staten island and the nervousness to perform well for his hometown. He spoke of his perspective on how his music might be perceived as sad, but in his mind his music is just honest.
I couldn’t help but feel so comfortable with his candor. He was humble and gracious about his experiences. It was so much fun recording Kevin. It was a pleasure listening to him and his music and look forward to his future albums.
I had heard that RJ from Pitchfork Media was interested in the Staten Island music scene. Skeptical of such a rumor, I dismissed it until a few days later, I heard that Pitchfork was filming Cymbals Eat Guitars on the roof of a friend of mine on Van Duzer St. This was unbelievable. A worldwide purveyor of popular indie music was right in my hometown of Staten Island. I had heard of Cymbals Eat Guiatrs through a couple of friends, but figured that they would be another great band overlooked by New York. I’m so glad I was wrong.
For those who might not be aware, many great bands on the island have been trying very hard to breakout of the negative stigma that Staten Island doesn’t have good music to offer New York city. Besides the rise of popularity of Ingrid Michaelson and the Budos, most New York music listeners won’t be able to hear some great indie music from Staten Island either because its a far commute or because many bands just aren’t able to get the radio play on alot of new york stations. The advent of having RJ come to Staten Island bodes well for the future of Staten Island indie music.
I filmed Cymbals Eat Guitars playing a show with other island bands Paragraph and the Great Unwashed.
Rory and Matt were recording their EP at the Welfare Line, Joe Brancato’s recording studio in Pennsylvania, when they came up with this song. The Welfare line recorded local bands around the Philly hardcore scene, leaving traces of their recording sessions such as discarded lyrics on crumpled pieces of paper. Upon the discovery, Matt and Rory decided to use lyrics from one of those sessions in a little sea shanty.
