Lost In The Trees Recent News

NPR Premieres New Lost In The Trees Video

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:02:00 -0800

The second album by celebrated North Carolina collective Lost In The Trees will be released this March 20th via Anti-Records. The group’s extraordinary follow up to All Alone In An Empty House is entitled A Church That Fits Our Needs and is a work of vaulting ambition, a cathedral built on loss and transformation.

The first video for the record is a unique and imaginative clip for the song “Red.” The video was directed and produced by Lost In The Trees and CreatoDestructo Imagery. The images were conceived by the group’s composer, Ari Picker, and are clearly rooted in the record's themes of life, death and renewal. All the band members appear in the video. Violinist Jenavieve Varga (who herself appears in the video wearing nothing but gold body paint) was responsible for make-up and wardrobe.

"This is not an ordinary performance video," explains Jerry Stifelman of CreatoDestructo Imagery, "Instead of just being the band playing, it's based on the vibe of how the song was recorded."

"Red comes from a Frankenstein recording process," says Picker. “The vocals were recorded on lo-fi mics and an old 4-track machine, but the strings were meticulously recorded in this amazing brand new multimillion dollar mega-studio. The video represents this juxtaposition. We would create "spaces" that are based on the different elements of writing/recording the music. The video travels through these spaces, giving an abstract insight to how and in what environment the record was made."

A Church That Fits Our Needs focuses thematically on Picker’s artist mother who took her own life in 2009. While this might sound like a somber affair, the record is anything but. Picker, a classically trained composer, utilizes rhythm as its own emotional language, never losing the propulsive inevitability and vitality of great rock and roll. Above all this is pop music, in the way that “A Day In the Life” or Radiohead’s “No Surprises” are pop music, seeking to present complex ideas to the widest possible audience. At end of day it is exactly the album Picker set out to make, a moving testament to the power of music to heal and transcend.

To watch the visually dazzling video for Lost In The Trees song “Red,” go to NPR's All Songs Considered.

Lost In The Trees To Play Benefit Concert For Housing Works

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:02:00 -0800

On Friday, February 17th, acclaimed musical ensemble Lost In The Trees will be performing a very special benefit concert in New York City. The show will occur at the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe with all proceeds benefiting Housing Works, Inc., which provides housing, health care, job training, and advocacy for New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.

Helmed by composer/songwriter Ari Picker, Lost In The Trees merge the dramatic symphonic elements of classical music with the accessibility of American folk and modern pop. The group’s highly anticipated new album, A Church That Fits Our Needs, will arrive in stores this March 20th.

The new record is a work of vaulting ambition, a cathedral built on loss and transformation. In 2009 Picker lost his mother, an artist in her own right, when she took her own life. With the new record he set about transforming the events into a musical tribute. While this might sound like a somber affair, it is anything but. The group utilizes rhythm as its own emotional language, never losing the propulsive inevitability and vitality of great rock and roll. Above all this is pop music, in the way that “A Day In the Life” or Radiohead’s “No Surprises” are pop music, seeking to present complex ideas to the widest possible audience.

In live performance, Lost In The Trees offer a uniquely transcendent experience as detailed by the site Brooklyn Vegan: "The band unplugged their instruments, hopped off the stage, and played a stirring rendition of “Time Taunts Me.” From his spot in the middle of the floor, Ari lead the crowd in a beautiful sing-a-long with the ardor of a street corner evangelist desperate to save souls. I, for one, left the room a convert."

Live From Home with LOST IN THE TREES
Friday, February 17, 8:00pm, Housing Works Bookstore Cafe,
126 Crosby St, 212-334-3324

All ticket sales benefit the Housing Works mission of fighting to end AIDS and homelessness.

Lost In The Trees Announce North American Tour Dates

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0800

The second album by celebrated North Carolina collective Lost In The Trees will be released this March 20th via Anti-Records. In anticipation, this unique and deeply evocative ensemble has announced a series of North American live performances.

The group’s new record, entitled A Church That Fits Our Needs, is a work of vaulting ambition built on loss and transformation. In the summer of 2009 writer, composer, and general architect of the group, Ari Picker, lost his mother, an artist, when she took her own life. Picker set about transforming the event into a musical tribute.

While this might sound like a somber affair, A Church That Fits Our Needs is anything but. Picker, a classically trained composer, utilizes rhythm as its own emotional language, never losing the propulsive inevitability and vitality of great rock and roll. Above all this is pop music, in the way that “A Day In the Life” or Radiohead’s “No Surprises” are pop music, seeking to present complex ideas to the widest possible audience.

Lost in the Trees will kick off their touring with a special performance at the invitation of Neutral Milk Hotel’s Jeff Mangum at All Tomorrow’s Parties UK and then head across North America via an several performances at SXSW. The response to the group’s previous record, All Alone In An Empty House, and recent live performances has been one of immense praise:

Critical Acclaim For Lost In The Trees:

"The band has a stage presence that is absolutely mesmerizing while boasting a catalog of songs that are both heart wrenching and beautiful." – Paste Magazine

“The band's rich, fully realized arrangements elevate Picker's heartfelt songwriting to memorable heights." – Washington Post

"A labor of love, for sure, and we're its beneficiaries." - NPR

"The band unplugged their instruments, hopped off the stage, and played a stirring rendition of “Time Taunts Me.” From his spot in the middle of the floor, Ari lead the crowd in a beautiful sing-a-long with the ardor of a street corner evangelist desperate to save souls. I, for one, left the room a convert." – Brooklyn Vegan

Lost In The Trees Tour Dates:

2012-03-09/10/11 All Tomorrow’s Parties UK , Butlins Holiday Centre, Minehead, UK
2012-03-12 The Lexington, London UK
2012-03-16 Antone’s (SXSW) Austin, TX
2012-03-20 The Loft San Diego CA
2012-03-22 The Echo Los Angeles CA
2012-03-23 Bottom of the Hill Oakland CA
2012-03-24 Arcata Playhouse Arcata CA
2012-03-25 Doug Fir Lounge Portland OR
2012-03-27 Tractor Tavern Seattle WA
2012-03-28 Neurolux Boise ID
2012-03-29 The State Room Salt Lake City UT
2012-03-30 Hi Dive Denver CO
2012-03-31 Slowdown Omaha NE
2012-04-02 Cedar Cultural Center Minneapolis MN
2012-04-03 Schubas Tavern Chicago IL
2012-04-04 Space Evanston IL
2012-04-05 Wexner Center Columbus OH
2012-04-06 The Drake Toronto ON
2012-04-07 Il Motore Montreal QC
2012-04-09 Burlington City Arts Center Burlington VT
2012-04-10 Space Gallery Portland ME
2012-04-11 Le Poisson Rouge New York NY
2012-04-13 Museum of Fine Arts Boston MA
2012-04-14 Black Cat Washington DC
2012-04-15 Black Cat Washington DC

Lost In The Trees Announce New Album, Premiere First Track "Red" At NPR

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0800

The second album by celebrated North Carolina collective Lost In The Trees will be released March 20th via Anti-Records. The extraordinary record, entitled A Church That Fits Our Needs, is a work of vaulting ambition, a cathedral built on loss and transformation. To hear the stunning first track off the album entitled, “Red” go to http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/ .

In the summer of 2009 writer, composer, and general architect of the group, Ari Picker, lost his mother, an artist in her own right, when she took her own life. Picker set about transforming the events into a musical tribute, composing and writing with his mother’s picture above his desk: the same picture that now graces the album’s cover.

“I wanted to give her a space, in the music, to be, and to become all the things she didn’t get a chance to be when she was alive,” Picker says.
The result is an album that can stand alongside, not only musical journeys like Neil Young’s “Tonight’s the Night” and Bon Iver’s “For Emma, Forever Ago,” but also such literature of loss as Joan Didion’s “The Year of Magical Thinking.”

While this might sound like a somber affair, A Church That Fits Our Needs is anything but. Picker, a classically trained composer, utilizes rhythm as its own emotional language, never losing the propulsive inevitability and vitality of great rock and roll. Above all this is pop music, in the way that “A Day In the Life” or Radiohead’s “No Surprises” are pop music, seeking to present complex ideas to the widest possible audience.

Lost In The Trees’ Anti-Records 2010 debut album All Alone In An Empty House was a triumph with critics and music fans alike. Bob Boilen of NPR called it his "surprise album of the year” and “mighty potent stuff." The Washington Post said “the band's rich, fully realized arrangements elevate Picker's heartfelt songwriting to memorable heights." While the Huffington Post said the record “is spellbinding in its musical ambition, touching in its intimacy, and often overwhelming in its emotional honesty. Lost in the Trees is verging on creating a new genre of music.”

As on All Alone In An Empty House, Picker has once again surrounded himself with musicians who bring his vision to life with verve and sensitivity. A special contribution comes in the vocals of Emma Nadeau, whose soaring wordless melodies counter Picker’s ecstatic vocals throughout. Recorded and produced by Picker in North Carolina, the album was mixed by the legendary Rob Schnapf (Elliott Smith, Beck), bringing out the lush tones of the orchestrations in their full grandeur. At end of day, A Church That Fits Our Needs is the album Picker set out to make, a moving testament to the power of music to heal and transcend.

Sixteen ANTI Artists Participate In 'Raise Your Voice!,' A Free Album In Support Of Public Broadcast

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:08:00 -0700

170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting and ANTI- Records are pleased to announce the release of Raise Your Voice!, a 16-track compilation of music from ANTI- artists being offered as a free download to advocates for public broadcasting. Anyone who signs up to join the campaign can download the compilation -- available for a limited time only -- by visiting RYVoice.org. Supporters will also have the opportunity to share Raise Your Voice! with their friends and social networks.

Artists contributing tracks to Raise Your Voice! include Wilco, Tom Waits, Neko Case, Booker T. Jones, Man Man, Dr. Dog, Mavis Staples, Jolie Holland, William Elliott Whitmore, Tinariwen, Lost In The Trees, Sean Rowe, Marketa Irglova, Joe Henry, The Swell Season and DeVotchKa

Public broadcasting offers millions of hours of free music, arts and cultural programming to American audiences, thanks in part to federal funding. From national music programs such as public television’s Austin City Limits and public radio’s Mountain Stage to the diverse local programming on public radio music stations throughout the country, public broadcasting is a vital part of our nation’s musical landscape.

Public radio preserves American culture and is one of the only places left where uniquely American music -- jazz, rock, bluegrass and classical -- can be heard by a mass audience. Public radio stations around the country play an important role in the music economy and have created a valuable partnership that connects audiences to music, and all those who devote their lives to it—performers, singer-songwriters, musicians, lyricists and composers. More than 100 local public radio stations broadcast full-time music and hundreds more include music as part of their programming lineups.

While the average station gets the majority of its funding from listeners, underwriters and other local sources, federal funding helps close the gap and keep many small and rural stations on the air. Without federal funding these stations could go dark and the platform that they’ve provided for so many musicians could go with it.

“We are thrilled to offer Raise Your Voice! to our advocates,” said Jeff Nelson, co-director , 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting. “It is critical that we raise awareness about the importance of public broadcasting to music in America as we make our case to Congress to maintain federal funding for local stations across the country. We are grateful to ANTI- and these fantastic artists for their generosity and for standing up in support for public broadcasting.”

Ari Picker, frontman for ANTI- band Lost in the Trees added, “Our culture needs public broadcasting. And public radio has been an enormous resource for musicians like myself. I feel extremely privileged to donate our music to Raise Your Voice! to boost awareness about the need to protect public broadcasting in America.”

The website for Raise Your Voice! was created by Oniracom, a Santa Barbara-based audience marketing agency for music and entertainment.

About 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting

The 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting campaign is a collaboration of public radio and television stations, national organizations, producers, viewers and listeners throughout the country who understand the critical need for a strong public media in the United States. The campaign is co-managed by the Association of Public Television Stations and American Public Media on behalf of more than 400 station partners. The centerpieces of the effort are its website, 170MillionAmericans.org, Facebook page, Facebook.com/170Million, and Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/#!/170million,that give supporters of public media a way to take action in support of their local public radio and television stations.

About ANTI-Records

Epitaph Records was founded in 1981 by Brett Gurewitz of the influential punk rock band Bad Religion. This incredibly diverse and resolutely artist friendly label first entered the annals of pop culture in the early 90s when it introduced previously underground artists such as Rancid, The Offspring and Pennywise to a vastly larger audience, earning the bands gold and platinum records, and forever changing the sound of popular music. Epitaph has since added additional imprint ANTI-Records, which has developed into an independent power house servicing a roster of acclaimed and iconic artists such as Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Neko Case, Mavis Staples and many more. Epitaph Records currently operates out of offices in Los Angeles, Canada, Melbourne and the Netherlands.

Lost In The Trees To Perform At All Tomorrow’s Parties UK!

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:06:00 -0700

Chapel Hill music collective Lost in the Trees have been asked by curator and Neutral Milk Hotel leader Jeff Mangum to perform at the illustrious All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival scheduled for December 2-4 in Minehead, UK. It will mark the band’s UK debut.

Other performers include Fleet Foxes, Boredoms, Low, The Fall, Superchunk, The Olivia Tremor Control, Mike Watt & George Hurley perform the songs of the Minutemen, Robyn Hitchcock performs I Often Dream Of Trains, Group Inerane, Scratch Acid, Young Marble Giants, The Magic Band, The Raincoats performing The Raincoats (debut LP), A Hawk And A Hacksaw, Yann Tiersen, Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise, Half Japanese, Tinariwen, The Apples In Stereo, Colin Stetson and Micachu And The Shapes.

“Playing at ATP will be a tremendous honor!” enthuses Ari Picker of Lost in the Trees. “Jeff’s songs really helped me have the courage to untangle some really shitty stuff in my life. That music helped me learn a tremendous amount about myself and who I want to be. But, more than that he also inspired me to share my experiences with others, in the hopes that my experiences would inspire others to become better people.”

In other news, Lost in the Trees have been on a run of high profile performances recently opening for The Flaming Lips, Yo La Tengo and Sean Lennon.

Lost in the Trees are playing select shows this Summer:

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 Duke Gardens, Durham, NC
Thursday, July 21, 2011 Danger Danger Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Friday, July 22, 2011 The Oneonta Theatre, Oneonta, NY
Saturday, July 23, 2011 Guelph Lake Island, Guelph, CDN
Sunday, July 24, 2011 Hillside Festival, Guelph Lake Island, Guelph, CDN
Monday, July 25, 2011 The Drake, Toronto, ON, CDN
Sunday, August 28, 2011 LouFest, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO

Lost In The Trees Premiere New Video For "All Alone In An Empty House"

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:04:00 -0700

Today, Lost In The Trees premiered their latest video for the title track from the album All Alone In An Empty House! Head over to Spinner to watch the video and leave your comments, then swing by iTunes to pick up a copy of the album.

Lost In The Trees Live Broadcast Tonight On NPR

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:03:00 -0700

NPR Music will be streaming a live performance by the acclaimed pop collective Lost in the Trees this Monday, March 28. The show will be broadcast from the Black Cat in Washington DC at 10:30 p.m. ET and the station will have a chat room open for discussion during the concert.

To listen live or to the podcast, just go to NPR Music.

The group has just returned from a triumphant stint at the SXSW Festival where they garnered rave reviews for a string of powerful performances:

“I’ve been hearing about Lost in the Trees for a while now, but it wasn’t until seeing them perform at SXSW this year that I understood what all the fuss was about. The band has a stage presence that is absolutely mesmerizing while boasting a catalog of songs that are both heart wrenching and beautiful. I was so impressed with Lost in the Trees that I actually ended up catching two of their sets.” – Paste Magazine

“For all my love of Lost in the Trees, (their album was on my best of list last year and I loved our Tiny Desk Concert) I've never seen this band on stage till tonight. And despite the nuttiness of SXSW concerts (usually there isn't much of a soundcheck and the sets are short) it was still a delight to hear them. I invited a few musicians to come and hear Lost in the Trees and by the end of the show Josh Ritter and Adam Arcuragi were loving this band too. That was my evening's highlight. “– NPR

“These guys were amazing at 35 Conferette, I'm a fan now. It was an amazing show, restrained and heartfelt while still compelling.” - MOG

On Saturday, March 26th, Lost In The Trees was proud to participate in the New York City premiere of Big Star’s “Third” Live concert alongside Michael Stipe and Mike Mills (R.E.M), Ira Kaplan (Yo La Tengo), Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Matthew Sweet, Chris Stamey, Jody Stephens (Big Star), and many other luminous musicians. For this unique performance, Ari Picker, Lost in the Trees’ principal, conducted the orchestra of esteemed members of the classical community from North Carolina and New York respectively.

This April LITT will head west for a series of anticipated West Coast performances.

Lost In The Trees West Coast Dates:

2011-04-19 The Echo Los Angeles CA
2011-04-20 UC San Diego La Jolla CA
2011-04-22 Hemlock Tavern San Francisco CA
2011-04-24 Doug Fir Lounge Portland OR
2011-04-26 Tractor Tavern Seattle WA
2011-05-13 Cats Cradle Carrboro NC

ANTI at SXSW Round-Up

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:03:00 -0700

If you couldn't make it out to Austin, TX for SXSW this year, just take a look below for some great performances from ANTI artists!

Man Man

NPR has Man Man's entire performance at Auditorium Shores streaming! Click here to listen to the set described as "a dizzying whirlwind of barrelhouse piano, alternately yelped and yowled vocals, and a drummer positioned at the front of the stage, where he belonged. Fans don't often shout for encores from bands playing in the late afternoon on SXSW's outdoor stages, but they can be forgiven their enthusiasm here: When Man Man stopped playing, the silence seemed almost surreal."

DeVotchKa - "How It Ends"

Lost In The Trees - "Fireplace"

Sean Rowe - "American"

ANTI Records At SXSW

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:03:00 -0800

A stylistically eclectic yet consistently original assemblage of Anti-Records artists will be traveling to Austin this year for the annual South By Southwest (SXSW) Festival. The roster features beloved favorites Man Man and DeVotchKa along with acclaimed newcomers Lost In The Trees and the startling talent of recent signing Sean Rowe.

Man Man

Riotous Pop Masterminds Man Man are renowned for generating a joyously raucous and unique sound utilizing an exotic assortment of instruments and styles, infusing the music with all the sadness, pain and perseverance and joy of life itself.

Saturday 3/19
Ground Control Touring SXSW Showcase
Auditorium Shores
950 West Riverside Drive
Set Time: 4:25-5:00

DeVotchKa

Denver based romantic rock band DeVotchKa isout with a stunning new album entitled 100 Lovers. For their fifth record the band again headed to the vastness of the Arizona desert with producer Craig Schumacher (Calexico, Neko Case). The resulting work is as epic as the landscape in which it was recorded, the 12 new songs offering an emotionally charged sonic expansiveness while retaining all the heartfelt romance and celebratory energy for which the group is renowned for.

Wednesday 3/16
ACL Live
Moody Theater
310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd.
Set Time: 10:30pm

Thursday 3/17
The Current
Austin Convention Center
500 East Cesar Chavez St.
Set Time: 3pm-3:40pm

Thursday 3/17
Lustre Pearl
97 Rainey St.
Set Time: 10pm

Lost In The Trees

Chapel Hill collective Lost In The Trees have garnered overwhelming critical acclaim for the release of the Anti Debut album All Alone In An Empty House. The innovative ensemble merges symphonic elements of classical music with the heart of American folk and modern pop, creating a sound which is both intimate and sonically breathtaking.

Tuesday 3/15
KNERD party (No badges necessary)
Skinny's Ballroom
115 San Jacinto Blvd
Set Time: 7:45pm

Wednesday 3/16
PASTE PARTY
The Stage On Sixth
507 E. 6th St.
Set Time: 3:45 pm

OFFICIAL SHOWCASE
Saint David's Church
304 E 7th St.
Set Time: 7:45pm

Thursday 3/17
WEA SPACE
Arthouse at the Jones Center
700 Congress Ave.
Set Time: 6:00pm

Friday 3/18
Homeslice Pizza
1421 South Congress Ave.
Set Time: 1:15pm

Muzzle of Bees: Backyard BBQ
3217 1/2 Hampton Rd
RSVP: sxswbackyardbbq@gmail.com
Set Time: 5:30pm

Sean Rowe

A distinctive and immensely talented artist in the tradition of Leonard Cohen and Van Morrison, recent Anti signing Sean Rowe utilizes his powerful and extraordinarily soulful baritone voice along with a poet’s skill in detailing the human experience and the draw of the natural world. Rowe’s just released Anti-Records debut album “Magic” is currently garnering unanimously rave reviews.

Wednesday 3/16
Offcial SXSW Lambert's Showcase 8pm

Thursday 3/17
Rachel Rae Greenhouse at 4:30

Friday 3/18
TVD party at 12:30pm
WEA Arthouse 6-7pm

Saturday 3/19
KDHX BBQ time slot tba
Mess With Texas slot tba