Such is apparently the case with her forthcoming disc on Nonesuch Records, Homeland, which is being released on June 15, 2010. While it's technically her first studio album since 2001, she has spent the last two years developing the music that will appear on it through touring a performance of the same name. According to the press materials from her label, while it will feature Anderson's distinctive violin playing and vocals - including the assuming of different persona as she has in the past - she will also be drawing upon a range of musical styles and working with musicians from as diverse backgrounds as Tuvan throat signers to experimental jazz players from New York City. However, the most unusual collaboration will be what's planned for the song "Only An Expert".
Taking advantage of the increasing sophistication of Internet technology, Anderson has made the source tracks from the song available to musicians all over the world to see who can come up with the best re-mix of the track. Using the services of Indaba Music, a site where musicians find collaborators for projects by uploading and sharing their music, she has opened the competition to anybody who wishes to make a stab at either re-mixing, or even covering, the song. From now until May 13 at 5:00 p.m. EST those wishing to participate can register at Indaba Music and then either download the tracks from the "Only An Expert" remix program page for use on their own equipment, or they can make use of Indaba's online studio instead.
While the winner won't have their track included on the hard copy of the CD, they will win $1000, be featured as an exclusive track on the iTunes release, have their track streamed on Nonesuch's and Anderson's web site, and receive a year-long Platinum membership to Indaba Music (A value of $250 - see their membership page for details). In addition to the grand prize winner there will be two second place winners who will have their track streamed on the Nonesuch web site and receive a year-long Platinum membership, and ten honourable mentions who will have their track streamed on Anderson's web site, receive a signed deluxe package of Homeland, and a Pro membership to Indaba Music. Both the grand prize and runners-up will be selected from all the submissions by the judges — Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, and Mantis Evar from Indaba — while the ten honourable mentions will be selected from the 25 re-mixes which are able to garner the most support through voting conducted at the web site. Once an entry is uploaded and entered it can start receiving votes, and entrants are being given the opportunity to promote their contributions with widgets they can post at personal web sites and social networking pages.
Article comments
1 - Peter
I was in Vancouver for 2 months working at the Olympics and had the surprise of my life when I found out by accident through a friend that Delusion was making it's world debut. I've seen Laurie Anderson 3 times here in Montreal and she's always brilliant but Delusion struck me to the core. It was a cathartic experience that I will never forget. Now that she's touring with this piece I'm hoping she'll grace Montreal with a performance. There are very few artists in this world who've managed to remain as compelling and contemporary as Anderson throughout their career. Seeing her live is an honour.