(PR) Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer Daniel Lanois will debut his new film Here Is What Is on March 9 at the Alamo Lamar 1 at SXSW with additional screenings to follow on March 12 and March 13. Lanois, along with drummer Brian Blade will also be performing at the No Depression Showcase at the new venue Pabgea on March 12 and at the Spaceland Party at Antone’s on March 13. Lanois will release his sixth full-length album Here Is What Is on March 18 on RedFloorRecords.com and at traditional retailers via Redeye Distribution. Lanois will round out March with an exclusive Los Angeles performance and screening at The Vista Theatre on March 27.
In addition to the screenings and shows, Lanois will be doing a live KUT radio and performance with Brian Blade on March 13, a Barnes & Noble in-store signing on March 14, and a Blaze TV interview and performance on March 14.
Here Is What Is captures the art of making a record by one of the most distinctive and celebrated producers of our time. Directed by Adam Vollick, Adam Samuels and Lanois, the film which made its worldwide premiere at the 2007 Toronto Film Festival, is a sonic journey that offers viewers a rare chance to see Lanois at work behind a soundboard.
The film opens with a timeless piano performance courtesy of Garth Hudson, one of Canada’s finest pianists, then follows Lanois as he journeys from Toronto to Los Angels to Shreveport, LA where he joins Brian Blade’s father at the Zion Baptist Church for a roaring rendition of “This May Be The Last Time.” Here Is What Is concludes in Morocco where Lanois and mentor Brian Eno reminisce and record U2’s forthcoming album in a stunning courtyard setting.
The album, currently available in digital form via Lanois’ label Red Floor Records, pulls music and commentary directly from the film. For the album Here Is What Is, Lanois brought to light a myriad of previously unreleased textures, rhythm, hooks, groove, prose, rhymes and atmospheres for a truly unique record that is grounded by Lanois’ musicianship, imagination and relentless pursuit for that “spark of initial magic.”
