This march Townes Van Zandt would have turned 77 and his music still touches people. On July 1, My Proud Mountain releases „Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol. III“. Another album on which no less than Amenra, Cave In and Marissa Nadler cover a selection of his songs, as homage to the songwriting genius that he was.

The new single „Quicksilver Dreams of Maria“, and also the album’s opener, features Nadler in a daydream with wistful siren vocals that embody the lovelorn and lusty side of Townes Van Zandt that some listeners tend to overlook.

“I wanted to shine a light on some of Townes Van Zandt’s lesser known, but equally excellent songs from his vast body of work.” sagt Nadler. “His deeply romantic lyrical tendencies are intricately displayed on the three songs that I chose, as well as the pervasive loneliness and deep-seated sadness, always waiting right outside the door.”

Marissa Nadler also says about the song:
„This song is so intense. The words roll off his tongue- such a great lyrical flow. I remember when I first heard this song, I felt like I had always known it. It felt ancient and eternal…. Maria becomes a mythical figure in this song. She’s powerful, she’s a presence or a ghost, it’s hard to tell- the line between reality and fantasy is so beautifully blurred.“

Here is the video of Quicksilver Dreams of Maria“:

The new video for „Kathleen“ is out now! It’s the first single by Amenra of the upcoming album „Songs Of Townes Van Zandt Vol. III“ featuring Amenra, Cave In and Marissa Nadler, which will be released on April 22nd. „Kathleen“ will officially drop tomorrow.

With „Kathleen“ the Belgian post/sludge metal collective Amenra give a first teaser of the upcoming album „Songs Of Townes Van Zandt Vol. III“. On the album Amenra will cover a total of 3 tracks by Townes Van Zandt.

While the original song is decorated with country-esque strings expressing something between longing and lament, Amenra have created a version where the strings are much more reminiscent of the atmosphere at a funeral, the Van Zandt-typical fingerpicking is being more emphasized and singer Colin H. van Eeckhout intones the lyrics with a bright voice on the fine line between hope and despair.

Amenra reduce their familiar sludge metal sound to vocals and acoustic guitar in the three songs selected to pay tribute to the tortured soul at the center of Van Zandt’s work.

„The sadness and despair in his songs are unparalleled,“ says guitarist Lennart Bossu. „We recorded the songs with Gilles Demolder, in his little studio, where he added keys and atmospheres to „Kathleen“ Bossu continues. „After working a little bit on tempos and composition, we surrendered to the songs, and tried to get as close to Townes‘ original intention as we could.“

Check out the video to „Kathleen“ here:

On todays birthday of Townes van Zandt who died in 1997 My Proud Mountain is thrilled to announce Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol. III, continuing the tradition of well-known artists in the heavy music and dark genres covering the songs of Townes Van Zandt.

The LP features nine new and unique covers by Amenra, Cave In, and Marissa Nadler – three songs are performed by each artist.

If you are interested to write or post something about the release please let us know and we will send you files to listen to the record. All artists are available for interviews and we would be excited to work on this with you.

Info:
Opener “Quicksilver Dreams of Maria” paints Nadler, as a pastoral daydream of mournful siren vocals, embodying the lovelorn and lustful side of Van Zandt some listeners tend to overlook. “I wanted to shine a light on some of Townes Van Zandt’s lesser known, but equally excellent songs from his vast body of work,” says Nadler. “His deeply romantic lyrical tendencies are intricately displayed on the three songs that I chose, as well as the pervasive loneliness and deep-seated sadness, always waiting right outside the door.”

Her covers of “Sad Cinderella” and “None But the Rain” capture the tender and weary surrender to hope in the face of turmoil, like a flower blooming on a gravestone. The melodic and rhythmic contributions of Milky Burgess help make the covers a hazy carnival of memories that may be real or imagined, depending on where your eyes are following the setting sun over the hillside. “I recorded the songs at my home studio, with an intimate close-mic approach, and tried to be as raw as I could with them. The feeling that Townes is singing right in your ear, standing right next to you, comforting you – that is what I love about so many of his recordings. His attack and delivery go straight to the heart.”

Amenra strip back their sludge metal sound to just vocals and acoustic guitar to pay tribute to the tortured soul at the center of Van Zandt’s work. “The sadness and despair in his songs are unparalleled,” says guitarist Lennart Bossu. Tackling “Kathleen”, “Flyin’ Shoes”, and the eerie “Black Crow Blues”, Amenra shine a light on the real pain that made Van Zandt’s lyrics all the more haunting. “We recorded the songs with Gilles Demolder, in his little studio, where he added keys and atmospheres to “Kathleen” and “Flyin’ Shoes,” continues Bossu. “After working a little bit on tempos and composition, we surrendered to the songs, and tried to get as close to Townes’ original intention as we could.” The result is the Texas desert by way of Belgium, a set of stark and emotionally raw ballads for long night drives to nowhere.

“We’re gonna play another cover here,” says Cave In’s Stephen Brodsky from the Roadburn Festival stage in April 2018, a slight Texas twang escaping his mouth in anticipation of what comes next. “We’re gonna do a Townes Van Zandt song.” He and fellow Cave In guitarist Adam McGrath then launch into “Nothin’”, turning Van Zandt’s withering and detached anthem of forced sobriety and solitude into a proclamation of goodwill and tender absolution to a friend in the afterlife – departed Cave In bassist Caleb Scofield. “Caleb was a big fan of Townes Van Zandt, so we did it in remembrance of our friend,” says Brodsky. “When we think of Townes, we also think of Caleb – that’s the heavy shit.”

Cave In’s full-band covers of “The Hole” and “At My Window” find them at their most cavernous, slowing down their high-wire sound to a sidewinder crawl to navigate the claustrophobic darkness. “I heard what Marissa Nadler and Amenra did with their covers, and it convinced me to go back to the drawing board,” says Brodsky. “It was pretty obvious that traditional-sounding Cave In versions of Townes Van Zandt wouldn’t work in this context.”

At nearly 7-minutes long, their doomed-out cover of “The Hole” is as black as west Texas midnight. “Our version was recorded mostly remotely – it started with me just singing and playing keys at the same time. I’m not sure there’s any other Cave In recording out there without me playing guitar,” continues Brodsky.”

For their cover of “At My Window”, Brodsky says, “We actually recorded 3 or 4 different versions. We eventually turned down the volume and slowed the tempo, with everyone going a little further outside their comfort zones to achieve something that would blend well with the other contributions. The Swans vibe that we eventually settled on seems to have garnered the best result for this application.”

It’s likely that today’s digital landscape of plug-and-play creative freedom would have benefited an artist as fiercely committed to independence as Townes Van Zandt. My Proud Mountain is delighted to use today’s technology to help artists create an LP of covers that showcase his sad, brilliant, and highly influential music that continues to touch people the world over to this day.

It´s time. Time to listen to good music and support good artists. Go see Nate Hall!!! „The river doesn’t ever stop. It is a continuous bringer of whatever it touches, and whomever is chosen to step within its waters. The first time I heard Nate Hall’s voice I knew that I was hearing something that would haunt me forever. The unmistakable sound of mountains‘ wind and the desperation and anguish of truth and experience. Authenticity isn’t something you can acquire. Either you are or you are not. Nate’s work shows a depth of heart and a pure channeling that you wont come across 10 times in your life. This is the work of the soul that we all know. And the soul that knew us first. You aren’t born into this and you don’t die out of it. This is eternity, and it brings us all to the center of the river that wants us to be here at this moment.“ – Scott Kelly (Neurosis) about Nate Hall

16.09    GER – Stuttgart @ Contain’t

17.09    BEL – Gent @ Consouling Records In-Store

18.09    NL – Tilburg @ INCUBATE FEST

19.09    BEL – Liege @ L’An Vert

20.09    POR – Porto @ AMPLIFEST

21.09    GER – Leipzig @ Hellheim

22.09    PL – Warsaw @ Chmury

23.09    GER – Berlin @ Keith

24.09    CZ – Prague @ Klub 007 Strahov

25.09    GER – Schwandorf @ Wohnzimmer

26.09    AUT – Linz @ Kapu

27.09    SK – Trnava @ Art Klub

28.09    AUT – Vienna @ Arena Beisl

29.09    HUN – Budapest @ Wave Music Shop  (early)

29.09    HUN – Budapest @ Vittula Klub

30.09    HUN – Szeged @ Mora Ferenc Museum  (early)

30.09    HUN – Szeged @ Grand Cafè

01.10    SRB – Belgrade @ Leila Records & Books  (early)

01.10    SRB – Belgrade @ Kc Grad

02.10    SRB – Novi Sad @ CK 13

03.10    SLO – Ljubljana @ Channel Zero

04.10    CRO – Rijeka @ Klub Palach

05.10    CRO – Zagreb @ Mochvara 

06.10    ITA – Bibione (VE) @ Beach Invaders Music Bar

07.10    ITA – Bologna @ Freak Out

08.10    ITA – Varese @ Twiggy

09.10    AUT – Feldkirch @ Graf Hugo

10.10    SWI – La Chaux De Fonds @ Café L’Entre-Deux

11.10    SWI – Geneva @ L’Usine

Dear Friends: Following the overwhelming success of My Proud Mountain’s first release, Songs of Townes Van Zandt with Scott Kelly, Steve Von Till and Wino, the label have since been inundated with questions about the next instalment in the series, and flooded with offers from bands to be part of it. It seems the urge to spread the word about Townes Van Zandt continues to extend into more musical circles, his name always mentioned in reverential tones. My Proud Mountain have responded to the wishes and have put together another dream team for the second Songs Of Townes Van Zandt release which will see the light of day later this year. Taking on the dutiful challenge of covering Townes Van Zandt’s music this time will be John Baizley, singer and guitar player of Baroness, Nate Hall from US Christmas, and Mike Scheidt from YOB. Each musician approaching their favourite songs in their own personal way, paying homage to the original recordings and finding new ways to convey these well known songs and to deliver their lyrical content. In the interim, My Proud Mountain have created something extra special for Record Store Day 2013 on 20 April in the form of a collectible 10″ LP featuring four Townes Van Zandt songs – two unreleased songs and two previously released material also. Track-listing and annotation below: Side A: John Baizley – If I Needed You – first outtake from “Songs of Townes Van Zandt” to be released in 2013 Nate Hall – A Song For – unreleased a cappella / drone version Side B: Steve Von Till – The Spider Song – taken from “A Grave Is A Grim Horse” by Steve Von Till – released on Neurot Recordings 2008 Scott Kelly – St. John the gambler – taken from „Songs of Townes Van Zandt“ on My Proud Mountain 2012 John Baizley and Nate Hall will continue to support this 10″ and forthcoming full length by playing some shows in Europe, for some a first glimpse of the new material. John Baizley commented on his involvement: “Earlier this year, My Proud Mountain label approached me about contributing some tracks to the second “Songs of Townes Van Zandt” covers collection. While Baroness is preparing to resume touring, I am excited to come to Berlin and play music that our audience may be unfamiliar with me performing. I have always been an admirer and devotee of Townes, and I hope I can come and do some of his songs justice. This will be a unique opportunity for me.” As the next release takes shape we can celebrate and premiere some of the material as part of this exclusive showcase here: John Baizley feat. Katie Jones & Oldseed April 22nd GER – Berlin – HBC (exclusive German Show) http://www.trinitymusic.de/product_info.php/info/p5417_JOHN-BAIZLEY–BARONESS-.html John will take the stage not only to perform his favorite Townes Van Zandt songs but a few solo tracks and interpretations of Baroness songs as well. Musician Katie Jones is going to support John with acoustic instruments like the guitar, violin or cello. Invited along as main support is Canadian artist, and German resident, Oldseed, whose music earnestly touches the hearts of his listeners because it imparts a truth we all want to believe in. Craig (aka Oldseed) remarks: „I’ve been a Baroness fan since first and second came out.  I’m really looking forward to sharing the stage with John as he goes in a more intimate direction.  Should be a memorable evening.“ To give you an Idea about the beautiful sounds of Oldseed check this: http://www.reverbnation.com/oldseed More shows at Roadburn festival 2013:

Nate Hall & John Baizley featuring Katie Jones

April 18th NL – Tilburg – Roadburn – Het Ptaronaat – http://www.roadburn.com/2013/02/roadburn-2013-presents-john-baizly-baroness-nate-hall-usx-and-special-guest-for-exclusive-performance/

April 19th NL – Tilburg Roadburn – Cul De sac – http://www.roadburn.com/2013/03/roadburn-festival-2013-cul-de-sac/

April 20th NL – Tilburg –   Sounds / Records Store – http://www.roadburn.com/?s=nate+hall Nate Hall Solo

We all of My Proud Mountain just as John, Nate  Katie and Craig (Oldseed) look forward to this and hope you enjoy.

  John Baizley, Nate Hall, Steve Von Till & Scott Kelly Songs of TOWNES VAN ZANDT 10″ / DL Release: April 20^th 2013 (International Record Store Day 2013) Label: My Proud Mountain 

When My Proud Mountain released the first Songs of Townes Van Zandt record with Scott Kelly, Steve Von Till and Wino in 2012 recording three songs each the feedback on this release was mind-overwhelming. More and more people showed up asking about Townes Van Zandt and telling his story. A lot of musicians offered to participate for a 2^nd record. By getting John Baizley, singer and guitar player of Baroness, Nate Hall from US Christmas, and Mike Scheidt from YOB recording songs for My Proud Mountain has found another dream team. Each participant focuses the songs and especially the lyrics of Van Zandt in his personal way by reducing the already minimalistic songs even more to their essentials. To support the second Songs Of Townes Van Zandt full length record My Proud Mountain releases a 10″ featuring four Townes Van Zandt songs from different releases on April 20^th at the International Record Store Day 2013. Tracklist

John Baizley and Nate Hall will underline their support by playing some shows in Europe where they will present songs they recorded for this project. John Baizley commented on his involvement: “Earlier this year, My Proud Mountain label approached me about contributing some tracks to the second “Songs of Townes Van Zandt” covers collection. While Baroness is preparing to resume touring, I am excited to come to Berlin and play music that our audience may be unfamiliar with me performing. I have always been an admirer and devotee of Townes, and I hope I can come and do some of his songs justice. This will be a unique opportunity for me.”

„I’ve been a Baroness fan since first and second came out.  I’m really looking forward to sharing the stage with John as he goes in a more intimate direction.  Should be a memorable evening.“ To give you an Idea about the beautiful sounds of Oldseed check this: http://www.reverbnation.com/oldseed More shows at Roadburn festival 2013:

We all of My Proud Mountain just as John, Nate  Katie and Craig (Oldseed) look forward to this and hope you enjoy.