Zach Condon talks to Billboard about new Beirut record
Apr 19, 07
(credit)
Condon, a Santa Fe, N.M., native, flew his band out to Albuquerque to record the new album, and wrangled Griffin Rodriguez, who has recently worked with Man Man, to produce.
Without eschewing the old-world feel of "Gulag Orkestar," the new material is more varied in approach. Iinstead of every instrument on every song, we're getting a bit more creative," Condon says. "I like the idea of every song sounding like a different band. It's fun to have these songs written out, but then have infinite possibilities to turn them into something else."
One cut, "A Sunday Smile," sounds like "an old organ grinder song," according to Condon. Other songs tipped to appear are "Guyamas Sonora," "Cherbourg" and "In the Mausoleum."
Beirut will return to live action with a sold-out May 6-8 run at New York's Bowery Ballroom, followed by an appearance at Spain's Primavera Festival. "We might play two or three new tunes at these," Condon says. "We're still figuring out how to do them live."
All three of the Bowery shows are featuring Final Fantasy, but alas, you can't get tickets. Sold out, biotch! However, you can periodically check here to see how high your bartering will get you.
(mp3) Beirut - Elephant Gun, from the Lon Gisland EP
Godspeed!
