News

Introducing… We Are Augustines

• 21st Feb 2011

Brooklyn duo Billy McCarthy and Eric Sanderson have toured with the likes of Sonic Youth, Flaming Lips and The National with their previous outfit Pela that disbanded in 2009 and have now returned with a compelling new act that has been buzzing away on the East Coast for the last few months.

‘Chapel Song’ is the first video offering from We Are Augustines’ forthcoming album ‘Rise Ye Sunken Ships’ that has been wonderfully produced by Dave Newfeld of Broken Social Scene. The mp3 is free to download from their website link now and will be made into a limited edition vinyl, available through the website and on their forthcoming tours only.

UK TOUR DATES with The Boxer Rebellion
3rd March 2011 – Edinburgh Cabaret Voltaire
4th March 2011 – Leeds Cockpit 2
5th March 2011 – Northampton Roadmender
6th March 2011 – Manchester Ruby Lounge
8th March 2011 – Bristol Fleece
9th March 2011 – Birmingham Temple @ HMV Institute
10th March 2011 – London Heaven

INTRODUCING

WE ARE AUGUSTINES RELEASE “CHAPEL SONG” AS FREE DOWNLOAD
AND ANNOUNCE DEBUT UK TOUR IN MARCH 2011
www.weareaugustines.com – link

Watch the video for ‘Chapel Song’ here on YouTube: link

With the critically acclaimed album ‘Anytown Graffiti’ under their belts, and a nine city sell out tour in the US with their previous outfit Pela, apparent newcomers Billy McCarthy and Eric Sanderson are actually no strangers to this industry. Pela shared the stage with the likes of Flaming Lips, The National and Sonic Youth before their split in 2009, but now, out of the ashes of Pela, Billy and Eric are back as We Are Augustines.

One of the most outstanding albums you will hear this year, ‘Rise Ye Sunken Ships,’ produced with Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene), will have it’s long awaited release this June following a limited edition, 7” vinyl of album opener ‘Chapel Song’ in April.

Dubbed the modern day Springsteen by his peers, singer McCarthy’s raw and anguished vocals, along with his persuasive storytelling, are nothing less than masterful. And if your ears are in tune with bands such as the Gaslight Anthem, Arcade Fire and The National, you will not be disappointed.

Words from the video director:
“The basic concept of this music video is one that I've been kicking around for a few years. I'm not sure where the imagery came from or how it got stuck in my mind, but I haven't been able to shake it. The idea of couples kissing is so simple and romantic. The very first time I heard ‘Chapel Song’ by We Are Augustines, I knew it was the perfect tune for this little lovefest of a video. We initially thought we'd shoot back in September, but several things conspired against us and the project sat on the shelf a few more months. Then all of a sudden, it was a go. We corralled several volunteer couples to make out for the whole song and set a date. Good weather was the luck of the draw that day and the video was finally born.

‘Chapel Song’ is about lost love. Billy and I had lengthy conversations about the song and its meaning/s. My interpretation is much happier and I feel like the music video adds a shimmer of hope when juxtaposed against the darker lyrics. Many thanks to our kissing couples, the band and the award-winning crew who graciously volunteered their time to make this vision a reality.”

Words from Eric Sanderson (We Are Augustines):
“To be honest I was a little nervous about the video at first. I couldn't quite see it in my head but we had a lot of meetings with Matthew and really trusted his commitment. Something we are trying to do more these days is let people run with their own creative impulse. As long as you work with people that you trust the end result always feels more natural.

On the day of the shoot everything went incredibly well. The weather let up for the day and a spring feeling was certainly in the air. Everyone that came down for the shoot was amazing. A lot of the decisions were made on the spot and nothing was really forced. I think my favorite part of the video is how the sun comes out right when Billy sings “tear up the photograph cause it's a bright blue sky”. That was totally unplanned and so perfect. That really shows the kind of project this was.”