The Wedge A.M. News Round Up: Karen O details “psycho-opera”

August 25th, 2011

Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ singer Karen O has spilled the beans about her upcoming “psycho-opera.” Titled Stop the Virgens, the production will run for eight shows at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn, beginning on October 12th and ending on the 22nd. The show was co-created by Karen O and design director KK Barrett, produced by The Creators Project, and directed by Pulitzer Prize finalist Adam Rapp. Karen wrote the music with help from YYY guitarist Nick Zinner and Sam Spiegel, aka Squeak E. Clean, while her long-time costume designer Christian Joy designed the costumes. Also involved in the show are members of the Greenhornes, Raconteurs, Money Mark and actress Lili Taylor. In a press release, Karen says, “I’m hoping to create an original live experience, it should feel like a psychedelic ride laced with catharsis.” (Via Pitchfork)

Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox has announced a new album from his solo project, Atlas Sound. Parallax will be released by 4AD on November 8th and according to his label juxtaposes “his modern, sometimes avant, songwriting sensibilities against a backdrop of ambient loneliness and a quiet feeling of desperation.” The album’s artwork and photos were shot by famed David Bowie photographer Mick Rock. The label has also posted a track from the album called “Terra Incognita.” (Via 4AD)

More details about the upcoming Jeff Buckley biopic, Greetings From Tim Buckley, have been revealed. We already know that Gossip Girl star Penn Badgley will be portraying the late singer-songwriter, but it has now been confirmed that actor Frank Wood (Changeling) will play his collaborator Gary Lucas, Anthrax’s Frank Bello will play punk icon Richard Hell, and UK pop artist Kate Nash will also have a role in the film. Also, apparently there are two other Buckley films in the works, however, Greetings seems to have the edge, having received music rights from the Buckley estate and the assistance of the real Lucas, who is working with Badgley as a consultant. (Via Variety)

Charlotte Gainsbourg will release a new EP on September 6th. Titled Terrible Birds, the four-track set includes two new songs, one of which is a collaboration with Beck, who previously worked on her album IRM, as well as two live cuts. The EP is a preview of what’s to come from her double LP, Stage Whisper, which is due for release on November 8th. (Via Pitchfork)

Tags: Altas Sound, Bradford Cox, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jeff Buckley, Karen O, Stop the Virgens, Yeah Yeah Yeahs