Yet another of the artists which the incredible Primavera Sound festival has introduced me to over the years (I promise I'm not paid to advertise it. It really is just that good). John Vanderslice, though you might not even know it, has already had a pretty massive influence on American music of the last decade. As well as being an occasional member/collaborator he is also the producer of three albums for the infinitely brilliant The Mountain Goats, including last years phenomenal "Heretic Pride" LP. His self-run studio has produced bands such as Death Cab for Cutie, Spoon and Okkervil River. And on top of all that he's also a really interesting solo artist.
Perhaps most commendable about him though is that he really likes the fair city of Barcelona where he has played a handful of times over the last few years. For me John is best live and entirely worth checking out if you get the chance. On record his lyrics and musicianship really shine but the feel of his music never quite reaches the listener. Seeing him live is a totally different proposition. From start to finish there is something far more organic to his music. Influences appear more varied with hints of funk and heavier rock unexpectedly introduced into the mix. More than this though, the simple elegance of he and his band's musical abilities are instantly evident and lend great weight to the already high quality compositions.
Another really great thing about Vanderslice is that, for all his credentials, he's really not very rock 'n' roll. By far the most approachable performer I've seen live, it feels like half the crowd are old friends of his, as he name-checks various members of the audience. Putting aside all the usual pretence and false-showmanship of the mandatory encore, he and his two band members made their way into the middle of the crowd for a trio of acoustic songs. I like to see bands dispensing with the crowd/artist divide. As much as it is sometimes nice to think of our beloved musicians as something special it's even more rewarding to meet someone who is so open, friendly and normal with his fans culminating in a forty minute chat with crowd members after the task of performing was over.
A nice guy, a really interesting artist and a genuinely influential presence on the indie/alternative scene. Check out the video for the full acoustic version of his song "Keep the Dream Alive" along with an interview with the man himself.
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