If you were you ask us where to look for the future of the music industry, the answer would definitely not be found on the shelves of our parents’ basements. It’s not a sentiment shared by everyone, as Motherhood release the new EP, Live From Sedalia, on what is likely the most obsolete format available: a limited edition VHS cassette.
We get that there’s a certain novelty, and even some benefits beyond nostalgia, to releasing music in formats that our parents deemed irredeemable; there’s the practicality of the CD, the beautiful large-scale cover art of vinyl, even the sheer physicality of cassette tapes provides a functional saleability in a largely digital world. We can even understand the appeal of collecting classic films on VHS.
Putting new material on VHS is where we draw the line.
Releasing an EP on VHS, however novel, is like guaranteeing the lowest possible audio and visual quality while also maximizing your environmental impact. Presumably, this is the medium for people who insist that playing with the tracking knob is part of the experience.
“In March 2019, we responded to a cold-call from a stranger in Colorado who wanted to record us. We knew very little about this person or their vibes, but we drove 30 mins from Denver to the mountainy village of Sedalia, CO,” say the band.
“There, we met Carmine, Xadie & the Frank Captures Magic crew, and ATVd our gear into a wood cabin with a colourful history. We met wonderful folks & dogs and spent a day writing, recording, and hanging out with new friends.”
Fortunately, the band will also be releasing a second collection of live recordings available on handmade lathe cut 7″ vinyl on Tuesday, February 4 via New York label Leesta Vall Sound Recordings. The limited edition VHS cassettes will also be available in a digital format exclusively via Bandcamp on Friday, March 1, 2020.
Tour Dates:
01.31.20 – Fredericton, NB @ Charlotte Street Arts Centre *
02.05.20 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
02.07.20 – Portland, ME @ Sun Tiki Studios
02.08.20 – Bangor, ME @ Bangor Arts Exchange
02.27.20 – Calgary, AB @ Palomino
02.28.20 – Edmonton, AB @ Sewing Machine Factory
02.29.20 – Yellowknife, NWT @ Snowking’s Winter Festival
03.01.20 – Yellowknife, NWT @ Snowking’s Winter Festival
* with Fuze Orchestra for Shivering Songs