For 13 years, the San Francisco-based John Vanderslice has been winning people over with his unique voice and presence in music. His special lens on Folk-Pop is deeply personal and political at the same time, creating and engaging atmosphere all the same. With 10 records under his belt, he has always managed a way to remain present in the constantly shifting music landscape, all on his own terms. There is a depth to Vanderslice’s music that unparallelled, something that lasts in your head long after the music is over. With each release, he presents something different, from folk ballads with electronic beats, to playing with full-fledged orchestras.
Whether producing albums in his studio Tiny Telephone, collaborating with the likes of Spoon, St. Vincent and The Mountain Goats or by touring constantly around the world, John Vanderslice has been championing the way for independent musicians making a career for themselves in a creative manner.
In preparation of his recently released album Dagger Beach, he left his label and set up a Kickstarter campaign to start his own. His goal of $18,500 was met within hours, and he ultimately reached $79,000 by March 21st, 2013 from 1224 backers. This campaign is currently one of Kickstarter’s top 40 most funded projects in Music. He funded and meticulously recorded the album that created his most innovative record to date (see video below).
Time and time again, he has self-sufficiently made a name for himself from community outreach and participatory collaboration. His artistic presence continues to show creativity on and off the vinyl. We’re honored to host John Vanderslice at our Hott Summer Nights MFNW Party on September 5th. Come and enjoy his music for yourself.