Posts Tagged ‘Sundance’

“Searching For Sugar Man” | Music Doc on Rodriguez @ Sundance

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

We are beyond excited to share this with all of you. A truly beautiful film, Searching For Sugar Man (directed by Malik Bendjelloul) is set to premier at this year’s Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Check the synopsis below for the full story. Are you heading to Sundance yourself? Then check out the offical site here for all the screening times. LITA’s Matt Sullivan will be in attendance and Tweeting live, so be sure to follow us for lots of photos and a few surprises over the week.

Rodriguez was the greatest ’70s U.S. rock icon who never was. His albums were critically well-received, but sales bombed, and he faded away into obscurity among rumors of a gruesome death. However, as fate would have it, a bootleg copy of his record made its way to South Africa, where his music became a phenomenal success. In a country suppressed by apartheid, his antiestablishment message connected with the people.

When his second album finally gets released on CD in South Africa, two fans take it as a sign, deciding to look into the mystery of how Rodriguez died and what happened to all of the profits from his album sales. Since very little information about the singer exists, they meet many obstacles until they uncover a shocking revelation that sets off a wild chain of events that has to be seen to be believed. SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN is a story of hope, inspiration, and the resonating power of music. - T.G.

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Sundance, Sixto Rodriguez, and Forthcoming Freezing Balls – Day 1

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

I’ve been waiting for this Rodriguez film documentary for what feels like centuries. You’re probably wondering, what Sixto doc? Good question. About 4 years ago, as we reissued the 1969 album Cold Fact by Detroit singer-songwriter Sixto Rodriguez, a young Swedish director began hatching a master plan to direct a feature length doc about the mysterious figure. In our ten years as label and 100 records later, Cold Fact remains my personal favorite from our catalog. A reissue that took years to bring to fruition and one of the more personal adventures we’ve been on. And it keeps on.

I met Rodriguez doc director Malik Bendjelloul in August 2008, when Josh and I flew to NYC for Rodriguez’s first ever proper U.S. show, happening at the beautiful Joe’s Pub in Manhattan. Yes, that is correct: outside of a warm up gig in upstate New York a month prior, this was truly the artist’s first ever U.S. show for a man in his sixties, born and bred in Detroit, with two albums under his belt. His larger than life mystique was certainly intact by the time we hit Manhattan. Malik and his crew filmed the sold out gig (I remember the chills of the evening and randomly enough Bernard Purdie showing up as the lights came up). The next few days, the director followed Rodriguez, his family, and I around to a number of promotional opportunities. I remember an interview on WNYC’s Soundcheck and a surprise gig put on by the Fader. It was a magical trip, my first with Rodriguez. Not sure anything tops that West Coast tour of June 2009, but that’s another story. Shit, actually I blogged about that one.

Anyways, over the course of the next few years, Malik would travel to Detroit, South Africa, Los Angeles, and London – hitting each place a half dozen times, documenting Rodriguez’s every move and whisper, and trying to piece together a life story that was hard to believe and harder to tell. From the get go though, Malik’s determination and intelligence struck me as someone who could pull it off. But I think we were all a little skeptical, which is often the case when someone makes a doc on your favorite artist. Doing it right, or even at all, is a monumental feat, something I learned watching Jennifer Maas expertly direct Wheedle’s Groove over a 7 year period. Like reissues, a crappy music doc can be two fold – you’re grateful to learn a few things but bummed it didn’t reach that grand plateau. And once it’s done, it’s done.

Flash forward four years and much sweat and hardwork on Malik’s part, and I’m on the plane headed to the Sundance Film Festival to freeze my ass off and attend the film’s world premiere, screening a number of times over the next week in Park City, Utah. I’ve packed more warm clothes than I’ve ever worn in my life, got two bottles of Jameson (I didn’t dig hearing my friend Toddrick telling me the horror stories on the lack of proper booze in Utah), and already feeling like those measly 3 hours of sleep last night may have not been the best idea. It’s my first time to Sundance. I’m expecting something like SXSW but no hot sun nor BBQ. I’m also having a hard time comprehending this day has actually come. I can’t imagine what Rodriguez and Malik must be thinking about tonight’s premiere. Over the past 18 months, I’ve seen a few rough cuts of the film and can honestly say that the doc reaches that grand plateau. Now it’s time for Malik to share it with the world. It’s going to be a crazy weekend.

- Matt Sullivan

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Rodriguez Does Sundance – Day 1 – Part II

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012

I climb on the shuttle from the Salt Lake City airport to the homebase of Sundance in Park City. So far it’s not as cold as I expected but imagine the temperature will be falling a good 10 degrees once we roll into Park City.

Small talk ensues on the bus with about 10 of us packed in like sardines. I ask the guy sitting next to me what he’s here for. His name is Jim Brunzell and he’s scouting films for Sound Unseen, a film festival that he helps curate. Small world. Coincidentally, in 2010, the Wheedle’s Groove film documentary won the Jury Prize for Best Film at Sound Unseen. We both trip out. Our driver is Joel who sports a killer mustache.

I’m told that last year’s ‘stache was mightier.

Over the course of the next 10 days, the Rodriguez documentary Searching For Sugar Man will screen 6 times. I’m here till Tuesday so I’ll be checking out 4 of them, along with a surprise performance or two from the man.

Bus Driver Joel

On way to dinner, I meet two local brothers on the bus. Talk focusses on taking “a frozen” and life in Park City. It’s a pretty town of just 8,000 residents. One of the brothers works at local whiskery distillery High West. I hope to stop by before I fly out.

Dinner’s at a spot on Main Street called Café Terigo. I soon realize this is feeling more like a Rodriguez convention, gathering some familiar and unfamiliar faces from Rodriguez’s life and career. Seeing Rodriguez for the first time in over a year is an immediate high. He looks great in a black suit and scarf, calm and classy as always. You can see the smile on his face when we chat about the film and the people surrounding us. It felt a little too good to be true. I quickly meet my heroes, Stephen ‘Sugar’ Segerman and Craig Bartholomew, the two South Africans who started all this madness. In the mid-’90s through endless persistence and a milk carton featuring Rodriguez’s face, they located Rodriguez who Sugar, Craig, and all in S.A. thought was long dead. Along with Rodriguez, Sugar and Craig are the stars of the doc. Sugar’s flown in from South Africa, Craig from Baltimore where he now lives. Around 2005, I emailed Sugar via the website Sugarman.org, stating my hopes of meeting Rodriguez and re-releasing Cold Fact and Coming From Reality. Sugar immediately responded, kindly putting me in touch with Regan, Rodriguez’s daughter, and soon after we flew out to Detroit to meet the man. I’m endlessly grateful to Sugar for responding to that email. Prior to my email, he received many similar requests from other labels, but had faith in what we could do. After exchanging emails for years, it was wonderful to finally meet him in the flesh. The work of Sugar and Craig is such an inspiring story. I felt like asking for autographs. I held back.

Craig Bartholomew and Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman

I meet the film’s producer Simon Chinn. Another larger than life figure in the world of documenting long lost tales. Simon produced Project Nim and Man On Wire, one of the best docs of the past few decades . I meet another familiar face, Rodriguez’s middle daughter Sandra and her daughter Amanda. Great people. It was fantastic catching up with everyone. The excitement for this film from the 20 or so of us in this room was literally through the roof. We’d all seen rough cuts over the years but not the final document and never on the big screen.

Rodriguez with daughter Sandra Kennedy and director Malik Bendjelloul - Photo by artlobster

After dinner, we head to the Library Center Theatre for the premiere, which goes down well. Lots of tears and laughs flowing throughout the screening. During the Q&A they bring out Rodriguez and he receives a standing ovation. It was hard not getting choked up. I find myself with a massive perma-smile throughout both the screening and Q&A, even after seeing the doc so many times before. Lots of interesting questions unfold during the Q&A. Rodriguez is in fine style as always with his first line being “it’s a great day to be in Utah.” He humbly answers questions, but spends most of the time congratulating director Malik Bendjelloul for a much deserved fantastic job.

Afterwards, Sugar and I share some vodka and he gives me an LP that he’s brought from his record store Mabu Vinyl in Cape Town, South Africa, Rodriguez’s Best Of LP, originally released in S.A. in 1982. It’s incredibly rare and the LP that got Sugar deeply into Rodriguez’s music. I notice that track 1 is “Crucify Your Mind” so I can understand. A kind, kind gift.

I get back at 2 AM and finally fall asleep. Not an easy task after the heavy adrenaline rush of the past few hours. What a night. Many more screenings to come, including Friday’s at 9am sharp. Can’t wait.

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Searching For Warmth – Sundance & Rodriguez – DAY 2

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

The second screening of Searching For Sugar Man was an early one, happening at 9 AM at the Yarrow Theatre in Park City. I didn’t think last night’s premiere could be toped, but never underestimate the power of Sixto. While the film played, I chatted with Stephen ‘Sugar’ Segerman and Craig Bartholomew in the lobby of the theatre. Considering these two South Africans are the reason I’m standing here, I once again geeked out, asking questions about the intense process of finding Rodriguez well over a decade years ago. The three of us picked through certain lyrics on Cold Fact and Coming From Reality, leading to other unanswered clues. Time flew by so we sat down to watch the final half hour and still felt the goosebumps. Once again, the credits came up and a standing ovation ensued. The M.C. brought out Rodriguez, cast, and crew, and the audience went nuts further, which only escalated when someone yelled out “play a song!” Rodriguez grabbed his guitar, tuned up, and performed, covering a song by Paolo Nutini. Bless the joys of YouTube and witness it here -

Soon after, the press release lands that Sony Pictures Classics has purchased the film for North America, making this the first purchase of the entire 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Minds are further blown.

In the car, heading to Salt Lake City

A few hours later, we head out to Salt Lake City for screening #3, happening at a gorgeous downtown city library. Craig drives his rental with the rest of us grateful for the lift: Sugar, the film’s Director of Photography Camilla Skagerstrom, and Craig’s wife Philippa Berrington, who a decade prior sung vocals on a cover of Rodriguez’s “I Wonder” with a group called Generation EXT and rapper Tazz. I dug up the tune here.

The Salt Lake screening is another packed house and another standing ovation. Considering the audiences for the screenings in Park City were primarily film industry folks, it was refreshing to see a response from the locals. They absolutely loved the film and we met some incredibly kind Salt Lake City residents.

Rodriguez playing a song after the morning's screening

The cast, crew, and family headed to Rodriguez’s condo for a post-celebration party. Champagne, pizza, and other delights ensued. Rodriguez played a few songs. A couple hours later, it was sad saying goodbye to Camilla, Craig, and Philippa who all had to fly out the next morning. I felt lucky to have met them. Such great people. Camilla’s an absolute sweetheart and her work on the film can’t be understated.

Director Malik Bendjelloul toasts

I stopped by the film party for Your Sister’s Sister, directed by Seattle director Lynn Shelton and line produced by Jennifer Maas (Wheedle’s Groove). It was brilliant seeing Seattle friends and the almighty Ted Speaker who recorded a number of songs for the Wheedle’s Groove film doc years prior. Outside drunk girls walked in heels on slippery, black ice. It made me miss the sun and BBQ of South By Southwest in Austin.

Time to sleep.

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Sundance- Sundays in Utah, and 24/7 Beer Heaven – Day 3 & 4

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Our delicious Chubasco's meal (and salsa extravaganza)

No screening today so I sleep in, a little at least until we have to pack up and switch condos. I stop by the grocery store to stock up on some smoked salmon (from Federal Way, WA!) and catch up on work – the big thing being a conference call about a box set release for fall 2012. I wish I could spill the beans, but can’t just yet. It’s a beauty. The snow’s starting to fall as I trudge through the white powder with Mel Eslyn and Nate Miller of Your Sister’s Sister, a Lynn Shelton directed film playing at the festival. We hit a late lunch at a tasty Mexican restaurant called Chubasco’s. The 15-deep salsa bar blows minds.  I think Mel may have been in heaven with the mango salsa.

I grab some beer at the 7-Eleven on Park Ave. and quickly discover that this little convention store sells more PBR than any other convenience store in the country. It can’t hurt that they’re legally able to sell beer 24/7. In further weirdness, Utah has their own ‘special’ form of PBR (along with many other commercial beers), a watered down version that’s reduced to 3.2% alcohol. Weird.

The proud home of 24/7 PBR heaven

Sugar and I meet at Rodriguez’s. A couple hours later, we hear a knock on the door and meet Rob Holibaugh, the Sundance projectionist from Thursday’s premiere at the Library Center Theatre in Park City. Coincidentally, he’s staying in the apartment above and comes down to say hello. Great guy. He’s based in West Virginia but every January for the past 10 years he flies into Park City to be a projectionist, seeing over 40 films in a 10 day period. Rob tells us how Searching For Sugar Man brought him to tears on Thursday evening.

Rodriguez trips out at the idea of sharing a bill with Paul McCartney’s son James on Monday at the ASCAP Cafe. Rodriguez’s son-in-law Pete (aka the greatest driver in Utah) pulls up a couple YouTube clips and we hear some James McCartney. The pressure of being a son of a Beatle has got to be tough. That’s a documentary in itself.

The first major snow storm of the season hits that night and Pete kindly gives me a ride home. I say goodbye to both Chris and Megan, two good friends of Rodriguez’s daughter. They made the trip from Detroit for the big premiere but head out tomorrow. More great people.

Time to crash.

The next day I’m up early. I haven’t caught much sleep, primarily due to being so damn high on the magical happenings of the past 48 hours. I head out around 7 AM to total silence with mountains of fresh snow on the ground. It’s a beautiful sight. The big event for the day is a 6:30 PM screening of Searching For Sugar Man in Ogden, Utah. The festival is not only in Park City but has screenings in Ogden and Salt Lake as well. Ogden is a 75 minute drive northwest of Park City. I head out with Regan and Pete. We pull into Ogden, a town of around 80,000 residents and it’s quiet. Very quiet. Sunday nights in Utah are not your typical all night ragers. A few blocks from the theater I spot Heebeegeebeez, a comic book/games store with a small vinyl section. I drool as we drive by.

Heebeegeebeez

My addiction kicks in so I drop off Pete and Regan at a nearby restaurant and race back but don’t find much. They do have a decent selection of original post-punk LPs like Gang Of Four’s Entertainment and enough Barbra Streisand to make even Bob Husack proud. It was cool to see some Jimmy Reed and Lightnin’ Hopkins wax, along with Arthur Lee’s Vindicator. I ask about other stores but the one spot down the street is closed. The bummer of Sundays in Ogden.

After wolfing down too many taquitos at a local restaurant, the three of us walk on over to the theater, Peery’s Egyptian Theater, a breath-taking old movie house built in the 1920s. We walk in and immediately hear the sounds of a live organ player doing his thing at the front of the stage. It’s one of the more impressive movie theaters I’ve ever seen. The room holds 800 and there’s got to be well over 600 by the time the doc starts. Not bad for a Sunday night in Ogden.

The gorgeous inside of Peery's Egyptian Theater

Once again the response goes through the roof with multiple standing ovations, first for director Malik, and then Rodriguez. Both take part in the Q&A, along with Rodriguez’s daughters Sandra and Regan, and Stephen ‘Sugar’ Segerman, the man who started all this madness over 15 years ago. It’s amazing to see the response and realize that 99% of the crowd has never heard Rodriguez’s music prior to the evening. A girl in her early 20s passionately asks Rodriguez about his influences when writing Cold Fact and Coming From Reality. In typical Rodriguez fashion, he can’t quite answer it. Not that he doesn’t want to but he’s shy, just about the most humble man on the planet, so he moves around the question, talking about how Malik is the hero here, making such a brilliant film. Rodriguez performs a song in the Q&A which goes down in fantastic fashion.

Rodriguez serenades us

Afterwards, we’re greeted by a sea of the kindest people you’ve ever met. Rodriguez signs autographs and takes photos with some newfound fans. I remember meeting a Dallas couple who drove out from Park City for the screening, even changing their flight home to catch the film. And they missed the Mavericks game!

It’s beginning to seem a bit crazy how the audience response gets better each night. But it does.

Ogden rules.

In two cars, we drive back to Park City, hang out for a bit, and then call it a night.

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Sundance – Rodriguez at the ASCAP Artist Cafe, The Free Design, and Victory! – Days 5 & 6

Monday, January 30th, 2012

It’s another early rise, smoked salmon, tea, and the joys of email. A few hours later, I’m off to pick up Rodriguez at 9:30 so we can hit soundcheck at the ASCAP Artist Cafe on Main Street in Park CIty, where Rodriguez will be performing this afternoon. It’s his first scheduled performance of the festival. We get there early and meet the ASCAP staff. All are incredibly helpful and kind. Looking out the green room window, you’re situated about 20 yards from the ski lift under bright blue skies and the sun beating down. It’s a gorgeous day. After soundcheck, Loretta at ASCAP introduces us to Sir Paul’s son James McCartney who is scheduled to perform right before Rodriguez hits the stage. It’s a surreal moment. Before landing in Utah, I didn’t know Paul had a son. He’s cordial and talks Native American jewelry with Rodriguez and his daughter Sandra. They trade CDs. Rodriguez and Sandra stick around to watch James’ soundcheck while I rush off to meet the folks from Sony Pictures Classics who just purchased the Rodriguez doc for North America. Afterwards, I grab pizza/burgers with Searching For Sugar Man‘s Stephen ‘Sugar’ Segerman, director Malik Bendjelloul, and producer Simon Chinn. I wolf down a burger which ain’t bad. Other than that heavenly salsa bar at Chubasco’s, the food in Park City hasn’t been that great. I’ve got no complaints though. This has been the trip of a lifetime. Sugar, Malik, and I search out some wireless — due to my current web withdrawals. We stumble on some complimentary coffee, tea, and web action. Sugar hits a bookstore next door while I head to the ASCAP Artist Cafe for set up.

Soundcheck at ASCAP Artist Cafe

It’s already packed inside with a long line outside. Anticipation builds. It’s great to see all the familiar faces, including Andy from Vetiver, Eric from the Fruit Bats, Tiffany Anders of the Don’t Knock The Rock Film Festival, and Light In The Attic illustrator Drew Christie who’s in town screening his new short Song of the Spindle at Sundance. By the time Rodriguez walks on stage, you can feel the anticipation in the room. The vibe couldn’t be better. He plays “Sugar Man,” “I Think Of You,” and a couple covers, while sharing some wisdom along the way…

The wait for Rodriguez at ASCAP Artist Cafe

Rodriguez at ASCAP Artist Cafe

Do you know the secret to life?
All you gotta do is keep breathing in and out.

The mystery of life?
You never know when it’s going to end.

And love?
Don’t be a silent partner.

I grab drinks with Sugar and Malik, and then stop by Rodriguez’s with Regan and Pete for more celebratory moments.

Rodriguez, Malik Bendjelloul, Stephen Sugar Segerman, Sandra Kennedy, Matt Sullivan, Amanda Kennedy

The night ends with throwing ice balls at a 2-story window in hopes that my roommates open the door before hypothermia sets in. Bless their souls, as they hear my desperation 10 minutes later. That would’ve been a bad ending.

The next morning it’s day six and my last few hours in Park City. I have coffee with Jay Zynczak, the son of Sandra Dedrick from The Free Design. Since reissuing The Free Design’s catalog in 2003, Jay and I have been in touch for years but never met in person. It’s great to finally put a face to the voice. Afterwards, I visit Rodriguez, his family, Sugar, and Malik, saying goodbye and wishing them luck at the rest of the festival. I find it strange parting ways after the momentum and amazing vibes of the past few days. The clock is ticking though. I quickly pack and jump on the shuttle to Salt Lake. At the airport bar/restaurant, I randomly run into Wymond Miles and his wife. Wymond is the guitarist from San Francisco band The Fresh & Onlys who were Rodriguez’s brilliant back-up band during his last U.S. West Coast tour. This seemed too strange stumbling into each other. Don’t underestimate the power of Sixto though. He has a tendency to bring people together. The only other guy who should be here is South African Brian Currin. Brian, we’ll have to meet up one of these days! Anyways, I hadn’t seen Wymond in a couple years. Over beers, we exchange Rodriguez memories. This spring, Wymond’s solo debut comes out on the label Sacred Bones. I’m very much looking forward to that record. On the plane I listen to Cold Fact and am having a difficult time comprehending the events of the last few days. Did that just happen?

I later learn that the film goes on to win two Sundance awards, an Audience Award and a Special Jury Prize. 2012 is looking to be the year of Rodriguez.

Malik Bendjelloul, Rodriguez, and Edward James Olmos, Sundance Awards - Photo Kim Raff _The Salt Lake Tribune

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