This fall Public Records presents a three part series, FOLKSTORM, inspired by co-partner and Program Director, Francis Harris’ off-kilter PRTV – PRs pandemic-time video programming – show by the same name. The series explores the edges of the folk genre, reinterpreting the sound for a generation not so easily lured by definitions but attuned more directly to the counter cultural spirit the movement has invoked for decades.
For the first event we welcome two prolific luminaries of the genre who have been shaping and reshaping its structure for many years. Opening the evening is composer, musician, and writer David Grubbs, known to work in a wide range of avant-rock musical forms, he’s been an integral force in the post-rock and experimental music communities and frequently collaborates with other artists on multimedia projects. A founding member of Squirrel Bait, Bastro, and Gastr del Sol and sometime member of Codeine, The Red Krayola, Bitch Magnet and The Wingdale Community Singers, Grubbs has also released twelve solo albums, on labels like Drag City and his own label, Blue Chopsticks. Headlining is multi-instrumentalist, visual artist, audio engineer, and composer, Tara Jane O’Neil. For over three decades O’Neil has created melodic and experimental music under her own name and in collaboration with other musicians,dancers and filmmakers. As a solo artist she has released 8 full-length albums and performed at clubs & DIY spaces around the world as well as cultural institutions like the Centre de Pompdou, the Whitney Museum and All Tomorrow’s Parties.