SINGER-SONGWRITER’S EP SERVES AS THE “MUSICAL VOICE” OF
CHRIS COLFER’S DEBUT FEATURE FILM
On January 18, 2013, Michael Van London will release his new solo EP “American Blood & Guts” – produced by Brad Cook (Foo Fighters, Ben Harper) – featuring songs from the hotly anticipated film “Struck By Lightning” – to coincide with the film’s theatrical release.
Director Brian Dannelly’s (Saved!, Weeds, The United States of Tara, Pushing Daisies) personally selected Van London’s music for the film, which was written by and stars Chris Colfer of Glee alongside Allison Janney, Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Sara Hyland (Modern Family), Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids) and Dermot Mulroney.
“The songs from ‘American Blood & Guts’ were integral to the overall tone of ‘Struck By Lightning’ and worked so beautifully with the film that Michael was the only artist we ever seriously considered.” says Dannelly. “I love directors who have collaborated with a single artist to create the musical ‘voice’ of the film – Paul Thomas Anderson did amazing work with Aimee Mann, Sean Penn did the same thing with Eddie Vedder and of course, Hal Ashby’s work with Cat Stevens. It was a great thrill for me to have that same experience with Michael. ”
Van London conducted a contest for fans to create the videos for the EP. Winner Jennifer Stuber from Ontario will accompany Michael to the red carpet premiere of “Struck By Lightning” in Los Angeles on January 6th, 2013. Check out the winning entry for Feel Love and runner up Sound of an Amp below.
“FEEL LOVE” by Michael Van London, video by Jennifer Stuber.
“SOUND OF AN AMP” by Michael Van London, video by Kaitlyn Crockett
The songs Van London wrote for “American Blood & Guts” are a departure from the glitter-stomp sound of his band, The Black Beverly Heels. These new songs are inspired by the infectious pop of ‘60s AM radio, classic girl groups and a touch of ‘70s glam rock.
“I think I went into the studio unintentionally trying to make this record. I honestly just followed my instincts.” said Van London. “Most of the bands I grew up on are harmony drenched pop bands with classic rock & roll guitars. Aside from modern production these songs are my version of late ‘60s garage rock.”
“While the songs sound contemporary, there is a very retro feel to them.” continues Dannelly. “They reminded me of songs from my favorite teen movies. We are already talking about music for a new project.”
The “American Blood & Guts” record release party and show is on Friday 1/18/13 with The Dollyrots, Ingenue and The Gay-Gay’s, the All-Gay-Male Go-Go’s Celebration at the Redwood, 316 W 2nd St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. RSVP to matt@tmipublicity.com.
AMERICAN BLOOD & GUTS TRACK LISTING
- Feel Love
- Mother Nature
- Downtown
- Sound of an Amp
- Turn off the Lights Turn the Radio On
ABOUT MICHAEL VAN LONDON
Michael Van London has honed his skills “on both sides of the ocean and in between them” but has made his home in Los Angeles where he has fronted his bands The Bombs and The Black Beverly Heels while constantly recording and releasing material under his own name. His music has been featured on MTV, made officially available in Rock Band, and been spotlighted in Spotify’s “Artist of the Week”. Van London will embark on a solo West coast tour in the spring followed by an extensive European tour in the Fall.
Michael Van London is available for interviews.
- https://soundcloud.com/michaelvanlondon
- https://www.facebook.com/Michaelvanlondonmusic/
- http://vimeo.com/user10990336/videos
- http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcphzBLB8fSCGVX5JKM6gXQ
- http://www.michaelvanlondon.tumblr.com
- http://twitter.com/mvanlondon
For more information contact Matt McLaughlin, matt@tmipublicity.com, 310.694.4622
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