Cincinnati, Ohio, May 29, 2013 —Last month, after almost 40 years, Shuggie Otis, released a new album.
In September, MidPoint Music Festival (MPMF.13) will present Otis, one of the most mysterious figures in pop music history, as this year’s original pioneer. He will headline in Washington Park opening night with Cody ChesnuTT.
According to the New York Times (NYT), Otis’s album, “Wings of Love” (Epic/Legacy), which includes 14 previously unreleased tracks, is being packaged a alongside a reissue of his previous and most celebrated recording, “Inspiration Information,” from 1974. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/14/arts/music/another-step-in-the-shuggie-otis-comeback.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
“MPMF has always been known for the pioneering music we showcase, but I am especially excited and proud to present Shuggie Otis,” said Dan McCabe, artistic director of MPMF.13. “Unlike other original pioneers presented at past MPMFs like Ralph Stanley, Booker T. and Van Dyke Parks, Shuggie’s impact is only just now coming to light. Shuggie Otis speaks directly to the MPMF artist who often sacrifices success and notoriety for their art.”
On May 3, the first 13 artists were announced for the twelfth edition of the downtown Cincinnati festival happening September 26-28, 2013. Today, 14 additional artists are being released:
SHUGGIE OTIS
KURT VILE
YOUTH LAGOON
ON AN ON
BATHS
MURDER BY DEATH
BLEACHED
SATURDAY LOOKS GOOD TO ME
SAN FERMIN
SECRET COLOURS
NAT BALDWIN
WILD CUB
THE SHILOHS
BIRDS OF CHICAGO
SHUGGIE OTIS: “He’s the unsung hero of blues and funk. His music is so potent that it only blossomed 30 years after it was first released.” – Questlove
“…a missing link between Sly, Jimi, Stevie, Prince and Frank Ocean.” -Rolling Stone
KURT VILE: One of Coachella 2013’s 10 Must See Acts – Rolling Stone
“Wakin on a Pretty Daze” is a SPIN essential and a real testament to putting a great deal of effort into making something feel effortless.” – SPIN
YOUTH LAGOON: “8.7 / BEST NEW MUSIC. Wondrous Bughouse looks inward and discovers the endless possibilities of imagination and introspection.” -Pitchfork
ON AN ON: Broke new ground on their latest recording with accomplished producer Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene, Super Furry Animals, Los Campesinos!)
BATHS: Just yesterday (May 28, 2013) second album Obsidian named “Best New Music” by Pitchfork. Debut album Cerulean, blurs the line between post-modern pop and the LA beat scene and earned “Best Of” recognition from Pitchfork & The Onion’s A.V. Club.
MURDER BY DEATH: “They’ve cultivated a cult-like fan base via their unique sound, which mingles elements of country, indie rock and alternative music into collections of songs that are the sonic equivalent of ‘No Country For Old Men.'”— PureVolume
BLEACHED: “…originally found cult status with their punk band Mika Miko. It’s the ole “they’ve cleaned up, but are still same degenerates you know and love” trick. . – The Village Voice
SATURDAY LOOKS GOOD TO ME: The jubilant fun of Motown and Northern soul with a decidedly indie approach.
SAN FERMIN: A pastiche of post-rock, chamber-pop and contemporary classical composition.
SECRET COLOURS: Revel in being the bastard seed of the ’60s psychedelia and ’90s Britpop bloodlines.
NAT BALDWIN: Double bassist/singer-songwriter Nat Baldwin’s spent years as the Dirty Projectors bassist and former disciple of free jazz legend Anthony Braxton.
WILD CUB: “… [Wild Cub’s] brand of darkly-tinged new wave recalls elements of the youthful abandon of John Hughes soundtracks, the baleful allure of Greg Dulli, and the clockwork electronics of New Order’s middle period.” – KEXP
THE SHILOHS: The Vancouver foursome released full-length debut, So Wild earlier this year.
BIRDS OF CHICAGO: “They project organic gospel, hillbilly, folk and soul elements that bridge traditional and modern approaches.” – Chicago Tribune
To view the whole list of artists for MPMF.13 to date, visit MPMF.com.
MidPoint Music Festival continues its 12-year tradition as the region’s frontline of music exploration, featuring an impressive and diverse lineup. Music fans everywhere flock to Cincinnati in September to be a part of this long running music event that started in Over-the-Rhine (OTR), the Cincinnati neighborhood that’s as cutting edge as the festival itself.
OTR remains a pivotal location, home to a number of MPMF.13 stages. OTR is on the National Register of Historic Places and was voted best Cincinnati Neighborhood in CityBeat’s Best of Cincinnati publication in 2011 and 2012. Since 2004 more than $255 million has been invested in the revitalization of OTR, including the $48 million renovation of Washington Park, which includes an outdoor music stage that serves as one of MPMF’s main stages.
Ticketing
Advance tickets are on sale now at www.mpmf.cincyticket.com. All-access passes are $69 and VIP passes are $169