Chicago Prog Legends District 97 Release Quarantine Video of New Song “Divided We Fall” From Forthcoming Album “Screenplay”
Chicago prog legends DISTRICT 97 have released a new quarantine video for the song “Divided We Fall” from their forthcoming live album “Screenplay,” which features well over 2 hours of music across 2 CDs and is released March 26, 2021! Along with this brand new track, the album comprises all of DISTRICT 97’s critically-acclaimed “Screens” album performed live at Europe’s prog rock mecca, Boerderij Cultuurpodium, in October 2019. Additionally, the collection boasts a wide variety of live material spanning DISTRICT 97’s back catalog and covers ranging from John Lennon to Yes.
Also included is a rousing unreleased live performance of “21st Century Schizoid Man” featuring King Crimson/Asia/UK legend John Wetton, as well as collaborations with other artists such as Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo. Plus, there are two secret “encore” performances.
Watch the video for “Divided We Fall”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFpdFhJAWiA
Leslie Hunt (vocalist): I have been absolutely fixated on the idea of confirmation bias and how dangerous it is for us to only have access to information that further solidifies our pre-existing convictions. In such an ego-centric culture that values individualism higher than anything else, the arrogance and moral righteousness in this country has reached such a level of toxicity that it comes out in these never-ending, rage-induced arguments on social media and with one another. We believe a thing, we google the thing, we get proof of the thing and we view others without the same belief-that-was-google-proven as irresponsible and obtuse, never pausing to consider that they might be stuck in their bubble as well. It might be our undoing as a society.
The song explores the ego-discomfort necessary to challenge your convictions by looking through different lenses and googling things on other people’s devices in an effort to poke holes in your own staunch beliefs.
Tim Seisser (bassist): When I write for the band, I think about what songs have been successful in the catalog, and I try to retain aspects of those songs to create a cohesive D97 sound. But I also think about what is missing from the catalog. The galloping groove feel is a favorite of mine from the “prog-metal” genre and it’s a fun challenge to keep up the pace rhythmically. I enjoy getting Leslie’s perspective on not just melodies and lyrical content, but also song form. I really like the counterpoint style lines she came up with for the hooks, as we have been trying to find more opportunities for lyrical and vocal interplay.
All in all, I’m super happy with the way this one came together and am really looking forward to performing it live for you wonderful fans in the hopefully very near future.
Both the song and video were recorded remotely in quarantine. Video editing by Phil Satterly.
Pre-order Screenplay digitally (“Divided We Fall” downloads immediately):
Bandcamp: https://district97.bandcamp.com/album/screenplay
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1553439930?ls=1&app=itunes
To pre-order DISTRICT 97 “Screenplay” on CD:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/district-97-screenplay-2cd-edition/
http://www.district97.net/store/screenplay-2cd
DISTRICT 97 is undoubtedly the most musically adventurous rock band in the world to feature an American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist. Since 2008, this quintet from Chicago has melded an adventurous, uncompromising instrumental prowess with the look, sound, and stage presence of vocalist Leslie Hunt. Through world tours and a stream of studio and live releases, the band has garnered a worldwide fanbase; collaborating with iconic singer/bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia, UK) and drawing praise from Bill Bruford (drummer of Yes/King Crimson/Genesis), Mike Portnoy (drummer of Dream Theater/Transatlantic) and other rock luminaries along the way.
DISTRICT 97 rehearses doggedly to refine their compositions, ensemble-playing, and stage presentation; their standards for excellence have only grown more rigorous with the passage of time. Their latest album “Screens” (released October 2019) and its accompanying live shows set a high watermark of composition and musicianship.
The covid-19 pandemic has not stopped the band from innovating. Their Virtual Screening Tour and the stunning “Ghost Girl” animated short film have kept them at the top of the current prog rock heap.
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=822-tra5DA4
“Screens” – NEW STUDIO ALBUM:https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/district-97-screens-cd/
“One More Red Night – Live In Chicago”, CD – District 97 & John Wetton:https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/one-more-red-night-live-in-chicago/
For interviews or more information on District 97 please contact:info@district97.net
For more information:
http://www.district97.net/
http://district97.bandcamp.com/ (Exclusive Music Available for Download)
https://www.facebook.com/District97
https://www.instagram.com/district.97/
http://twitter.com/District97
