Lotus will release its first full concert film, Live at Red Rocks September 19, 2014, on Monday, September 4th (available at midnight EDT, Sunday night). The concert features a set called Talking Heads Deconstructed with guest Gabe Otto singing Talking Heads songs done in Lotus' signature style.
“The origins of this show start earlier in 2014 when we were approached by a festival to put together a special set. After a few different ideas, we landed on the Talking Heads Deconstructed idea; mixing in our styles and melodies,” states Jesse Miller. “I was little bit wary of the idea initially because the Talking Heads are covered by so many bands in our scene. But, when it all came together, I thought we were able to give these covers a unique spin that really made these songs feel like our own.”
While most Lotus shows include sampled vocals when necessary, the Talking Heads set features Gabe Otto of Denver’s Pan Astral taking on the role of the group’s frontman, David Byrne. “Gabe brought an energy to the stage that took the performance to an even higher level,” says Miller.
The Talking Heads' music has been a touchstone for Lotus since the beginning. Their early minimalist-CBGB rock style was steeped in groove, and as they added synths, more percussion and African-inspired rhythms, that core groove held strong even as the musical orbit expanded. The same concept holds true for Lotus after being a band for 17 plus years.
Miller says, “I did not envision a three-year long process getting the licensing to use the Talking Heads’ songs on the video, but I am glad our team finally pulled it off and we can share this show.”
Members of Lotus grew up just miles away from Red Rocks Amphitheatre with some even having their high school graduation there. When the band headlined the iconic venue for the first time in 2012, it was the realization of a longtime dream. They become more comfortable as they returned to Red Rocks and quickly made the venue their own.
“For the 2014 production, we used a lighting design that involved draping hundreds of LED bars around the stage. The position of all the bars were mapped into a software program that allowed 3D patterns used. It took so long to set up, but result was unlike any other stage I've seen,” Miller recalls.
Lotus is composed of Mike Greenfield (Drums), Jesse Miller (Bass, Sampler), Luke Miller (Guitar, Keys), Mike Rempel (Guitar) and Chuck Morris (Percussion).
Catch Lotus on tour:
September
1-3 - Garrettsville, OH, - Summerdance at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park [Lotus headlines all three nights!]
8-10 - Minot, ME - Great North: Music & Arts Festival 2017 [Lotus performs 4 sets over 2 nights]
15 - Boulder, CO - Boulder Theater [tix exclusively available as two show package with 9/16 Red Rocks]
16 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre w/ Com Truise, Nosaj Thing
23 - Philadelphia, PA - Skyline Stage @ the Mann w/ Beats Antique
October
19-20 - So. Burlington, VT - Higher Ground w/ The Main Squeeze
21 - Boston, MA - House of Blues Boston w/ The Main Squeeze
27-28 - Richmond, VA - The National
November
3-4 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bowl w/ Square Peg Round Hole
December
1-5 - Punta Cana, DR - Dominican Holidaze [Lotus performs Sat 12/02 at 6:30pm]
January
17-22 - Departing from Miami, FL - Jam Cruise 16
