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Still from the Swill film VitusThe Perfect Role
For child prodigies, it can be tough growing up brilliant. Today on Soundcheck, the young star of the film Vitus talks about being a gifted pianist — and playing one on the big screen. Plus, the Brooklyn-based band Flying brings its surreal, psychedelic songs to our studio. And, a presidential candidate uses country music to thank campaign contributors.
Country Connoisseur
A new CD "tells the story of the plight of rural America." No, we're not talking about the new John Mellencamp record. It's Moneyland, a compilation of new and old country songs that John Edwards is giving donors who contribute $50 or more to his presidential campaign. We ask Amy Schatz of the Wall Street Journal's blog Washington Wire if Edwards can make a decent mixtape.
Vitus
The award-winning Swiss film Vitus reminds us that child prodigies are, after all, children. The film is the story of a gifted 12-year-old pianist who struggles to balance his talent and his desire to be "normal." Vitus stars the real-life 14-year-old pianist Teo Gheorghiu, winner of the 2004 San Marino International Piano Competition. Gheorghiu and producer Christof Neracher talk about the film, which screens this weekend at the Tribeca Film Festival.
'Vitus' web site
Teo Gheorghiu's audition video for 'Vitus'
Tribeca Film Festival web site
Flying
The Brooklyn band Flying makes surreal, psychedelic music inspired in part by its singer's sculptures, short stories and paintings. The formation of the band is just as unusual: it involves a two-headed dog made out of snow, a paralyzed face, and a bloody bike accident. Flying performs live in our studio. Also, renowned cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich has died. He was 80. We hear an interview with Rostropovich from the Soundcheck archives.
Flying's MySpace page
Mstislav Rostropovich at 75: Part I (from the Soundcheck archives)
Mstislav Rostropovich at 75: Part II (from the Soundcheck archives)
Mstislav Rostropovich at 75: Part III (from the Soundcheck archives)
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Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show. Plus, watch videos from in-studio performances.
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Introducing our Video Contest
Soundcheck
John Schaefer gives the lowdown on Soundcheck's music video challenge with the Fiery Furnaces.
In Studio: Los Amigos Invisibles
Soundcheck
The Venezuelan funk-rock band "Los Amigos Invisibles" was discovered by David Byrne in a Manhattan record shop. They perform live on Soundcheck.
In Studio: Angel Deradoorian
Soundcheck
The 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist performs live in our studio.
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Cucu Diamantes Performs Amor Cronico
Soundcheck
Cucu Diamantes went from a tough childhood in Havana, Cuba, to an art school in Rome to underground New York City, where she co-founded the Latin alternative band Yerba Buena.
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In Studio: The Decemberists
The Portland, Ore., band's latest album, "The Hazards of Love," is a concept album with a mythological flair. They joined Soundcheck to play live for a studio audience in WNYC's Greene Space.
Sound Off
Soundcheck
Throughout May, Soundcheck presents “Sound Off” a Friday series on the many aspects of noise in music and our lives. The series -- which coincides with “Better Hearing and Speech Month” -- looks at issues like New York’s noisiest neighborhoods, the latest research on iPods and hearing loss, and what happens when noise becomes a musical ingredient.
