Brian Ross Weitz, known to many as Geologist from the acclaimed group Animal Collective, has officially announced his first solo studio album. Titled Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights?, the record is set for release on January 30 through Drag City. This marks a significant moment for fans of his experimental sound.
The announcement comes with the debut of the lead single, "Tonic." A music video directed by Molten Synapse accompanies the track, offering a visual interpretation of Geologist's distinctive sonic landscape. The album promises a deep dive into his personal musical journey.
Key Takeaways
- Geologist, Brian Ross Weitz of Animal Collective, is releasing his debut solo album.
- The album, Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights?, will be available on January 30.
- Lead single "Tonic" has been released with a new music video.
- The album features collaborations with Alianna Kalaba, Avey Tare, and his son, Merrick Weitz.
- Geologist's unique approach involves the hurdy-gurdy, moving beyond traditional guitar.
The Genesis of a Solo Project
Weitz's decision to embark on a solo album stems from a desire to explore sounds he felt he could not achieve through conventional means. His formative years were heavily influenced by guitar-based music. However, he admits he struggled to master the instrument to his satisfaction.
A pivotal moment arrived a few years ago when he considered a hurdy-gurdy drone set for touring. He recalled a story about punk rock legend Greg Ginn playing guitar solos over a drum machine. This idea resonated with Weitz, pushing him to embrace a different creative path.
"Most of the formative music in my teens was guitar based, and, at that age, you try to play like your favorites," Geologist explained in a recent statement. "But I was never very good at guitar myself... I was coming to accept that whatever drone I could make on the hurdy-gurdy would never live up to when I first heard Keiji Haino play one at Tonic in 1998. So I went the Ginn route instead and wrote this record. I still can’t play or write like my favorites, but the hurdy-gurdy got me closer than guitar ever did."
Did You Know?
The single "Tonic" is named after the now-closed New York music venue where Geologist saw Keiji Haino perform in 1998. This experience significantly shaped his musical direction.
Collaborations and Creative Process
The new album showcases a range of collaborations. Alianna Kalaba contributes drums to "Tonic." Additionally, Animal Collective bandmate David "Avey Tare" Portner is featured on the record. This reunion of creative forces highlights the strong artistic bonds within the collective.
Beyond his bandmates, Weitz enlisted a diverse group of musicians and technical experts. Recording engineer Adam McDaniel played a crucial role in shaping the album's sound. Drummers Emma Garau and Ryan Oslance also lent their talents, adding rhythmic depth to the tracks.
Further instrumental contributions come from clarinetist Shane McCord, cellist Mikey Powers, and vibraphonist Adam Lion. A particularly notable collaboration is with his son, Merrick Weitz, who plays guitar on the track "Government Job." This multi-generational input adds a personal touch to the project.
Track List Highlights
The album features ten distinct tracks, each promising a unique sonic experience:
- Oracle Road
- Tonic
- RV Envy
- Not Trad
- Color in the B&W
- Compact Mirror / Last Names
- Government Job
- Pumpkin Festival
- Shelley Duvall
- Sonora
Fans can anticipate a journey through varied soundscapes, reflecting Geologist's experimental approach and his use of the hurdy-gurdy as a primary creative tool.
Animal Collective's Recent Work
Geologist's solo endeavor follows a period of active work with Animal Collective. Their latest album, Isn’t It Now?, was released in 2023. Earlier this year, Geologist also released a collaborative album with Doug Shaw titled A Shaw Deal. These projects demonstrate his continuous artistic output across various platforms.
The Hurdy-Gurdy's Central Role
The hurdy-gurdy, an ancient string instrument, is central to Weitz's new sound. His embrace of this instrument marks a significant departure from typical contemporary music production. It allows him to create drone-based textures that he found challenging to produce with a guitar.
His inspiration from Keiji Haino's hurdy-gurdy performance at Tonic in 1998 underscores the instrument's profound impact on his artistic vision. This choice reflects a commitment to unconventional instrumentation and a unique sonic palette.
The album is expected to offer a fresh perspective on Geologist's capabilities as a solo artist. It moves beyond his established role within Animal Collective to carve out a distinct identity. The pre-release buzz suggests that Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights? will be a significant addition to the experimental music landscape.
The upcoming release on January 30 is highly anticipated by those who follow the innovative sounds emerging from the experimental music scene. It represents an important milestone in Geologist's artistic career, highlighting his evolution as a musician and composer.