October 3, 2011 – (Burbank, CA) – THE FLAMING LIPS have recorded a brand new song titled “Found A Star On The Ground,” which is undoubtedly the longest single piece of music ever recorded clocking in at a generous 360 minutes. That’s six hours of continuous psychedeliscized music with a view to raise 100% of the proceeds to benefit local Oklahoma concerns: The Central Oklahoma Humane Society and The Academy of Contemporary Music at The University of Central Oklahoma. Much has already been outlined in the press but the official details can finally be revealed.
“Found A Star On The Ground,” began as possible 25 minute opus but as the band actually began the recording process in Steven Drozd’ home studio in Oklahoma City, the ideas began to flow well beyond all scope of epic proportions as one might expect from THE LIPS. A few days of recording blurred into a 4 week off and on process in-between regional and International concert appearances.
It became apparent to the band that this would be the perfect vehicle to foster a charitable component to raise and benefit local foundations that have been close to the hearts of the band for the past several years. The idea arose that THE LIPS could reach out to their fans via their official website and Wayne’s by now famous personal Twitter following. For a donation of $100- fans would have their name appear somewhere in the song and feel good about contributing to a pair of worthy causes the band could share with their fans. Sean Lennon recently recorded the long list contributors’ names to the recording.
The song itself will be contained within a newly-developed mesmerizing toy, THE STROBO TRIP. This unique devise has been called “A Light & Audio Phase Illusions Toy” to use used in conjunction with “Found A Star On The Ground” to create a complete Lipsian happening to be enjoyed by yourself or with other interesting people or pets. Honestly users, you’ll just have to experience this multi-sensory phenomenon for yourselves to understand the concept.
Coyne says, “THE STROBO TRIP by itself is fascinating. I wouldn’t be a surprised to hear about some people taking LSD or something, while listening to “Found A Star On The Ground,” and playing with THE STROBO TRIP for hours and hours. We hope you’ll enjoy them anyway you like.”
If a single 6-hour-long song weren’t enough, THE STROBO TRIP will also contain two more brand new -and much shorter) songs.
THE STROBO TRIP Track listing:
1. Butterfly, How Long It Takes To Die
2. Found A Star On The Ground
3. Evil Minds
The STROBO TRIP will be available shortly.Keep an eye on www.flaminglips.com for details as they become available.
To date, THE LIPS have raised approximately $20,000 in proceeds from this project to be split equally between The Central Oklahoma Humane Society and The Academy of Contemporary Music at The University of Central Oklahoma. Coyne explains “The homeless animal situation in Oklahoma City is at an all-time high – the worst I’ve ever seen. A lot of animals are suffering and need help. It’s all about being aware of this problem and just one way we can make an immediate impact now for The Central Oklahoma Humane Society. The Flaming Lips love all creatures – it’s always been part of our philosophy.” As for The Academy of Contemporary Music at The University of Central Oklahoma, Coyne adds, “When we were a young band starting out, we didn’t have any kind of outlet to help us make necessary connections. This school helps provide the students with a connection to all aspects of a supportive music community. As technology progresses, this is a way for us to help provide the students with upgraded computers and equipment which as you know becomes obsolete quickly. They need to up to date to keep up with that progression to fuel their ideas in all areas in the creation and knowledge of music and art of music making.”
THE FLAMING LIPS are currently on tour:
Oct 24 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre w/Kurt Vile
Oct 25 – Rochester, NY @ Main Street Armory w/Kurt Vile
Oct 27 – Norfolk, VA @ The Norva w/Kurt Vile
Oct 28 – North Charleston, SC @ North Charleston Performing Arts Center
Oct 29 – Asheville, NC @ Moogfest
Nov 12 – Melbourne, Australia @ Harvest Festival w/Portishead, The National, Bright Eyes & more
Nov 13 – Sydney, Australia @ Harvest Festival w/Portishead, The National, Bright Eyes & more
Nov 16 – Adelaide, Australia @ Thebarton Theatre
Nov 17 – Melbourne, Australia @ The Palace Theatre
Nov 19 – Brisbane, Australia @ Harvest Festival w/Portishead, The National, Bright Eyes & more
In between touring, THE LIPS will continue to record new music to come in various unique formats to be released in the coming months. At this time we can confirm the rumors of a single 24-hour-long song are indeed insane and absolutely true. THE LIPS are recording the track this month. While lots rumors, speculations and “facts” have been circulating suffice to say official details will be announced once we really know how, when etc. Stay tuned to www.flaminglips.com for details.
