Memphis Celebrates a Blast from the Past with Film and Live Music
Memphis is buzzing with excitement as the city prepares to welcome back one of its cultural treasures this fall. The iconic William Eggleston’s dreamlike documentary, Stranded in Canton, is set to hit screens once more, and it’s bringing a delightful twist along with it. Mark your calendars for October 18, because J Spaceman and John Coxon of the British experimental rock band Spiritualized will release a brand new score titled Music for William Eggleston’s Stranded in Canton.
This 10-song album is going to be available on vinyl and streaming platforms, courtesy of the Mississippi-based Fat Possum label. For fans eager to experience the magic in person, there’s more! The pair plan to perform this freshly crafted score live later this year, with shows in cities like London, New York, Los Angeles, and of course, Memphis, Eggleston’s own hometown.
The Screening and Musical Performance
The excitement doesn’t stop there! The screening of Stranded in Canton coupled with the musical performance will be part of the WYXR’s Raised by Sound Festival, on December 7 at the Crosstown Theater. This event is definitely one not to be missed by anyone who loves the fusion of film and live music.
A Peek into Eggleston’s World
William Eggleston is nothing short of a legend, especially when it comes to color photography. He revolutionized the field by capturing images of everyday objects and scenes, and in the early ’70s, he turned his camera on moving images using the newly adopted Sony Portapak camera system. The film features an eclectic blend of characters, from bikers to drinkers, musicians, and drag performers, all portrayed in a world that feels both mythical and mundane. One performer in particular riffs on the phrase “stranded in Canton,” giving the film its intriguing title.
On his travels through Memphis, Mississippi, and New Orleans, Eggleston compiled over 35 hours of footage. The film was later edited and sculpted into a feature by the talented Robert Gordon in 2005 and made quite a splash at various film festivals, including a notable screening at Indie Memphis.
Live Score from Spiritualized
Fast forward to 2015, when the film was screened in London as part of Doug Aitken’s Station to Station arts festival. It was here that Spaceman composed a live score to accompany the film, collaborating with guitarists Coxon and Tony “Doggen” Foster, along with drummer Rupert Clervaux to create something truly special. According to Spaceman, the music they crafted was not just a spontaneous jam; rather, it was carefully structured while still blending closely with the film’s narrative.
Spaceman shared that their goal was to create music that paired well with the film’s atmosphere but allowed room for improvisation. “The spoken word parts of the film almost became like vocals to the music,” he explained.
Memphis: A Magical, Yet Complex Jewel
For Spaceman, the music reflects his connection to Memphis. He spoke of falling in love with this part of the world and the incredible music that resonates through its streets. “Memphis is infused with this magic, then this dreadful poverty as well. There’s a strangeness to it,” he noted. His past collaborations with local legend Jim Dickinson have deepened his understanding of the region’s rich musical history, and he feels that Stranded in Canton offers a view into that world.
Now, tickets for the much-anticipated December 7 screening and performance of Stranded in Canton are already on sale at Raisedbysoundfest.com. This event promises to be a touching homage to Eggleston’s unique vision and a celebration of Memphis’s vibrant cultural tapestry. So, whether you’re a film buff, a music lover, or just curious about this unforgettable city, make sure to grab your tickets and enjoy an evening that beautifully intertwines cinema and sound!
