I had first encountered Michael Pitt in 2000 while composing music for Larry Clark’s film Bully. Of the ensemble of young and crazy actors, it was Pitt who made the most resonant impression on me. His character was of a teenager I had remembered from the recesses of High School USA; giddy, feral and recklessly alluring. Two years later I was introduced to him through filmmaker Gus van Sant when Gus was developing the film concept which became Last Days. Michael arrived at my New York apartment and we immediately hit it off. He was very anxious to work with Gus on the character of Blake, based on Gus’ impressionistic take on Kurt Kobain’s final hours. Michael talked about his band PAGODA which prompted Gus to ask him to play me a song. All I had lying around the apartment was a crummy electric guitar and after some hesitation Michael took it and began to belt out a solo rendition of Lesson Learned, the first track off the Pagoda CD. I was taken aback. Not only by his rag-tag confidence in playing to an audience of two but by the song which was hook driven and emotionally genuine. It was at that moment that I said, “dude let’s do a record.”
After the release of Last Days Michael brought Pagoda to Italy to spend a solid month in Luca Amendolara’s studio to record most of what has become their premier CD. Over 40 songs were recorded as well as a handful more back in Pagoda’s hometown of Brooklyn. By the end of 2004 we had whittled our initial selection down to the tracks which exist on this first disc. Since this time Pagoda has changed radically as a band with almost all new members in place of the recording unit but the intense musical mind of Michael Pitt remains constant.
From what I glean from Michael, he was young kid from New Jersey who migrated to New York City to play rock n’ roll. He fell into a drama workshop of some sort and was cast in a few television programs, and then theatrical film. His star has always been on the rise though his ambitions do not lie in the Hollywood meat market. Pagoda is not a part time job for Pitt; he is not an actor out on vacation here. He is an artist with living expression as his goal and music is where he thrives. And Pagoda as a live band kicks much ass.
This is Michael and it is the first time I have contacted you guys at Pagoda MySpace and PagodaOnline.com. I'm not good with the computer stuff yet.. still learning, which is why the bios and updates have been behind. Now, hopefully we will be able to keep them up to date on the regular. Mostly because of you guys and your support. Also because of Kevin and Drew who have been running these sites and because of Trevor, the Pagoda manager.
It has been a 3 year battle getting these recordings out; a long time for you and for me, but a necessary one to ensure that it was about the music and not about exploiting something that is meant to be pure. Thurston Moore and Andrew Kesin at Ecstatic Peace has shielded us from this which we are beyond grateful for and indebted to.
As for former bandmates, everyone who was picked to play and record these songs were great talents. And we wish them all the best of luck, peace and love in their future projects. But as for Pagoda the band it consists of: Reece Carr on drums, out of Chicago, Will Paredes on bass, born and raised in Harlem and Chris Hoffman on cello, also from Chicago who now resides in Brooklyn. These guys are Pagoda, they are for the music and are gonna fuck all your heads up.
We are being put in the position to get this music out and, again, it's because of you guys. Which I'm amazed to say Pagoda will be as b/g as you want it. We are just scratching the surface with this first 12 song CD which will be out finally Feb 27. I'm talking to Trevor about getting a b-side out. Until then, to all the fans we love you and all the haters fuck off. And lastly I'd like to say...
I'm so happy I stumbled across your fantastic group. You guys are really amazing. I would love to come down and support. Any NYC gigs in the near future?
so yeah i think you guys really should branch out and find a place in toledo ohio to play. i think it would be awsome to see you guys in action! plus it would give me the chance to take more photos of a proffessional act to add to my portfolio
Hey guys :] just wanted to say that you are absolutely amazing. I think that your music really impacts people..and that's what it's all about,right? Most of the songs,played on MTV or somewhere else have no meaning..they just exist because little kiddies worship the artist^^..so they don't care about the music..and i think that's wrong.. well,but that's just my opinion..so ..keep on rockin..and pleasee come to germany!! cause you are really my favourite band ♥♥♥♥
hi, hi o/ i love the sound of you,congratulations.the sound of you came here in brazil, and like the sound of you. and excuse me for the horrible english. Chester
PAGODA THANK YOU FOR CREATING SUCH BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. YOUR MUSIC MAKES ME SO HAPPY. I KEEP CHECKING TO SEE IF YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING SHOWS. DO YOU GUYS HAVE ANY COMING UP?????????? KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO GUYS, YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!! -KATHLEEN-
I had first encountered Michael Pitt in 2000 while composing music for Larry Clark’s film Bully. Of the ensemble of young and crazy actors, it was Pitt who made the most resonant impression on me. His character was of a teenager I had remembered from the recesses of High School USA; giddy, feral and recklessly alluring. Two years later I was introduced to him through filmmaker Gus van Sant when Gus was developing the film concept which became Last Days. Michael arrived at my New York apartment and we immediately hit it off. He was very anxious to work with Gus on the character of Blake, based on Gus’ impressionistic take on Kurt Kobain’s final hours. Michael talked about his band PAGODA which prompted Gus to ask him to play me a song. All I had lying around the apartment was a crummy electric guitar and after some hesitation Michael took it and began to belt out a solo rendition of Lesson Learned, the first track off the Pagoda CD. I was taken aback. Not only by his rag-tag confidence in playing to an audience of two but by the song which was hook driven and emotionally genuine. It was at that moment that I said, “dude let’s do a record.”
This is Michael and it is the first time I have contacted you guys at Pagoda MySpace and PagodaOnline.com. I'm not good with the computer stuff yet.. still learning, which is why the bios and updates have been behind. Now, hopefully we will be able to keep them up to date on the regular. Mostly because of you guys and your support. Also because of Kevin and Drew who have been running these sites and because of Trevor, the Pagoda manager.
