Everyone has an opinion about Anton Newcombe. He is a controversial figure, inspiring strong reactions of both devotion and criticism. In 2004, Ondi Timoner released her award-winning documentary Dig! that followed the lives and careers of the bands The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols for seven years. Anton has denounced his depiction in the film that propelled him further into the public spotlight. As the founder and the only continual member of The BJM, he is well-versed in more than eighty instruments and equally competent at producing and running record labels. His musical prodigy and his influence on the current music climate cannot be denied.

In this episode of Rehearsal Space, Anton talks about the process of making the BJM’s ninth studio album, My Bloody Underground. He explains how his non-music interests lead him to use multimedia in his art; for example, they’re releasing a video piece to go with every song on the album. Finally, Anton shares his opinions on the subjects of free music, criticism, and songs as performance art.

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I really love DIG but the whole time I was watching it I couldn't ever shake the feeling that all of the BJM hype was bullshit. After actually checking out a few of their albums I can now safely say it is. The whole movie you hear people say "Anton is a genius! he can play 80 instruments! he's like Lennon!" etc. Anyways it's all empty, if he were actually a genius then maybe he would of produced an album worth listening to by now instead of a few decent songs. He's a great documentary subject but not anyone whose music I pay attention to. Besides wouldn't a real musical genius try something new instead of constantly trying to re-hash classic rock conventions.

strange, i don't have an opinion on Anton Newcombe.

no one would even know who this guy is if it weren't for DIG. aside from that, otc is right on the nose about the music.