It’s been over 2 years since we were given the sixth studio album from the genre defining indie rock band Phoenix and we’ve just gotten the news that they’re back to work. The legendary Motorbass Studios in Paris, home to artists such as Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, and more, posted a picture on Instagram yesterday stating that “Phoenix are back”. This is not an alarm guys. Motorbass and Phoenix go way back. The studio was owned by their late Grammy-winning collaborator and friend Phillipe Zdar, the producer for Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and Bankrupt!. So, if Motorbass Studios is saying they’re back, this is not something to be taken for granted.
Since the release of their senior album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Phoenix has absolutely dominated the world. The album itself won the 2009 Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album, was the first Phoenix album to be certified Gold, and it appeared on numerous “Best of” lists at the end of 2010. Their hit single “1901” hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot Alternative Songs, went Platinum, and was featured in the US during Super Bowl XLV in a Green Bay Packers montage. They had a massive festival tour in 2010 hitting keynote stops such as Bonnaroo, Coachella, Austin City Limits, Outside Lands, and eventually headlined Coachella in 2013.
In 2010, Daft Punk, the childhood friends of Phoenix guitarist Christian Mazzalai, even made a special appearance for their show in Madison Square Garden.
Since the passing of Phillipe Zdar, this new record will be the band’s first without the legendary producer. It’s curious to think about how the band will approach this new album without the aid of their dear friend but we’re sure we can anticipate something unique yet truly Phoenix in this next chapter of their lives.
Come take a walk with us down memory lane as we relive the performance of “1901” from their Bonnaroo play in 2010. You can watch with us now, below. Enjoy!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exSt–suaA0?controls=0]