Big Thief shares new live archive
Big Thief Unlocks the Archives: Capturing the Ever-Undulating Energy of Live Performance
Big Thief is taking fans on a journey back in time, launching a new live archive that promises to capture the elusive, ever-changing energy of their performances. Moving beyond the excitement of forthcoming releases, the band has opened a portal allowing listeners to experience full, mixed concerts from both recent and distant pasts, transforming their live history into an interactive, accessible resource.
The decision to create this archive stems from a deep artistic desire. The band explained that they spend significantly more time on the road than in the studio, and they felt a powerful need to document the dynamic, shifting mood of their music as it unfolds live. As one member noted, “Every show we play holds a different energy. The songs are always changing and sound different every night, and we felt a desire to create something that captures the ever-undulating aliveness of our music through time.”
The resulting website is more than just a collection of recordings; it’s an interactive experience. It allows fans to navigate through the history of Big Thief’s live shows, select tracks, and create their own personalized playlists, offering a unique window into the band’s journey.
The project, which began recording shows around 2019, currently features ten concerts ready for viewing. The team plans to continue expanding the archive, with updates scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month, aiming for a collection that grows “hopefully forever.”
This ambitious archive is inspired by the passion of drummer James Krivchenia, who shares an interest in the vast catalogue of live recordings, such as those from the Grateful Dead. The technical foundation of the original recordings was handled by 4AD’s in-house engineer Fabian Prynn, with Alice Wilder and Aleda Deroche serving as the recording and monitor engineers, ensuring the raw energy of the performances was preserved.
To make this historical tapestry richer, Big Thief is now inviting the community to contribute. They are actively seeking multi-tracks of shows predating 2019, sets of pictures, photos, videos, posters, and fan art. Interested contributors are encouraged to submit their materials via email.
The band concluded their announcement by expressing immense gratitude to everyone who has supported them throughout their career. Revisit the past, discover the evolving sound, and connect with the incredible, living history of Big Thief’s live music.
You can explore the full live archive at https://archive.bigthief.net/.
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