Okkervil River
Haldern Pop Festival, 2011
Will Sheff is a true performer. He may be tired, stressed or simply not too keen on doing a lot of promo-stuff before Okkervil River shows. But as soon as he switches to performance mode he immerses in a completely different world. We meet the Austin-based mastermind of Okkervil River in the backstage area at Haldern Pop Festival after he played an acoustic song for German television. To get a bit away from the festival hustle and bustle we cross the fence towards the lakeside and wander along the water to a small „hobo camp“, as Will says. With the peaceful lake behind him, Will starts into „Weave Room Blues“, the beautiful B-Side from the „Wake And Be Fine“ single. Some passers-by, obviously not knowing who plays in front of them, come to prepare a little picnic at the „hobo camp“ in the meantime. For the second song, a powerful solo rendition of the single A-side „Wake And Be Fine“ from the new album „I Am Very Far“, Will walks along the lakeside, accentuating the dynamics of the song with every part of his body. Again, a great performer!
- Camera
- Michael Luger
- Sound Recording
- Matthias Leihs
- Post production
- Michael Luger
- Photography
- Simon Brugner
- Artist
- Okkervil River
Haldern Pop Festival
Once upon a time a few alter boys from the small town of Haldern based in the idyllic Lower Rhine region of West Germany organised a party. Their party eventually grew and the young men invited bands to play there. At some point the pastoral festivity turned out to be more of a music festival hosting a well worth seeing Indie pop line-up. Now every August many music enthusiasts visit Haldern with its’ less than 6000 inhabitants to enjoy their favourite bands on a former riding ring. When strolling from this bigger festival area to the town square, where Haldern Pop Bar with its’ smaller stage ist located, people pass cow and horse paddocks. The atmosphere is very relaxing and welcoming and even though the festival has become fairly popular, you can still recollect its’ pastoral roots: some shows take place in the local church!