Transfigured New York: Interviews with Experimental Artists and Musicians, 1980-1990

Transfigured New York is a book that captures the excitement and creative energy of the 1980s New York underground scene through candid interviews with iconic, genre-bending artists who shaped experimental movements like no wave, avant-jazz, and electronic music. It features an astonishing range of interviewees and provides new insight into the city's cultural landscape in this era.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Transfigured New York is a captivating exploration of the iconic, genre-bending artists who shaped the sounds of experimental movements like no wave, avant-jazz, and electronic music. Hosted by Brooke Wentz, an undergraduate in the 1980s, the show originally aired on Columbia University's WKCR-FM, delving into art and ideas with avant-garde music luminaries. Through the meticulous restoration of candid interviews from cassettes and reel-to-reel tapes, Wentz transports readers back to the vibrant and creative 1980s New York underground scene.

The artists and musicians featured in the series, now celebrated icons of their craft, offer intimate glimpses into their creative processes. They share their stories, revealing the struggles and challenges they faced as emerging artists in a city brimming with possibilities. Legends like Bill Frisell, Philip Glass, and Laurie Anderson paint vivid portraits of their early years in New York, where they navigated the competitive art world and pursued their artistic visions.

In addition to these renowned figures, the show features interviews with other well-known artists and musicians of the time, including John Cage, La Monte Young, and Ravi Shankar. These artists advocate for their distinctive ideas about art and open up about the joys and struggles of their creative lives. The range of interviewees is astonishing, encompassing a diverse array of talents and perspectives.

Transfigured New York provides a unique perspective on the cultural landscape of New York City during this exhilarating and inventive period. It offers a one-of-a-kind account of one of the most exhilarating and inventive periods for art and culture in the city's history. Through the voices of these artists and musicians, the show sheds light on the creative energy, ambition, and diversity that defined the 1980s New York underground scene.

This captivating series is a testament to the enduring power of music and art to inspire and transform. It reminds us of the importance of preserving and celebrating the legacy of these artists and their contributions to the world of music and beyond. Whether you are a music enthusiast, an art lover, or simply someone interested in the history of New York City, Transfigured New York is a must-listen for anyone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of artistic expression that flourished in this vibrant city.

Weight: 818g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231210881