PGR

People Get Ready released debut LP (stream it), playing NYC record release party

PGR

On Friday, my last day at CMJ, I hit the jackpot and walked away with something I’ll remember for years to come. The band was People Get Ready, but honestly this was more than a band — this was the best mix of performance art and music I’ve seen in decades. Watching this show, called Specific Ocean, felt like seeing a a group create a live music video for each song. The buoyant, celebratory work took place at a large, black box theater space at New York Live Arts, and was full of the kind of surprises I want out of music and theater. – [NPR’s Bob Boilen]

NYC pop band/performance art ensemble People Get Ready is Steven Reker, former Yeasayer drummer Luke Fasano, James Rickman (ex-Lizzie Truile, ex-Slow Gherkin), and Jen Goma (A Sunny Day in Glasgow). Reker used to be in David Byrne‘s band and the onetime Talking Head recently plugged them in an email:

A few years ago, I toured with some wonderful musicians and dancers. Among them was Steven Reker, whose group, People Get Ready, just released their debut, full-length digital record on Brassland Records. Good group, good songs, but there’s more…

I saw an earlier iteration of the group at the Kitchen here in NY. They integrate dance, movement, performance, music and singing in a way I haven’t seen before, and it’s very promising. It is something I’ve been trying to do in recent years as well, and People Get Ready are taking it to places I haven’t seen before.

People Get Ready played three nights at NY Live Arts during CMJ week which was also when the band’s self-titled was released (10/16). You can stream the whole thing below. If you missed those shows (like we did) you can go see them at Glasslands on Saturday (10/27) for their official record release party. As it’s a tiny stage there, you’re just getting the band version of PGR but you’re more than welcome to dance yourself. The show also has Future of What on the line-up and tickets are still available. Flyer for the record release party and the album stream are below.