FIELD REPORT is the creation of Chris Porterfield, who cut his musical teeth with DeYarmond Edison (the other members of which were Justin Vernon/Bon Iver and Megafaun). After their breakup in 2006, Bon Iver and Megafaun went on to success while Chris hung back in Wisconsin, thinking his career in music was over. It was really just beginning. For the first time in his life, he began writing his own songs, which he spent the following five years carefully divining, killing off, revising, and honing. In December 2011, the record was finally recorded at Vernon’s studio (with engineer Beau Sorenson).
Porterfield explains, “We began to feel like it was time to make a record in the fall of 2011. Around that time, Bon Iver was touring, and came through Milwaukee. I was talking with Justin, and he said that he had heard through the grapevine that I finally had found the right people to play with. He invited us to use his space. We were particularly interested in recording at his studio (April Base) because of the large live room. We wanted to capture the sound of a band in a moment. We specifically brought Beau [Sorenson] in for this reason, and for his love of later Talk Talk.”
We caught up with Field Report before their show at Eddie’s Attic this Friday, March 8th @ 10PM.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
First show ever was probably a punk show at the Knights of Columbus in Rochester, MN. The lineup wasn’t memorable, but it was notable in that it was the first time I felt the deep, dark magic of rock and roll.
What is the best gig that you ever performed?
We played a hometown show at Turner Hall in Milwaukee on Valentine’s Day this year. That was my favorite show to date. So much love in the room.
Second would be in Grand Rapids, MI, opening for Emmylou Harris. We were just getting started then, and her audience had know idea who we were, but they trusted us and got us, and gave us a standing ovation at the end.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers. I’ve never had that much fun at a show.
Gig you would most like to play?
We’d love to play the Newport Folk Festival, but haven’t gotten the invite yet.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Randy Newman
Radiohead backing Neil Young, featuring Barack Obama
Field Report
Field Report with special guest, Hunter Callahan this Friday, March 8th at Eddie’s Attic.
