By Max Semenczuk, Contributor
[Photo courtesy of The National/Graham MacIndoe]

The National released Juicy Sonic Magic, a 10-minute mini-documentary, on Thursday, November 21, to accompany their Black Friday release of a three-cassette box set titled The National: Juicy Sonic Magic, Live in Berkeley, September 24-25, 2018.

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The film, directed by David DuBois, covers the story of concert taper Mike Millard and serves as an homage to his work. The film emulates a ‘70s style by using vintage microphones and tape technology, similar to the tech that Millard used to record The National at two concerts last year, as well as numerous acts in the ‘70s and ‘80s such as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.

Millard was notorious for his high-quality bootlegged footage of many famous artists throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, which he captured by sneaking his equipment to concerts using a wheelchair.

The film features animation by illustrators Jess Rotter and Eben McCue, as well as interviews with the lead singer of The National Matt Berninger and their producers Erik Flannigan and Jim Reinstein.

Berninger said the inspiration for the idea came from thinking about how common it is to film concerts today, but only 40 years ago, it was someone’s career to bootleg concert footage for many to view.

The National are a rock band that formed in Cincinnati in 1999. The group has 10 studio albums and extensive touring experience. The National consists of Matt Berninger, Aaron Berninger, Bryce Dessner, Scott Berninger and Bryan Devendorf.

The National will soon embark on a worldwide tour in support of their latest release I Am Easy To Find, which released May 2019. Check out the band’s tour dates below. 

11/25 – Warsaw, PL @ Torwar Hall
11/26 – Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle
11/27 – Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle
11/29 – Copenhagen, DK @ Royal Arena
12/1 – Bochum, DE @ Ruhrcongress
12/2 – Cologne, DE @ Palladium
12/3 – Zurich, SW @ Samsung Hall
12/4 – Munich, DE @ Zenith
12/5 – Stuttgart, DE @ Porsche Arena
12/07 – Brighton, UK @ Brighton Centre
12/08 – Leeds, UK @ First Direct Arena
12/09 – Cardiff, UK @ Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
12/10 – Nottingham, UK @ Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
12/12 – Lisbon, PT @ Campo Pequeno
3/17 – Tokyo, JP @ Zepp DiverCity
3/18 – Tokyo, JP @ Zepp DiverCity
3/21 – Perth, AU @ Freemantle Arts Centre
3/22 – Perth, AU @ Freemantle Arts Centre
3/24 – Sydney, AU @ ICC
3/25 – Sydney, AU @ ICC
3/27 – Brisbane, AU @ Fortitude Music Hall
3/28 – Brisbane, AU @ Fortitude Music Hall
3/30 – Melbourne, AU @ Palais Theatre
3/31 – Melbourne, AU @ Palais Theatre
4/01 – Melbourne, AU @ Palais Theatre
4/03 – Auckland, NZ @ ASB Aotea Centre
4/04 – Auckland, NZ @ ASB Aotea Centre
5/08 – Cincinnati, OH @ Homecoming
5/09 – Cincinnati, OH @ Homecoming

And watch Juicy Sonic Magic below.