Brooklyn-by way of-Cincinnati rock act the National has signed a worldwide deal with Beggars Banquet. The group's third studio album is expected in spring 2005. The National's two prior full-lengths, including 2003's acclaimed "Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers," were issued by New York independent label Brassland.
"We found out in May that Roger Trust, who runs Beggars Banquet, was a big fan of 'Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers' and he showed up at our show in London a month later," group member Aaron Dessner tells Billboard.com. "The next day we spent a few hours at the Beggars office in London, which was really impressive, and then Roger came over to see us play in Paris a few nights later. It just felt like a perfect match for us and them."
Dessner says the group is in the midst of recording new material, including tracks like "Mr. November," "Minor Stars of Rome," "Abel" and "The Thrilling of Claire." No shows are planned until an Oct. 3 appearance at New York's Bowery Ballroom, with fellow Ohio rock combo the Black Keys.
-- Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Billboard Magazine