In 2004, when Chapel Hill, N.C. resident Django Haskins lifted the name of his new band from the title of one of Leonard Cohen’s most beloved albums — the ’70s classic New Skin for the Old Ceremony — it could have been viewed as foolhardy bravado or a case of brilliant foresight. Given The Old Ceremony’s decade-plus history with a consistent lineup, its unbroken string of routinely excellent albums and press kit crammed with glowing reviews, the latter would seem the obvious conclusion.
While a member of International Orange, Haskins envisioned an orchestral collective with the ability to perform music beyond the ken of typical Rock bands. After securing a local residency, Haskins and The Old Ceremony honed its unique Chamber Pop sound, becoming one of Chapel Hill’s most popular live attractions. Mere months after assembling, The Old Ceremony wrote, recorded and released its eponymous debut album and hit the road. Read more about The Old Ceremony in this week's Sound Advice.
The Old Ceremony plays Wednesday at Southgate House Revival (Revival Room). More info/tickets: southgatehouse.com.
