Music

Nick Drake documentary starting to take shape

by Ciaran Thompson

Recently receiving acclaim for The White Stripes doc Under Great White Northern Lights, director Emmett Malloy has now turned his attention to a new documentary about the late English singer Nick Drake. According to Billboard, Malloy has already recruited some musicians for his “nice, multi-layered piece,” which will consist of an album, a “little film” and a book.

Some names given so far include Jack Johnson, Andrew Bird and Matt Costa. “I know that with that [Drake] name, we’ll get some great ones,” Malloy said. “I’m just fighting my way through to get the artists I feel will do it justice. I’m excited to get going on it [because] there’s so many great songs.”

Nick Drake died at the age of 26 in 1974 from a overdose of amitriptyline, a type of antidepressant. Before his death he released three albums including Pink Moon in 1972. Family Tree, a compilation album of home recordings by Drake was released in 2007 and is noted for his sister Gabrielle appearing on it, who has also sanctioned the new documentary.

“Tribute projects, they’re a dime a dozen,” Malloy said. “I’m sure there’s been 50 attempts at this, from every angle. It’s so complicated to get them started and to let people know it’s the real one.” [Billboard]