Pitchfork: Ariel Pink Seeks Backing Bands

Got cut from the latest batch of "American Idol" auditions?! We might have just the pop stardom rebound to help nurse your Cowell-bruised self-esteem, as it seems lo-fi's Randy Newman (they love L.A.!), Ariel Pink, is giving fans the chance to play rockstar for a night on the upcoming North American tour in support of his recently reissued House Arrest.

Pink's "so crazy it's crazy" plan will allow one local band from each of the cities on his forthcoming live trek to back him during the second half of each night's set, following an initial solo performance. As the scruffy artist himself so warmly offered, "You will get to be my back-up band for a day. The element of surprise will keep me from falling asleep onstage."

Gee, this guy sure loves playing live, doesn't he? For those already practicing their witty between-song banter and drunken stage dive, Pink's website carefully outlines the details of the loose concept tour as such: "The first band in each touring city to e-mail Ariel Pink's tour publicist will win the coveted spot." Which sounds less like a quirky indie-cred move and more like what Chuck Berry's been doing since the 70s, but whatever, at least you won't have to spring for a case of Scrumdiddlyumptious bars to claim this hallowed prize.

The site continues, "Ariel asks local bands to arrive by sound check so they can practice before the show, and to bring their own instruments and amplifiers. Drummers are invited, but beware, you will have to compete with Ariel Pink's mouth, which will provide the drumming for his solo set." Sounds like stiff competition.

Ariel Pink is set to perform 21 dates across the U.S., starting tomorrow, and continuing through March 4. Aspiring second fiddles can contact his tour publicist, Katy Martineau, at katy@fanaticpromotion.com for further details.

Good luck, and godspeed:

02-10 Los Angeles, CA - Echo Lounge *
02-11 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill *
02-12 Portland, OR - Berbati's Pan *
02-13 Seattle, WA - Chop Suey *
02-16 Fargo, ND - Aquarium *
02-17 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry *
02-18 Chicago, IL - Schubas *
02-19 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick #
02-20 Toronto, Ontario - The Boat #
02-21 Montreal, Quebec - Zoobizarre #
02-22 Allston, MA - O'Brien's Pub #
02-23 Wallingford, CT - Wallingford American Legion #
02-24 New York, NY - Knitting Factory *#
02-25 Philadelphia, PA - The Khyber *#
02-26 Baltimore, MD - Wicomico Room - Salisbury College #
02-27 Durham, NC - Duke University Coffee House #
02-28 Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn *
03-01 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon *
03-02 Houston, TX - The Proletariat *
03-03 Austin, TX - Emo's *
03-04 Dallas, TX - Hailey's *