New York City in the 1970s was a playing ground for new artists. Around the time the New York Dolls could co-exist with Led Zeppelin was also a ruthless music business caught in the maelstrom of the up-and-coming disco, punk and alternative scenes. Vinyl, a new series coming to HBO Feb. 14 starring Bobby Cannavale and P.J. Byrne, examines the business back in the day and what shaped the sphere of music to be via the streets and underground of NYC.
The '70s were a turbulent time in both the political and entertainment arena. Minority groups were still being marginalized and, existing on that same platform was, a new faction of music set to break the levee.
Starring in the new series is Bobby Cannavale as the fictitious record label exec Richie Finestra whose crusade is "trying to save his company and his soul without destroying everyone in his path." Olivia Wilde stars opposite Cannavale as wife Devon Finestra who is, also, on a mission to preserve her husband's mental health amid the constant allure of sex, drugs and rock and roll in his life.
Vinyl boasts a unique original soundtrack that accompanies the twists and turns associated with the new avenues being created in music at the time. To be released via Atlantic and Warner Bros. Records, Vinyl: Music From the HBO Original Series - Volume 1 will feature Ty Taylor, David Johansen, Kaleo, Sturgill Simpson, Ruth Brown, Otis Redding, Dee Dee Warwick, Mott eh Hoople, David Johansen, Chris Kenner, Soda Machine, The Meter, Edgar Winter, Nasty Bits, and Foghat.
Also, Vinyl will premiere 10 episodes and will feature Ray Romano, Ato Essandoh, Max Casella, J.C. MacKenzie, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Juno Temple, Jack Quaid, James Jagger and Paul Ben-Victor.
The series is executive produced by Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger, Rick Yorn, Victoria Pearman, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, John Melfi and Allen Coulter.
Classicalite and its Music Times Network affiliates were able to stop by the red carpet for a few words from the cast.
So with the interview below be sure to also check out Vinyl on Feb. 14 and pick up the weekly soundtrack with Vol. 1 dropping the same day as the show.
