Broken Bells fans, the future is now. True to the futuristic and other-worldly vibe of their current albumAfter the Disco (Columbia), Brian Burton and James Mercer are joining the nascent movement of 3D printing by releasing free blueprints for Broken Bells themed 3D-printed models.
The 3D blueprint files for the two Broken Bells collectibles have been posted HERE. Anyone with access to a 3D printer can download these files and watch the future and present become one on their virtual and physical desktops.
Both models are based on the visual concepts created by artistic director Jacob Escobedo: the familiar pink orb that first appeared on the band’s gold-certified debut album, as well as a figurine of the space girl (played by Kate Mara) from the Broken Bells featurette “After the Disco.” For those without access to a 3D printer, Fast Company is giving away three of these models.
As mentioned, this isn’t the first time Broken Bells have had their hands in making the future a reality. During their recent West Coast tour, the band donated a dollar from every ticket sold to the B612 Foundation which is developing a system to better protect Earth from asteroids while learning more about space. Broken Bells and B612 hosted a rooftop party at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles following the band’s performance on April 15. During the party, Mercer and Burton were joined by astronaut Rusty Schweickart and Dr. Marc Buie who is the mission specialist behind B612’s Sentinel project.
Broken Bells continue this partnership and their tour in support of After the Disco with expanded tour dates recently announced. A full itinerary is below. Keep an eye on www.brokenbells.com for further updates.
BROKEN BELLS
2014 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
06/07/14 – New York, NY – Governors Ball Music Festival
06/12-15/14 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
06/16/14 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
06/18/14 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
06/19/14 – Columbus, OH – The LC Indoor Pavilion
06/20/14 – Louisville, KY – Iroquois Amphitheater
06/21-22/14 – Dover, DE – Firefly Festival
08/01/14 – Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza
08/03/14 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
08/04/14 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
08/06/14 – Calgary, AB – Jack Singer Concert Hall
08/07/14 – Edmonton, AB – Winspear Centre
08/08-10/14 – Squamish, BC – Squamish Festival
08/10/14 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre
08/11/14 – Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
10/03-05/14 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Music Festival
10/10-12/14 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Music Festival