Loosen My Tie

In Richmond’s diverse and ever-expanding music scene there has been one shining jewel: David Schultz and The Skyline. They are one of Richmond’s hardest working, musically compelling, folk-acoust-a-rock bands. If you have ever wondered about the origin of this prolific ensemble, as I often have, then you are in luck. I sat down with Michael Hagan, a local film producer to talk about his upcoming documentary Loosen My Tie.

August 26, 2009; 6:00 AM • by Chris Payne

In Richmond’s diverse and ever-expanding music scene there has been one shining jewel: David Schultz and The Skyline. They are one of Richmond’s hardest working, musically compelling, folk-acoust-a-rock bands. If you have ever wondered about the origin of this prolific ensemble (as I often have) then you are in luck. I sat down with local film producer Michael Hagan to talk about Loosen My Tie, his upcoming documentary on the band.

This well-made film chronicles the band from its inception to their latest recording session in 2008. This segment of the band’s career gives you a glimpse into their more formidable years and leaves you hopeful for things to come.

The amazing stretch of six years starts by depicting a young Schultz playing as a solo acoustic act to the modern more seasoned four-piece that Richmond has come to love. “I started the film as part of a project I was doing in school.” Hagan said. He went on to capture every milestone in Shultz’s career thus far, from the mayhem of their first tour to the more creative, intimate moments in the recording studio.

What gave you the foresight to start this documentary six years ago?

I have known David forever and I see his passion and I know when he gets into something like [his music], he sees it through, and I was curious how it would go… that’s why I followed him so long.

How did you make the decision to end the production of the film when you did?

I felt that it was a good point to leave the audience thinking, ‘Well let’s see what happens next.’ And if you’re not a fan of David Schultz and The Skyline already and you found out about them from the movie, then you’d get on the Internet and find out what happened with that last recording session.

What was one highlight for you as you were making this film?

Being with them in the recording studio was fun because there was a lot of tension and I think that came through in the movie. But you can see how its just them working out their issues together.

How did the band handle you filming them constantly?

I could tell that it’s not the most comfortable thing in the world. But I think knowing them as long as I’ve know them, it helped that at least it was me. I think they handled it well.

What do you, as the film maker, wish to achieve with this documentary?

I wanted to put something together myself and tell a good story. My intent wasn’t to promote David’s band, it was to tell the story of David and observe what went on. Of course, it promotes the band… it’s a byproduct of [the film].

When does the new David Shultz and The Skyline album come out?

September 26th at Gallery 5. There will be a viewing, and then David will play, and they will be selling the new CD.

Loosen My Tie debuts on Sunday, August 30th at 2pm at the Byrd Theatre. Tickets are $5. To get a preview of the documentary, watch the trailer below.

August 26, 2009 6:00 AM 3