Marcellus’ warning, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” in Act I of Hamlet didn’t lessen the tragedy. Nor does it resonate with local folker Danny Malone as he returns there with another slight hiccup to an otherwise nostalgic vacay.
Drudging up old ghosts, Malone ventured back to Engelsholm Castle in southwest Denmark, the site where he recorded third LP Balloons. He scheduled a Stageit show, an online venture where fans can pay to watch a live stream of an artist’s performance, at the haunted castle.
He reported back via text:
“I thought it would be special and garner interest from people who know the Balloons story. Unfortunately, the broadcast didn’t happen. Probably my stupid fault for being a Luddite. But the show did.”
Malone plans to rebroadcast the concert, which he recorded to a computer, using Stageit – only with better promotion. Despite his adversity to technology, he previously put together one successful pay-what-you-want Stageit screening that drew viewers from around the globe.
“It’s funny to be just relaxed at home – well, at the house of my friend who has Internet – and playing to people you know can see you, but you can’t see,” says Malone. “An invisible crowd.”
And not one that’s silent.
“I would forget to keep playing and light a cigarette, and then people would type in the chat box, ‘Hey! Play another song.’”
Malone will be in Denmark for another week before returning to Austin. Watch his website for word on the rebroadcast of his Engelsholm Castle set.
This article appears in September 6 • 2013.