The Hottest State

Back in June I wrote about Jesse Harris' seventh album, Feel. Well, he's back already, this time with the soundtrack for the movie The Hottest State (which he also has a part in). The movie is directed by and based on a book written by Ethan Hawke (who also appears in the movie), and tells the story of an aspiring actor struggling with his past, a broken family, and his love for an aspiring actress who he eventually loses.

The soundtrack comes out tomorrow and includes 18 tracks, 16 of which were written by Jesse Harris and performed by Jesse and a wide array of talented musicians including Willie Nelson, Feist, Bright Eyes, M. Ward, Cat Power, and many others. As amazing as the pool of talent is that he recruited, what's equally amazing is his ability to write songs that suit the strengths and styles of them all. The fact that all of these prominent and renowned artists agreed to sing Jesse's songs should provide ample evidence of his song-writing ability. Listen to the following if you need more evidence.


stream Bright Eyes - Big Old House : The Hottest State Soundtrack

Jesse Harris - Dear Dorothy : The Hottest State Soundtrack

and one from Jesse's latest album:

Jesse Harris - How Could It Take So Long : Feel

Visit Jesse's website, his label Velour Recordings, and become his friend on MySpace.

Visit the film's MySpace Page and view the trailer.