For one night only Jarvis Cocker, Franz Ferdinand, Charlotte Gainsbourg, The Guillemots, The Staves and Beck will come together for , a unique music showcase, at London's Barbican on 4 July.
Never heard of Song Reader? It’s pioneering musician Beck’s experiment exploring the idea of what an album might look like in the digital age.
If this idea is already blowing your mind, don't worry, it’s actually super straightforward: 20 Beck penned songs exist as sheet music in a book published by Faber, complete with art unique to each song. The album relies on the listener taking on the role of the performer to bring each song to life.
Granted, being a talented musician is helpful if you want to create a viable version – we’re leaving it to Charlotte and Jarvis to show us how it’s done - but anyone can give it a whirl.
In the words of Beck himself: ‘I think some of the best covers will reimagine the chord structure, take liberties with the melodies, the phrasing, even the lyrics themselves. There are no rules in interpretation.’
All amateur covers can be found at songreader.net and in the lead up to Song Reader Live the Barbican will also host an exhibition including the best responses.
Tickets from £20 enq: 0845 120 7550 barbican.org.uk.

ELLE's music festival guide 2013