To the Edge of the Earth

Last updated

To the Edge of the Earth
Thirty Seconds to Mars - To the Edge of the Earth.jpg
EP by
ReleasedMarch 25, 2008 (2008-03-25)
Length24:39
Label Virgin Records
Producer
Thirty Seconds to Mars chronology
AOL Sessions Undercover
(2007)
To the Edge of the Earth
(2008)
This Is War
(2009)

To the Edge of the Earth is a limited edition extended play (EP) by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, released in the United States on March 25, 2008 by Virgin Records. The two-disc set includes three different recordings of the band's track "A Beautiful Lie" and a DVD featuring two versions of the song's music video. The photography for the release was handled by Jacques Descloitres from NASA, who provided satellite images of the Arctic Circle.

Contents

To the Edge of the Earth was conceived in support to the environmental campaign which Thirty Seconds to Mars began with the release of their single "A Beautiful Lie" (2007). It was enclosed as a digipak made of environmentally friendly material. Lead vocalist Jared Leto filmed a music video for the song in Greenland, which has been credited for raising public awareness of global warming and green politics.

Background

Thirty Seconds to Mars released "A Beautiful Lie" as the fourth and final single from their second album of the same name in December 2007. [1] Upon release, the band launched a website, called abeautifullie.org, to provide information about environmental issues and ways to participate in environmental activities. [2] People could make donations through the site to support the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). [3] On January 30, 2008, an accompanying music video for the song premiered on Myspace. [3] It was filmed 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Greenland and was directed by Jared Leto under the pseudonym of Angakok Panipaq, a character from the Inuit children's book Spirits in the Snowhouse: the Inuit Angakok. [4] The short film features an Earth conservation message with a global warming awareness theme and proceeds from its sales benefited the Natural Resources Defense Council. [5]

"A Beautiful Lie" preceded the extended play To the Edge of the Earth, released on March 25, 2008 by Virgin Records as a limited edition two-disc set. [6] It was conceived as a follow-up to band's environmental campaign. The extended play consists of two discs. The first, which is a compact disc, includes two different studio versions of "A Beautiful Lie", as well as an acoustic live rendition of the song, which was recorded at the EMI Studios in Paris, France, by Guy Teixeira and Serge Veneruso. The second disc is a DVD, containing an extended and a short version of the music video accompanying the song. Bartholomew Cubbins, Leto's Dr. Seuss-inspired pseudonym, is credited as executive producer. [7]

Production

Thirty Seconds to Mars began working on the project in early 2007. [4] They found difficulties in recruiting a production company for the shooting of "A Beautiful Lie" since most operators passed on the project, who considered it to be risky and dangerous. After six months, Yamani Watkins and Edy Enriquez attached to produce, while Elliott Lester was set to co-direct the short film. [8] The crew spent a month in Ilulissat, Greenland, preparing pre-production; almost 200 different kinds of insurance were required to shoot the video. [9] Determined to offset the impact of filming on the environment, Thirty Seconds to Mars worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council on strategies that minimized fuel consumption on the shoot, using renewable energy products. [3] Jared Leto described the whole project as "one of the most painstaking and difficult creative challenge we have ever undertaken as a band. It has also been one of the most inspiring – a rare opportunity to reach into our imagination and push the limits of what's possible." [9] The short film for "A Beautiful Lie" marked the first music video entirely shot on location 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Greenland. [10]

To the Edge of the Earth was printed on post-consumer waste paper using minimal volatile organic compound inks and included a package made of ecological friendly materials. The photography for the extended play was handled by Jacques Descloitres, a photographer working within the NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, with additional works produced by the band's previous collaborator Sean Mosher-Smith of the Echo Designlab. Descloitres provided satellite images of different areas of the Arctic Circle based largely on observations from the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer. [7]

Reception

Karl Burkart from Mother Nature Network deemed it as "one of the most eye-catching" works of art displayed at the 2009 opening of the Lofts at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles. [11] A writer from Rock Sound commended the band's commitment in promoting environmental awareness through the medium of music. [12] Kara DiCamillo from TreeHugger felt that the band undertook a different path than the norm and stated, "they were compelled and inspired to make an environmental statement because global warming is currently affecting this beautiful landscape and the people who live there. They wanted to take their experience and inspire all of us as well. And we believe they have succeeded." [13]

Kristi Kates from the Northern Express stated that the short film for "A Beautiful Lie" continued the band's "burgeoning tradition of shooting videos in unusual locations", referring to their previous work on "From Yesterday" (2006). [14] Laura Malesich from Green Daily noted that Thirty Seconds to Mars actively brought attention to environmental issues and tried to "encourage younger generations to participate in eco-activities and conservation." [15] A writer of MTV noticed the band's attempt to "raise awareness" about global warming. [16] Upon release, "A Beautiful Lie" was met with widespread critical acclaim, resulting in various accolades, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Video. [4] [17]

Track listing

To the Edge of the Earth Disc 1 (CD)
No.TitleLength
1."A Beautiful Lie"4:06
2."A Beautiful Lie" (Single Shot Version)4:05
3."A Beautiful Lie" (Live Acoustic Version)3:42
To the Edge of the Earth Disc 2 (DVD)
No.TitleLength
1."A Beautiful Lie" (Extended Version)7:59
2."A Beautiful Lie" (Short Edit)4:46
Total length:24:39

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from To the Edge of the Earth album liner notes. [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jared Leto</span> American actor and musician (born 1971)

Jared Joseph Leto is an American actor and musician. Known for his method acting in a variety of roles, he has received numerous accolades over a career spanning three decades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Additionally, he is recognized for his musicianship and eccentric stage persona as frontman of the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thirty Seconds to Mars</span> American rock band from Los Angeles

Thirty Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1998. The band consists of brothers Jared Leto and Shannon Leto. During the course of its existence, it has undergone various line-up changes with the Leto brothers being the only consistent members.

<i>30 Seconds to Mars</i> (album) 2002 studio album by Thirty Seconds to Mars

30 Seconds to Mars is the debut studio album by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. It was first released on August 27, 2002, by Immortal Records and distributed by Virgin Records. The album was produced by Bob Ezrin, Brian Virtue, and Thirty Seconds to Mars, and was recorded in rural Wyoming during 2001 and early 2002. It had been in the works for a couple of years, with lead vocalist Jared Leto writing the majority of the songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shannon Leto</span> American drummer (born 1970)

Shannon Leto is an American musician best known as the drummer of rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. He co-founded the group in 1998 in Los Angeles, California, with his younger brother Jared. Their debut album, 30 Seconds to Mars (2002), was released to positive reviews but only to limited success. The band achieved worldwide fame with the release of their second album A Beautiful Lie (2005). Their following releases, This Is War (2009) and Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams (2013), received further critical and commercial success. As of September 2014, the band has sold over 15 million albums worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Attack (Thirty Seconds to Mars song)</span> 2005 single by Thirty Seconds to Mars

"Attack" is a song by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. The song was released by Immortal and Virgin on May 3, 2005, as the lead single from the band's second album, A Beautiful Lie. The song was written by Jared Leto and was produced by Josh Abraham and 30 Seconds to Mars. The song is a dynamic expression of rebirth and renewal. 30 Seconds to Mars premiered the song on the American network Fuse on May 25, 2005, during Daily Download.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Kill</span> 2006 single by Thirty Seconds to Mars

"The Kill" (written "The Kill (Bury Me)" on the single and music video) is an emo song by American band Thirty Seconds to Mars. The song was released on January 24, 2006 as the second single from their second album, A Beautiful Lie. It was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and peaked at number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Capricorn (A Brand New Name)</span> 2002 single by Thirty Seconds to Mars

"Capricorn (A Brand New Name)" is the debut song by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. The song was released by Immortal Records on July 23, 2002, as the lead single from the band's self-titled debut album. The song was written by Jared Leto and was produced by Bob Ezrin, Brian Virtue and 30 Seconds to Mars. According to Jared Leto, the song is about a desire for renewal. "Capricorn (A Brand New Name)" first appearance was on the compilation Rock Tune Up #249 released by The Album Network on April 5, 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edge of the Earth</span> 2003 single by Thirty Seconds to Mars

"Edge of the Earth" is a song by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. The song was released through Immortal and Virgin on March 3, 2003, as the second single from the band's self-titled debut album. The song was written by Jared Leto and was produced by Bob Ezrin, Brian Virtue and 30 Seconds to Mars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Beautiful Lie (song)</span> 2007 single by Thirty Seconds to Mars

"A Beautiful Lie" is a song by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. The song was released as the fourth single from their second album A Beautiful Lie. It was not released in the United Kingdom as a single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thirty Seconds to Mars discography</span>

American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars has released six studio albums, three extended plays, eighteen singles, four promotional singles, one video album and seventeen music videos. The band was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1998 by brothers Jared Leto and Shannon Leto, with Tomo Miličević joining the band later. The band's debut album, 30 Seconds to Mars, was released through Immortal and Virgin Records in August 2002 and peaked at number 107 on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the US Top Heatseekers, selling more than two million copies worldwide as of March 2011. The album produced two singles, "Capricorn " and "Edge of the Earth".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kings and Queens (Thirty Seconds to Mars song)</span> 2009 single by Thirty Seconds to Mars

"Kings and Queens" is a song by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, featured on their third studio album This Is War (2009). Written by lead vocalist Jared Leto across the United States and South Africa, the track was produced by Flood, Steve Lillywhite and Thirty Seconds to Mars. According to Leto, the lyrics of "Kings and Queens" explore the triumphant feeling of human possibilities. The melody of the song contains several qualities similar to that of 1980s adult contemporary musical works and is imbued with elements of progressive rock. The song was released as the lead single from This Is War on October 13, 2009.

<i>Artifact</i> (film) 2012 American film

Artifact is a 2012 American documentary film directed by Jared Leto under the pseudonym of Bartholomew Cubbins. It was produced by Leto and Emma Ludbrook through their production company Sisyphus. Artifact chronicles the modern music business as it charts the legal dispute between Leto's rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars and record label EMI, which filed a $30 million breach of contract lawsuit against them in 2008, after the band tried to exit its contract over a royalties dispute. Thirty Seconds to Mars is shown working with producer Flood to create the 2009 album This Is War, meeting with lawyers between recording sessions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Up in the Air (song)</span> 2013 single by Thirty Seconds to Mars

"Up in the Air" is a song recorded by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, featured on their fourth studio album, Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams (2013). Written by lead vocalist Jared Leto, who also produced the song with Steve Lillywhite, "Up in the Air" is an introspective and passionate track reflecting upon human consciousness. It marked a departure from much of the band's previous work as it incorporates a more electronic-influenced sound as well as elements from new wave music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jared Leto filmography</span>

Jared Leto is an American entertainer with an extensive career in film, music, and television. He made his debut with minor roles in the television shows Camp Wilder (1992) and Almost Home (1993). He achieved recognition in 1994 for his role as Jordan Catalano in the teen drama television series My So-Called Life. The show was praised for its portrayal of adolescence and gained a cult following, despite being canceled after only one season. The same year, he made his television film debut starring alongside Alicia Silverstone in Cool and the Crazy. Leto's first film role was in the 1995 drama How to Make an American Quilt. He later co-starred with Christina Ricci in The Last of the High Kings (1996) and received a supporting role in Switchback (1997). In 1997, Leto starred in the biopic Prefontaine, in which he played the role of Olympic hopeful Steve Prefontaine. His portrayal received positive reviews from critics and is often considered his breakthrough role. The following year, Leto starred together with Alicia Witt in the horror Urban Legend. He then acted alongside Sean Penn and Adrien Brody in the war film The Thin Red Line (1998). After supporting roles in Black and White and Girl, Interrupted, Leto portrayed Angel Face in Fight Club (1999), which has since become a cult film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">City of Angels (Thirty Seconds to Mars song)</span> 2013 song by Thirty Seconds to Mars

"City of Angels" is a song by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, featured on their fourth studio album Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams (2013). Written by lead vocalist Jared Leto, who co-produced the song with Steve Lillywhite, "City of Angels" was inspired by Leto's experience of living in Los Angeles with his family and was influenced by the city's culture. Imbued with elements of synthrock as well as music from the 1980s, the track was cited as an example of the album's variety and experimentation. It was one of the first songs to be written for Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams, but required a long period of time to record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do or Die (Thirty Seconds to Mars song)</span> 2013 single by Thirty Seconds to Mars

"Do or Die" is a song by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, featured on their fourth studio album Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams (2013). Written and produced by lead vocalist Jared Leto, "Do or Die" explores the feeling of standing up and living one's dreams using also ironic undertones. The song is styled in electronic rock and imbued with elements of arena rock. It was serviced to mainstream radio in July 2013 in Europe, and was released as a promotional single in the United States in March 2014. A version of the song remixed by Dutch music producer Afrojack was digitally released in March 2014 and later included on the deluxe edition of Afrojack's debut studio album Forget the World (2014).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Welcome to the Universe Tour</span> 2006 concert tour by Thirty Seconds to Mars

The Welcome to the Universe Tour was a concert tour by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, in support of their second studio album A Beautiful Lie (2005). Presenting a series of inexpensive concerts for music fans, the concert tour was announced in August 2006 as a part of the MTV2 $2Bill tour. The Welcome to the Universe Tour began on October 17, 2006 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and ended on November 25, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. The setlist encompassed songs from their first two studio albums, 30 Seconds to Mars and A Beautiful Lie.

<i>Bartholomew Cubbins 2006–2014</i> 2015 video by Thirty Seconds to Mars

Bartholomew Cubbins 2006–2014 is a collection of music videos by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, released in the United States on April 13, 2015 by Sisyphus. It features all of the music videos directed for the band by frontman Jared Leto from 2006 to 2014 in addition to behind-the-scenes footage, covering the period from A Beautiful Lie (2005), This Is War (2009) and Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams (2013).

References

  1. "A Beautiful Lie: Thirty Seconds to Mars" (in French). Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  2. Destries, Michael (January 31, 2008). "30 Seconds To Mars Launches Massive Environmental Campaign, Short Film". Ecorazzi. Archived from the original on July 20, 2008. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 Wippsson, Johan (March 8, 2008). "Jared Leto Is Back With A New Video And Global Cause". Melodic . Archived from the original on September 23, 2013. Retrieved September 12, 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 Kelham, Andrew (May 2008). "Fortune Favours The Bold". Rock Sound (109): 72.
  5. "30 Seconds To Mars 'A Beautiful Lie'". Rock Sound. January 30, 2008. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
  6. Johnson, T. "To The Edge Of The Earth (Wal-Mart Exclusive)". Walmart . Retrieved June 12, 2014.
  7. 1 2 3 To the Edge of the Earth (liner notes). Thirty Seconds to Mars. Virgin Records. 2008.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. Gottlieb, Steven (February 25, 2008). "In Depth: 30 Seconds To Mars "A Beautiful Lie"". VideoStatic. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
  9. 1 2 "The Story". Virgin Records. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  10. "30 Seconds To Mars Shoots New Video Near Arctic Circle". The Point. January 31, 2008. Retrieved July 5, 2017.[ permanent dead link ]
  11. Burkart, Karl (October 30, 2009). "30 Seconds to Mars Rocks Out Greenland with Breathtaking Footage of Melting Glaciers for NRDC". Mother Nature Network . Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  12. "The 12 Most Epic Music Videos From Thirty Seconds To Mars' Career So Far". Rock Sound. August 8, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  13. DiCamillo, Kara (February 26, 2008). "Jared Leto and 30 Seconds to Mars Shoots First-Ever Arctic Music Video". TreeHugger . Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  14. Kates, Kristi (February 24, 2008). "Greenland Is 30 Seconds to Mars' Choice for Video Shoot". Northern Express. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  15. Malesich, Laura (February 1, 2008). "30 Seconds to Mars sings for environment". Green Daily . Weblogs. Archived from the original on July 24, 2009. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  16. "Exclusive: Jared Leto Was 'Ready For A Fight' Over 'A Beautiful Lie'". MTV. Viacom Media Networks. April 14, 2008. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  17. Paine, Andre (November 7, 2008). "American Acts Win Big At MTV EMAs". Billboard . Retrieved March 23, 2014.