IDM Mailing Archive

quoted 5 lines Is there REALLY a need to have people on a stage? Couldn't they just as

>Is there REALLY a need to have people on a stage? Couldn't they just as >easily be located in the DJ booth? I feel that if we removed the visual >focus presented by having performers on a stage, the audience will focus >more on 1) each other and how everyone is connected and 2) the music and >how it is affecting them.

There are some performers who are shows in themselves. Unfortunately, the only example I can think of this right now is Al Jourgenson. Get one drugged up, drunk bastard on the stage who likes to be spit upon while he physically tries to beat up audience members who get too close and there's bound to be high entertainment value. Stiv Bators is also a good example, but he's dead. I think if someone does manage to marry intelligent techno with a charismatic performance (ie: they don't need lights for a good show), then they'll be the next "big thing". Someone simply running sequences while *sweating* out decent rhythms by hand is something I'd like to see. Wait a sec, that's MBM.

quoted 5 lines I think if someone does manage to marry intelligent techno with a

>I think if someone does manage to marry intelligent techno with a >charismatic performance (ie: they don't need lights for a good show), then >they'll be the next "big thing". Someone simply running sequences while >*sweating* out decent rhythms by hand is something I'd like to see. Wait a >sec, that's MBM.

Hmm. I think this is a slightly silly thread, but I must join here. MBM is the greatest live. Even if they didn't play stuff (which they do...sorta), they remix and re-do tracks so aurally it's a pleasure! Not techno, but worthy of mention. MBM and Severed Heads will always be close to my heart along with Black Dog, Kirk D., Dan Curtin and any other innovative, creative producers. Give a listen to them (or other truly innovative "pop" bands) and you'll hear amazing noise and inspiration which can be applied to any great techno/idm coming out today. I think Severed Heads is the sole reason why I never understood the fuss over AFX's noises!!!! Enjoy if ya hear 'em... -morgan geist

MORGAN GEIST writes:

quoted 3 lines Hmm. I think this is a slightly silly thread, but I must join here. MBM is

> Hmm. I think this is a slightly silly thread, but I must join here. MBM is > the greatest live. Even if they didn't play stuff (which they do...sorta), > they remix and re-do tracks so aurally it's a pleasure!

I've seen MBM four or five times and they're getting worse. In the early days, they toured with a SHOW... Three dancers wearing crazy sci-fi costumes (my friend called them "godzilla suits"). They'd writhe around and do some surprisingly sophistiacted moves that perfectly complemented the maniac hiphop sound. Saw that tour twice and it blew my brain apart both times. Third show I saw it was down to one rather lame dancer. Fourth time... no dancer, considerably more boring. I guess what I'm trying to say is that live electronic music has a huge propensity for being dull unless there is some visual compoment to dress it up. Morgan mentions Severed Heads - a prime example. The show is two people, one singing and one manipulating video images. If I ever play live, you can bet there will something visual to the show... Otherwise, what's the point? Might as well just DJ your own records. Jon Drukman jsd@cyborganic.com

quoted 11 lines Hmm. I think this is a slightly silly thread, but I must join here. MBM is

>> Hmm. I think this is a slightly silly thread, but I must join here. MBM is >> the greatest live. Even if they didn't play stuff (which they do...sorta), >> they remix and re-do tracks so aurally it's a pleasure! Not techno, but > > And the amount of energy they supply to the audience! When I saw them for > the first time in Tampa (the MBM/808 State "rave"), I didn't even know who > they were ... now I'd have to say they rank as one of the best live > performances I've ever seen, simply because they never give up WORKING to > make good music onstage! From the live drummer, to the mixing in of all > kinds of samples, and the fact that they actually work up a sweat, it all > comes together to make an incredible show.

Actually, the most amazing thing about Meat Beat is that Jack can do these gigs stoned out of his gourd. When the Meat Beat/Consolidated tour came through L.A. and San Diego, they accidentally left one of the main roadies (a friend of ours) behind in his hotel bed. We drove him down to S.D. and on the tour bus beforehand our friend broke out the heavy-duty Green Guy, and Jack proceeded to smoke us all under the table. It nearly made me pass out ... (I know, I know ... "wimp!") A short time later we were inside and Meat Beat took the stage. To this day, I will never know how he manages to do it ... I sure couldn't. - Greg