IDM Mailing Archive

Apologies for the somewhat lame, region-specific question, but.. ..do any of you US folks have any updated details on if/when MTV will begin running the AMP video show? Thanks for any information -fp

AMP will be making it's debut on September 4th after the MTV Video Music Awards. It will also be rebroadcast a couple of times that weekend as well. It will feature videos from Sun Electric, Spacetime Continuum, Ken Ishii, The Future Sound Of London, Underworld, Autechre, Aphex Twin, Tricky, Chemical Brothers, and others... I know we have discussed the merits of the show over the past couple of months, so let's not get into it. IMHO, I feel it is important that we SUPPORT THE SHOW with CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM to MTV. Even if you don't like the show, call MTV and tell them what you DO LIKE. If the underground doesn't support this with feedback, positive feedback, they'll take it off, or even worse, make them change the programming to La Bouche videos with fractals in them instead of the cutting edge sounds and visuals that these artists create. Peter Wohelski Astralwerks

On 28 Aug 96, Gonzi Merchan (Fresh), lifted to new heights of brilliance, penned:

quoted 7 lines Whoa. I'll have my VCR ready. I've never seen an Aphex video before.

> Whoa. I'll have my VCR ready. I've never seen an Aphex video before. > This kind of leaves me with mixed feelings though. I feel like a > snake under a rock thats about to have the rock blown apart by > dynamite. Who knows what reprecussions this will have? Will there be > a generation of 15 year old Autechre fans forming new cliches at > high schools? Will they sell Aphex shirts at the mall? Will Orbital > sell out ampitheaters in the US?

Hey y'alls, <fear-inspired bile mode on> You said it so loud and so clear! THIS is what I fear. I've been reading the debate over keeping music underground and I've been meaning to respond but haven't found (taken) the time to respond until now. I fear for the future. While I hear that more exposure will allow some of our favourite musicians to perhpas eat better, I know, KNOW that if corporate commandos comes after 'our' music (yes it is our music, dammit) that we shall have to sit back and watch with increasing horror as everything we (I) hold dear is bastardized, commercialized and raped. Please understand. To me, this music, this techno/idm/ambient/etc is pure beauty. It is the most important thing in this world to me. I cannot/won't explain what I mean, but I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that it's not just about a catchy melody and a funky beat. It's about that which is good. It's about love, beauty, higher states of being and pain. It is not about selling lunch boxes and t-shirts and...and...fuck. Words fail me. It's just that I feel that SOMETHING has to mean SOMETHING, if you know what I mean. This music MEANS something to me. This music IS me. I can't think of a proper analogy. Imagine how you, as the pope would feel if one day christianity became the next big 'thing' for corporate entities, you know? What if all of a sudden, you've got shitty little kids running around town sporting t-shirts of jesus smokin' phat joints (wait...that sounds cool, actually) saying "Christians Rule". What if every radio station in the world started playing "Jesus Loves Me" 10 times a day for several months. Bible trading cards, communion take-out restaurants and revelations video games. When I'm not at work, I spend a lot of time alone, not because I don't know any people, but because I cannot stand to be around most of the people I know. People who swallow what has been fed them. People who make sure they have the latest Mariah Carey and Michael Bolton cds...because they are told to. People who believe Alanis Morrisette is 'alternative' music. I find that often, people who really dig their techno (catch-all term) are better people. Of course, 'better' is a subjective term, but I am talking about my perspective, aren't I? Here it is: I love the underground status that our (yes, by god, it IS ours) music enjoys. But know you this - it's not merely because I don't want to share it. I don't merely wish to set an arbitrary quota on how many people are permitted to listen. I only wish to preserve the love and respect for the music. I don't think that can be done in a post MTV techno world. Yes, yes...I know that it all comes down to the music, but I cannot help but think massive commercial interest will result in some sort of...taint...? Having said all this, I'm not sure I believe that our entire scene can be taken commercial. It's too vibrant, too diverse, too smart, too good. Maybe it will only be 'us' who sit up and take notice to what's happening on MTV - everyone else will change the channel, wondering where the hell Presidents of the United States got to.... I hope. If there were just one person to whom I could say "please...please don't take my music..."... <fear-inspired bile mode off> onnow: 444 - Autechre. 'nuff said... Peace out, The Dragon Reborn -------------------------------------------------------- "You have to burn in order to shine." - Coil --------------------------------------------------------

On Wed, Aug 28, 1996 8:16:19 AM at AWerks2@aol.com wrote:

quoted 2 lines AMP will be making it's debut on September 4th after the MTV Video Music

>AMP will be making it's debut on September 4th after the MTV Video Music >Awards. It will also be rebroadcast a couple of times that weekend as

well.

quoted 2 lines It will feature videos from Sun Electric, Spacetime Continuum, Ken Ishii,

> >It will feature videos from Sun Electric, Spacetime Continuum, Ken Ishii,

The

quoted 1 line Future Sound Of London, Underworld, Autechre, Aphex Twin, Tricky, Chemical

>Future Sound Of London, Underworld, Autechre, Aphex Twin, Tricky, Chemical

quoted 7 lines Brothers, and others...

>Brothers, and others... > >I know we have discussed the merits of the show over the past couple of >months, so let's not get into it. IMHO, I feel it is important that we >SUPPORT THE SHOW with CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM to MTV. > >Even if you don't like the show, call MTV and tell them what you DO LIKE.

If

quoted 2 lines the underground doesn't support this with feedback, positive feedback,

>the underground doesn't support this with feedback, positive feedback, >they'll take it off, or even worse, make them change the programming to La

quoted 1 line Bouche videos with fractals in them instead of the cutting edge sounds and

>Bouche videos with fractals in them instead of the cutting edge sounds and

quoted 1 line visuals that these artists create.

>visuals that these artists create.

no disrespect to peter, but...... IMHO it is important that we tell mtv to fuck off. Call them and tell them what you DONT like. Tell them that they are full of shit, Tell them that you do not want to be part of their world. Like Peter said " If the underground doesn't support this....." watching cable tv instead of making music or listening to music is a bad idea. Period. the cutting edge is soon dulled with over use collinstrange? strange? records 445 e. 9th. ny.ny.10009 212.505.3025

quoted 1 line no disrespect to peter, but......

> no disrespect to peter, but......

quoted 7 lines IMHO it is important that we tell mtv to fuck off. Call them and tell them

> IMHO it is important that we tell mtv to fuck off. Call them and tell them > what > you DONT like. Tell them that they are full of shit, Tell them that you do > not > want to be part of their world. Like Peter said " If the underground > doesn't support > this....."

Well, I disagree with the last statement. Nearly everytime I go to certain record stores I have the employees of the store directing customers to me (and I have never even work there). I have seriously walked around with people to help them or give them a list because they really like techno and don't know any of the bands. Just last week, I was having Sensorama played in the store to check out the PLAID remix. And several people came up to try and snag the CD from me. These people loved it, and knew nothing about bands like Aphex Twin, Black Dog, Autechre and Chemical Brothers. They sold several copies of all of the following, because I had the employees of the store open upt the cds and give the people a little taste of the music. If there was some outlet for people to hear new and good techno, it would help a great deal. I for one would like some bands (like Chemical Brothers, Advent, Squarepusher) to have a semi decent following so that they might play in the US. Nearly every band I would like to see, does shows in the UK or elsewhere in Europe (and not here). I for one would like to see more shows like Organic happening in the future, but if there isn't enough support they won't happen. I for one would rather see a quality band getting a little hype versus some joke like Keoki or Moby. B i l l S a m u e l s w l s @ U . A r i z o n a . E D U

quoted 3 lines It will feature videos from Sun Electric, Spacetime Continuum, Ken Ishii, The

>It will feature videos from Sun Electric, Spacetime Continuum, Ken Ishii, The >Future Sound Of London, Underworld, Autechre, Aphex Twin, Tricky, Chemical >Brothers, and others...

Whoa. I'll have my VCR ready. I've never seen an Aphex video before. This kind of leaves me with mixed feelings though. I feel like a snake under a rock thats about to have the rock blown apart by dynamite. Who knows what reprecussions this will have? Will there be a generation of 15 year old Autechre fans forming new cliches at high schools? Will they sell Aphex shirts at the mall? Will Orbital sell out ampitheaters in the US? Will the price of all our obscure records skyrocket making us all overnight millionaries? Errrr...scratch that last one. //"'' //''resh Live and Direct from the G-Spot Orange County, California, USA

quoted 9 lines Date: Wed, 28 Aug 1996 10:29:39 -0700

> Date: Wed, 28 Aug 1996 10:29:39 -0700 > From: "Gonzi Merchan (Fresh)" <fresh@linkonline.net> > > This kind of leaves me with mixed feelings though. I feel like a snake > under a rock thats about to have the rock blown apart by dynamite. Who > knows what reprecussions this will have? Will there be a generation of > 15 year old Autechre fans forming new cliches at high schools? Will they > sell Aphex shirts at the mall? Will Orbital sell out ampitheaters in the > US?

Maybe all of those things: in the UK we are nearly there now. Orbital are big, and are going to be mega. Andrew.

Hi.. Sorry about this.. but I missed the original message that said the date and time for this MTV thing. Would someone please repost it. Thanks.. _john ---This Sig. File Starts Here--------------------------------------------- If you are interested in trading video and audio bootlegs.. or strange cult films, then feel free to e-mail me your trade lists. J.C. Tabone Listen to the Inorganic Otherworld 256 Athenia Drive, Saturday overnights (Sun. 2AM-6AM) Stoney Creek, ON L8J 1T7 on CFMU 93.3 FM McMaster Radio Canada Hamilton, Ontario u9205401@muss.cis.McMaster.ca (playing the best in Dark Ambient, Home: (905)573-8542 industrial, experimental, idm and Office: (905)525-9140 ext. 27445 and more) If you would like your band played on my show... feel free to send me your demos.. or e-mail me, if you would like the station address. ------------------------------------------------This Sig. File Ends Here--

OK, I'll be the dumbass to go out on a limb and ask this one: Is this actually MTV _America_, or is is MTV Europe? From the discussion I'm seeing, I'll guess America, but I don't want to get my hopes up of seeing the Extra video on my tube. bill/dj marathon

quoted 19 lines It will feature videos from Sun Electric, Spacetime Continuum, Ken Ishii, The

> >It will feature videos from Sun Electric, Spacetime Continuum, Ken Ishii, The > >Future Sound Of London, Underworld, Autechre, Aphex Twin, Tricky, Chemical > >Brothers, and others... > > Whoa. I'll have my VCR ready. I've never seen an Aphex video before. > This kind of leaves me with mixed feelings though. I feel like a snake > under a rock thats about to have the rock blown apart by dynamite. Who > knows what reprecussions this will have? Will there be a generation of > 15 year old Autechre fans forming new cliches at high schools? Will they > sell Aphex shirts at the mall? Will Orbital sell out ampitheaters in the > US? Will the price of all our obscure records skyrocket making us all > overnight millionaries? Errrr...scratch that last one. > > > //"'' > //''resh > Live and Direct from the G-Spot > Orange County, California, USA >

On Wed, 28 Aug 1996, Gonzi Merchan (Fresh) wrote:

quoted 19 lines It will feature videos from Sun Electric, Spacetime Continuum, Ken Ishii, The

> >It will feature videos from Sun Electric, Spacetime Continuum, Ken Ishii, The > >Future Sound Of London, Underworld, Autechre, Aphex Twin, Tricky, Chemical > >Brothers, and others... > > Whoa. I'll have my VCR ready. I've never seen an Aphex video before. > This kind of leaves me with mixed feelings though. I feel like a snake > under a rock thats about to have the rock blown apart by dynamite. Who > knows what reprecussions this will have? Will there be a generation of > 15 year old Autechre fans forming new cliches at high schools? Will they > sell Aphex shirts at the mall? Will Orbital sell out ampitheaters in the > US? Will the price of all our obscure records skyrocket making us all > overnight millionaries? Errrr...scratch that last one. > > > //"'' > //''resh > Live and Direct from the G-Spot > Orange County, California, USA >

Aphex also has a Donkey Rhubarb video out too.

So is this a one-shot deal, or a new series, or what? (I hope it's a series, so they'll eventually get around to playing the video for 'The Box' that I'm still kicking myself for missing on 120 Minutes...) <*>-------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The trouble with being a god is that you've got no one to pray to. --Terry Pratchett, "Small Gods"

On Wed, 28 Aug 1996, Berry R. Thrailkill wrote:

quoted 3 lines So is this a one-shot deal, or a new series, or what? (I hope it's a

> So is this a one-shot deal, or a new series, or what? (I hope it's a > series, so they'll eventually get around to playing the video for 'The Box' > that I'm still kicking myself for missing on 120 Minutes...)

well, the funniest part about that one was the "cult classic" tag in the corner. hey, if mtv considered it a cult classic less than a year after its release, then they'll hafta show it again... MESSAGEBEGINS----> micah stupak aka euroboy, life'sedge, tenderspot of the daphne, moebius, ick. mjsst87+@pitt.edu or euroboy@mail.prolog.net comedy is the refuge of the non-conformist mind. gold is the sky, in concentrate/power in its purest state <----MESSAGEENDS

quoted 1 line IMHO it is important that we tell mtv to fuck off.

> IMHO it is important that we tell mtv to fuck off.

I tell MTV to fuck off by not watching things they show that I'm not interested in. I see no reason to avoid watching things I *am* interested in simply because it's MTV that's running them (as opposed to some other more politically correct channel, apparently -- whoever that might be).

quoted 2 lines Tell them that they are full of shit, Tell them that you do not want to

> Tell them that they are full of shit, Tell them that you do not want to > be part of their world.

If you don't want to be part of their world, why on earth do you volunteer yourself to be part of their world by giving such a major shit about what they do? -- ::: Lazlo (lazlo@swcp.com; http://www.swcp.com/lazlo)

quoted 9 lines Whoa. I'll have my VCR ready. I've never seen an Aphex video before.

>Whoa. I'll have my VCR ready. I've never seen an Aphex video before. >This kind of leaves me with mixed feelings though. I feel like a snake >under a rock thats about to have the rock blown apart by dynamite. Who >knows what reprecussions this will have? Will there be a generation of >15 year old Autechre fans forming new cliches at high schools? Will they >sell Aphex shirts at the mall? Will Orbital sell out ampitheaters in the >US? Will the price of all our obscure records skyrocket making us all >overnight millionaries? Errrr...scratch that last one. >

no, because most 15 year olds (not all, i imagine) want a catchy chorus, and some super-photogenic copycat (i.e. bush). i'd love to see an aphex shirt at the mall, though. save me either the time of making my own (which would probably be more fun, actually), or the cost of shipping and conversion and all that crap for the transatlantic order. at any rate, why SHOULDN'T these guys be filling arenas? granted, the music isn't traditional arena fare, but it's good enough to get that much interest... just my .02 alan! __ :::::/\ \:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::/ \ \::::::you make the mistake::::::::::: :::/ /\ \ \:::::you judge a man by his race:::: ::/ / /\ \ \::::you go through life:::::::::::: :/ / /__\_\ \:::with egg on your face:::::::::: / / /________\::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: \/___________/::::::::::-beastie boys::::::::::

quoted 2 lines If there were just one person to whom I could say "please...please

> If there were just one person to whom I could say "please...please > don't take my music..."...

First off, it's not "your" music. You didn't create it -- you just paid the same $14.95 that all the teenyboppers are going to pay for it if the stuff breaks onto the charts. Don't fool yourself info thinking that tossing your fifteen bucks into the till before most of the rest of the world gives you the right to sling this superior "I *understand* the music -- everyone else only listens to it because they're mindless cattle!" horseshit around. And nobody is "taking" anything away from you. Is MTV going to come over to your house and strap you into a chair with your eyes propped open and force you to watch films of kittens being fed into the maws of John Deere chipper/shredders while they play your favorite Autechre track until you're so brainwashed that you're incapable of separating the music from the sheer terror in your mind? No...they're going to put it out in the light where everyone can see it, and surprise surprise, out of the gazillions of people who see it, some fraction will actually *enjoy* it (JUST LIKE YOU) and go out and buy their own copies (JUST LIKE YOU) and tell their friends about it (JUST LIKE YOU). (You've probably pissed your pants at this point just thinking about all those filthy nasty NORMAL people actually LIKING THE SAME MUSIC AS *SPECIAL OL' YOU*.) There is no "taking" going on here. You've decided to use the music you like as some kind of barrier between you and the rest of the world -- and if the rest of the world starts to like the music too, you're going to *give it up*. Well, excuse the fuck out of me for not having any sympathy for *that*... -- ::: Lazlo (lazlo@swcp.com; http://www.swcp.com/lazlo)

You wrote:

quoted 4 lines If there were just one person to whom I could say "please...please

> >> If there were just one person to whom I could say "please...please >> don't take my music..."... >

I don't like this "OUR MUSIC" attitude. Its just petty elitism...if the music is good why should only 500 people hear it. As for taking the music away its far from taking away its not taking anything away its just exposing it to other people wh may have never heard anything but Nth generation pearl jam clones. I personally think that there would be oodles more people listening to electronic stuff if they were simply exposed to it. I've played some of the stuff in my collection to people I thought would never like electronic stuff and the totally got into it. I think the idea of MTV starting up a Techno show is absolutey wonderful. Maybe now some of the electronic/ dance projects will get the recoginition and attention that it deserves. Maybe the Orb will be the Dead of the next decade ??? ROB

On Wed, 28 Aug 1996, Robert C. Galbraith wrote:

quoted 1 line Maybe the Orb will be the Dead of the next decade ???

> Maybe the Orb will be the Dead of the next decade ???

Uhh, I agree with what you said, but the last comment turned my stomach. I think the dead are one of the weakest of the superhyped bands. The Dead are boring. I think the ORB has already blown away them and rival some of Pink Floyd's best. There were a lot of hippies at the organic show, I will admit. I don't know if they were there to just sell drugs or because of the ORB. B i l l S a m u e l s w l s @ U . A r i z o n a . E D U