Daniel B. of Nothing But Noise Interview (Part 2 of 2) [Listen 21:45] Dropping the needle anywhere with Daniel B S04 Ep05[21:45]
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S04 Ep05 (Part2 of 2) - Dropping The Needle Anywhere With Daniel B
Special Guest: Daniel Bressanutti (a.k.a. Daniel B.) (Part 2 of 2): is an electronic music pioneer and one of the forefathers of the electronic body music genre. Daniel B was a founding member of the iconic Belgian band, Front 242, and an essential figure in the shaping of Synth-Punk, electronic dance, and post-industrial music. He and his current band, Nothing But Noise, comprises of himself, the other founding member of Front 242, Dirk Bergen, as well as adding Erwin Jadot into the mix. Nothing But Noise have a new Limited edition 300 copy 10” white Vinyl single called “Music For Muted TV 1” released on Record Store Day 2013. In this podcast we talk about about growing up in Belgium and getting inspiration from the Prog-rock bands of the 60’s, his connection to the visual arts, his perspective on music critics, and we get into some of his Front 242 work.
Does technology make a better musician?
There's no doubt about it, technology is advancing beyond all measure. It has been said that technology is advancing beyond mankind itself; our culture, society, mind, civilization, and ethics haven't risen to meet the demands and conundrums such an advancement carries with it. In fact, the latest technology in today's cellphones have more computing power than the Mars Curiosity Rover. The logical conclusion leads to launching cellphones into space to act as satellites now. The unfortunate matter 
on this is that cellphone technology is advancing so quickly that by the time that the phones get equipped and launched into orbit, they're outdated and that no one in the market for a cellphone would buy one. Seems rather a waste when most often cellphones get used for acquaintances of yours to post pics of what they had for dinner, doesn't it?
It has been said that technology is advancing beyond mankind itself
Think of what could be created if we put a fraction of that research and development towards new music machines: new sounds and treatments that could shatter the comprehension of the modern mind! However, as mankind, is conjectured to be behind technology, it could be said that musicians themselves haven't advanced far enough to use the capability of the technology. There still has to be a human application of theory and practice. Pressing one key on a synth that has been programmed to the gills to produce the sounds of an orchestra does not make a better musician. I would say that that doesn't even make a musician at all. A monkey could be pressing the key, or a brick resting on the key could just as well produce the same sounds of the programmed synth. There's a lesson in there for budding musicians in there.
Think of what could be created if we put a fraction of that research and development towards new music machines: new sounds and treatments that could shatter the comprehension of the modern mind!
Of course, there is nothing that dates music than outdated sounds, some artists, though, thankfully, manage to escape this limitation; I would use Brian Eno, David Byrne, and the Pixies as examples, but, of course, I'm biased. Although the the reverse is true as well, some musicians sound dated despite using the latest equipment, and no degree of production or equipment tweaking can fix. I'll not name names here; I'll just leave that to your own prejudice.
It's no secret that musicians are an odd lot; some are professed Luddites, some are obsessed to reproduce particular sounds or to use coveted equipment that their heroes used in their impressionable youth to capture the intangible effect.
It's no secret that musicians are an odd lot
There are also musicians/hackers/tinkerers to their equipment to get particular sounds. Richard D. James is one of the most obvious examples.
Theoretically, considering where the most advanced technology is these days, the best audio producing equipment would be a cellphone. Just wait, there's more to come from that direction.
Outdated technology
Of course, there is something to be said about getting the greatest product out of limited resources - to crafting a fine, polished product from within confining boundaries; like the short story is a unique medium in itself with it's own difficulties for writers. And really, so many of the best songs are done with a guitar, drum, and voice. Outdated technology.
But what is there to say except that, of course, there is nothing to show that advanced technology actually adds to the music; the source, the well-spring comes from the mind, and the talent of the musician, and is only limited, or limitless, therein.
So, taking all this in mind I'm going to be the latest to remix Justin Beiber on my cellphone, hurl it to the sky in a ballistic fashion to place it into the atmosphere. It goes on sale upon its return. Who doesn't want the latest limited release remix of Justin Bieber from space? Bidding has already begun on Ebay. Act now!
Not swimming in the mainstream (Part 1 of 2) – the Mira Calix interview S03 Ep02
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S03 Ep02 (Part1 of 2)- Not swimming in the mainstream with Mira Calix
Interview Date: September 11, 2012 @2pm EDT
Special Guest: Mira Calix - As far as Electronica artists go, Chantal Passamonte aka Mira Calix is much more organic, not only in the sounds she uses (through collecting field recordings, capturing analogue sounds, and working with chamber instruments and other ensembles), but also with the direction her music has taken, evolving away from a strictly electronic sound to incorporating classical orchestration and working in dance, film, theatre, opera, and within the visual arts. In this podcast we talk about her inspirations, how she got started, some people she has aligned herself with like Strictly Kev of the DJ food project, Radiohead, John Peel, the record labels 4AD and Warp, and we get into a few of her early projects. Check out here site here: http://www.miracalix.com/
Musicians in Any Other Form Would Smell Just as Sweet
We've mentioned before how musicians have a penchant towards turning their creativity to media arts. David Byrne, David Bowie, Ron Wood, Brian Eno, and of course Bob Dylan are well known for their paintings. These artists have been pretty established for their work outside of music, but Marilyn Manson, George Clinton and others you may be surprised to learn have tried their hand at fine art and have been getting some recognition as well.
What exactly prompts them to pick up another form to express their creativity is often debated with explanations ranging from simply monetary gain to the honest and legitimate burning desire to create in another manifestation.
We'll present some work here, for your consideration; give us some feedback, if you have any on which is worth merit on it's own or not.
David Bowie has stated in an interview with the New York Times that the difference between the art world and the rock-music world is that one has a brain. And while one could say there is different section of people each art form draws to itself, I would say that it's completely wrong to say that rock-music aficionados are altogether brainless. We have gathered a small sample for your consideration, and we don't require an art major for this, just state your interpretation of it's merit or not, and explain why. (Pretend that you're proving to David Bowie that you're not brainless. Hover your mouse over the artwork on the page for the artist's name.
Not altogether brainless, and in-fact, we're betting that some of you are pretty astute. Although some artists like Jerry Garcia never placed too much weight on his visual art, he did attend art-school, and for a time considered becoming an artist before music took hold of his life.
Others, specifically, Tony Bennett who paints using his birth name Anthony Benedetto or just Benedetto takes things a little more seriously, and apparently paints every day. It's paid off for him though, his work hangs in some pretty prestigious galleries and museums. He's given back though, and established an art school in his native Astoria, Queens, NY.
Perhaps, Brian Eno is the most well known amongst the "rock-music world" for the visual art that he produces, but take a look at the others and let us know of your impression.
Harold Budd interview – (Part 2 of 2) Watching Sunlight and Shadows Through Six Windows with Harold Budd S02 Ep11
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S02 Ep11 (Part 2 of 2) - Watching sunlight and shadows through six windows with Harold Budd
Interview Date: May 3, 2012 @8pm EDT
A Highly Recommended Listen!
Special Guest: Harold Budd is an American composer and poet who is known for his soft pedal piano style and his ground-breaking projects. In this podcast we talk about the album "By the Dawn's Early Light", the photo of "The Captive White Boy, Santiago McKinn" (Photo below), the story behind the David Sylvian produced album "Avalon Sutra" and working with his friends, John Foxx (formally of Ultravox), Robin Guthrie, plus his view of the piano and much more.
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-jimmymckinn2.html
Big Noise of Electronica
We wanted to showcase some of the big names of electronica, of course, as is often the case, many of the artists were creating music before the label was invented and applied, and many are rankled by the label, but we're using the term to showcase some of the figures that pushed the frontier using digital instruments and methods. This is, by no means an exhaustive list, but take a look and familiarize yourself if you’re unfamiliar with the names. There’s so much that falls under the electronica banner – whole genres, sub-genres, as well as performers. A lot of it gets derided, sometimes rightfully so; to be fair, there’s bad music everywhere, but electronica sometimes gets attacked with absolute vitriol. Especially with the resurgence in the popularity of folksinger/songwriters, adherents of folk or the like sometimes try to prove their passion and love by attacking what they see as the opposite musical form. Most often it's a mistake, really. Electronica has made a more profound and encompassing impact in music in general than one might think - even in the folksinger/songwriter genre. To realize this, dig into some of the figures under the banner. These performers are icons of the field who shaped the face of music. You might want to explore a few of them, the experience might just be mind expanding. To not do so, and continue to criticise would just be willful ignorance.
Karlheinz Stockhausen
He has to be mentioned. The forefather of electronica. Everyone else mentioned here can trace their roots back to him. Without him, things would be very different. You might say, without him there would have been a great void.
Kraftwerk
The band that launched a thousand ships. Literally, bands that list Kraftwerk as an influence number into the thousands. Kraftwerk has sparked whole genres of music that have an everlasting foundation in the history of music. “Autobahn,” “Computer World,” “Tour de France”
Brian Eno
Another progenitor, simply put. His popularity really seems to be growing exponentially, but he was active since the early 1970`s. Thoughtful and artistic; there`s so much that could be said about him, and so much has already, and in the most glowing praise. His influence is everywhere in music (and meta-music - like computer sounds) Pushing boundries, birthing genres, if you listen to music, you’ve heard his input. If you haven’t taken an active
Drinking scotch, smoking cigarettes, and hanging out with Feldman, Rothko, and Budd [Listen 37:00]S02 Ep11 (Part 1 of 2)
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S02 Ep11 (Part 1 of 2) - Drinking Scotch, smoking cigarettes and hanging out with Feldman, Rothko and BuddS02 Ep11 (Part 1 of 2) - Drinking Scotch, smoking cigerettes and hanging out with Feldman, Rothko and Budd
Interview Date: May 3, 2012 @8pm EDT
Special Guest: Harold Budd is an American composer and poet who is known for his soft pedal piano style and his ground-breaking projects. In this podcast we talk about how he started his training, meeting Morton Feldman and Mark Rothko, some of his earliest albums, and much more.
Bands and Musicians Battle Royale (Part 2 - Get Ultra-Violent with the Punk Rock Legends)
We love contrast, so I thought I might balance out my calm and sophisticated audio interview with Harold Budd with some mindless, weaselly ultra-violence in Part 2 of Battle Royale (the Punks fight back). So just like before, we are asking you which bands you prefer. Don't expect a clean fight though, this group of misfits may not look so tough to you, but they are wiry, good at cheating, and know how to smash it up. Remember this battle is best served cold in a med/small size group, and oh yeah "don't forget to beat on the biggest brat with your baseball bat."
We are starting off big!
The Sex Pistols versus The Clash
These two have been battling it out since the beginning, and there never has been a clear winner.
Leafcutter John interview [Listen 24'15"] Picking Up Sound and Spreading the Idea S02 Ep04 (part 3 of 3)
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Picking up Sound and Spreading the Idea with Leafcutter John S02 Ep04 (part 2 of 3)
Interview Date: February 9, 2012 @1pm EDT
Special Guest: Leafcutter John is an
artist, an electronics hobbyist, and a musician who is always thinking up new ways of exploring sound. He has brought out a list of incredible albums like “Microcontact” [Planet-Mu] ,“The Housebound Spirit” [Planet-Mu], “The Forest And The Sea” [Staubgold], and "Tunis" [Tsuku Boshi] as well as worked with the jazz band Polar Bear (with Seb Rochford) on their album “Peepers” [Leaf Label]. He has a website where he describes some fascinating projects that he has worked on like “Making your own Acoustic Guitar,” “Soundtrap 2,” “M-Log Controller,” “Growing your own Contact Mic,” “How to make Laser Microphones, “ “Light Controlled Music,” and much more. Check him out HERE.
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Article On A Long Thin Wire
Guitar, drums, bass, keys, maybe a DJ 
scratching a disc if you're hip. You're hip, right? That's what you need to make music, ya? Forget the laptop, you tool. Without these things you'd be reduced to a cappella, yes? Well, there's a lot more to the world that can be used to produce a work of music, or sound art, or whatever you want to call it, and a lot of it is really brilliant.
Sound can come from many things. Often, the knee-jerk reaction is to dismiss sound art as ridiculous; it gets a lot of flak, and there will always be opponents to anything new, but one thing we're hoping to do here on this site is to introduce listeners to new forms of music; we do this for the love of music. Try it, you might like it. All you need to do is open up your mind and ears and accept music from another approach.