There is a light

Correspondence with Jonathan Borges

Correspondence with Jonathan Borges.

February 2008.

Jonathan Borges is Pedestrian Deposit, Emaciator and founder of the experimental imprint Monorail Trespassing.

Pedestrian Deposit?

The core of my being. Still exists, 20% comatose, but always uncertain. Always quitting, always indecisive.

Why uncertainty?

It's just my nature. Frantic thoughts, snap decisions, overcorrecting -- these are the blueprint of PD. I've probably quit five thousand times, often in front of people during some anxiety episode. Funny that it's all come back now that I've recently started working on new material. JINX!

Hope?

On occasion a veiled layer in select outlets. Not saying which, though; it's best for everyone to find out alone.

Faith?

In something, sometimes. Need not be negative at all times anymore.

Despair?

Often; but not right now, believe it or not. Also a less veiled layer in everything.

Positive aspects of despair?

Mostly the creative influence. It can also be good in times of isolation, self reflection, to move forward.

Black holes?

Bleach holes.

Monorail Trespassing?

Obsession, obsessive; compulsive, compulsion.

Environment?

Very important. It's difficult to function in foreign environments, but I can thrive off the nervous energy as well.

Parks:

There's a real good one near here. I don't go often enough.

Beauty?

It used to get me drunk before I started drinking. Still does every now and then. Layer three.

Layer four?

All three make layer four.

Politics?

Never.

Corporations?

Unavoidable at times, but I'd never work for one.

Spin magazine?

Nah. Maybe if you're fourteen and don't know any better.

Emaciator?

Subconscious; submerged; submerging. Moving forward and leaving behind some elements.

Seasons?

Winter and spring above all, followed by summer, but they are all okay.

Snow or sand?

Snow; especially east coast snow. But quicksand is a close second.

Society?

It doesn't work for me. I'm not involved, for the most part.

Secret Socities?

Sure. Underground gatherings. I like this.

Confessions?

I'm actually a part of society. Sort of.

Art?

By default, I suppose. But I'm reluctant to use the word when describing my efforts.

Why?

It doesn't fit. I feel as if I need a formal education to use this term. What is art? It is different for everyone.

Product?

200% effort, to the best of your ability, or it shouldn't be done; not everything is a good idea.

Consumerism?

Also unavoidable. I have no problems here, but don't expect to see me with a velvet suit or a cigar for several years.

Fashion?

Appropriated, stolen, manipulated, home-made. I will not pay more than $5 for anything, and I wear the same shoes until they disintegrate or make my feet curl -- whichever comes first.

Noise?

Needs to be reinvigorated. Few can challenge anymore, and most everyone is content to follow or imitate rather than lead, change, or attempt any progression.

Do you apply the term noise to your work?

Not anymore. If anything, it's sound collage; noise is only one aspect. Emaciator could be termed ambient, at least for now.

Future?

Several Emaciator tapes, several Monorail releases and at least one new PD disc before the end of the year.

Predictions?

Fewer Emaciator tapes, fewer or different Monorail releases, and no PD discs.


Pedestrian Deposit

Emaciator

Monorail Trespassing

Correspondence with Robert Inhuman

Correspondence with Robert Inhuman

02/12/08


Tell me about the move to LA...

I decided to finally move out of Ohio after the last Realicide tour, November 2007. I visited LA three times in 2007 and felt a stronger connection to friends there than anywhere else, although I am also very attached to a lot of great people in St.Louis and a couple other areas around the country. I spent every day of December recording and mixing in Cincinnati, and tried to hustle some money together through the Realicide label and being hired to draw artwork for bands. Early into January I packed my car with an old desktop computer, my distro, and some clothes, and started driving west. I visited St.Louis for a day, to stop by Lemp and Apop, then I drove to somewhere in Oklahoma and slept in a parking lot a few hours before driving 18+ hours from Oklahoma to Los Angeles. I don't have a place to live out here, and there have been some pretty rough personal problems the past month, but I am around a lot of friends and have been meeting a lot of people continuously, so I am happy I've come out here. I'm flying to New Orleans in a few days though.



What type of affect is the move going to have on any of your music projects?

Realicide has been changing a lot the past few months anyway. Mavis needed to take a serious break from the band, which has posed kind of a difficult situation as to who could fill in running the midi hardware for live shows. Vankmen up in Oakland is completely able, and I'm working with Jonathan Prunty from Dayton for the spring tour to Europe, so yeah people are still going to function in the band but are spread out among several cities really far apart. Touring will be possible, but frequent shows in any one region are uncertain at the moment.

Hentai Lacerator released a DIY version of our completed "Sugarsplash!" album last month. We are hoping to have it picked up by an interesting label to re-issue it onto vinyl or CD, in which case we'd be into getting together to tour in support of it. We are separated between Ohio, Florida, and California now though.

I am hoping to find a new band to work with consistently in the LA area, but also might consider working on a new solo setup as well if needed. I currently prefer to work in bands because I do not enjoy manipulating equipment during live performances.



Ohio seemed to be a huge inspirational factor for Realicide Youth Records. Is that an accurate assumption?

Yes very much, or especially for Realicide as a band, but not often in a positive way. Most of the content for Realicide is about our origin in the Cincinnati scene, which I equate with a horrific amount of anxiety and crippling social politics. It is a place where punk rock is nothing but a retro escapism, hardcore especially a "boys only" club, techno limited to house and d&b, DJ's only (no live electronic acts), and noise is predominantly for slackers and straight up fearful nerds. This is a harsh way to describe my hometown, and there are fortunately counterexamples to the stereotypes I've just listed, but I can definitely say that bands like Realicide have been met 80%+ of the time with rejection and nervous animosity. We found out after touring a bit that it's not the same everywhere else, which is a relief, but I am happy to be from a place where NOTHING has come easily or automatically. Any progress has been earned, with no financially or social luxury involved. About my move to LA again, a big reason I left when I did was that through 2007 I felt like I'd somewhat completed my own thesis on the Cincinnati situation, as an artist or person or whatever. Though living in Ohio has been turbulent ever since I decided to put myself in public eye, I'd been studying and learning a great deal about social politics, especially in underground cultures, and this is documented in most of my lyrical work for Realicide 2004-07.



Last time you were in Denton at The House of Tinnitus we were talking about the sexual relationship between the artist and his/her music gear. Care to expand on that idea?

I think I'd describe it more as a parallel. Sex is a lot more important than noise, but noise can be a very potent vessel by which to confront or react to sexuality. The reason I favor high-end feedback manipulation and related noise is that it reminds me completely of sexual performance; maddeningly delicate and instinctive basically. In the past I'd hoped to combine these 2 types of performance, but never really actualized the ideas for a number of bad reasons. The noise I react to most often is the noise inspired by, or directly resulting from, intense sexuality or emotional release.

I do not associate most other kinds of music with sexuality; not directly at least. I look at most band setups as something much less intimate, as a social endorsement or protest. Sex can be included in these topics of course, but music like Crass' "Penis Envy" does not strike me as pornographic, where as some of the classic works by Prurient might be closer to that. Both these uses of sexual elements have always appealed to me a great deal.



What do you think noise represents in contemporary culture?

I think it represents both progression and ignorance. It's still got a hold on progression because it maintains ties to D.I.Y. culture and the perpetuation of the punk or "industrial" ethic, though by changing the applied aesthetics of these cultures which is totally mandatory to ensure their survival. Simultaneously, the noise scene indulges more and more into cutting corners, glorifying an image or a false passion in a lot of cases, glorifying elaborate parlour tricks that are useless in our real lives. This isn't Dungeons and fucking Dragons, this is supposed to be a reaction and reflection of our world NOW. But given that, the escapist and technologically nerdy nature of what is labeled as brutal harsh noise (or whatever you want to deem it) makes a lot of sense in our world. The current world is one addicted to what is hoped to be harmless jokes and games, to a numbing and totally pacifying degree no doubt. I'm talking about safely watching videos of executions or militant slaughters on the internet, but though the violence is soberingly real at its source, it is on the other side of the Earth and we don't even have to leave home to be entertained, or go to schools, or form relationships. From my perspective, comfort is the most hideous opiate plaguing our world currently, and noise culture is by no means immune to this.



What are some of the quintessential messages you hope to convey with your art?

I would like to endorse my perspective on art's nature and function as one of 3 (and only 3 so far) things I find it of use for. #1 as a byproduct of a life's experiences and relationships between people or how we interact with the world. #2 as a catalyst for dialog, be it as a challenge or invitation or whatever is of use or interest. #3 as the distraction that may buy you the time you need in recovering from experiences in life that bring you terminally close to the "edge"; to save your life with art as a game until you are strong enough to discard it and carry of with more valuable things. These are prevalent in some form throughout everything I do in bands or as an artist by myself. Ideally with more maturity I will be able to endorse solutions to problems I see in the world, but I feel like I would be making the same mistake as most others if I attempted to do this so far. That's why my art is also an "anti-solution", because I believe that a solution originating from the human capacity (mine, your's, whoever's) is inherently poisonous to the Earth and to all life. The only true solution I ultimately hope to discover will be from outside my own wants, and outside the values of any other person like myself.



Would you ever work with a “major” corporate record label?

If I had control over all content in the work besides the name of the record label, yes, because it would be a platform that would enable me to influence a larger quantity of young people. But in the case of sudden massive distribution, I would be in much closer contact with a lot of people I look to for guidance and insight, in hopes of maximizing the potential effect the work could have, and make the most good out of a risking decision to "sell out". If I wanted to work the system to that degree I would need to be absolutely sure that it would be worth the cultural sacrifices.



What do you think about the current political landscape?

If you mean the imperial hard-headed muscle-flexing of the Bush administration, it is very tense and concerning to say the least. I equate it with a larger scale of the rage I feel towards hidden agendas and conspiracies among smaller groups of people I've encountered in scenes of activism and underground music. I am not interesting in worshiping anyone who wants to be even remotely viewed as some sort of king or glorious general, and though it is not my job to ensure justice on that level, people get what's coming to them whether we are there to see it or not.



What are contemporary social factors that influence you?

Talking to people and watching people do stuff in public. Seeing which people will physically touch me. Reading what people write about themselves and others. Oh yeah, definitely also reading what people say about or to me, then comparing it to what happens in person. That's a big one that might influence me a lot in one way or another.



What is something happening right now that you think is really really important?

I am trying to go to New Orleans in a few days and personally that's a really important decision for me currently. Shortly after I'm going to a lot of countries in Europe for the first time, and that's really important to me culturally. I guess these are pretty vague and self-centered answers, but the question is pretty broad too.



Did you ever go to raves in the 80s/90s?

In the 80's I was busy learning how to read, walk, and be born. In the 90's I mainly drew comic books while listening to Skinny Puppy and the Subhumans on my walkman. The only raves I have been to have been in this decade, and the only ones I have enjoyed have been a couple on the west coast that offer gabber and actual variations or hardcore styles.



Have you chosen for yourself and claimed identity?

I'm giving it a good shot at least, but the more I'm challenged about it the more actual this can be. I am not interested in being constantly agreed with. It can be hard to evaluate the progress until later with clear hindsight, but I am also impatient a lot.



Are you rebelling against anything?

Everything that video game called "Rock Band" stands for, I think I am rebelling against that fairly well. I have never seen such a viciously total endorsement of creativity-killing stereotypes in any game before, granted I don't pay much attention to games but I happened to learn about that one recently. I really detest every aspect of that game, in its insistence on technical perfection which sucks any amount of soul out of even the boring songs that are featured on the game. It is an enemy approach to all expression from the path I've chosen.

That is an easy target though. On the other hand, I would mostly like to rebel against my self. This is the hardest because my self houses all my wants and narcissistic wishes, both blatant and secretive. I would like to rebel against my self in a way that can ultimately offer me a perspective on life and my existence that surpasses my initial human capacity; leading me to a more true worth and the very actual opposite of any game. This is a lifelong hope though, and I know I am extremely slow in progressing towards it.



Why do you play music?

Ironically because music is sought out for entertainment and comfort. It is the choice to socially infiltrate and affect cultures from the inside out, when done successful I mean. Ideally I'd approach the choice to work in music, especially with any elements of accessibility such as drums and singing, similar to the aims of bands like Throbbing Gristle. And on a spiritual end, music has historically been a very valuable vessel for all kinds of ideas and transformations. The root desire of any art I engage in is a desire for change, so music that has the ability to transform a person or people in any way is at least of interest to me. I am simultaneously comforted by the conviction of my decisions, and admitantly somewhat entertained by the reaction they get from my peers.



If you could have a dinner with any five people in the world who would you invite?

I don't particularly enjoy eating, especially as a social activity, but I understand that most people do and I appreciate that. If the people were among whoever is alive right now? Maybe Genesis P-Orridge because she has been a really crucial influence on my decisions and determination as an artist since my late teens, Amber Evans because it would be a very strange experience to meet someone of that medium in person, Jessica Evans because I haven't seen her since I was like 17, maybe Marilyn Manson because he to some degree represents the taboo of aggressive rock music I grew up with in the 90's so his role would basically be an ambassador of that phenomena, and Simon Severe because I could possibly relate to her better than the other 4 people mentioned here and that's pretty valuable of course. I don't know how well this dinner would work out at all though, realistically.



What’s next for Realicide Youth Records?

Realicide is going to record and release material that will be performed during the March / April 2008 European tour with Captain Ahab and Toecutter. I am also hoping to compile the 2nd collection of material for my zine SACRIFICE. Later this year I am hoping to release work by Xrin Arms, another book by Jim Swill, a Realicide dvd-r data collection for people to use on Soulseek, new work by Evolve, and the awesome plans for Vankmen's speedcore "vank-thology". My bands and solo work with also be released on several CD's and vinyl records on various labels as the production of it all is gradually completed. That is taking a lot time but it will be much better quality than anything we've offered previously.



What’s next for Robert Inhuman?

I am hoping to sort out a lot this year. I'd like to establish a really satisfying band in the LA area. I'm also very interested in continuing to get around the US at least once a year, and now attempt to visit other countries whenever possible. Meanwhile I am trying to find as much work as possible creating artwork for other bands and projects. I am trying to become a better judge of character in general, and I think that is going alright bit by bit. Anybody who wants to contact me can email me at robertinhuman@hotmail.com or my cell # is 513-652-6484. I have no consistent mailing address currently.



Robert Inhuman

Realicide Youth Records

Xrin Arms

Xrin Arms is Anthony Vincent:::::: intense, poetic grindcore soul punk straight up from the underground on the fucking brilliant label Realicide Youth Records. XRIN ARMS will be at THE HOUSE OF TINNITUS FEB.16. CHECK THE TOUR DATES FOR THE OTHER XRIN ARMS SHOWS!!!!!!!!

Digital Liver:

Musical background?

Xrin Arms:

I grew up listening to Slick Rick, EPMD, Biz Markie and old 70's rock & soul music. Nowadays I search out old underground soul music to make sure it stays alive with whatever I'm progressing with.


Digital Liver:

How is the tour going? Any enlightening moments?

Xrin Arms:

I've had a few great shows but overall I feel as if I'm a bad influence, a lot of my fans have been getting violent and destructive, and I'd like them to realize that there is a poetic movement, a mistake making learning sense, a knowledge grasping feel of reality, and becoming virile is not the answer, but I suppose, me being a very anguish ridden human being and pushing harsh music, it comes with the territory, I just wish the lyrics meant more than the music.

Digital Liver:

Do you see your lyrics more as chants to magic spells or rants to frustrations?

Xrin Arms:

I see my lyrics as something to read and feel, a creepy feeling that you should not be taking in, but in the long run it's good for you.

Digital Liver:

What is the strangest thing you have seen on this tour so far?

Xrin Arms:

A few nights ago a bunch of people came to see me play, they drove to the show in a U-Haul, and one of the dudes had his bones of his foot popping out, and he just wanted to see me play, the police showed up and somehow a lot of us were left un-arrested. Peace to Ryan Stone, who was supposed to be at the show but was in jail at the time.

Digital Liver:

How is the state of the union according to Xrin Arms?

Xrin Arms:

This country is one that I travel within, and I respect, there are aspects that I do and that I don't agree with, but overall I wouldn't be any where else, I love the south, east, west and Midwest, and I love people in these places, so therefore I support the section of life we dwell in, whether or not its held down correct or not.

Digital Liver:

Would you say that your art is an “evolution” of hardcore?

Xrin Arms:

No, nothing of the sort. I believe that I have emotions and pain that some may understand and others may not, so what I do I made for myself, for underdogs and people who deal with hardships that dizzy and baffle the mind. I played a show that dealt with borderline racism and I denied the money, and these people dug what I was doing, but I had no love for them, its beyond gender, race or power, its a matter of pain, if you have a person you love and hate just the same or if you spin in circles through confusion, then just maybe you might grasp what I'm going through. I'm a puzzle piece of music, no evolution involved.

Digital Liver:

Why do you think there is to some people an analog vs. digital attitude?

Xrin Arms:

I think if you make good music, you make good music, some people should not play live shows, their boring and fraudulent, but either/or make good music, use yr soul and yr good to go, yr a real human being with something to say, if not then leave the building quiet, shut the fuck up.

Digital Liver:

Any thoughts on contemporary politics?

Xrin Arms:

I'm not a very political person, but I am full force upon love and realism, so whatever someone thinks- I'm down- unless its racist, which I feel is a huge part of a lot of lives, it’s disgusting. Stop busting up Russian's, because I am Russian Indian, so me and my people have been beaten to a pulp, and I have no respect for racist bullshit, that’s my motherfucking politics, treat everyone like people, stop pointing and judging, yr a piece of feces if you do. Bottom line, there is assholes and there are good people, period.

Digital Liver:

What is it about realism that appeals to you?

Xrin Arms:

I shouldn't be asked this question, everyone should be obsessed with realism, that’s why our world is so degenerated because everything is pippy long stockings to everyone, fantasy ruins lives.

Digital Liver:

What do you find by going to the extremes of grim reality?

Xrin Arms:

Im into to swallowing shrooms, so its the same thing, I often feel like ive done enough drugs and touched so many dark places, that im forever in a trip, a distorted dream. But in that grim realm, I’m constantly learning and growing, I believe that most would ignore, work, eat and watch television to fight the demons, which to me is becoming human mold. I might be miserable and I might think about putting a gun in my mouth everyday of my life, but at least I'm living, searching and finding, I'm not always going to be like this, I've just had a horrid few decades of life. If I live to be an old man, I'll have wonderful stories to tell younger people about sex, travel & music and a lot of other people are going to mention a hilarious part of a sitcom they saw once.

Digital Liver:

What is it that you are expressing in Xrin Arms?

Xrin Arms:

I'm expressing my pain, my songs of love and hate, attempting to battle against the despised feelings, and just building a pyramid of gracious shine, I have problems and I know a lot of other people do as well, and I hope I can relate and others can sit down and we can get down on some love is love type relations.


[photo by xrin arms from the wet wood sessions]

Digital Liver:

What do you think about the corporate music industry?

Xrin Arms:

I think its garbage, I listen to some mainstream hip-hop but overall, its complete ignorance.

Digital Liver:

Do you think the contemporary underground music community is purposefully negating the culture of corporate business?

Xrin Arms:

It's not a matter of neglecting, it’s a matter of being a real artist, if yr real and yr making cash off of being an honest artist, than it is what it is, but if yr conforming to make money, then yr a fool, yr a bowel of spaghetti covered with ketchup, not a real dish.

Digital Liver:

War?

Xrin Arms:

I feel like for me to answer that, using as much gas as I do, is complicated, I mean I tour and travel so that is what this war is about, so I don't know, I'm an enemy and an anarchist at the same time, all of anyone's life has ups & downs, its a matter of how you live really, so my answer is I'm in the in between.

Digital Liver:

Poverty?

Xrin Arms:

I’ve been poor since I was born, the economy is my murderer, it’s not the fact who I am, or what I do, its a matter of some people are put in the position of meaning to live quick and die, and I'm in that bracket. I feel and love all poor people, because that’s my life, no matter what you do, just prosper as high as you can.


Digital Liver:

Love?

Xrin Arms:

Oh man, Im in love with a woman, my california gemstarr, I have been for a long time, I began the love in an ignorant state of mind, so it went sour, then when I realized exactly what love is, I understood that I fucked up, and now I'm on a teeter totter of thinking that possibly I can attain the love I need, and this tour is my soundtrack to grip that adoration, Disappearing Stable is about her, Self Destruction has alot about that love, so I just hope and cross my fingers that one day I can hold her, and show her that I fucked up and she is the only person I love and ever will. You love once and then you just drag along with life, read the book "Love Machine" and you'll understand.

Digital Liver:

Nature?

Xrin Arms:

I lived an area that had great woods and train tracks for a year and a half and did a lot of drugs and wonderful connecting with my close friend Trudy, so nature is another piece of growing, it grows with people, just like the tree's grow, railroad tracks and woods have been my favorite past times.

Digital Liver:

Technology?

Xrin Arms:

Technology is moving too fast, we all need to chill out and move slow with it or it will move us. I mean robots ring us out at grocery stores, little chips are put into yr fast food and people work, drink and stare at TV, I think technology is running majority of our world, and it’s pathetic.

Digital Liver:

Would you ever get a chip implant?

Xrin Arms:

C'mon man, no, not even a chance, I haven't gotten a paycheck in a year in a half, so a chip is out of the question.

Digital Liver:

What does success mean to you?

Xrin Arms:

I think success is being yrself, I like making money on tour, just so I can eat healthy and put gas in my car to travel more, but other than paying my bills, and such, success is more mental, its the comfort that you feel from yr art, that keeps you making more, the pain builds it, but the success helps you push yr work further, so its honestly a gift and a curse.


Digital Liver:

What is the future of Xrin Arms?

Xrin Arms:

I want to make soul music, 70's soul is dead, and I want to bring it alive again. I plan on making a few more harsh type of records and then id like to show massive sensuality and sex related songs. I feel like I've created a cult following that is negative and violent, people who don’t understand or take time to understand the poetry and the lessons that need to be built from, I try to show what not to do and want others to figure out and upgrade their existence on their own terms. The future of Xrin Arms is becoming a good teacher for my and the next generation of fuck up's.

Digital Liver:

Who are some 70s soul artists that you like?

Xrin Arms:

Betty Wright, Syl Johnson, Joyce Jones, GIX, The Enforcers, The Intruders, the list goes on and on, I dig deep into 70's underground soul, a lot of people ask me where to start, but with soul you start with what you feel, and what means something to you, so dig deep and you may find yr life placed into an old soul jam.


Digital Liver:

Have you seen any of the vidz on youtube featuring your music like “A Beautiful Lotus- shaving?”

Xrin Arms:

Yeah its funny, I met the ladies who made the Fragil Rock video, and they were cool and mentioned making more cartoon/humor video, I like it because my music is too deep, too grim, so adding a little fun to it really makes me chill out, I need it, because straight up and down, I'm two second away from having my brain explode, these last two albums truthfully ruined my life, or made me think too close, which could be good for some, but for me, it destroyed me.



Digital Liver:

how did the last two albums ruin your life?

Xrin Arms:

I started making this music for an outlet, and it backfired, I wrote them to delete the feelings from my life but instead they consumed my life. I'll be straight up with you, every night I play I question if I should do this anymore, I don’t feel gracious playing this music, it’s extreme levels of facing yr demons, over and over and over again. It's harsh, but I feel like I have no choice, they ruined my life, but it’s more on a destroy and rebuild type of ruin.

Digital Liver:

do you have any fetishes?

Xrin Arms:

Oh shit, do you really want to go here? I don’t know if I can get into this too far, I’ll just say I like teeth a lot.

Digital Liver:

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Xrin Arms:

Eugene Ionesco is my favorite author, I have many more I love reading, books are essential to life, so I suggest everyone go find some good authors on their own terms and learn and field from them.

Digital Liver:

you are going to fucking kill at the house of tinnitus... are you looking forward to coming to Denton?

Xrin Arms:

You know this fam. Tell them pizza shops to have the roasted red pepper ready cause im gonna fucking kill that too.

Digital Liver:

Any advice for the kids?

Xrin Arms:

Moderate drug use, learn love, know who yr friends are and yr enemies, try hard to mesh with yr family, don’t be judgmental, treat each other as you’d want to be treated, read the Koran and just be an understanding human being. Hate is strong, love is painful, but find the middle ground, clean slates can fix yr entire existence, try to learn and forget, destroy and rebuild.




XRIN ARMS

REALICIDE YOUTH RECORDS

HOUSE OF TINNITUS

USER

The Goblin King sayz to USE Your Social Imagination
and dream real big
until you fucking break

Prehistoric

The Mutations!

Techno Music: A Spirited Defense

I was on the Cyber Anthropology page earlier today looking for an essay to read when I found Techno Music: A Spirited Defense by Steve Mizrach....




So I went to the search engine Scroogle and typed in "Techno Music: A Spirited Defense Steve Mizrach" to see what links would come up. I noticed a Myspace link and so I thought hmmm maybe it's Steve's Myspace page- So I click on it and it takes me to this....

Techno Rox

and saw one of Techno Rox's blogs titled Techno Music: A Spirited Defense

So I click and read this : "Techno Music: A Spirited Defense

Note: I'm writing this blog to the public, and it's going to sound like a dictionary lol - and also this is going to sound very bland and it's very long. I sat in front of my computer one day, and thought it would be a great idea to write a blog about techno music and how it is my passion to make music." by Arisa

Then what follows is the essay word for word by Steve Mizrach....

Read her hacked-version I mean his version I mean?????

Master Blaster VHS Trailer!

//TENSE//

//Tense// hot electric death sex dance thrash!!!!!

Digital Liver:

Houston?

//Tense//:

Guitar-centric, brown, indie, bad vibes, no style

Digital Liver:

What about any positive aspects of Houston or its legacy of "experimental" music? How does the Houston environment inspire you?

//Tense/:

Houston inspires me to get the fuck outta here. Indian Jewelry, Dead Roses and apinkcloud inspired me to realize that if I wanted it I could do it. Witnessing people with a genuine love for what they do and an almost religious fervor beating away at their instruments took me to a whole other level. Houston's 'legacy' seems lost on most Houstonians. There are a lot of boring guitar groups. We are anti that.

Digital Liver:

If you do move from Houston where would you like to go?

//Tense//:

No clue. I was born in Houston in 1980. I moved to Denver in 82, then back to Houston in 84. In 87 I moved to Gabon West Africa, then to Tunisia, then to Malta, then McAllen Tx, then San Antonio aannndd somehow back to Houston in 2001. I've seen the world, but not enough. I'm a nomad, my Dad's in the oil business so I've always moved around. It's been 7 years in H-town and I crave some new scenery. Maybe LA, preferably Germany.



Digital Liver:

Give us insight into your personal musical history and what are some of your inspirations?

//Tense//:

I have been buying records since 1984. I was born in 1980, so do the math. I still remember not being able to read which side was the instrumental or vocal version on 45s. MTV was my favorite station as a child, all things pop was my life until about 1993 or so. I had an older cousin who was very into punk rock and skate culture. He gave me a few cassettes (GBH, Agnostic Front, Exploited) and a few old copies of Maximum Rock and Roll. This led me to explore the early 90s zine culture and punk rock in general. I also had a girlfriend in the early 90s who made me cassettes with the Smiths/Depeche Mode/Stone Roses and other 'fey' British pop and synth pop. This led me to explore that style of music. Music has always been a huge part of my life and always will, I am constantly on the hunt for records and have a huge collection. There is no one inspiration.

Digital Liver:

Aspirations?

//Tense//:

Just to have fun. I realized long ago that making it as a 'rock star' in the conventional sense of the word is not a realistic life goal. It bums me out to see kids treating music as a 'career' as opposed to a passion. To me as long as there are a few people who will dance to what I do and have an interest in my music I am happy. It's just about letting go and making sense of what I hear in my head.

Digital Liver:

What was the process like for making your killer new recording?

//Tense//:

Oh God, so damn tedious. I record each track individually on my laptop and go from there. Start with the kick, then snare, then cymbal/claps, then synth....etc etc. I then add the appropriate fx and do some minimal editing. I try to keep it as close to the original sound I made live as I can. It's normally just me in my studio, but occasionally I will ask Ms. Kunst for a second opinion about a vocal line or a synth lead. Usually she is right. This ep has been over a year in the making.




Digital Liver:

Live shows?

//Tense//:

Live shows are a whole other beast entirely. I have my good friend Rich System (apinkcloud/Entertainment System) run the drums through his boards and do many complicated things that he is so good at. I will also have him on live guitar come Feb 8th, so we'll see how that goes. I also have MKF Kunst on the Synsonics drum pads and back up vox. I enjoy the dynamic of a duo or trio live as opposed to a solo show. It allows me more freedom to sing and dance and not have to worry about the technical aspects.



Digital Liver:

What kind of relationship do you have with your gear?

//Tense//:

If I lost my gear, or if it was stolen or wrecked I would cry. Without a doubt. When I want to release I know that it is there for me. I'd rather lose a finger than lose my drum machine.



Digital Liver:

Aesthetic philosophy?

//Tense//:

Grainy black and white photos. Seedy films with no plot. Sweaty men. And leather. I love Marc Almond circa 81/82.

Digital Liver:

What is it about sweaty men that appeals to you?

//Tense//:

Haha, that's a deep question. No, but seriously...

Look at all the early English groups (Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, Fad Gadget) and then trace that to Nitzer Ebb. Lots of black leather and sweat. I think it's just the appeal of energy and youth.

Digital Liver:

What does the //tense// sound personally reflect?

//Tense//:

Dissatisfaction with the music I hear people calling 'electro' or 'nu-rave'. I want the grit. I also think about lust a lot.

Digital Liver:

Lust?

//Tense//:

The bass of a kick drum sounds like the thrust of my hips. And the snare is the sound of release. Ungh. Ah. Ungh. Ah. Ah.

Digital Liver:

What new aspects of sound, culture, aesthetic and concept do you feel you bring to electronic music-or want to bring to it?

//Tense//:

Hopefully all I can bring to this already amazing genre is a little bit of myself. That's all I think anyone can hope for. Just the chance to connect with new people and express myself in some way that doesn't fit in with what many would consider the 'norm' for a 28 year old. Girls just want to have fun!

Digital Liver:

What about your involvement with apinkcloud?

//Tense//:

I've been friends with Domokos for a few years. He'd been bugging me to come join him live for a while. Finally I relented and came to realize that it's a lot of fun to improvise and a fukkin excellent release. Apinkcloud is freedom.



Digital Liver:

How did you meet and come to work with MKF Kunst?

//Tense//:

I had been a fan of hers for a few years (solo and with Rua Minx). We finally met at a show of hers at the White Swan in September of 2006. She asked me for money for beer and the rest is local legend. We've been together ever since. She is my biggest inspiration and without a doubt my muse.



Digital Liver:

The future of //Tense//?

Hopefully out of town shows, beefing up the recordings, a new project with Rich System and traveling. I don't ever really see //TENSE// ending per se; it will live on as long as I have music in my head.

Digital Liver:

Pornography?

//Tense//:

Who doesn't like porn? It's been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. My grandfather had Penthouse and Playboy on his coffee table! Or as my Grandma used to say "Pentboy and Playhouse". Haha. We can't all be doctors or lawyers.

Digital Liver:

Sex, debauchery, decadence, love, dancing, fashion?


//Tense//:

In this order::: love, dancing, sex, fashion, decadence, debauchery

No love equals bad sex and I've been dancing since I was a very young boy. I remember making my parents sit through me dancing along to Technotronic. There is a video of this somewhere...

Digital Liver:

What do you think the role of the artist is in contemporary society?

//Tense//:

An escape from our dreary mundane realities. It's depressing that we have to work so hard doing things we might not enjoy every day of our lives, just give me something exciting to take my mind off it.


Digital Liver:

The past 8 years have been heavy in terms of absurd and extremist social happenings-what flavor is next?

//Tense//:

More drugs. More sex. The kids don't care as long as it's easy. The fall of Rome is near....


Digital Liver:

When are you coming to Denton?

//Tense//:

Haha. Give me a month or two. I want it bad.


Digital Liver:

How can the good people get your ep?

//Tense//:

Email me! I love contact with people. If you send me yr address I will send you an ep. Money is not an issue. I am just flattered that anyone cares.

//Tense// PLAYS LIVE TONIGHT!!!




//Tense//

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