Re: questions & stuff(aka Live Knob Twiddlers)

Q-Burn's Abstract Mooselodge (badmood@earthlink.net)
Wed, 10 Jul 1996 19:18:42 -0700 (PDT)


Jeremy wrote: "As far as the situation of the onlookers not
understanding... well I would rather focus on those that do and who are
there for the music more than the "persona". It would put the focus onto
the experience of the show and the music. The emotion is be enhanced even
more.The visuals are as sensory integrated as the music."

Okay, I was focusing on the idea of someone like Photek and the type of
enviornmentally inclusive music that he does translating to a live format.
My favorite electronic musicians create atmospheres that I feel would be
interrupted in a live setting, such as being surrounded by other people
(understanding or not). The paranoia of a Photek track would not come
through in this (unless of course the venue were perhaps appropriately
suited to this... creating an installation of sorts). How well do you think
an Eno-ambient track would come through live? Of course there is always the
J. Cage-ian aspect of the surroundings becoming a part of the music, but
much of this new electronic music creates an atmosphere of its own that
could be disturbed in certain settings. So, I was mainly stating that the
audience of many witnessing a live piece of music of this sort would help
destroy that which made it initially attractive.

Okay, now slipping out of pseudo-intellectual mode, I'm planning on
checking out Orbital tomorrow night in Tampa, so I'll see how this live
electronic thing works head on.

I still would often like the electronic jazz scene to stay out of the live
venue. I mean, seeing Kruder + Dorfmeister 'rockin it live' would probably
ruin the ambience of their records for me. However, if one goes at it with
the attitude that something different will be done with the songs, instead
of a mere reproduction of the studio creation, that makes things much more
interesting and appetizing. I guess Portishead went at it this way (haven't
seen them live, so I couldn't say). Andrew of Better Daze told me of his
recent attempts to a live act, and it also involved using completely
different interpretations and instrumentation in the existing material.
Neat-o.

But I still remember DJ BMF telling me that when he informed someone that
Q-Burns Abstract Message would be 'playing' at a club the next night, that
person remarked: "wow- the whole band???" I shudder to think!

PEACE again,

michael donaldson
Q-BURNS ABSTRACT MESSAGE
P.O. Box 1909
Orlando FL 32802 USA
PH: (407) 420-4669
FX: (407) 246-0580