Comprised of You and Us, the Blank Artists Blog

The Blank Artists Fall Symposium

2010-11-01T20:31:00.005-04:00

Blank Artists cordially invites you to our fall symposium in celebration of the label’s forthcoming release schedule. While our 2008 and 2009 autumn events showcased friends of the label such as Chain Reaction, Patrick Russell, and Andy James, you might say we’re more excited than Ralphie grippin’ his red rider bee-bee gun to showcase a night of music from several of our in-house creative insurrectionists.

Hot off the heels of Migrashun's Chicago affair with German producer Lucy, Codine has been churnin’ out straight fire as of late and is expected to drop his full length very soon. Detroit techno and house enthusiasts will be giddy to hear of remix support from Derek Plaslaiko, Patrick Russell, and Alex Israel.

Next, we’re as gladden as an over stuffed belly of momma’s secret stuffing to have our Cadillac creepin’, crunk bumpin’ southern brethren, Jackson Lee back in the house. If last year’s performance with Agents of Woe wasn’t enough tickle in the tush, then be sure to get your booty on the dancefloor early while the southern gentleman serves us enticing opening and closing sets… only the good cuts here folks!

Lastly, make sure to prepare yourself for Josh Dahlberg’s ass shakin’, electro funkin’, r&b inspired moniker, Green Meadows. During the week of our Fall Symposium, we will be offering a free, 3-track download featuring some damn sexy Green Meadows’ edit work featuring Eryka Badu, Marvin Gaye, and Donell Jones. Yes ladies and gentlemen, these heaters were the hot tip at the now fabled Onra show via Drew Pompa. But there, there, my friends; manage the bump and grind on the dancefloor and you’re in for a big pay off.

Featuring:
Jackson Lee (Agents of Woe) - DJ
Codine - Live
Green Meadows - Live

Saturday, November 20th 2010
Motor City Wine
608 Woodward (Second Floor)
Detroit, MI 48226
Map It
10pm-2am
FREE

Blonde Mix No.1 - Curated By: Drew Pompa

2010-10-12T19:18:00.004-04:00

From: The Blonde Collective

With the encroaching fall season upon us, we thought it was time that we updated the Soundtrack section of our website. A nice mix, we thought, would be something that the people would like. Something that they can stream at home when working or burn to CD and keep in their car for those long drives to see friends or wind down from evening events. We also wanted to make sure to keep the “local flavor” side of Blonde as part of it. So, we decided to call resident [url=http://blankartists.com/]Blank Artists[/url] and Detroit DJ Drew Pompa up and charged him with the task of curating a mix for us. What he brought back, was fantastic.

An all-over, eclectic mix of down-tempo, hip-hop and Latin sounds, Drew’s mix for Blonde No. 1 hits it right on the mark. Stream/Download the mix below or load it up in our Soundtrack player (click the soundtrack link above) and stream it while you peruse the net.

DOWNLOAD | STREAM

Tracklist:
1. Chicago Underground Quartet – Tunnel Chrome
2. Stereolab – The Flower Called Nowhere
3. Super Collider – In the Beams
4. Architeq – Odyssey
5. About Flying – Satellite
6. The Gaslamp Killer – Anything Worse
7. Dorian Concept – Fourteen
8. Coyote Clean Up – Gloomy Booty
9. Madlib – Mystic Bounce
10. The Pharcyde – Runnin’
11. Black Sheep – Strobelight Honey
12. Onra – Don’t Stop
13. Mount Kimbie – 50 Mile View
14. Mocky – Golden Dream
15. Senor Coconut – Upper Mambo / Lower Funk Mezcla Sentimental
16. Dan Satch & His Atomic Dance Band – Woman Pin Down
17. Nickodemus & Quantic – Mi Swing Es Tropical
18. The Don Isaac Ezekiel Combination – Amalinja
19. Super Collider – Alchemical Confession
20. Tobacco – Orgy Drills
21. Blackpocket – Boungie
22. Aardvarck – Convolution

BLNK-18 - Madis One - Transparent City | Available CD + Digital

2010-09-27T22:21:00.005-04:00

Artist: Madis One
Title: Transparent City
Label: Blank Artists
Format: CD + Digital
Cat.No.: BLNK-18
CD Release date: 09.18.2009
Digital Release Date: 09.28.2010

Tracklisting
01 - We Won't Find It
02 - Oceans
03 - Driest Lakes
04 - We Built it So Tall and Now We Can't Come Down
05 - Driest Lakes (Eliot Lipp Remix)

Madis One is the gently blowing candle smoke from a now unlit cabin aside a lake on a humid night with only a sliver of moon, dark, tranquil, yet menacing and exciting. Blank Artist’s newest release, Transparent City (BLNK-18) proves Madis One to be the tickle of anticipation and trepidation in the moments of taking the first step into something you know, with all of your heart and none of your mind, that you should not be doing. Nevertheless, the reward is worthy of the 26 minutes of the psychically heavy rhythms and the breezily apparitional vocals, not including the Eliot Lipp remix.

Prepare yourself a drink, grab a pillow, find a soft place to lay your weary head, and gently begin a new exploration into what it feels like to be carried away.

Preview The BLNK-18
Purchase BLNK-18

More Info at www.blankartists.com

Mystical Disco w/ Drew Pompa

2010-08-19T14:55:00.003-04:00

This weekend, Drew makes his maiden voyage to Memphis via our Memphian friends, the Agents of Woe. Expect teshnos, booze, and a special guest appearance by Captain Murdock from the A-Team.... and none of this new school business either. We're talking the real deal, Dwight Schultz. There's even been internet rumors suggesting that Drew might don his very first pair of jorts. Yes.... this one will be adventurous, folks. the night will also be in celebration of Jackson Lee's birthday. He'll be turning 26 and his jorts will be turning 43. Check it!

Featuring Selections By:
Drew Pompa (Blank Artists / Detroit)
Jackson Lee (Blank Artists / Memphis)

Saturday August 21
Mollie Fontaine Lounge
679 Adams
Memphis TN
Map It

NO COVER! // 21+

BLNK-18 | Madis One - Transparent City

2010-08-16T15:01:00.001-04:00

Madis One is the gently blowing candle smoke from a now unlit cabin aside a lake on a humid night with only a sliver of moon, dark, tranquil, yet menacing and exciting. Blank Artist’s newest release, BLNK-18 proves Madis One to be the tickle of anticipation and trepidation in the moments of taking the first step into something you know, with all of your heart and none of your mind, that you should not be doing. Nevertheless, the reward is worthy of the 19 minutes and 45 seconds of the psychically heavy rhythms and the breezily apparitional vocals, not including the Eliot Lipp remix.

Prepare yourself a drink, grab a pillow, find a soft place to lay your weary head, and gently begin a new exploration into what it feels like to be carried away.

CD Release - September 18th 2010
Digital Release - September 28th

Tracklist:
01) We Won’t Find It
02) Oceans
03) The Driest Lakes
04) We Built It So Tall And Now We Can’t Come Down
05) The Driest Lakes (Eliot Lipp Remix)

Scrummage Fest 2010

2010-07-13T20:50:00.003-04:00

This weekend, Detroit's musical tapestry is preparing for a nuclear explosion of the highest capacity as miscreants, jesters. and future psychedelic proto-type crooners descend upon the city's underground art venues for the annual Scrummage Fest. The festival organizers, Lord Scrummage, whose musical minds represents both ominous and auspicious surrealist qualities, will undoubtedly set the tone for what festival patrons can expect to hear at the Scrummage Fest - An uncontrollable cacophony of mind-altering sine waves and Chinese water-torcher reverberation.... and that's only the beginning.

The festival kick-off begins on Friday, July 9th at Division Street Gallery and ends at the Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit on Saturday, July 10th. Must-see performances include Prince Rama of Ayodhya, Bird Names, Slufter, and Deastro. Loads of fantastic art will be provided by Michelle Tanguay, William "Juice" Singer, Bill Meese, and Bill
Powers. The entire list of performers can be retrieved HERE.

Blank Artists Presents: The Schematic Records Summer Tour

2010-06-27T10:36:00.001-04:00

Romulo Del Castillo (1/2 of Phoenecia / Soul Oddity) - Live
Originally releasing music as Soul Oddity, producers Romulo Del Castillo and Joshua Kay formed Phoenecia in 1997, when their sound took a more minimalist turn, focusing on complex percussive figures and fractured rhythms. Preceded by a pair of releases as Jeswa (Kay) and Metic (Del Castillo) for the Miami-based Schematic imprint, Phoenecia's first track appeared on Detroit label Interdimensional Transmissions' From Beyond compilation series; "Roba" recalled their Soul Oddity work while stripping out the melody and a good deal of clutter, leaving only the buckingest of robotic beatbox fragments and a squirting, jittering bassline. The Randa Roomet EP, their debut proper, appeared through Warp shortly after, and featured four tracks in a more expanded, vaguely dancefloor-ready style. A handful of remix and compilation tracks later appeared through Chocolate Industries, Nature, Alien8 and Schematic. Come welcome Romulo as he makes a solo appearance for our personal pleasure. "Like Latin Rascals meets Cabaret Voltaire."- Billy Graham

Joe Lentini - Live
Joe Lentini is an up-and-comer who just released a couple of EP's on the Schematic label - 512 Max Health and Pink Pussy Popsicle. "Really good, funky, clubby electronic stuff with some attitude! "His track Hanky Tank, from the Pink Pussy Popsicle EP makes me think of an evil Devo groove, something that makes you wanna boogie but also leaves you feeling a little spooked, taking an occasional look over your shoulder. And his track entitled 347 from 512 Max Health, gets a bit glitchier on this one while he weirds-out some vocal samples" - The Unheard Music.

Ay of Ken Rei - Live
As part of the group Ken Rei, Ay helps to craft electronic live style components. Original beats intersected by danceable and romantic vibrations, Ay rocks noise and manipulates his music on the fly. Expect to hear anything from ambient drone chill style to booty shaking dance party madness.

Local Support By:
BMG of Ectomorph - Interdimensional Transmissions - Ableton Live
Drew Pompa - Blank Artists - DJ

Friday | July 16th 2010
The Old Miami
3930 Cass Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201-1722
Map It
$7 Before 11pm, $10 After
Doors @ 9pm | 21+

Jared Wilson – Bonus!!!! – 7777-003

2010-06-22T23:57:00.004-04:00

From: Igloo Magazine
By: Robbie Geoghegan

(May 2010) I think I've mentioned before the excitement that comes with receiving a record with Detroit Michigan written under "return to sender." Detroit is the holy grail of techno, but perhaps some of the original message has been diluted. Today Detroit has become a brand. The city that sparked and fuelled the motor revolution has been bandied about, watering down the analogue rawness that made Detroit techno what it is. But, there undoubtedly still is something in the dystopian husk that is the modern Motor City. Jared Wilson is a new breed for Detroit techno artists injecting a new zeal into the aging sound of a crumbling city. Wilson takes the schematics of Detroit and twists them, pouring more acid on top of the blueprints. Wilson has been self-releasing his music since 2007, now in 2010 his 7777 label sees his third 12" entitled Bonus!!!

Wilson raises 303 squalor to levels rarely heard on contemporary records. His sound is more Mike Dred and the edgier side of Ceephax with some hints of J.T.C.. He reflects the grit of Detroit, with an aggressive style without toeing the industrial lines of Ultradyne. The two tracker starts out in acid assault mode with the ominously titled "Paris Massacre." The track is unapologetically brash, phat raw 303 lines flex and squelch in a bravado display. Think dripping dark walls as tweaks and bass push through bodies. "Drug Related Stories (Scmocid Edit)" builds along parallel lines. It is the acid box that breathes life into this version of Wilson's track from his first EP. The 303 is relentless in this edit, bulging and straining under the twists of Wilson's wrists. Drum crashes barely make a dent in the squalid wall of synth, as the chords fall in and out of themselves whilst snares crash and break.

Wilson is of a new Detroit lilt. He has not been eclipsed by the gravitas that comes with the Motor City, instead he uses it as a bedrock from which to bring forth his own take on techno. Wilson, armed with his analogue arsenal, forces a new rawness; an unashamed baring of teeth to those who think that Detroit has had its day.

Bonus!!! is out now on 7777.

A Birthday of Epic Proportions

2010-06-18T13:10:00.005-04:00

“One of Them Had A Tape Deck” brings together for the first time, a collaboration between Drew Pompa and Amy Kaherl for the celebration of their birthday. Please join us as we toast to another year in the greatest of audio and convivial debauchery.

Deastro (Ghostly International) - Live
Lord Scrummage (Scrummage University) - Live
Erika (Interdimensional Transmissions, Erika.net) - DJ
Drew Pompa (Blank Artists) - DJ
Amy Kaherl (Poof Dreams) - DJ

Friday | June 18th, 2010
Park Bar
2040 Park Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
21+ | 5 Before Midnight, $7 After

Drew Pompa - A Muddy Bourgeois Derby Dance

2010-06-04T00:23:00.025-04:00

It was the middle of the afternoon in May, air was thick with plumes of Detroit smoke. An ominous vibe peered upon the horizon, eventually enveloping your entire senses. Ah yes, a freak show if you will, plotted in anticipation every spring. A savage treatment of the equestrian breed bestowed upon by even the most inferior kind of little men and their barbaric slave masters. The vicious prancing of all the affirming Kentucky bourgeoisie clad with holy regalia, in spite of such abominable and imminent weather.

You betcha', it was derby day and they were down for a dance. All of a sudden, wide brims and pink maniacs begin chanting "Fail We May, Sail We Must" and the race is on! It bends and warps as it torpedoes for a slick minute; then eases and snaps a crank like an elastic rubber band, until your face becomes brainwashed.

the inconceivable and visual scarcity of this imagery; the climactic and colossal finish of historic proportions, which cultivated the most unusual of celebrations. Their swagger in those alligator boots, aloof the muddy courts of their abiding animals. THE ASSHOLES HAVE WON DAMMIT!.... THE ASSHOLES HAVE WON! But don't go betting your ass on the bourgeoisie when "Old King Appaloosa of Horsidia" comes creepin' on back. Oh yeah, the king will have his day!

Actually, who cares..... that dude's long gone. Let's go play some records!

Mixed By: Drew Pompa
Length: 1:39:08
Format: MP3
Bit Rate: 320 KBPS
Link: Download

1.Radical Majik – Spread the Hot Potato (Andrew Weatherall Remix)
2.Tim Fairplay – Know U Jack (Andrew Weatherall Remix)
3.Grackle – Desert Acid (Musiccargo Remix)
4.Casco – Stop
5.Les Aeroplanes – Il’s Disent Que L’Orient Est Rouge
6.Cage & Aviary – Television Train
7.Karma – Beach Towel (I:Cube Cosmix Marathon Remix)
8.They Came From the Stars I Saw Them – Moon Song (King of the Town With Moonbeans in His Crown Mix)
9.Peter Kruder – Before Night Falls
10.Gay Marvine – Certain Things (Secret Mixes Fixes 11 b)
11.Atmosfear – What Do We Do (Club Mix)
12.The Emporer Machine – Repetition
13.Chicken Lips – Do It Proper
14.Shriekback – My Spine Is the Base Line
15.The Emperor Machine - Rimramramrim
16.B Beat Girls – For the Same Man
17.Visual – The Music Got Me (Instrumental)
18.Touch – Love Fixation (Dub)
19.Tevo Howard – Laboratory
20.Redshape – Unfinished Symmetry Part 1 & 2
21.Black Devil Disco Club – In Sorrow (Brain Machine’s Lucifer Rising Dub)
22.Colder – Silicone Sexy
23.Andrew Weatherall – Fail We May, Sail We Must
24.Lukas Nystrand & The Ageema Bu – Knivar
25.Pink Skull – Chicken Dream Inside Egg
26.Sal P & BMG – Credit Cards
27.Felix with Arthur Russell & Nicky Siano – Tiger Stripes
28.Random Factor – Digitize (The Emperor Machine Vocal)
29.Stereolab – Dear Marge

Shit Show - A Movement Festival Afterparty

2010-05-25T19:17:00.007-04:00

If you're in town for the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, then you'll definitely want to attend this event. But don't be alarmed, cause people will probably die.

Featuring:
Sety (Circus Company-Paris)
Soul Clap (Wolf+Lamb-Boston)
Le Loup (Wolf+Lamb-Paris)
Eddie C (Jiscomusic, Karat, 7 Inches of Love-Vancouver)
Derek Plaslaiko (Spectral/Bunker-NYC)
Todd Osborn (Spectral/Rephlex-Detroit)
Sergio Santos vs Tanner Ross (Mothership/Airdrop-Boston)
Kyle Hall (FXHE/Wild Oats-Detroit)
Crazy Larry (Airdrop-NYC)
K atou (Lick My Deck-Greece)
Clint Stewart (Auralism-SF)
Big Bully (Mineral/Get Physical-NYC)
Snack N C'mish (Turntable Lab/APT-NYC)
John Arnold live (Ubiquity-Detroit)
Fat Camp DJ's (Atomly, Matt Negative, & JD-NYC)
Guys On Drugs (Secrets + E Spleece-Detroit)
Darkcube live (DTM-Detroit)
Mr Joshooa (Random Reason-Detroit)
Jeremy Kypta (Random Reason-Detroit)
Rev. Robert David Jones (GSHC-Detroit)
Adam Stolz (Black Nation/Prosthetic-Chicago)
EH3 (Black Nation-Chicago)

Starts Sunday May 30th at 3am and goes until Sunday May 30th at 10pm
tix presale at neptix.com
TV BAR
2554 Grand River Detroit

Aphotic Segment - A New Monthy @ The Woodbridge Pub

2010-05-24T22:15:00.006-04:00

Words By: C.A.P. & Pipé Scuttleworth.

"Aphotic Segment” is a monthly endeavor aimed at the exploration of the seemingly divergent worlds of both electronic and traditional music. The goal is to distend the audience with a cacophony, in an environment suitable for a listener's total immersion.

Too often sound is presented myopically, in a context that focuses on a particular scene or style. The current structure often serves to narrow the participant’s exposure, frequently at the expense of the broader spectrum of what already exists or what may be.

With our monthly, we will attempt to parse the infinite, to help induce a musical imagination ripe with lizard androids, gothic relics, and outer space travel. Here, here fine friends! Our time is too limited to suppress the curious nature of humanity and its lovely soundtrack. We cannot grow unless we continue to search the abyss. Join us every last Wednesday of the month at the Woodbridge Pub in Detroit.

Bartender: Josh Dahlberg
Selector: Drew Pompa
Design: William "Juice" Singer

Lost in Sound 07 w/ Patrick Russell

2010-05-24T22:07:00.005-04:00

From: Dont Forget To Go Home

“Don’t Forget To Go Home” is a platform for creative exchange between DJs, music enthusiasts, producers and dedicated party goers in order to capture the past and present of dance music's intriguing culture.

As a prelude to the anticipated Movement Festival at the end of May, “Don’t Forget To Go Home” has been running weekly features dedicated to Detroit, a place highly regarded as the epicenter for electronic music. For this special edition they investigate the mystique about Detroit, spotlighting conversations, profiles, offbeat features and exclusive music from a versatile, handpicked group of Motor City vanguards. For their last edition, they talk to local dj and producer, Patrick Russell. Read the interview and download Patrick's mix HERE.

The Beehive Project

2010-05-23T17:11:00.005-04:00

The Beehive Project is A large-scale installation from an interdisciplinary group of artists from Detroit, offering it's inaugural display at this year's Detroit Electronic Music Festival.

The giant beehive will function as a large sculpture, an intimate gathering space, and will also serve as a metaphor for the city of Detroit by referencing the hive as an ideal model for community. Historically, beehives have been associated with industry, diverse cooperation, and resourcefulness. Honey, their primary output, has traditionally symbolized the restoration of health, yearning for sweetness, and rebirth. These associations reference aspects of Detroit's history while also serving as symbols of hope and vision for the future of the city.

The beehive is also a particularly poignant metaphor because of the recent phenomenon of colony collapse disorder (CCD) affecting hives throughout North America. CCD occurs when workers bees from a beehive abruptly disappear, leaving the swarm without enough workers to continue functioning. By paralleling this trend with the steady depopulation of deindustrialization of Detroit over the past 50 years, we hope to honestly portray Detroit's distressed economic and social situation while still looking to the beehive as a metaphor for the strength of community, collaboration, and supportive, creative production in the city.

For more information regarding the project, visit www.thebeehiveproject.com

Twilight Babies w/ Madis One @ The Park Bar

2010-05-20T17:19:00.005-04:00

The Twilight Babies

Detroit's Twilight Babies formed in 2001 around vocalist Alison Lewis and multi-instrumentalists Mikey Brown and Adam Walker. None were strangers to the Motor City music scene -- Lewis had issued a solo LP earlier that year, while Brown and Walker were members of the electronic music outfit 19.5 Collective. As Twilight Babies, the trio flitted freely between trip-hop texture and dream pop fuzz, mixing electronic soundscapes with extensive guitar work and Lewis' lush, soulful vocals. The trio's eponymous debut was issued in August 2002 to considerable local acclaim, and was supported by a round of live performances. The Middle of Something LP appeared a little over a year later. Monster, recorded by Mike E. Clark, was released in 2005. Named the Detroit music awards' best electronic group two years consecutively, The Twilight Babies have emerged from a three year performance hiatus to provide a rare sonic delight for our pleasure.

Featuring Additional Performances By:
Madis One (Blank Artists) - Live
Jim Stone (Family Funktion) - DJ

Doors @ 9pm
Park Bar
2040 Park Ave
Detroit, MI USA
$8, 21+

SOUP

2010-05-19T11:02:00.009-04:00

Over the course of what seems forever, Detroit has been bubbling to the brim with creative activities intended to pool like minded individuals together under one umbrella - community. This most recent example of this piping hot bowl of creativity comes in the form of a monthly gahtering started by friends, Kate Daughdrill and Jessica Hernandez called SOUP. Modestly tucked above the confines of Mexicantown Bakery, these creatives congregate to nourish not only their bodies, but also their minds and spirits and the whole purpose is to create a monthly dinner aimed at funding micro-grants for creative projects. Yeah... go ladies!

Read the entire article HERE

Detroit's Electronic Music Festival: An Oral History

2010-05-18T21:03:00.006-04:00

Resident Advisor recently published an oral history on the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, as it looks back retrospectively upon ten dramatic years of the festival's event organization. The history captures a unique dialogue from journalists, musicians, dj's, and even local public officials who were instrumental in providing the first annual event - often regarded as its most illustrious - in addition to the cast of individuals in charge of it's production over the years, leading up to current producer's, Paxahau.

Great read, especially for those who have visited or plan to visit the festival in the future. check it HERE.

* Photo Cred: Robert Emperley

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings @ The Majestic Theater

2010-05-18T00:05:00.003-04:00

From: Majestic Detroit

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings :: I Learned The Hard Way

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have come a long way since their humble beginnings nearly a decade ago. Steeped within the gilded and gritty sounds of gospel, soul and funk, this nine-piece Brooklyn collective has continued to electrify fans, disc jockeys, critics, record collectors, and bloggers the world-over with their authentic, heart-felt sound. The authenticity clearly demonstrated on the band’s three critically-acclaimed albums Dap Dippin’ (2002), Naturally (2005) and 100 Days, 100 Nights (2007) captured and released by the independent Daptone Records. Their albums recall an analog era led by iconic studios like those at Motown and Stax Records, and have thrust the fifty-three-year-old Augusta, GA native and crew into the multimedia limelight.

Catch their live performance tomorrow evening at the Majestic Theater in Detroit. More information HERE

Jared Wilson - The Rise and Fall of the Machines - Lux

2010-05-17T22:20:00.006-04:00

Jared Wilson - The Rise and Fall of the Machines - Lux Records
LXRC02 - 12 inch

1. Night Sky Jpeg
2. Jupiter One
3. Lap Jack

Pre-order the record through Rush Hour Distribution HERE.

Ninja Tune XX - 20 Years of Beats N Peices

2010-05-14T15:46:00.004-04:00

From: Ninja Tune XX

On the 20th September 2010, it will be 20 years since Coldcut founded Ninja Tune. To celebrate, the label will be releasing a deluxe, limited edition box set of new and exclusive material by some of their favorite artists. Until then, they will be giving away rare material, mixes, merchandise and brand new videos for your own personal pleasure. This new material will change every week and for one week only, leading up to the release of their box set. Check it HERE.

Exit Through the Gift Shop - A Banksy Film

2010-05-11T20:14:00.009-04:00

Exit Through the Gift Shop is a story of how an eccentric French shop keeper and amateur film maker attempted to locate and befriend Banksy, only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner with spectacular results. Billed as "the world's first street art disaster movie", the film contains exclusive footage of Banksy, Shephard Fairey, Space Invader and many of the world's most infamous graffiti artists at work. Exit Through he Gift Shop is showing at the Royal Oak Main Art Theater until Thursday, May 20th. Browse showing times HERE. Additionally, one of Banksy's pieces recently appeared in Detroit's Packard Plant. Check out selected works, including the Packard tag on his Flickr page HERE.

Craig Sopo - Drawl - LESS 008

2010-05-05T11:56:00.004-04:00

Craig Sopo is showing some restraint with this release, biting his tongue as it were.

Drawl, staying true to it's name, starts with a slow but steady pace (slow for Craig at least). Once the track heats up the kick drum becomes relentless while maintaining it's composure, sporting lush textures and a dapper dinner jacket. At the end of it all you will feel like you were just courted by a true Southern gentleman.

All of a sudden things start to slip, your speech begins to Slur. Was it the dubbed out bassline? The synth stabs oating around my head? Or was it those $8 domestics? There is no point in relationship reconciliation once that acid bassline rears it's dirty, dirty head.

Preview and Purchase LESS 008 HERE.

William Irving Singer

2010-05-04T16:53:00.006-04:00

William Irving Singer is a Detroit based artist currently residing on the city's westside in Woodbridge. Singer, earned his BFA from the University of Michigan, with a dual focus in painting and film arts. During his time in school he studied painting and graphic design at VSUP in Prague, Czech Republic.

Through his experience, his interest in painting grew exponentially, driven predominantly by the city's overwhelming architecture. It was within Prague's building blocks, the discarded alleys and city spaces, that he discovered a passion for historical fragments. His work often draws from collected images of antiquated portraiture and architectural space that are re-imagined in a de-historicized expression.

Lookout for up coming artwork by Singer for the new Blank Artists' monthly, "Aphotic Segment". Check out the rest of his online catalog HERE.

Duke Shin Mixes

2010-04-29T17:09:00.011-04:00

Duke Shin.... what a handsome Asian, and I mean it. Ah, Duke, nobody ever remembers how they met Duke. Hell, I don't even remember how I met him, but I know him. Everybody seems to.

What is of the highest order of importance is that Duke doesn't support the arts, he is art. He writes, he d.j.s, he produces, he promotes, he endeavors to help those with similar passions, he exudes music as if it were radiant beams of compassion from the latest coming of his holiness, Chenrezig.

However, never forget, that at times, he can fall out of his God damned mind. If you even believe that you maybe about to bear witness to this, cover your eyes, turn away, and duck, as you would in the presence of the third Gorgon sister... if you've even the time.

While he is unlikely to burst into a fit of rage, his insanity must be diligently monitored for, as it is of the most nefarious variety, the quiet reserve. From the bunny ears and the white suit to hour long conversations ranging from Grace Jones to Karlheinz Stockhausen, there is never any certainty of what you are going to get. But that's what we all love about Dukey, he's the human version of the ever-famous arcade claw game, except with him, you always get the gold-gilded Panda. Rock on Duke, Rock on.

Meditate to the holy hymns of Duke Shin HERE.

Words By: Pipé Scuttleworth

The Body Electric

2010-04-29T16:15:00.004-04:00

Forwarded By: Colin Zyskowski
This performance represents the culmination of my studies over the last two years, relying primarily on custom-built software and hardware interfaces. Titled "The Body Electric," this performance looks at interactions between humans and machines and what the arts predict for future human-machine interactions. Half performance and half sound/video installation, "The Body Electric" invites audience members to explore the human-machine connection by extending the capabilities of their own bodies by using machines. The first half of the performance will feature a live electronic set accompanied by site-specific live video projections and animations. The second half of the evening will feature homemade hardware that the audience is invited to interact with in order to control aspects of the audio and video.

Friday, April 30th 2010
The Keene Theater
701 E. University in Ann Arbor.

Record-Rama Archives

2010-04-28T00:36:00.004-04:00

From: Music Journal

Record-Rama has been a record store in Pittsburg USA for a few decades. The proprietor Paul Mawhinney has collected the largest vinyl record archive in the world. Now the store is closed and he is trying to sell that archive.

He wants to sell it as a whole collection and wants it preserved that way. His minimum price is $3 million. I say it's worth it. 1.5 million 45s dating from 1948, and a million LPs. This is not store stock, but saved copies of every record he ever dealt with. His aim was to have every single by every artist, and he published his list in his MusicMaster catalog. It probably contains every release by any favorite artist you can think of.

I think the best use would be to make the records accessible to reissue companies and to broadcasters so that anything could be made available to listeners.
He is at the same time clearing out what remains of his store stock. That is arranged thru his website and is a big-time proposition involving a minimum $5,000 purchase.

His store was a mecca for collectors of obscure rare vinyl, and I hope this music will be preserved.

Jared Wilson - Bonus!!! - 7777-003

2010-04-27T18:08:00.006-04:00

Rugged acid growlers from Blank Artists' own Jared Wilson. These are two straight playing acid cuts, stripped to the bare essentials of 303 and 606 scrubbed with effects. "Paris Massacre" features some mean reverb on the biting hand claps while on the flip we get a grumbling bass driven "Scmocid" refix of Drug Related Stories from 7777-001. For fans of JTC, Legowelt or Tevo Howard. Preview and purchase the record HERE.

The Vantastic Teleportour

2010-04-27T16:55:00.006-04:00

Door Open @ 9pm
Kero Visuals - live video projections on multiple walls all night

Madis One - 9:30pm
E.Spleece & Perilelle - 10pm
The Great Mundane - 11pm
Aligning Minds - 12am
Kilowatts - 1am

Emily Copeland interviewed The Great Mundane, Mike from Aligning Minds and Kilowatts on Minced Meat and played a bunch of their music. You can download the 2-hour mp3 of the show by clicking HERE.

Detroit's Musical Stimulus

2010-04-13T22:04:00.006-04:00

From: WNYC.org

In Detroit, tax breaks and government programs are not only aimed at economic recovery but have also been helping the arts and music. Today, Soundcheck examines these efforts to bring back Detroit's faded Motown glory and the effects the arts can have in revitalizing a city. Also, jazz musician Christian Scott joins us live to perform songs from his new album. Listen to the entire show HERE.

Saturday Night Main Event

2010-04-10T14:41:00.004-04:00

FEATURING:
Prince Language(DFA-NYC)
Secrets(Secret Mixes Fixes/GSHC)
Rev. Robert David Jones(Tour Detroit/GSHC)

LOCATION:
229 Gratiot 5th floor
Detroit, MI America

DOWNLOAD:
Prince Language - The No Comprendo No.'s 3 & 4
www.lovefingers.com
Prince Language - No Comprendo - no1
Prince Language - No Comprendo - no2
Prince Language - No Comprendo - no3
Prince Language - No Comprendo - no4

Techno Rebels Revised

2010-04-01T21:45:00.004-04:00

From: Ghostly International

The original 1999 edition of Dan Sicko’s Techno Rebels is one of techno’s defining documents, a social and critical history of an oft-misunderstood genre with worldwide relevance. This 2010 edition of Sicko’s techno tell-all — signed copies of which are now available in The Ghostly Store — focuses more deeply on Detroit as an incubator for the music’s creative heroes and biggest proponents (including, full disclosure, a nice spotlight on Ghostly International) and fills in the history up to the present day’s kaleidoscope of styles. Check it!

RBMA Presents Flying Lotus & Kode9

2010-03-30T22:45:00.005-04:00

Red Bull Music Academy:
Flying Lotus and Kode9
W/ Special Guest Opener.

April 1st
The Magic Stick
4120 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI

$10 @ door
$5 @ www.majesticdetroit.com
18+

Graham Hatke "Miles Away"

2010-03-25T18:37:00.007-04:00

Baltimore's burgeoning More or Less imprint has been steadily climbing the ranks as one of America's top new electronic music labels. Carved out of the inspirations of Detroit and German techno, MOL serves up a healthy dose of floor burners and moody cuts and their latest offering by Graham Hatke does superbly at fulfilling both perspectives. "Before Sunrise" and "Miles Away" linger with the subtle hypnotic pizazz of a Rene Breitbarth jam, while the dub version of "Miles Away" protrudes with a noticeable Basic Channel influence. More than satisfactory, In Full Moonlight proves itself as the strongest release from the MOL camp. Download the original mix of Miles Away HERE.

Also, be on the lookout for a split 12 ich collaboration from both the Blank Artists and MOL labels, featuring original works from Graham Hatke. More (not less) information to follow. Check it!

A Detroit State Of Mind

2010-03-22T15:31:00.012-04:00

The latest issue of XLR8R features the words of Metro Times and Subterranean scribe, Walter Wasacz, as he propagates yet another candid narrative regarding the soulful and inspiration underbelly of Detroit's electronic music scene. Wasacz expounds on Detroit's near limitless talent pools of both past and present, highlighting the genre-bending works of Anthony "Shake" Shakir and the jazz/house embedded sounds of new-school protégé, Kyle Hall. Read the entire article HERE.

* Photo Cred: Tony Katai

Krautrock - A BBC Documentary

2010-03-18T17:32:00.004-04:00

From: The BBC

This documentary examines how a radical generation of musicians created a new German musical identity out of the cultural ruins of war. Between 1968 and 1977 bands like Neu!, Can, Faust and Kraftwerk would look beyond western rock and roll to create some of the most original and uncompromising music ever heard. They shared one common goal - a forward-looking desire to transcend Germany's gruesome past - but that didn't stop the music press in war-obsessed Britain from calling them Krautrock.

This documentary serves as a beginning lesson into the vast experimental waters of Krautrock. A must see for any music enthusiast!

Matias Aguayo @ The Works

2010-03-11T19:36:00.009-05:00

Matias Aguayo - Kompakt/Comemé - Buenos Aires
Secrets - Blank Artists/GSHCusa - Detroit
Kevin Reynolds - Todchai/Transmat - Detroit
Aran Daniels - Proper|Modulation - Detroit

Friday March 12th, 2010
The Works
1846 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, MI 48216
Doors @ 9pm
$10, 21+

Israel Vines Mix - The Exclusion Model

2010-03-11T18:23:00.005-05:00

Fellow disc jockey and Detroit ex-pat, Israel Vines, has perpetually avoided the daily grind of the interwebs, often eliciting a virtual search party on behalf of his friends and enthusiasts. Infrequently however, Iz emerges from his geographically shrouded barracks - we're told it's the eighth dimension - to provide his admirers with a potent elixir that's sure to remain poppin in your goblet for eternity. Yeah... this mix administers the finest in hypnotic death magic and proves once again, why Israel Vines is the greatest Necromancer in the land. Check it!

Mixed By: Israel Vines
Length: 52:38
Format: MP3
Bit Rate: 320 KBPS
Link: Download

Tracklisting:
burial - untitled 2 - hyperdub (2006)
kalon - haiku (female edit) - sandwell district (2008)
dj pierre - stress or justice (afro acid ruskin mix) - afro acid digital (2009)
female - cally 2 - sandwell district (2005)
go hiyama - nonlinear event - asiandynasty records (2007)
go hiyama - myself myself - perc tracks (2008)
headhunter / f - dedale - transistor (2009)
moving ninja / pinch - false flag (kryptic minds remix) - tectonic (2009)
go hiyama - nonlinear event (reprise loop) - asiandynasty records (2007)
hiroaki Iizuka - gold - arms (2008)
dj boss - atmolam - arms (2008)
british murder boys - all the saints have been hung - counterbalance (2005)
dead sound - anima - ?
duplex - autosug (shake remix) - clone (2006)
millie & andrea - vigilance - daphne (2009)
2 bad mice - bombscare (drum loop) - smile - (1994)
autechre - drane - warp (1999)
kryptic minds - 768 - tectonic (2009)
moritz von oswald trio - pattern 4 - honest jons (2009)
monolake - far red - imbalance computer music (2009)

Madis One @ TV Lounge Detroit - TONIGHT

2010-03-11T11:10:00.006-05:00

MADIS ONE is the blossoming musical project of Jon Smith and Adam Serafino. Previously a four-piece band known as Madis, the group reduced its membership to two under the morphed epithet, Madis One. Musical peers of five years, Jon and Adam play many of the parts live through keyboards, samples, guitar and vocals, which all make for an engaging live performance. Influenced by the likes of Aphex Twin, Telefon Tel Aviv, and Bjork, the duo are focused on turning out some of the freshest psychedelic electronic pop, furthering Detroit’s reputation as an experimental hip-hop breeding ground. Don't Miss their Tv Dinners Debut!

Tv Bar
2554 Grand River Ave Detroit MI
Free Before 11 $5 after

Secrets - Disco for Girls | Live @ Wet Dream

2010-03-10T23:50:00.005-05:00

It's that time again, for another sleazy disco delight from Detroit's favorite certified slacker, Secrets. This mix was recorded at Wet Dream, an event sponsored by the fine folks at Gary Springs Hunting Club. Chocked full of house burners and disco edits, this set has enough boom-bip to make Richard Simmons trade in his rainbow trousers for 15 minutes with Denise Austin. the best fat burning dance workout of 2010. Oh.... and don't be fooled by the low bit-rate. I mean, c'mon dude.... you're girlfriend can't tell the difference anyway. Check it!

Mixed By: Secrets
Length: 2:10:37
Format: MP3
Bit Rate: 96 KBPS
Link: Download

The Minimal Wave Tapes Vol. 1

2010-03-03T14:22:00.005-05:00

This is the first official volume of minimal wave music from Europe and North America recorded in the 1980's. Most of the songs were originally released on limited edition cassettes or vinyl by the artists themselves, and only a handful of people knew about them. They've been remastered from their analog source tapes for re-release on Los Angeles imprint, Stones Throw. Very cutting edge drum machine and synth music. Hot Biz!

Preview and buy the collection HERE.

Drew Pompa featured in Newcity Music

2010-02-24T09:41:00.005-05:00

From: Newcity Music
By: Duke Shin

Chicago’s hustling Migrashun crew haven’t been afraid to spread their techno and deep-house sounds to this city’s clubs and lounges, having previously held events at the Victor Hotel, Smart Bar, Rednofive and Debonair—the current home for their Prism nights. Tonight, the Detroit-leaning crew welcomes another Motor City favorite to town in Drew Pompa, co-director of the Blank Artists collective, who have been balancing adventurous releases with impeccable bookings and great parties for the last five years. Much like his crew’s propensity for collaboration with other top Detroit crews, Pompa’s tastes are also wide open, as reflected by his wildly ranging sets. And sure, Pompa might streamline his selections for certain parties, for being eclectic is an admirable trait lacking from many other DJs’ recorded mixes, but when charged with the responsibility of a dance floor, he knows when best to keep things moving. But what’s never lacking from the sound is that hint of other influences; Afro-beat, trippy psyche-outs, dubby bottom noise, form emerging from sonic cacophonies…all weaved into the fabric of his take on house and techno. Joining Pompa tonight is a rare live performance from Galuszka, who over the last few years has quietly produced some of Chicago’s best techno—deep cuts that charm the listener with a clean, jackin’ sound and nineties-hearkening warmth, as evidenced on tracks like “Fox Hunt” and “Jets.” Perhaps tonight will provide a glimpse of what this up-and-coming producer has up his sleeve for 2010. (Duke Shin)

February 25 at Debonair Social Club, 1575 N. Milwaukee, (773)227-7990, 10pm.

BLNK-17 | Agents of Woe - R U Ready For Love?

2010-02-23T18:36:00.005-05:00

Tracklisting:
01 R U Ready For Love?
02 R U Ready For Love? (Scott Ferguson Remix)

Agents of Woe first caught our attention when label co-chair Josh Dahlberg was invited to a gig in Memphis, the home to legendary soul and blues label, Stax Records. Upon hearing a single rough recording from AOW after the gig, he petitioned them for more songs, which ultimately led to the studio sessions with Detroit’s best kept audio engineering secret, Andy Toth. R U Ready For Love? is the first single from those infamous recording sessions to see its formal release.

The original mix of R U Ready… resembles many genres but cannot simply be described by one. At the core it’s electronic pop, but it’s also as much house as it is funk and as much techno as it is soul. Agents of Woe are a great example of what happens when a band executes dance music well. Just in time for that corporate bloodsucker of a holiday Valentine’s Day, Agents of Woe deliver to make you get up before you get down.

A critic’s choice and Ferrispark head of state, Scott Ferguson makes use of the band’s guitar tracks, splicing them to create a different energy altogether from that of the original. By adding his own technique toward music production, Ferguson creates a new high-speed link between the terminals of Detroit House and New York Disco.

Now Available at Most Retailers!
Beatport
Juno
iTunes

Migrashun & Turbulent Calm Present Prism w/ Drew Pompa

2010-02-23T12:11:00.003-05:00

Migrashun and Turbulent Calm Records present the fourth edition of Prism at the one and only Debonair Social Club. With this unexpected merge of production and performance we can only expect a great night. This week’s special guest is Co-Director of Blank Artists from Detroit, Drew Pompa! Blank Artists just finished celebrating their 5-year anniversary and we are keeping the celebration going with this special night. The event is free all night and we are even offering a complementary cocktail reception if you RSVP!

Migrashun & Turbulent Calm Records Present:

|| PRISM ||

Drew Pompa [Detroit]
|Blank Artists|

Galuszka [Chicago]
|Siteholder, Turbulent Calm Records, BMM|

Rob German [Chicago]
|3124|

9-10 PM – A One Hour “Complimentary Cocktail Reception” by RSVP only. Event open to the public at 10:00. You must RSVP to: Facebook or rsvp@debonairsocialclub.com to gain entry at 9:00.

www.migrashun.com
www.myspace.com/turbulentcalmrecords
www.blankartists.com
http://www.myspace.com/b_drewbius

Thursday, February 25th 2010
10PM – 2AM
Debonair Social Club
NO COVER ALL NIGHT!
1575 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622

135 Grand Street New York 1979

2010-02-22T15:15:00.005-05:00

From: Soul Jazz Records

135 Grand Street, New York, 1979 is a unique film capturing both the aural and visual aesthetics of New York’s No Wave scene in its ascendant. Punk rock and non-musicianship fight it out with art world attitude. Garage band line-ups in varying degrees of musical destruction sit alongside post-everything poetry and experimental noise terrorists. Ericka Beckman’s film matches the rawness, minimalism and radicalism of the music - a fitting document and visual statement of new forms created out of New York’s anti-everything musical nihilism, circa 1979.

Filmed on super-8mm, the documentary captures the driving energy and posturing of early No Wave bands performing live in a sparse downtown loft. It includes the only known footage of the Theoretical Girls, The Static and a number of other No Wave bands of the period. This is a film about bands filled with painters, filmmakers, actors - and occasionally musicians - thriving and thrashing in the pulsating, vibrant post-punk world of New York where high art met low culture, where Glenn Branca, Rhys Chatham, Wharton Tiers, Taro Suzuki and the others featured here made the connections between John Cage and Joey Ramone, between the questioning of art and the Mysterians.

The film is currently showing as part of Sonic Youth’s Sensational Fix touring art exhibition as well as being screened before Glenn Branca’s most recent shows in New York City (Sep 2009). the dvd is also available as a pre-order through the Soul Jazz website. Pre-order your copy HERE.

Shadow Dancer Charts BFSH

2010-02-19T15:33:00.009-05:00

Shadow Dancer is comprised of Manchester,UK electronic producer, Paul Farrier. His influences are reminiscent of Manchester's fledgling underground scene in the 80's, yet he encompasses both a techno and electro aesthetic. Paul has released number of tracks on one of the biggest electro-house labels, Boys Noize Records and has received support by the likes of Mr. Oizo, Erol Alkan, and Feadz. Nonetheless, we excited to find BLNK-15 make it into his top 25 of 2009. View Shadow Dancer's "Best of 2009" list HERE.

RA Podcast 194 w/ Patrick Russell

2010-02-15T13:17:00.008-05:00

Resident Advisor features local dj/producer Patrick Russell for this week's RA podcast. For the podcast introduction, Russell touches base on recent events and production work, in addition to his re-edit projects. This podcast definitely leans towards the listener's perspective and is packed full of older house and rhythmic techno, inspired from the days of the Music Institute and mid 90's rave scene in Detroit.

Read the interview and download the podcast HERE.

The Blank Artists 5-Year Review

2010-02-08T23:51:00.010-05:00

This past weekend, we were privileged to celebrate, yet another anniversary with family, friends, and fans. We would like to thank all of you participating in our 5-year event and without your presence, we would have never imagined such a memorable night of good vibes and good music.

This year's anniversary reached a level of production that far exceeded any event that we have thrown in the past and our friends not only recognized this, but also openly and expediently offered their help in anyway, from decorating to running the many facets that culminate into a functioning event. We are forever indebted to your goodwill and you serve as a catalyst to our overall production. Thank you! Additionally, we would like to thank all our our performers - Matt Abbott, Madis One, Agents of Woe, and Innerphonic. You are all class acts and provided great performances across the board. Together, you represented the evolution of the Blank Artists label. We would also like to thank Tony from Bully Audio for dedicating an entire day to our audio needs. You aren't just a sound guy, but rather a great friend who just happens to have a really nice sound system. Thanks! Lastly, we would like to extend a huge thanks to Jerry and the entire staff at Park Bar. Your visionary approach towards the space and your helping hand makes us feel like part of the family. We always feel at home whenever we're at Park Bar and that is truly appreciated! Til next time.

*Photo Credit: Christine Abuel Pompa

Electronique.It Podcast 061 w/ Jared Wilson

2010-02-08T16:17:00.008-05:00

This week, Italian online music magazine, Electronique.It, features a podcast mix from Detroit acid-house stalwart and Blank Artists beard, Jared Wilson. The nearly hour long mix features a top notch blend of classic disco and electro-funk, and also displays the insane knowledge of dance music that Jared has acquired over the years. This mix would even make Todd Osborn drool a bit. Highly recommended!

Mixed By: Jared Wilson
Length: 56:54
Format: MP3
Bit Rate: 320 KBPS
Link: Download

Tracklisting:
01. Mirage - Mirage In The Space ( Mauro D.J.)
02. B. Lamastre - The Best Disco Music (Alien Delon Extended Edit)
03. Test-One - Dreamer
04. Ruins - Crime
05. Yello - No More Words (Extended)
06. Matt Warren - Way To My Heart (5:30 A.M. Mix)
07. Ruins - Fire
08. Zwischenfall - Flucht (Special Fuzz Version)
09. Wizardz - Boogie Slyde
10. Prestige - Cheating
11. Pyramid Plus - Comin' At Ya
12. Maurice Mc Gee - Do I Do (Dub Instrumental)
13. Gift of Dreams - Funkincise
14. Vin Zee - Funky Be Bop (Instrumental)
15. The Gunchback Boogie Band - Funn
16. Suzy Q - Get On Up Do It Again
17. J.R. Funk and the Love Machine - Feel Good Party Time (Original)
18. Southroad Connection - Just Layin It Down

Agents of Woe

2010-02-04T10:47:00.007-05:00

Agents of Woe are a band of three, rooted in New York City and Memphis, Tennessee. They are serious about the following things: short shorts, Cadillac sedans older than they, vintage science fiction, and rocking a dance music outfit that create a sui generis of futuristic soul, techno, pop and electro. The latter is what we at Blank are most excited about (although we do appreciate short shorts, luxury sedans, and old school sci-fi).

The dapper men of whom we speak are from unique musical upbringings; all in the shadows of legendary soul music label Stax Records in their native Memphis. The simile can be made that Stax is to Memphis as Motown is to Detroit, and in many ways AOW show pride in their local history as it plays out in their music.

Fronted by Richard Gamble who provides lead vocals, guitar, and synthesizers, Jon Hart adds bass and backing vocals, and Jackson Lee provides the rhythm section and additional sequencing thus completing the trifecta. The three friends together make a distinguishable brand of future soul, electro-funk where humans blow a much-needed breath of life back into dance music’s cooling core.

Hear them perform live tomorrow night, as they make a very exciting Detroit debut at the Blank Artists 5-Year Anniversary. In addition, the event will coincide with their debut release on Blank Artists entitled, "R U Ready For Love", which also features a remix from Ferrispark label head, Scott Ferguson. Listen to the original version HERE.

The Five Year Hookup

2010-02-03T00:49:00.011-05:00

The Blank Artists 5-Year Anniversary is fast approaching and every year, we aspire to reach a level of production and branding that exceeds the anniversary events of year's past. In an attempt to follow in this tradition, Blank Artists is offering a very special limited edition download card entitled "The Five Year Hookup". The hookup will include 10 songs from the Blank Artists catalog and is included, free of charge, to all individuals attending the Blank Artist 5-year event. Five years can feel like an eternity, and this kind of longevity would have never been imagined if it weren't for the support of our fans and listeners. Therefore, we wish to return the favor in the spirit of friendship.... just a little way of saying "we love you too".

All download cards include a web address and unique password. Visit www.dropcards.com/weloveyoutoo for more information on how to redeem your music.

Scrummage Moving Pictures

2010-02-02T21:47:00.009-05:00

This Thursday, Burton Theatre features moving pictures by the local art collective and psychedelic mad men from Scrummage University. Gaining notoriety from their previously famed Eastern Market bunker, Scrummage has sealed a reputation as one of the city's premiere artist collectives and experimental noise provocateurs. Think of a flesh-eating Mayan Barbary sheep tripping on acid while trapped in a sensory desperation tank. Yeah.... they like to fuck shit way up, so I suggest checking out their premiere if you have a knack for the weird. The movies start at 9pm. Check it!

Oh yeah, and the Metro Times wrote a fancy article about the Scrummage dudes last week. Read the article HERE.

Blank Artists February 2010 Podcast w/ Pipé Scuttleworth

2010-02-01T11:18:00.010-05:00

Pipé Scuttleworth is a clock watching dreamer, a fighter, and a thief. He dabbles in amateur carpentry and unearths and fashions sounds with a madman’s fervor in the final throws of a violent, delusional death. Pipé is a lover of horses and fixer of machines, a chef, a writer, a cyclist and re-cyclist, a former practitioner of things legal. A jack of all trades and a master of few, he is currently in search of a metallurgist to mold him into an ‘animalier,’ in hopes of translating some of his talents to the creation of metallic beasts.

The wicked aspersions mumbled here and yon about his deeds fall not upon dead ears. Oh to the contrary, the man consumes them, preternaturally twists them, adds a dash of outlandishness, and regurgitates the amplified rubbish to anyone within ear shot.

He may be a filthy son of a gun but his unique talents and temperament subconsciously and subtly ingratiate himself with others. Then, before long, your heretofore proper dandy of a little sister is cursing like a longshoreman and placing friendly bets that she can spit farther than Pipé…lovely!

Oh, yet it continues from this discomfiting level. To the hilt we must go, if you value Universal equilibrium. Perhaps it’s the Gypsy pedigree, maybe his karmic credit, or just plain dumb luck, but Pipé makes things happen, or as is often the case, suffers injury while trying. Though his tirades are sufficient to make abusive, philanderers flush pink with embarrassment, he would not deny you your bit of bread on the eve of the apocalypse, such the sweet man that he is.

Pipé does not concern himself with things shiny and freshly minted when a worn antique will do. Yet new things are warranted, and even appreciated on occasion. However, for the most part, things were made better in the old days anyhow. Things like vinyl records and analog machines and good sturdy babies. Tangible things, with stories, and lives of their own are what Pipé seeks, and god dammed if he won’t scour the good earth for those things. So check him out. He might actually make it worth your while. But never, ever forget, lest you get lambasted, he is playing for his enjoyment, you’re just there for the ride.

Mixed By: Pipe Scuttleworth
Length: 1:13:08
Format: MP3
Bit Rate: 320 KBPS
Link: Download

Tracklisting:
01. Vangelis - Reve
02. Stars of the Lid - Requiem For Dying Mothers II
03. David Bowie - Subterraneans
04. Lucky Dragons - Open Melody
05. Destroyer - Bay of Pigs
06. Boards of Canada - AMD Bishop Roden +
07. Meta 83 - End Titles
08. Four Tet - Love Cry
09. ?
10. Mathew Jonson - Marionette
11. Fernando - Scarecrow
12. Gucci Soundsystem - Lord of Mercy
13. Model 500 - Orbit
14. Four Tet - No More Mosquito
15. The Flaming Lips - See the Leaves
16. Robert Anton Wilson - ?
17. Wall of Voodoo - Mexican Radio
18. Flux of Pink Indians - Tube Disaster (J.D. Twitch Edit)
19. Ikara Colt - At the Lodge

*Photo Credit: Christine Abuel Pompa

Metro Times Presents - A Blank Generation

2010-01-27T20:24:00.008-05:00

This week's issue of the Metro Times, features a fire-side chat with Blank Artists co-directors, Drew Pompa and Josh Dahlberg. These two ruffians got a chance to sit down with Metro Times writer, Walter Wasacz of No Spectacle, over pizza and barley wine to wax poetically about music, culture, and the city of Detroit. Read the entire article HERE.

*Photo Credit: Walter Wasacz

Innerphonic

2010-01-27T14:31:00.007-05:00

Innerphonic is a trio based out of Detroit that specializes in live electro. Members Tim (synths, bass, live looping), Rob (drums), and Eric (percussion, synth, kaoss pad) work together as seamlessly as one dj, creating non-stop sets that funnel through minimal techno, arpeggiated acid anthems, and blippy, funky house jams. With the upcoming release of Live Flux I & II (two full length live mixes), Innerphonic’s blend of improvisation and programming pushes the forefront of live electronic music.

Members of Innerphonic are also part of Will Sessions, and have recorded and performed with such artists as Black Milk, Jeremy Ellis, Phat Kat, Guilty Simpson, Billy Love, and Rickey Calloway. Innerphonic's love and quest for the pulp in music continues to fuel their need to perform, produce, experiment, and jam. Keep your ears open for a string of both live and studio releases from this Detroit electro band.

Catch Innerphonic for their first ever Blank Artists performance on Friday, February 5th at the Blank Arists 5-Year Anniversary.

Agents of Woe - R U Ready For Love?

2010-01-20T16:09:00.002-05:00

Agents of Woe first caught our attention when label co-chair Josh Dahlberg was invited to a gig in Memphis, the home to legendary soul and blues label Stax Records. Upon hearing a single rough recording from AOW after the gig, he petitioned them for more songs, which ultimately led to the studio sessions with Detroit's best kept audio engineering secret, Andy Toth. R U Ready For Love? is the first single from those infamous recording sessions to see its formal release.

The original mix - heard here - of R U Ready... resembles many genres but cannot simply be described by one. At the core its electronic pop, but its also as much house as it is funk and as much techno as it is soul. Agents of Woe are a great example of what happens when a band executes dance music well. Just in time for that corporate bloodsucker of a holiday Valentine's Day, Agents of Woe deliver to make you get up before you get down.

The Blonde Collective

2010-01-14T15:50:00.007-05:00

From: Michelle Merriweather Photography

In an interview conducted with Blonde Collective owner, Brad Hicks:

History
The idea for The Blonde Collective was conceived in September of 2009, while I was working for the Ann Arbor record label Ghostly International. After working with them for about a year and a half, I had this creative bug to get out and create my own company (it’s easy to get inspired when working with other creatives non-stop). I had a few meetings with Sam Valenti IV (the owner of Ghostly) about it and he seemed to really believe in my new creative endeavor. I parted ways with Ghostly in October and set out to open up Blonde, but I wanted to make sure that I had my mind right about what I wanted to sell.I knew that I didn’t have a lot of start-up money and I knew that I wanted to stay true to my believes in what the brand should be. I grew up in the 90’s. Back then, kids wore Ocean Pacific, Cross-Colors and Junco; everyone was a skateboarder; you’d find Veruca Salt and De La Soul on the same mixtape (they were actually tapes back then too) and I had a MAD crush on Cree Summer (“Freddie” from A Different World). It was a time when everyone began to understand everyone else, and I found that exciting. It was with all of these things in mind that made me launch Blonde with a mission to not cater to one specific “type” of customer, but to make our fashions accessible to everyone. With the over-saturation of loud shirts with neon colors and busy graphics, I wanted to set the trend by making the art on our shirts simple, clean and palatable to all who would see it. I wanted to print on unisex tees so everyone would be comfy in them, and if the ladies like a tee and want to cut it up into a tank top, I support it. ”Fashion forward for everyone” became our motto.Once all that was out of the way, it was just deciding which five shirt designs would become our inaugural line, getting them out to the printers (shout to VG Kids, our printers– they are awesome) and opening the store. The Blonde Collective opened at (a little after) Noon on October 22, 2009. Now is the most exciting time for me because (not even being three months old) the brand itself is in the same place that the clothing is. It is in that molding, baby stage where we can do anything want and take big chances with the goal of finding out who we are to become.

What type of items do the store sell?
Right now the Blonde webstore only sells t-shirts, but we are looking to expand the line into 2010 and we’ll hopefully have hats along with some cut and sew items (button downs, etc), women’s tees and accessories by the end of this year.

Name brands,labels etc. within the store?
Blonde is its own brand so the store carries only Blonde merchandise. This is something that we have been in discussions with others about, and you might start to see some offerings from other designers and brands as well as the year goes by.

Future collaborations of the store?
I worked really hard at the end of 2009 to try and make as many connections as possible so that when 2010 jumped off we would be fired up and have reason for our customers to be fired up. I think it is going to be a great year for collabs. On the streetwear/boutique tip, I’m in talks right now for a possible collab (that is really exciting) with the guys at Revive in Birmingham. In the world of art, we have been talking to a great visual artist (or Vj) in Chicago for a possible video/T-shirt collab. Currently, we have a free shirt give-a-way going on with the fashion site ATshirtBlog.com (that runs until the 27th, if you want to get in on that), and I am in collab mode with a great indie dance label in the Detroit area, Blank Artists.

"Crash" by Cyberoptix Tie Lab

2010-01-13T19:57:00.010-05:00

Local artist, graphic designer and couture queen, Bethany Shorb, is the owner and creator of Cyberoptix Tie Lab, a line of clothing accessories that is represented by more than 100 stores in a dozen countries: from Fred Segal in Los Angeles to Libertine in Western Australia.

A native of Connecticut, Bethany's move to Detroit materialized nearly ten years ago upon her acceptance to Cranbrook Academy of Art, where she obtained a master in fine arts. Since then, she has provided tirelessly, for the artists' community surrounding Detroit and in addition, has emerged as one of the leading ladies in the global post-goth, punk fashion world.

Travis Wright from the Metro Times, sat down with Bethany on the brink of her 2010 winter preview entitled "Crash", which is an automotive themed art show. Inspired by the J.G. Ballard novel Crash and the Normal song "Warm Leatherette", Bethany designed a line of automotive ties for Cyberoptix. Expanding on her the automotive themed neckwear, Bethany has created original works of art, photography and the big reveal -Supplemental Restraint System: Reclaimed Deployed Airbag featuring silk screened impressions of dead celebrities. Preview Photos.

This Friday marks the preview of Bethany's 2010 Cyberoptix line at 323 East. The reception starts at 6pm. In addition, you access this week's Metro Times cover story, featuring Behtany Shorb. Read the article HERE.

Nite Jewel

2010-01-10T23:58:00.006-05:00

From: Drowned in Sound

Los Angeles native Ramona Gonzalez is the composer, arranger and songwriter behind Nite Jewel. Her past lies in multimedia video and sound installations, collaborations with members of Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, and a philosophy degree at Occidental College. Her present involves sketching vaporous outlines of pop songs that are smothered in a glassy patina that crackles and blisters under the tape hiss of Gonzalez’s trusty eight-track. It’s an odd, disconcerting contrast, where the shiny parts of pop are expertly slotted together, only to be obfuscated by vocals rendered cloudy and indecipherable via a combination of lo-fi production values and great swells of bass muscling up into the mix to muffle the sheen.

"What Did You Say" has quite a memorizing hook accompanied by an undeniably seductive vocal track that let's you melt into your headphones. Along with future boogie beatmaker, Dam-Funk, Nite Jewel is emerging as one of LA's brightest new stars.

Someone needs to bring this girl to Detroit!

Madis One

2010-01-07T17:04:00.004-05:00

Madis One is the blossoming musical project of Jon Smith and Adam Serafino. Previously a four-piece band known as Madis, the group reduced its membership to two under the morphed epithet, Madis One. Musical peers of five years, Jon and Adam play many of the parts live through keyboards, samples, guitar and vocals, which all make for an engaging live performance. Influenced by the likes of Aphex Twin, Telefon Tel Aviv, and Bjork, the duo are focused on turning out some of the freshest psychedelic electronic pop, furthering Detroit’s reputation as an experimental hip-hop breeding ground.

Catch their first ever live performance for Blank Artists next month at the Blank Artists' 5-Year Anniversary

Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger

2010-01-05T13:36:00.005-05:00

From: Twin Cities Daily Planet

Nealy two weeks ago, the UK approved the merger of two behemoth entertainment companies, Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Since this decision, both fans and entertainment venues have spoken out amidst the news, contending the merger on the grounds of anti-trust laws, including famous Minneapolis club, First Avenue. Moreover, The American Antitrust Institute, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, the National Association of Ticket Brokers, the National Consumers League and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) have launched a new website called TicketDisaster as a clearinghouse for opposition to the merger.

"It has almost become prohibitively expensive to attend most music venues. In fact, arena shows, not that they put on a show worth attending, have already become far more pricey than the return gained. Ticketmaster and Live Nation are criminals in the vein of the robber barons of the early 20th century. They have been allowed to operate, and steal, with impunity for far too long already. To allow this merger to proceed would be tantamount, in my opinion, to complicit criminal negligence.

Please, review the facts, and do the right thing. Do not allow these criminal enterprises to consolidate their powers and efforts to rob us of our hard earned money. We only wish to see our music live as we attempt to engage in one of the last free demonstrations of creative choice." ~ Pipe Scuttleworth

If you're an active concert attendee and purchaser of both Ticketmaster and Live Nation events, then please visit www.ticketdisaster.org for more information.

* Photo Credit - Wikipedia

Mathias Matthew - SEED 001 - Migrashun

2010-01-04T23:46:00.003-05:00

Mathias Matthew is a man on the move.... and not like your granny's old Packard or Buick Rendezvous, but rather like our uncontrollable and ever accelerating pattern of time. Maybe that's why he decided on the name Migrashun for his label and event promotion company.

Yet another Detroit ex-pat, Mathias bid a farewell to Motown in 2008 in order to relocate his ambitious endeavors to the city of Chicago... and an prosperous new home base it has been. In little over a year, Migrashun has advanced to become one of Chicago's premiere event promotion companies, boasting the likes of Reference and Fairmont, among others. In addition, Mathias has also developed a following with his Ableton live/dj performance and he's certainly no slouch on the tracklisting, which we tend to like.... ALOT! Check this latest mix compiled by Mathias using the Akai APC 40. Lots of heady, slow, psychedelic burners.

Mixed By: Mathias Matthew
Length: 1:18:51
Format: MP3
Bit Rate: 192 KBPS
Link: Download

Tracklisting:
1. Kate Simko – Sociber – Ghostly
2. Trentemoller, Buda – Gamma – Kickin Records
3. DJ Koze – Lords Of Panama Rendered – Mule Electronic
4. Luke Abbott – (Prelude) We’ve Lost The War – Output
5. Ras G – Penny’s Confession – Brainfeeder
6. Raymond Scott – Bass-Line Generator – BBE Music
7. SND – 08:21:61 – Raster-Noton
8. Minilogue – In The Smoke We All Became Birds - Mule Electronic
9. Jan Jelinek – Stripped To Realmode - Mule Electronic
10. Build Buildings – Letter Codes - Neo Ouija
11. John Carpenter – The President Is Gone - BBE Music
12. Taylor Deupree, Kenneth Kirschner – 03.24.02 – 12K
13. Avus – They Will Come – Phobic
14. So Inagawa – You Trip Me Up – Relaxine
15. Norman Nodge – Maniac – MDR
16. Margot – Fuori Dal Peter – Margot Records
17. Exercise One – Sleeper – Mobilee
18. James Kumo – The Deep – Metamorphic
19. Klute – TSA – Commercial Suicide
20. Yapacc – Conga De Terre – WIR
21. K-rAd – 126flarp
22. K-rAd – 128defen
23. Evan Scott – Onosphere (Teef Remix) – Race Car Productions
24. Masaya – Malita – Mina
25. Heiko Voss – I Think About You (DJ Koze Remix) – Kompakt Pop
26. Frozen Border – 2.1 – Frozen Border
27. DJ Koze – Mrs. Bojangels – Circus Company
28. Nathan Fake- Narrier – Border Community

Blank Artists 5-Year Anniversary Event - Finalized

2010-01-04T13:39:00.005-05:00

The Blank Artists Five Year Anniversary
February 5th, 2009

with Bands:
Agents of Woe - Memphis/NYC
Innerphonic
Madis One

and DJs:
Josh Dahlberg
Drew Pompa
Matt Abbott - between sets

With an extended set from Detroit radio icon Judy Adams
Catch the Judy Adams' Show 9:00a-10:30a Every Tuesday on 99.1fm CJAM

9:00pm
Park Bar
2040 Park Ave. Detroit, MI
$8 before midnight / 21+

www.blankartists.com

Favorites for 2009

2009-12-31T15:16:00.013-05:00

It's that time of year, where every music media outlet offers their obligatory "Best of 2009" list. As our own self-proclaimed authority on all things music related, we felt it was appropriate offer our own perspective on 2009's year in beats...... and probably because we didn't agree with most others. Here is our assorted favorites, in no particular order:

FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2009:
Andrew Weatherall - A Pox on the Pioneers - Rotters Golf Club
Bibio - Ambivalence Avenue - Warp
Yppah - They Know What Ghosts Know - Ninja Tune
Chico Mann - Analog Drift: Muy...Esniqui
Lusine - A Certain Distance - Ghostly International
Moritz Von Oswald Trio - Vertical Ascent - Honest Jon's Records
Lukid - Foma - Werk Discs
Architeq - Gold + Green - Tirk
Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms - Lefse
Paul White - The Strange Dreams of Paul White - One Handed Music
Deastro - Moondagger - Ghostly International
The Flaming Lips - Embryonic - Warner Bros.
Black Moth Super Rainbow - Eating Us - Graveface Records
Stoopz N Breeze - Turn Up the Smooth - Butter Made Music
Pink Skull - Endless Bummer - Rvng International

FAVORITE LABELS OF 2009:
Rvng International
DFA Records
Soundway Records
Ghostly International
Mule Musiq
Stones Throw

NYE @ The Woodbridge Pub w/ Blank Artists DJs

2009-12-29T12:42:00.003-05:00

New Year's Eve at The Woodbridge Pub
2009-2010

With Blank Artists DJs:
Drew Pompa
Josh Dahlberg

Free Admission
Champagne Toast

10p-4a
Woodbridge Pub
5169 Trumbull Ave.
Detroit, MI 48208
map it

RBMA Radio - The Detroit Special

2009-12-23T01:41:00.004-05:00

An early morning scan of the internet resulted in a fascinating discovery over at the RBMA Radio. This week's radio spotlight is paying homage to the contributions of Detroit electronic music, covering the gamut from early innovators like Derrick May to Detroit's next house generation via Patrice Scott and Kyle Hall. In addition, RMBA provides a list of sets from notable Detroit luminaries, including Todd Osborn and BMG of Ectomorph. Highly Recommended!

Visit the website HERE.

Ohhh My...... Another Random Projection

2009-12-21T01:49:00.007-05:00

School has finally ended for the semester, so it was nice to catch an easy weekend for a change. Moreover, I've been able to spend the past couple of nights playing catch up on my music reconnaissance. The result? I must say..... my insatiable appetite for great music was overwhelmingly satisfied. A few notable artists that stimulated the senses include Maxmillion Dunbar, FaltyDl, and Singing Statues, who recently announced their collaboration with the Ann-Arbor based label, Ghostly International. Definitely a cast of characters to watch in 2010.

Mayor Hawthorne @ The Magic Stick

2009-12-18T19:43:00.005-05:00

From: Stones Throw

Mayer Hawthorne grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, just outside of Detroit, and vividly remembers, as a child, driving with his father and tuning the car radio in to the rich soul and jazz history the region provided. “Most of the best music ever made came out of Detroit,” claims the singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, who counts Isaac Hayes, Leroy Hutson, Mike Terry, and Barry White among his influences, but draws the most inspiration from the music of Smokey Robinson, Curtis Mayfield, and the legendary songwriting and production trio of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, and Eddie Holland Jr.

The “retro” tag is added to almost any contemporary work that sounds like it was originally recorded between 1966 and 1974, and Hawthorne, among the newest contributors to the genre, is aware of how trends come and go. After being introduced to Stones Throw label head Peanut Butter Wolf by mutual friend Noelle Scaggs of the Rebirth, even his current boss was skeptical. “He showed me two songs and I didn’t understand what I was listening to,” Wolf recalls. “I asked him if they were old songs that he did re-edits of – I couldn’t believe they were new songs and that he played all the instruments.”

And after meeting in person, it was even harder for Wolf to believe that Hawthorne was also the lead vocalist. Few expect such heartfelt sentiment to come from a 29-year-old white kid from Ann Arbor, but he has caught the ear of his family at Stones Throw, as well as BBC Radio 1 host Gilles Peterson and producer/DJ Mark Ronson. Expectations are high for the admitted vinyl junkie who never planned on taking his crooning public. Hawthorne’s hanging-by-a-string falsetto and breakbeat production on his first recorded effort, the tender “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out,” are simultaneously Smokey and J Dilla – equal parts “The Tracks of My Tears” and “Fall in Love.” “It’s soul,” he explains, “But it’s new.”

Hawthorne has produced and played instruments for much of his life, but never intended to become a singer. He isn’t formally trained, and never sang in the church choir or in any of the bands he was in before founding the County (formerly the County Commissioners). But here he is, new school soul sensation, who has taken the Motown assembly-line production model and eliminated nearly every element but himself and a few hired hands. “I think Mayer is the only artist in the history of the label that I’ve signed after hearing only two songs,” says Peanut Butter Wolf. “Sometimes, you just know it’s the right thing to do.”

Saturday, December 19th 2009
Doors @ 8pm / $13 Presales

The Magic Stick
4120 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201-2027
(313) 833-7665

5-Year Announcement

2009-12-17T00:12:00.004-05:00

The Blank Artists Five Year Anniversary
February 5th, 2009

Celebrating Five Years of Musical Diversity

with Bands:
Agents of Woe - Memphis/NYC
Innerphonic

and DJs:
Josh Dahlberg
Drew Pompa
Matt Abbott - between sets

With an extended set from Detroit radio icon Judy Adams

9:00pm
Park Bar
2040 Park Ave. Detroit, MI
$8 before midnight / 18+

www.blankartists.com

Milieu - Ende

2009-12-08T18:16:00.003-05:00

Friend and Detroit ex-pat Milieu recently finished a track to accompany Hans Richter's 1928 film, Ghosts Before Breakfast. Entitled, "Ende", this song offers remnants of jungle, glitch, and ambient..... the kind of stuff that Richter probably would have salivated over, nearly a 100 years ago. Give it a view and feel free to show Milieu some love over at his blogspot, In the Burrows.

Saturday Night Main Event

2009-12-04T13:10:00.004-05:00

FEATURING:
Innerphonic - Live
Kevin Henry

Saturday, December 5th
Oslo Night Club
1456 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226-2002

Kevin Reynolds Live Video

2009-12-03T20:07:00.013-05:00

I was browsing the vast interweb frontier this afternoon and happened to stumble across this live video of Kevin Reynolds, courtesy of Famzine. Reynolds, who is owner and operator of Todhchai Records, is also one of Detroit's best kept secrets. His eclectic style of of electronic soul dabbles in and out of Latin, funk, house and Detroit techno inspired grooves. Moreover, his high energy live sets are a sight to behold. He's amassed a long resume of collaborations including projects with Alton Miller, Malik Alston, and a 2007 rework of compositions from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

If you happened to catch wind of his whereabouts on your next trip into town, don't sleep on the tip. Oh.... and be on the lookout for some remix work by Mr. Reynolds, due out on Blank Artists sometime in the Spring of 2010. Check it!

Youtube
Vimeo

Design More of Less

2009-12-03T01:55:00.012-05:00

Baltimore, Maryland: A city often shunned from the musical spotlight, overshadowed by the likes of their northern neighbors - New York and Philadelphia..... and even more so, for electronic music - a mere schism or non-existent dialogue in its music history. To the contrary, we're romanticizing about the idyllic spirit of Bmore's musical future - one that doesn't have to dream about a Matmos or Wham city..... yeah, that's just a start. Or maybe even imagine a mini community dedicated to the gospel of electronic music, amongst othr stuff and things.... but then again, you have More or Less.

More or Less started as a monthly, in conjunction with the Bmore-Electro community, nearly three years ago. It helped to replace the void of electronic music in Baltimore and has inspired countless local derivatives. In times journey, MOL has spawned a healthy catalog of dancefloor jams, including productions from Outputmessage and label mate, Craig Sopo...... in addition to the aesthetic and creative vision of label director, Pat Brander. His functional design and uncanny tact for best in esotericism, has elevated both the musical and visual content of the label above most other American independent techno imprints.

As our own expression of gratitude, we would like to give a shout out to the bizarre and genius design brand of Mr. P.Brander. His works encompass the entire MOL flyer catalog and various freelance projects, including the Blank Artists logo. The image above depicts, which may or may not be, a Subura Outback and fifth of Jameson in the midst of a collision. Perhaps a common theme in the abominable nature of Detroit and Baltimore - cities that both resemble the tenebrous tendencies of the wild wild west. At any rate, knock your senses to high heaven with this huckelberry's hand of FANCY DESIGN. Check it!

Interview w/ Scott Ferguson (Ferrispark Records)

2009-12-02T21:59:00.005-05:00

From: Juno Plus

Scott Ferguson has made some of the most captivating deep house records of recent times, from his collaborations with Marvin Belton to his own solo productions that echo the likes of Theo Parrish and Moodymann. In a revealing interview, the Ferrispark boss spoke to Juno Plus editor Aaron Coultate over a pint of Guinness in one of Camden’s backstreet boozers. Read the entire interview HERE

Nurse With Wound - Paranoia in Hi-Fi

2009-12-01T20:53:00.007-05:00

NWW offers up this full length cd, which has just been released on the United Dirter label. This newest album from Steve Stapleton is a compilation of nearly 30 years of work, all for the low price of 99 pence - inspired partly by the 49p edition of The Faust Tapes that Virign records released in 1973. If you're a fan of Stapleton's haunting and sinister electronics than you'll definitely want to indulge in this latest outing from the master of mind bending.

Saturday Night Main Event

2009-11-28T18:29:00.005-05:00

FEATURING THE ANIMALS:
Derek Plaslaiko - the bunker/spectral NYC
Eric Cloutier - bunker NYC
Secrets - secret mixes/fixes-blank artists
Kyle Hall - wild oats-FXHE
Rev. Robert David Jones - tour detoit-scrummage univ.

Saturday, November 28
E&B Brewery Lofts
1551 Winder
Detroit, MI 48207

The Few 1 Year Anniversary

2009-11-21T15:56:00.005-05:00

\the Few Records will be celebrating their 1 Year Anniversary and throwing a party to reflect their newly diverse and talented artist roster. With the recent signing of Silverghost, New Music Detroit, Steven Robert and Patrick Russell, combined with the Few's artists Will Sessions and Adieu, there is no better time to get down with the Few Records. Grammy nominated and Movement's 2010 Creative Director Carl Craig headlines the mini-music festival. ACCESS Arts will be creating multiple art installations as well. Both rooms are musically curated by the Few Records’ label head Dominic Arellano.

Magic Stick Side:
- Carl Craig (Planet-E)
- Will Sessions Funk Big Band (the Few)
- New Music Detroit (the Few) (Performing Marc Mellits' piece, "Smoke")
- Kevin Reynolds (Todhchaí, Yoruba)
- Patrick Russell (the Few, Circus Company)

Majestic Cafe Side:
- Silverghost (the Few)
- Zoos of Berlin
- Steven Robert (the Few, Tour Detroit)
- the Replicas
- Adieu (the Few)

November 21, 2009
9PM-3AM 18+
$8 before 11:30pm, $10 after
4140 Woodward Detroit, MI 48201

The Chain Reaction Showcase Review

2009-11-19T21:56:00.021-05:00

Last week's Chain Reaction Showcase was one of our best events yet, and much appreciation goes out to all the friends and music aficionados in Detroit who made this party happen!

As always, we would like to thank our team of friends who contributed in helping to run last Friday's event. Your tireless efforts are highly valued and you're a huge part of the reason why Blank Artists can evenly focus its energies into the many different facets of event production. Another thanks to Tony at Bully Audio for devoting his entire day to sound preparation and sound reinforcement. It sounded great, per usual. An especially huge thanks to the talented cast of performers. Patrick Russell's proven many times over why he's one of the most gifted dj's in the city of Detroit and the showcase opening was no exception. René and Pete, WOW!..... an amazing live performance and two ass-shaking dj sets to follow. We hope to see you visit Detroit again. Also, we would like to extend a thank you to Brendan, Erica, and the Interdimensional Transmissions crew for playing hosts and helping to make the Chain Reaction booking possible. Lastly and a intrinsically, we would like to thank all other friends, fans, and listeners. Your energy and support are a major source a inspiration and a main reason why we will continue to move the future of Detroit to a beat. Til next time......... when we shall rendezvous for our 5 year anniversary!

Photo Cred: Christine Abuel Pompa

Jared Wilson - Ghettoblaster - 7777

2009-11-19T20:59:00.012-05:00

From: Clone Records

Jared Wilson is keeping the acid alive in Detroit. ''Ghettoblaster'' is Jared's second release on his label 7777. ''This Love,'' is a slower deep track with haunting 303 bassllines and a a voice chanting This Love. The title track, ''Ghettoblaster'' is an jacking stomper for the floor. ''Last Two,'' is a very nice Chicago influence acid beat track. Our favorite is the intens This Love with amazing 303 which sounds like Aphex Twin doing chicago house. Also included in this 12 inch is the "Office Analogue" cut, taken from last year's Blnk-10 release. Listen and order a copy HERE.

Markus Guentner @ The Duderstadt Center

2009-11-18T22:15:00.004-05:00

From: Nospectacle

Video and Performance Studio
Duderstadt Center, University of Michigan
2281 Bonisteel Blvd
November 20
6 - 9 p.m.
Free

This special audio-visual live electronics presentation features a North American exclusive: an appearance by Markus Guentner, a German artist known as an innovator of the pop ambient sound for Cologne's Kompakt label, with Detroit-based digital dub stylists nospectacle.

The performance, Collapsing Borders - Einstürzende Grenze, at the University of Michigan's Duderstadt Center will include composed and improvised music and video, mixed and sequenced by the artists. The point of focus is to show how art and entertainment technologies play a crucial role in transcending political, cultural and psychological borders. It is part of a series of events at the University of Michigan this fall commemorating 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Guentner is best known for his work on Kompakt, which released his full-lengths In Moll (2001) and 1981 in 2005, and various single tracks on its annual Pop Ambient series. He has also released minimal house and techno music (Audio Island, Lovely Society) on the Ware label, also based in Cologne, and has a new LP, Doppelgaenger, released this fall on the Dutch Sending Orbs label. He has produced soundscapes for Ambient Works, a comprehensive workstation for creating cinematic atmospheres for feature films, documentaries, commercials and new media project applications. Guentner's only other area appearance was at Movement, Detroit's Electronic Music Festival, in 2006. He lives in Regensburg.

nospectacle is an electronic music, video and DJ hybrid project based in Detroit. The group is made up of Christopher McNamara, Jennifer A. Paull and Walter Wasacz, and performs original works by McNamara, a founding member of the Windsor-Detroit laptop group Thinkbox, re-shaping the source material into drones, dubs, disembodied voices, subsonic bass immersion and streaming images. McNamara's new release Vague Cities includes a remix by Guentner.

The group has performed at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), the Detroit Institute of Arts and at the Movement Festival. In 2008, nospectacle hosted Klimek, another German pop ambient artist, at the Cranbrook Art Museum. Listen to nospectacle live at Cranbrook 2008 here.

Chain Reaction Showcase Media

2009-11-11T19:06:00.011-05:00

As the weekend nears closer, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Friday evening's Chain Reaction Showcase. The event, which features individual dj performances from René Löwe and Peter Kuschnereit, and then a live set together under the alias Scion, has not only garnered our own personal interest. Rather, local media outlets around Detroit are also excited about this rare appearance from two of dub techno's most respected innovators. Both Model D and Metro Times featured the Chain Reaction Showcase among this week's top musical events. Access the news hits below.

Metro Times
Filter D
Metromode

Photo Cred: Seze Devres

Blank Artists Podcast | November 2009 w/ Patrick Russell

2009-11-04T22:02:00.012-05:00

Patrick Russell (Mentalux, The Few, Circus Company), exists at the intersection of abstraction, archaeology, and construct, where he builds complex sensual jacking dancefloor environments through the careful selection of widely varied audio artifacts. Through these tools, he seeks to extract the intangible subtext of electronic music's history and present it in its raw and most purest form.

A Detroit-bred DJ, artist and producer since the early 90's, Patrick has played countless clubs, parties, and high-profile events throughout his career. His resume highlights include everything from performing at the 2001 & 2008 DEMF/Movement festivals to an exclusive opening for Jeff Mills in Detroit in 2007. His latest release on Circus Company, "Valt Trax", has been praised by the likes of Laurent Garnier, Dan Bell, Matthew Dear, and Cassy, and showcases the depth and perspective of a producer gaining momentum.

For the first Blank Artists podcast of 2009, we offer you this very special mix by Patrick, on the eve of extraordinary performance for this week's Chain Reaction Showcase event. In addition, we recommend that you browse Mr. Russell's November chart for Resident Advisor. It is chocked full of burners!

Mixed By: Patrick Russell
Length: 51:12
Format: MP3
Bit Rate: 320 KBPS
Link: Download

Halloween Events

2009-10-30T22:44:00.010-04:00

Alpha 606 (live) Miami
BMG - Interdimensional Transmissions
Carlos Souffront
Chuck Hampton aka Gay Marvine / Secret Mixes/Fixes
Erika of Ectomorph - Interdimensional Transmissions

Bohemian National Home
3009 Tillman
11PM
$5 before midnight; $10 after

Entertainment provided by Macho City / Disco Secret DJs:
Mike Trombly
Mike Kearns
Tommy Ferrera
Scott Zacharias

Along with a live performance by:
The Wolfman Band

MOCAD
4454 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
$8 advance, $10 door, $20 without costume

Dam-Funk - Live/DJ | Stones Throw
Kevin Reynolds - Live | Todchai
Secrets - Live | Blank Artists/Secret Mixes Fixes

Oslo
1456 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
$10 Pre-sales, $15 At the Door, $10 w/ costume

Richard Wohlfeil in Metro Times

2009-10-29T19:11:00.009-04:00

This article's a few months old, but it's never too late pay homage to one of the most righteous hombres from the barrio. If you're ever tipping a horse feather at the Atlas Bar in Hamtramck or rockin it low key to some jazz funk grooves at Northern Lights on Wednesday, than you've probably found yourself entangled inside a web of bizarre but enlightened ramblings from Richard Wohlfeil. Whether it pertain to books or records, this modern scribe has all the goods, and he's willing to share them. Like the time he literally forced me to borrow his mint condition Cannonball Adderley and Brother Jack McDuff albums. Hot biz, for sho!

Travis Wright from the Metro Times sat down with Richard in July to talk about Aldous Huxley, osmosis, and monkey brains. Read the entire interview HERE.

Photo Cred: Alicia Gbur

DJ Pete Interview and Mix

2009-10-26T11:17:00.008-04:00

Along with Rene Lowe and Thorsten Profrock, Peter Kuschnereit became involved with the camp of individuals composing the Hard Wax record store in Berlin, eventually finding himself a member of the camp's primary label, Chain Reaction. But before Kuschnereit began releasing his records on the label, he spent his days working at the Hard Wax store, immersing himself in the world of electronic music. It was there, working alongside other forward-looking artists including owners Moritz von Oswald and Mark Ernestus of Basic Channel fame, that Pete soon began looking beyond the traditional sounds of Chicago house and Detroit techno.

Kuschnereit began releasing music as Substance in the mid-'90s, resulting in the Session Elements album. When he collaborated with fellow Hard Wax member Rene Lowe for the first Chain Reaction record as Scion, the duo's revisionist aesthetic which looked beyond the standard synth, 303, 808, and 909 sounds of house and techno set the precedent for the label's innovative sound. Though his production output has been quite sparse, Kuschnereit has also appeared live alongside Lowe and Tikiman, performing many of the songs found on the many Hard Wax-affiliated records.

Resident Advisor conducted and interview with DJ Pete last spring, when he was featured for the 147th RA podcast. Read the entire interview below. In addition, you can listen to this mix by DJ Pete, recorded last year at the Plex in London. Download HERE.

INTERVIEW:
What have you been working on recently?
Mainly I was selecting records for my DJ crate for various DJ gigs. I like to spend a lot time on that, because I play many different styles. Lately, for example, I play house classics one night, industrial related techno and IDM another night and things between classic minimal techno and dubstep with a broken hard techno feel at Berghain. My last music production was a remix for Scuba on Hotflush Recordings.

How and where was the mix recorded?
This mix was recorded at my home studio in Berlin. It's a classic vinyl mix, that hasn't been edited digitally. I'm using two turntables and a DJ mixer with kill switches and an external digital delay.

Can you tell us a little about the mix?
It is an attempt to mix tracks that are not necessarily from the same genre or era, obviously not matching, but then you feel a good match about certain colors and atmosphere. Dubstep on the way to techno plays a big role in that mix. I wanted to do an unusual and cool mix.

Both yourself and the Hardwax store have been notable for pushing dubstep sounds in Berlin. Do you remember what it was about the genre that first caught your attention?

It was grime that first came to Berlin, and I was interested until it had too many similar riddims, bad production and too much MCing. Mainly, it was drum & bass related stuff like productions from Search & Destroy and Toasty that led me to dubstep. Labels like Hotflush, DMZ, Tempa, Texture and Planet Mu got my full attention then. Thank you England for dubstep!

You recently reprised your Tresor partnership with Surgeon at Corsica Studios in London. How was that?
One of the most memorable nights for me! Surgeon and I have been friends since 1996. Back then, he invited me to play in Birmingham for one of the famous House Of God nights. Later, we played together at Tresor club for the Dynamic Tension nights, where we were the only DJs all night—a perfect match. It's quite rare that you can play at the same night with one of your favourite producers, so it was a real pleasure to pick up the idea and do a "revival" in London. Additionally, Scorn live! It was incredible. I'll never forget that event. We'll do it again at Corsica Studios on December 11th.

Your last solo effort that wasn't a remix came out eight years ago now. Can we expect some in the near future, or do you prefer working on original material with René?
Since I've been remixing quite a lot, I'm actually into kind of remixing myself, resulting in new tunes with the "old Substance" feel to it, I hope. It was really nice to see what was possible with just some dusty samples and sequences from old Scion material, resulting in Scion Versions! Why not do that with Substance? Since I've started playing live as Substance, I'm on my way to new material.

What are you up to next?
I'm starting a remix for a Canadian industrial band, Orphx, as well as my residency at Berghain and more DJ gigs in the UK and Europe. Hard Wax is also hosting a monthly Sunday night at a new club in Berlin: Wax Treatment at Horstkrzbrg.

Wall Of Voodoo - Mexican Radio

2009-10-24T17:51:00.005-04:00

Really enjoy this song. Found it on a Pipe Scuttleworth mix, along with countless other gems, and I must say that Wall of Voodoo is a supreme delight. Lyrics are listed below. Check it!

I feel a hot wind on my shoulder
And the touch of a world that is older
I turn the switch and check the number
I leave it on when in bed I slumber
I hear the rhythms of the music
I buy the product and never use it
I hear the talking of the DJ
Can't understand just what does he say?

I'm on a mexican radio. I'm on a Mexican - whoah - radio

I dial it in and tune the station
They talk about the U.S. inflation
I understand just a little
No comprende, it's a riddle

I'm on a mexican radio. I'm on a Mexican, whoa-Oh, radio
I'm on a mexican radio. I'm on a Mexican, whoa-Oh, radio

I wish I was in Tijuana
Eating barbequed iguana
I'd take requests on the telephone
I'm on a wavelength far from home
I feel a hot wind on my shoulder
I dial it in from south of the border
I hear the talking of the DJ
Can't understand just what does he say?

I'm on a mexican radio. I'm on a Mexican, whoa-Oh, radio
I'm on a mexican radio. I'm on a Mexican, whoa-Oh, radio

Radio radio... Radio radio... Radio radio...
I'm on a mexican radio. I'm on a Mexican, whoa-Oh, radio
I'm on a mexican radio. I'm on a Mexican, whoa-Oh, radio
Radio radio... What does he say ?

Blank Artists Presents: A Chain Reaction Showcase

2009-10-20T09:59:00.011-04:00

Scion is comprised of Peter Kuschnereit and René Löwe, both of whom are longstanding employees of Berlin’s legendary record shop/distributor Hard Wax. Also having produced on Moritz von Oswald and Mark Ernestus’ Basic Channel sub-label Chain Reaction, Scion’s revisionist aesthetic looks beyond the standard synth, 303, 808, and 909 sounds, which we associate with house and techno, to set the precedent for the Chain Reaction sound. Together for this rare and intimate performance, Scion extends the invitation to re-connect their listeners with a past often lost, but which undoubtedly served as an impetus to the future of electronic music.

* One of only four North American tour dates

additional support provided by:
Patrick Russell - Circus Company/Mentalux
Drew Pompa - Blank Artists

www.blankartists.com
www.bullyaudiosoundsystems.com
www.hardwax.com
www.scionversions.de

$10/$15 After 2am
Friday, November 13th 2009
National Bohemian Home
3009 Tillman Detroit, MI
Doors @ 10pm
Map It

Snake Wave / Viper Core / Python Disco

2009-10-16T15:23:00.006-04:00

Reptilian Worshipers:
GUYS ON DRUGS (Vacuum + E. Spleece) special 5 hr set!
Suzana Doncic (zvezdana)

Trowbridge House of Coffee
10241 Joseph Campau
Hamtramck, MI

Keyboard Stairs

2009-10-14T22:34:00.006-04:00

The basis of this youtube post is simply out of principle. No description necessary, except for maybe a comment - people are epically lazy..... until music is involved, of course. Check it!

Andrew Weatherall Interview

2009-10-13T21:49:00.003-04:00

From: Fact Magazine

Andrew Weatherall has just released his debut solo album, A Pox On The Pioneers, but, as you all should know, his music career is a long and illustrious one.

From his early days with the Boys Own crew at the wide eye of the acid house storm and his oft-praised production work on Primal Scream's Screamadelica, Weatherall has gone on to cultivate his own eccentric, Albion-steeped visions of electro, techno, dub and kosmische as part of Sabres of Paradise and Two Lone Swordsmen, has mixed arguably the greatest ever Fabric CD, and produced and remixed acts as diverse as My Bloody Valentine, Saint Etienne and most recently Fuck Buttons. He's also partial to a bit of rockabilly, but then, aren't we all? Read the interview conducted by Fact Magazine, here.

Interview w/ Matt Abbott a.k.a. Secrets

2009-10-07T18:45:00.032-04:00

Matt Abbott a.k.a. Secrets is a man. However, Matt is not just your average man, but rather a member of a deep, dark, secret society of estranged mans, who share an unusual but respectable bond for all things weird.

Some days, you might find him planting morning glories in Anderson Cooper's garden. Other times, he'll disappear without a trace, only to send message along that he's been tripping balls with the Navajos at burning man, waxing poetically for months about the lost Atlantian race of goat weasels - the note - signed, sealed and delivered in pigs blood. But you see, there's plenty of reason behind his sociopathic behavior and spontaneous pursuits; you can't steal the tribe's horses and ride off with their women unless you've subjected them to a rigorous daily regiment of face melting.

So.... you thought the Indians could hang? HA!.... maybe..... but not the kind of hanging this self-proclaimed derelict gets down with and this interview conducted by Underground Resistance's Bileebob, proves exaclty why. Also, peep this bad ass mix that Abbott did for the Bunker over the summer. Download here.

INTERVIEW
Bileebob)I love artists that don't take themselves too seriously.... What's your mantra?
Matt)I think chinstroking is for deficient people that are just too big of vaginas to actually do what they want to do.. Im so sick of all these divas in the party scene taking shit so serious. I mean, your fucking getting paid to drink free drinks, get tons of pussy, get fucked up and play music for people to party to. how anyone can complain about that i'll never understand.

B)What live gear do you use other than software?
M)i usually just use software and various MIDI controllers when I play out. I'm about to start working with more live insturments soon.

B)When do you know you have partied too hard?
M)when you die. In fact, fuck that. i'm pretty sure that's happened to me once or twice. Death is a pussy.

B)When you are at a party, how can you tell if it's going to be off the chains?
M)if its a small dark venue, is blaring Cannible Corpse, the walls are sweating, has only 1 red light, a mountian of DMT pwder, some live goats, a free duct dape table, and a tub of vaseline.

B)Why did you decide to leave Detroit?
M)Ive left Detroit "for good" about 4,663,679 times. I have a love/hate relationship with this city. I love the pepole, but i hate getting robbed and beat up all the time. and the 2am bar time is fucking bullshit, man.

B)Why was your stay in Brooklyn so short?
M)it wasnt, i'm going back next week.

B)Plan on doing more art?
M)indeed I do. not untill I get a muse with down syndrom though.

B)Describe the art work you do.
M)10 year old retarded girl on meth? or epic dream like landcapes with the most beautiful horses one could imagine? with panthers.

B)We hated to see you go and love when you come back. How was the Majestic gig?
M)It was off the hook. Its really good to see people in the city getting into more then just boring ass techno and actually dancing.

B)What is the biggest fashion faux pas you've commited?
M)making my Itialian Grandma buy me a NWA shirt when I was 10 that said "nigga's with attitude"

B)Is there anything you would never wear?
M)cowboy chaps. ill leave that for Seth Troxler.

Faust @ MOCAD

2009-10-06T16:50:00.006-04:00

From: MOCAD

Legendary progressive rockers, Faust, offer a very special performance in Detroit for the first time ever! Often considered one of the most “out there” groups of the 1970’s, Faust ‘s live performances are more than simple rock concerts. They are interactive, staged events; replete with projections, live painting, power tools and the inimitable sounds of Faust. The live Faust sound cannot be encapsulated, wandering from space-age, ambient drone, to one chord symphonies and psyche-rock infused electronica. Faust’s first appearance in Detroit promises to be a memorable and singular experience.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 7PM
With special guests Indian Jewelry
Admission: $16.00 | all ages
4454 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48201

Dopplereffekt in Wire Magazine

2009-10-05T23:28:00.017-04:00

While doing library preparation work, I discovered the October issue of Wire Magazine had featured Dopperleffekt's first ever face to face interview. Since 1995, Dopplereffekt has seen a rotating cast of members with mainstay Gerald Donlad, who is thought to be one-half of the legendary mythological Drexciyan outfit - as well as inspiration to countless electro acts including Ectomorph.

This article is an interesting read which sheds a light on the very inner concept of the duo's futuristic music. A break from the historically pronouncements of Drexciya, Dopplereffekt shifted gears immediately after James Stinson's death and began reinterpreting their sound as purely science based, seeking to create music defined by the evolution of social constructs through a highly technologically advanced society. That's where many of the references to quantum theories and particle physic serve their purpose.

This 2-page feature also does an admirable job blurring the lines between human and alien races. If you were on the fence regarding the psychological evolution of enigmatic figures like Stinson and Donald, whose careers as electronic musicians have been overwhelmingly shrouded in secrecy, than this article helps to expand your imagination regarding these mysterious figures. view the entire article here.

In addition, this wonderful tribute set celebrating the 7th anniversary of James Stinson's passing, was found posted at the Drexciya Research Lab and is highly recommended. Download here.

Record Stores: Out of Sight, Not Obsolete

2009-09-30T17:27:00.010-04:00

The modern age of technological advancements have shifted the way in which we gain access to our musical inspirations, drastically. As the digital era of music distribution has made it leaps and bounds easier to purchase your favorite album online, we've seem a dramatic decrease in the number of records store across the country - the unfortunate dark-side of supply and demand economics. However, a New York record store owner had found a micro-niche in the demand for records, which, believe it or not, is still highly in-demand as we become more inundated in newer technologies. This recent article from the NY Times talks about Charlie Grappone's make-shift record shop that has gained significant attention since his initial store closed in 2007. Read the article, here.

Ron Zakrin Exhibition

2009-09-26T17:02:00.005-04:00

From: 323 East

Ron Zakrin has been a creative force in Detroit's artistic community since the mid-nineties - a period when the city was riding the crest of an electronic music wave then sweeping the world. His earliest paintings were meant to complement both that music and his own personal contributions as a recording artist (under the name Goudron); since that time his canvases have become more ambitious and are recognized nationally for both their originality and their (frequently) haunting savagery. Zakrin is an artist with a deep desire to probe deeply beneath the skin - and his skills are as much "surgical" as they are aesthetic.

Zakrin is a special guest artist conducting an exhibition this weekend hosted by 323 East and his solo flight will bring his career up-to-date and will also augment a growing critical reputation here and abroad. You can catch his opening exhibition this Saturday including special dj sets from Dethlab, Brendan M. Gillen, Ian Ammons.

Saturday Night Main Events

2009-09-25T15:29:00.004-04:00

Black Devil Disco Club (Lo Recordings/France)
Scott Zacharias (Macho City)
Mike Tee (Macho City)

Saturday September, 26th
The Magic Stick
4120 woodward Ave
Detroit, MI
9pm
$15

Solvent (Ghostly/Morr Music/Suction Records)
JDSY (Ghostly/Moodgadget/Self-shown)
Madis One
+ more

Saturday September, 26th
The Old Miami
3930 Cass Ave
Detroit, MI
10pm
$5

Fact Mix 84 - Lusine

2009-09-23T20:42:00.008-04:00

Fact Magazine has called upon experimental electronica wizard, Lusine for the latest in the online magazine's mix series. This is probably one of the best sets we've heard in recent memory which fits the mold of idm, ambient, pop and broken beat. Alongside of heavy hitters like Flying Lotus, Boards of Canada and Luke Vibert, this mix is riddled with some of Lusine's own personal gems, particularly those which are featured on his newest album from Ghostly International, entitled A Certain Distance. The album is available in a vinyl/download combination and we highly suggest you order yourself a copy. Quite Possibly the best he's had to offer yet.

View the tracklisting and download the lastest Fact mix from Lusine, here.

Krautrock: Cosmic Rock And Its Legacy

2009-09-21T10:56:00.004-04:00

From: Dusseldorf Hbf

Coming in October, published by Black Dog Publishing - Nikolaos Kotsopoulos' 192 page book "Krautrock: Cosmic Rock and Its Legacy". And the foreword seems to be written by none other than Steven Stapleton from Nurse With Wound. And David Tibet/Current 93 is also in it. Interesting.

Here's the sales pitch:

Krautrock charts the history of this influential music genre, from its roots in free jazz, psychedelia and the music of Karlheinz Stockhausen, to the groundbreaking experiments of Faust, Kraftwerk and Can.

The late 1960s in West Germany was a period of profound breakthroughs, upheavals and reversals. Communes were spreading, protests organised throughout the entire country, the desire to begin everything anew permeating the young. Out of this climate, a music scene exploded that would forever change the face of Western rock; at times anarchic, at others mystical, and utopian, it pushed rock beyond any known limits.

From the relentless drum beating of Amon Duul I, to the eastern tinged mysticism of Popol Vuh and the sonic assaults of Conrad Schnitzler, Krautrock: Cosmic Rock and Its Legacy traces the history of this complex and eschewing definition phenomenon.

Illustrated with concert photos, posters, record cover art and other rare and previously unseen visual material, this book is the ultimate tour-de-force of a movement whose influence and impact is still being felt today. With essays by Michel Faber, David Keenan, Erik Davis, Ken Hollings, a foreword by Steven Stapleton of Nurse with Wound, and testimonials from Gavin Russom (Delia and Gavin), Ann Shenton (Add N to (x)) and David Tibet (Current 93) this is the first ever comprehensive survey of its kind.

For the Love of Our Block

2009-09-16T16:40:00.011-04:00

There are many reasons to adore the Woodbridge enclave of Detroit - its proximity to a prestigious university, the neighborly demeanor, its collection of artists and music geeks - just to name a few. On the flip-side, it would be grossly naive not to acknowledge the pitfalls and tribulations of residing in any Detroit neighborhood. You're still subjected to the everyday petty crime element that permeates the city's culture, like car-thefts and b&e. That's just our way of life, Holmes! What does make our hood a little easier to cope with, however, are these humble cats - Andrew Beer and Robbie Budai - Lead-singer and guitarist of the Detroit Punk Band, Noman.

These community dudes reside right behind our very own domicile and over the past couple of years, have almost single-handily transformed our block from desolate to desirable. As most city-dwellers have observed, our block now serves as the figurative debutante for up and coming Detroit neighborhoods and one local media outlet has finally taken notice. Laurie Smolenski from the Metro Times sat down with both Andrew and Robbie to talk about their beloved city. Read the entire article here.

Additionally, for those of you who are fans of Noman, you can catch their month long U.S. tour send-off this evening starting at 8pm. The event will be located at the Shack on Merrick, directly across from the Woodbridge Pub.

Ohhh My.......... A General Random Projection

2009-09-12T04:37:00.007-04:00

Various influences are swirling about, and over the past month, I've been gravitational pulled within a whirling dervish of that has force me to amalgamate these supreme beats. Telephone calls daily from my Dalai-Lama brother, a Dam-Funk future boogie introduction by goat boy secrets, and geographically limited freak phases has inclined me to share a few of these recent inspirations. Check it!

Dally in the Alley 2009

2009-09-10T16:43:00.004-04:00

Dally History
What began as an inner city art fair in 1977 evolved into a performing arts festival when it was moved to its present alley and renamed in 1982 to DALLY IN THE ALLEY, the title of a medieval drinking song. Great musical talent, good beer and a remarkable string of fabulous September weather has indelibly marked the alley at Second and Forest in Detroit ’s Cass Corridor as the site of the best music festival in the Midwest .

Gary Grimshaw designed the first Dally poster in 1982, featuring Brian Taylor’s dancing cats, replicas of which grace a garage wall at Third and Forest . Gary also created the 1986 and 1997 posters. Other recent Dally poster artists include Steven Goodfellow (1996), Glen Barr (1998), Kevin Stanislowski (1999), Mary Iverson (2000), Jerome Ferretti (2001), and Shades (2002). The 2005 Dally Poster was designed by Mark Heggie.

Both the quality and quantity of the food and art vendors has significantly improved since our 1977 beginnings, and more than 100 participants sell food, beer and things one can only find in the Cass Corridor.

The Dally takes place this Saturday and is a free festival. view the lineup of performers here.