Techno for Luddites

BOB MOOG'S BIRTHDAY
Clan Analogue celebrates
Hopetoun Hotel
Sunday 23 May


This has been a week of amazing live music for me. Just when I start giving up on the Sydney scene, turning to internet radio for most of my entertainment needs, things change.

Clan Analogue celebrated it's geeky roots yesterday in homage to Moog. Everyone dragged their synths out. Freeman Lowell, appearing as Valley Forge kicked off the live electro with one solid, chunky track after another. The mood of the night stayed up with Lunar Module, Electroteque, Bleepin DJs and Dsico.

We had a few technical problems at the beginning of our set, but once it was sorted, I feel that we pulled out one of our most powerful live shows yet as a group. We're still adapting to working with Robbie's drumming, getting to know each other musically. Last night we were fusing as a band, with Robbie proudcing some pretty tricky, catchy grooves.

Severed Heads ended the night in style. Tom Ellard's audiovisual show took my mind to so many different spaces. The clarity of the video and soundscapes leapt out at the audience. He's a true master of his art.

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Other highlights of the week were playing with Metal Dog and the Werewolves at the Annandale Hotel. OK, it was mid-week and raining, but people still had a great time. At first I thought the mixing of electronic and heavy rock styles wouldn't work, but it seemed to come off somehow. And boy, does Metal Dog know how to push that PA!

Then on Thursday I saw the Rockafella's from Wollongong playing at Spectrum. Hammering out song after song, these guys have a punk edge and attitude I haven't experienced for ages. Rob Younger popped up to join the band for an encore, belting out MC5 and Stooges tracks. Oh, the fun.

posted by deprogram @ 6:37 PM

Sitting down to do some music now - I've ditched the Nord for the time being and am reverting to all the soft synths I can find in Linux land. The last few days have been huge, and I feel a bit dull and lifeless after a demanding week. In this sort of mood I need to just plonk myself in front of the computer and start recording until things begin to to take shape.

Our talented muso friend Mark has offered us a gig at the Annandale Hotel next Wednesday night May 18, supporting his new band Metal Dog. We will be playing in the middle of the night, sandwiched between two punk thrash bands. Considering the growing craze for 'electro punk' maybe this strange combination might just work. I quite like that well-tuned PA at the Annandale. It will be great to return since our last gig there in 2001 with Tracky Dax.

posted by deprogram @ 12:54 PM

Last night I was involved in the live shooting of a TV pilot at the Comedy Store in Fox Studios. Organised by the amazingly dynamic host, Leisle, the show promotes emerging talent, providing an outlet for comedians, bands and entertainers of all persuasions to display their work in their own way. Rather than feature on 'Popstars' or 'Idol', in a controlled and artifical setting, the performers can actually do their own thing before the live studio audience.

After a hectic day of setting up, the whole crew came together, working seamlessly. The camera work, lighting, stage direction and performances all seemed to gel. I was doing vision mixing and directing the shots - one of the most adrenalin-charged and stressful things I have ever done. But what a buzz! Luckily, on this occasion I get to fix up some things in post, as I am also responsible for editing the footage into a tidy package.

The interaction with the audience worked really well, as their enthusiastic vibe really lifted the mood of the show. It's inspiring to see such a huge team effort come together, and I wish Leisle the best of luck in having her show 'Leisle's Late Nite Lounge' picked up by a commerical or pay tv network.

posted by deprogram @ 2:50 PM