2010, where to begin???
Its been a busy, BUSY 2010 thus far. Life changes with the seasons and the end of winter marked a definite productive upswing for me. Aside from DJ gigs becoming more regular, I’ve been writing and performing original music on a consistent basis, writing tracks for my upcoming EP “…at the end of it all” as well as experimenting with incorporating other musical styles and influences to the c.db.sn sound, moving further from the “industrial” and strictly “IDM” music elements while being careful to maintain a consistent aesthetic and not fall into the trappings of trends. I’ve made a concerted effort to push my live performances to new venues/crowds in attempt to broaden my audience beyond the scope of playing only for other electronic musicians. I hope the appeal of music that is both emotive and atmospheric translates to a wider audience, while maintaining a high tech aesthetic to please the hardcore glitch fans. Its a difficult balance to find, having so many early influences from extremely experimental music while attempting to broaden a listener base by creating more accessible sounds. Experimental music by nature is challenging and often creating more accessible music requires challenging listeners less; it’s a fine line to walk indeed.
Live performances have been instrumental in finding a proper balance of the experimental and accessible. I’m finding that catering performances to specific shows is effective as well as understanding just who it is one is playing for is integral in creating a performance that is both effective and engaging. For example, playing a show for Backwards Records Headquarters allows me to push things far further into the realm of noise than my next performance, this Sunday the 30th at the Larimer Lounge in Denver opening for ambient act Eluvium (yes, that would be what one calls a shameless self plug)
Playing a set geared towards Backwards Records for the Eluvium crowd would be one of those scenarios where an artist completely turns off an audience rather than engages. For the Eluvium show the idea will be to play up the intricate parts of the percussion, back off on the abrasiveness and play up the atmosphere. Same with my upcoming show opening for Solvent June 20th
(see what I did there??) For that show I’ll again be playing down the noise element, backing off on the atmosphere, playing up beats and perhaps even singing on a track or two (god forbid).
Regardless, its all a learning process and a growing process… if one is not learning and growing whats the point?
