Bass player, multi-instrumentalist, and experimental sound artist looking for other musicians interested in creating something unusual, noisy, unpredictable, and occasionally grotesque.
I'm interested in putting together a band or experimental musical collective somewhere in northeastern Pennsylvania. I'm not particularly interested in playing covers, reproducing somebody else's sound, or following conventional song structures. I want to find musicians who are creative, adventurous, reasonably competent with their instruments, and interested in seeing what happens when different musical ideas collide.
My background includes bass, guitar, electronic instruments, percussion, and experimental composition. I use extensive effects processing, signal splitting, unconventional techniques, and layered instrumentation to create evolving sonic environments. Sometimes the results are melodic and hypnotic. Sometimes they're abrasive, rhythmic, industrial, dissonant, or downright ugly.
I like all of those possibilities.
Musically, I'm somewhere in the enormous territory between experimental noise rock, industrial, no wave, free jazz, psychedelic improvisation, avant-garde electronics, and absurdist performance art.
Think elements of Swans, Mr. Bungle, The Residents, Einstürzende Neubauten, Lightning Bolt, John Zorn, Can, Ween, Fred Frith, and whatever happens when a malfunctioning industrial machine encounters an underground jazz ensemble.
I'm especially interested in finding:
Drummers: Strong rhythmic instincts, capable of anything from repetitive tribal grooves to chaotic, aggressive percussion.
Guitarists: Comfortable with distortion, feedback, unusual chords, improvisation, and exploring sounds beyond conventional rock riffs.
Horn players: Saxophone, trombone, trumpet, or other brass and woodwinds. Free jazz, dissonance, and unconventional arrangements are welcome.
Electronic musicians: Synthesizers, samplers, effects, experimental percussion, sound manipulation, and general electronic misbehavior.
Vocalists / performers: Spoken word, theatrical vocals, absurdist storytelling, strange characters, or anything that brings another dimension to the music.
I'm open to other instruments and approaches, too. If you play something unusual, even better.
The idea isn't to have everyone make random noise. I'm interested in musicians who can listen to one another, establish patterns, build layers, improvise, and allow compositions to develop organically. Sometimes a piece might become surprisingly melodic. Sometimes it might sound like an entire municipal wastewater treatment plant collapsing into a sinkhole.
Both are acceptable outcomes.
I don't have a predetermined lineup or musical formula. I'd rather find two or three interesting people, start experimenting, and see what develops. Eventually, I'd be interested in recording original material and possibly performing live.
Age, background, appearance, and conventional musical credentials aren't particularly important. Creativity, curiosity, reliability, and an ability to work with other musicians matter much more. A sense of humor is highly desirable.
I'm not interested in chasing commercial success, but I do want to make something worth listening to, even if most people find it absolutely horrible.
Location: Pittston / Scranton / Wilkes-Barre area, with some flexibility for the right musicians.
I have recordings of my own experimental compositions available and would be happy to share examples.
If this sounds interesting, tell me what you play, what kinds of experimental music you enjoy, and what you'd like to create.