by Adam J. Naworal, Professor Of Swamp Studies
Read, look and listen to Hal McGee's report on Apartment Music #30 show
by clicking on the pic above
Aimee and I arrived at Hal's a bit after noon for the festivities. We were greeted by him and Dylan Houser, and then by the other participants as they made it there. Much fun was had, many jokes and stories and good discussions were made, and then it was showtime!
Dylan Houser — A slightly creepy electro-acoustic soundscape. The repeating vocal sample reciting "Things evolve in swamps" was a perfect opener for the sets. Dylan's four-stringed guitar with added alligator clips ("things evolve in swamps", alligator clips...... I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE!) provided some nifty dark ambient-esque touches. I really enjoy this new direction Dylan is pursuing and encourage him to develop this even further. As it stands this is great stuff!
Hal Harmon (as Vasectomy Party) — Huh! After hearing mostly harsh works from Double H Bluto Electronics, he surprised us greatly with a very atmospheric set! The use of a Language Master card reader was particularly inspired! I was enthralled and captivated by the mix of card-driven sounds and other electronics. Again, I would love to hear more of this from Double H (perhaps I just haven't found other material like this?)
Lumen K -- The always entertaining Lumen K delivered with what I can only describe as minimal electronics meets Beefheartian vocals. A fun and surprisingly bluesy experience! Lumen really knows how to engage his audience and does so with aplomb. I'd love to see him do this kinda thing as a series of videos or such. He's THAT entertaining.
Shatter Wax (as Fiver's Stereo) -- EXCELLENT multimedia experience! Jay played a video of him encountering manatees whilst tubing/ snorkeling while improvising on a snorkel and a Micromoog synthesizer. Truly immersive audio-visual goodness that I am glad to have witnessed. Lumen helped out by holding a political poster of Jay Peele's design.
Tomokie's Cup -- This is me and Aimee Grace Naworal, so I ain't gonna review ourselves XD You tell me how we did, dear reader; fair?
Jeremiah Paddock (as Shapes With No Names) -- A great electronic experience! Jeremiah's work is always enthralling in a downtempo way, and this was no exception. For what it's worth, this was my first time meeting him and his wife in person (Emily Mann) and both were super friendly and gracious; they even gave us three mini-comics they made! Great to meet my fellow EC writers in person ?
Penny Grune-Fae -- Florida's queen of ambient noise does it again! I cannot praise the talent of Penny enough. Whether she's making visual or audio art, she always succeeds. This set was no exception. One of our friends compared her work to gamelan in a rainforest; I think that's the best and most flattering description possible. Much love to our noise sistah!
Hal McGee -- Last but not least, the man of the hour, the genius behind EC and Apartment Music and HalTapes, Hal McGee himself! Contributing a very low-key but effective improvisation on Korg Minilogue, Hal ended an amazing even on a high note. Like I expected anything less. He's Hal mofo McGee donchaknow!
Afterwards, much discussion and such was had (and Stanley made it clear he disapproved of us smelling like our cats) before Aimee and I once again shuffled (or is it schnuffled?) back to Jacksonville, feeling like our time in Gainesville was most certainly well-spent. This weekend (10/20 to be precise), we're performing at Apartment Music 31. Expect another abstract-ish report from yours truly!
12 Comments
Rafael González
10/18/2018 12:47:44
Magnificent analysis of AM30. I love your t-shirt!
Reply
Adam J Naworal
10/21/2018 18:13:34
Thanks on both counts, Rafael!
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Rafael González
10/21/2018 18:46:10
My pleasure! Always!
Jeremiah Paddock
10/18/2018 13:19:42
What an excellent recap! I thought it was a great show and it was great to perform with such a fun group.
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Adam J Naworal
10/21/2018 18:13:19
Thanks and it was awesome meeting you and Emily in person :D
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Lumen K
10/18/2018 20:00:44
Lovely, well written description of the AM 30 experience. Your set with Aimee was the epitome of experimental swamp music. I felt like I was a gator peeking up over the waterline, taking in the reeds and cedar trees, looking for my next meal as I listened to you guys. Bravo for the article, and bravo for an amazing set!
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Adam J Naworal
10/21/2018 18:12:58
Thanks so much for the great compliment/description, Lumen!
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Dylan Houser
10/19/2018 08:14:28
I actually didn't think of the whole "alligator clip"/swamp connection there. Probably because I refer to them as "roach clips" instead! 😂
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Dylan Houser
10/19/2018 08:17:16
Also, I've seen Vasectomy Party play more low-key sets plenty of times. It's about an equal balance these days. There was one set he did last year in Atlanta which sounded more like a Carpenter-esque film score! https://youtu.be/LpBN3PFy8u8
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Adam J Naworal
10/21/2018 18:12:18
I stand corrected on both counts! Thanks, Dylan!
Leslie Singer
10/20/2018 22:11:03
Adam, Thanks for your commentary. I’ve been enjoying the Apartment 30 album. Sounds like a great time had by all. Keep those good vibrations going!
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Adam J Naworal
10/21/2018 18:12:35
Thanks so much for reading and appreciating this, Leslie!
Reply
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