Michael Kucyk
Test Pressing – A Random Function #1
Good to see regular contributions are rolling in over here. The Blackmail now returns to my list of daily visits alongside London based Test Pressing. Run by Paul Byrne, who produces music and DJs under the alias of Apiento, the multi-faceted Test Pressing documents the past, present and future of Balearic culture. It’s expansive offering covers everything from scanned magazine articles from 70/80/90s music bibles, features on record sleeve designers Jean-Paul Goude, Barney Bubbles and Andy Warhol, taped BBC6 transmissions, audio documentaries, reports on new balearic inclined releases and a growing archive of mixtapes contributed by the world’s finest. There’s certainly something in there for everyone and don’t be overwhelmed if you’ve come in late – Paul has just launched a pdf compendium of site highlights including chats with Compass Point Allstar Wally Badarou and former Cafe Del Mar DJ Phil Mison as well as photos spreads of Factory’s Hacienda and Keith Haring visiting The Le Mans 24 Hour in 1984. Load it on your ipad and find a nice tree to spend the afternoon under!
DJ YAMANTAKA EYE
Together with Bamboo Musik, we are proud to be bringing one of our all time heroes YAMANTAKA EYE to Australia in January for a special selection of DJ dates.
If you’re not making the connection, EYE has been the driving force behind Japanese psychedelic overlords Boredoms since the group’s inception in 1986. A versatile yet instantly identifiable mixed-media artist, he exists across a wide palette as a musician, performer and visual artist. Through his DJ practice, EYE extends the same creative brain that propels his iconic super group with an unpredictable mix of dance music, punk culture and popular retro rock, mastering a weird fusion of club experience and sound art performance. Releasing seven staggered studio albums, EYE’s highly influential and always evolving ensemble has stemmed various incarnations, spin-offs, collaborations and close associations with the likes of Sonic Youth, Matt Groening, Ween, Battles and Beck. On July 7, 2007, EYE famously orchestrated 77Boadrum which featured a synchronised drumming circle of 77 percussionists including many leading lights of modern avant garde rock.
Be witness to this next chapter of EYE’s illustrious history!
9 January – Keystone Festival Bar, Sydney Festival (w/ Deerhoof)
13 January – Bamboo Musik @ Mercat X, Melbourne
14 January – Sugar Mountain Festival @ The Forum, Melbourne
