Scott Walker... A Walking Nightmare

Recently, a few nights ago, I found a film I've been searching for 4 years. I was told it was the scariest movie ever made. I figured I could handle it. I thought I have seen enough scary movie's in my time to say that there is no such thing. Well... until just a few days ago I was wrong. The movie... Begotten. Silent, black and white, low fidelity, and horrifying images I could never conceive in my own mind.

As I watched the movie all I could think about was a musician named Scott Walker. His words, his music, and his voice is what the movie needed in order to produce a "Ring" like effect.
I suggest to all those who think they can withstand the intensity of an audible nightmare, listen to Scott Walker.

He was once a pop singer in the 60's with the Walker Brothers, and when he withdrew from his group he came across a startling journey of Avant Garde music. This journey has led him to his most recent work known as The Drift released in 2003.
I still cannot get through three songs without almost pissing myself. However I feel that the man is a genious.

Good Luck if you decide to take the chance. I suggest you do.

GET THE ALBUM
and Enjoy!

Live Painting Performance by Cern YMI

VINYL LIFE L.E.S Performance

courtesy of WashMachine

Good Life Video

Vinyl Life live @ Pacha NYC | Directed by Washmachine

Live performances to check out

Godfather James Brown does "Sunny" | Sickest dance solo...


Squarepusher 1996

Date Changed! Studio Mezmor now June 16th

The Studio Mezzmor performance is now Saturday June 16th. Email: list@vinyllife.com for comps b4 midnight.

Iggy Pop & The Stooges

Sent in by WashMachine:

The Stooges' early musical experiments were more avant garde than punk rock, with Iggy incorporating such household objects as a vacuum cleaner and a blender into an intense wall of feedback that one observer described as sounding like "an airplane was landing in the room." Homemade instruments were also incorporated to flesh out the overall sound. The 'Jim-a-phone' involved pushing feedback through a funnel device which was raised and lowered to achieve the best effect. There was also a cheap Hawaiian guitar which Iggy and guitarist Ron Asheton would take turns in plucking to produce a simulated sitar drone, while drummer Scott Asheton pounded away at a set of oil drums with a ball hammer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stooges

Show Saturday June 16th

Vinyl Life will be performing on the main stage at NYC's biggest venue - Studio Mezmor. There will be a DJ set by Ohzee & Butcha to start the night off and live performance at 1 am. Visuals by WashMachine. Email: list@vinyllife.com for comps till midnight

Jeff Mills wants to borrow your 909

The following is my contribution to Club Systems Magazine's "100 More Moments That Changed the Club World" issue:

In the early 80's, the Roland Corporation of Japan manufactured two drum machines that would change the history of electronic music. The now legendary TR-808 (1980) and TR-909 (1984) have provided the signature drum sounds for more house, techno, and hip-hop records than any other drum box, but it wasn't until a few years after their creation that their impact was truly felt and their potential recognized. Originally created to sound like real a real drum set, these analog beasts were at first looked down upon and weren't favored by producers at the time when compared to the realistic sounding digital samples of the Linn LM-1. Because of this, the early house and techno producers were able to pick up a 909 for cheap. The depth and punch of the bass drums were perfect for rocking dance floors. This drum kit eventually became the sound of techno.

I personally bought my 909 for $850 a few years back and recently had the honor of lending it to Detroit techno legend Jeff Mills in my hometown of NYC. I received a call from a friend that worked at a venue where he was playing for his Blue Potential tour. With 5 days before his performance, the club was unable to find a 909 to fulfill his rider. I was paid $50 to lend my baby to the Wizard. During his set I heard those toms come in and I knew it was on. I rushed behind the booth to get a glimpse of what he was doing and let me tell you the man was killing it on that machine and it sounded GOOD. Better than any record I have ever heard in a club. He was sequencing it on the fly and working the knobs. The crowd was going crazy. There is something about those synthesized, analog sounds coming straight from the source that no sample library can ever faithfully re-create. I left that night with a new perspective on sound, production, and sequencing – and Jeff Mills's signature on my TR-909. For those of you that still don't get it, I can only equate this to being a guitarist and lending Hendrix your axe. Respect.

Phil Moffa
VINYL LIFE

Welcome to Vinyl Life Music blog

This blog was created by Vinyl Life as a resource for musicians and fans with a focus on live electronic performances. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute. Email Us

Within this blog you will find info about gear, performances, music reviews, interviews, and much more. We will also keep you updated on our performances and work in the studio. Check out our bio below.

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NYCs VINYL LIFE is a live electronic house music group using only hardware both in the studio and on stage. Their aesthetic is very analog and old school. This "gear-only" philosophy gives them a sound like no other. The name VINYL LIFE is not about turntable purism or the preservation of a medium. "It's about a life-style.", explains producer Phil Moffa a.k.a. The Butcha. "We grew up hanging out in clubs and djing. Our heroes are alive in our record collections. VINYL LIFE will give that back to our audiences by creating live house and techno on real drum machines with analog synthesizers." Harlem born MC Phaze Future of Smash Mechanics controls the mic with a unique voice and smooth style. Keyboards are played buy multi-instrumentalist and DJ Richie Roxx. Rhythmic layers and sound FX are contributed by DJ Ohzee.

VINYL LIFE's studio tracks have a live feel because they are produced by in a dub style - the mixing board is the main instrument. Live manipulation of effects and synths are standard. The VINYL LIFE crew contributes with real-time performances of their instruments. While computers can be a useful studio tool, VINYL LIFE prefers using tangible gear whether it's knob turning, spitting vocals, or bringing the beats in live.

Right now the VINYL LIFE crew is building an album and incorporating the new tracks into the live set. To see them live is an experience. Club audiences love seeing VINYL LIFE create live house music on stage with an energy and vibe that no single DJ could supply.