Monstrous Media!

I know it’s been some time now but I wanted to let all of my devoted readers in on the full goings-on that went down last Saturday at the Tender Loving Empire Compilation Release Party/Second Birthday Party. The night went over very well with yours truly, as the host for the evening, making everything go as smoothly as possible, organizing the live art, and giving away all kinds of goodies.

Reporter opened the set powerfully with their own brand of energetic late 80’s punk influenced dance-rock. It was still a bit early, with their set opening at 6:30 but someone had to start the party. Reporter certainly stepped up to the challenge and delivered.

Alberta from Reporter

Next up was Gratitilluim. These guys are fresh; they play psychedelic folk rock about animals. A lively set kept the crowd involved and they satisfied my personal urges to hear their track that appears on the TLE Comp, “Monkey Play”.

A strange bird man cues samples effectively for Gratitillium

I had arranged for there to be live screen printing demos going on throughout the night. The only catch was that participants had to provide their own items to be printed on, i.e. take of their shirts. This was a huge success throughout the night with something like 50 prints pulled.

Alex and Andrew work the screen printing station.

Super XX man wooed the crowd with his musically therapeutic tunes. The bass player’s bass was a bit out out of tune for the majority of their set but it didn’t seem to bother anyone.

Super XX Man and his Glockenspeil gal.

These guys are 'tards.

After a round of give-aways, jokes, and sing-alongs, World’s Greatest Ghosts took the stage. These guys were GREAT. Despite the generally bad sound that Backspace (the venue) provides, the levels were balanced and they rocked out. World’s Greatest Ghosts plays an up-beat variety of rock often sprinkled with synths and harmonies; right up my alley..

Can you see my psychedellic goo in the background?

The one man band, Boy Eats Drum Machine, never ceases to amaze me. His live performance consists of just him, cutting live samples straight off of vinyl, whilst simultaneously playing saxophone and singing all the hooks. He is capable of building his songs right there on stage, complete with tv monitors showing the audience his hands as he crafts. The outcome is soulful, beat-oriented, experimental dance music; good stuff.

BEDM cuttin that shit

The live artists (ELONA!) painting while Boy Eats Drum Machine goes nuts

Next up was Mr. Jared Mees himself with all his Grown Children. Jared gave a stellar performances, as usual, fueling the fire as the birthday party went into the night. I was drawing on stage during this set so my memory of it is a bit blurred. I was using the energy from stage and putting it right onto the page, I think I blacked out.

Jared Mees with trippy psychedelic goo behind his mug.

Me, next to my second drawing of the night, during Jared Mees and the Grown Children.

Mega*Church closed the show, as it could not have happened any other way. Their set was the most perfect culmination of everything; the evening, the nusto week organizing everything with the party, and the last few months putting the Comp together that made all this possible. I was elated. They speak to the crowd as if you are attending a motivational speaking ceremony, or more appropriately, a church service. They place dance music but it’s not just drum and bass: it carries with it a positive, unifying message. It left everyone feeling content, satisfied and sweaty. Thank you Mega*Church.

This guy might be insane.

The end of the night.

And that about does it for my recap of the night. If you want to see more photos check out the full photo stream here.

You can also get the newly released compilation, Friends and Friends of Friends Vol. 2, designed and orchestrated by ME for only 8 bucks from the Tender Loving Empire online store here.