The Decibel guys back in Seattle have been hyping their lineup for months now. Here’s my advice. Sean Horton and Jerry Abstract are two of the key guys; friends for a long time. I think both from near Detroit. They love techno and if from Detroit that makes sense. The technology for laptop music became affordable several years back and they leaped into it. So they are both laptop laptop techno oriented.

The first few years of the Decibel Festival were influenced by this. Nothing wrong with that, it was natural for them. But something that an attendee should keep in mind. They are not neutral curators, instead biased performers with a good knowledge base about electronic music. You will continue to see a strong influence of that music style as well as performances by them or their close friends in the festival even this year.

I do praise for pulling the festival together. No one else was going to do it as the public Seattle electronic scene has been sputtering near death since 2001. Once the stock market bubble crashed and people didn’t have extra money anymore, the audience didn’t go out as much. Artists didn’t have as much money to buy equipment. Bars didn’t experiment or pay performers. And unfortunately, that event six years ago has still seriously dampened the scene in Seattle.

However, Seattle loves festivals. It makes people think they are getting a good “bang for their buck”. They’ll take off their Teva sandals, dust off their tennis shoes, and go to a bar to hear a fest-i-val! Weeee. Sometimes, festivals like Decibel pay off; sometimes not. In this case, they bring in artists rarely seen in the town of Seattle. They bring the couch potatoes out to listen to music that is not played on MTV, VH1, or commercial radio. They bring a glimmer of light.

The Decibel Festival lineup is available. Look it over. After hearing about their lineup announcements for months, here are my picks and cautions.

• Henry DB Art Gallery opening. Its electronic music in a modern art gallery. What’s not to love for $10. Lusine is performing and you can see “COLORFIELD VARIATIONS”.
• DB opening part/death of party w/ Diplo, Switch, and Simian Mobile Disco. $17 is pushing it.
• Beyond bookings/ NYC showcase. I’ve heard Wolf + Lamb in New York. Mostly minimal laptop tech, but its ok. Not worth the $20 though.
• Future Funk Showcase. Its got another live set by Jacob London. I love these guys and deserve support. Its worth the $12. DJ Heather is also performing but she’s not my fav anymore.
• Sunday headfuk showcase/db finale has Chris De Luca of Funkstörung and Shitkatatpult’s Phon.o. I like both Funkstorung and Phon.o and recommend checking out their collaboration/batter here. The PR says, “…with a spirited live set of glitched out accapellas, booty bass and the filthiest break beats you’re likely to ever hear.” I’d pay the $20 just to hear what mayhem they might create
• Claude VonStroke is performing at the Mothership Label Showcase for $20. I think too much money but if you like his sound, check it out.

Yesterday, July 8th, was the first annual Figment celebration of art and creative culture held 10 minutes from New York City on Governors Island. I volunteered to help the group out and it was a blast. Smooth running. However, over a thousand (1000+) people couldn’t get on the island because we were overwhelmed with happy people that wanted to come out. We had writeups in the New York Times, Time Out New York, AM New York, and more. For those that did make it on the island, they had the opportunity to ride metal and tire tread horses, learn African dance routines, get their faces painted, listen to music, dance to electrifying DJs, watch medieval swordplay, admire beautiful artwork and experienced dozens of other projects and activities.

Pictures are here.

On Sunday, I bought a ticket to see the Extra Action Marching Band on June 22nd at the Knitting Factory in NYC. A new friend I met online gave the latter props and suggested we go together. Turns out, my subletor (weird word, huh?) is in the Hungry March Band. They’re going on a European tour next month; that’s why I get the sublet for a month. I wonder if they’re coastal rivals or collaborators?

What’s up with the marching bands? Suddenly, I’m noticing them everywhere. Even Seattle had the The Infernal Noise Brigade (RIP 2006).

Last night I went to hear Rebecca West aka Red Pony aka Miss Kick perform her first public live electronic set at Oscillate. She’s an absolute master at vinyl; playing in the chunky tech-house realm. Recently, though, she’s been producing her own music. It was great to talk with her and her paramour Brett Johnson. Then to hear her new music live and composed uniquely for the night using Ableton Live and keyboard.

Last night was a show filled with hippies, freaks, burners, and others that love freak beats. Lorin Bassnectar stopped in Seattle on his west coast tour for his new record release, Underground Communication. It was lots of fun. Here’s a new friend that I made there; she’s a performance artist. Also, a short video of the show.

[Update] I removed the video that I took of the show because its really great but gave away too much of the magic of the tour. I’d rather keep the show’s surprise and power so I might post it later this year after the tour.

Ooah, on the left, is a favorite music producer and DJ of mine. He’s in the glitch, glitch-hop, and IDM realm. He’s got a solo and group career; also associated with The Glitch Mob. For my show “4 Seasons” in March 2007, I brought up The Seedling Escape (Ooah and Kitty-D). Great performance. So, I just read that Ooah has a new mix out and I’m listening now. Thumbs-up! Get it while the gettin’s good.