The13th AÑO: 3
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NÚMERO 34
UNA R E VISTA IMA GINARIA
JOEL GION
THE WEDDING PRESENT THE STARGAZER LILIES | DEAD GURUS | ELECTRIC FLOOR PALE DÏAN | DANIEL JONES MARTY WILLSON-PIPER | ALL THAT MUSICALS | MUCHO MÁS...
[ Interview with Jason Edmonds of Dead Gurus by BenjamĂn York Translated by Rodrigo Debernardis ]
HIT US UP!
Thank you for accepting this interview. First we go with the name of the band, Why Dead Gurus? The concept of all the Gurus of the past have like travelled over to another dimension, but they are able to cross back here, watching and making shit happen. So take care of your karma or whatever According to Press Release. Dead Gurus started as a solo Project. How did the other members join? They are old friends of mine from the Minneapolis music scene. Bennett and Cole are from the band Daughters of the Sun, and both were also later in a band called Dreamweapon (not the Portuguese band of the same name) Nobody shreds guitar like Bennett so we was a gimme and wherever Bennett goes Cole is usually there too. Cole is on bass now, he’s a natural musician who can play pretty much anything. Ryan Garbes is a dude from Iowa who was in a band called Wet Hair, He’s a great drummer. I've heard the long track they've recorded for "DRONE NOT DRONES”. Is it an improvisation or
does the song have a name? Drone Not Drones is an annual fundraiser that goes down here in Minneapolis to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. 25 hours of continuous drone with loads of different musicians doing 30 minute sets, coming and going seamlessly. What we did last year is based on a chant for the Hindu Goddess of Music and Science, Saraswati. ACID BENCH will be released on February 17th, 2017, their debut album. How do you feel about the end result? We feel good about it, it’s a trip for sure. Very limited pressing on white opaque vinyl with black haze. Make sure you get over to Wrong Way Records and pick up a copy before they’re long gone. The feeling that makes me listen to Acid Bench, is a sonorous, enveloping mantra that mesmerizes me with each chord. Energizing and at the same time introspective. But with lots of energy. Is the effect sought by the band? Well, that’s the thing about music, it’s subjective. I wanted the album to get straight to the point without
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hesitation, like, here comes the assault, get on board or get out of the way.
WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT EACH TRACK. A TRACK BY TRACK.
Vibrations Cruisin in the van through Death Valley during a solar eclipse.
Mistress X That girl you can’t wait to see again.
Serpent Fire Here she comes, The Child of the Moon.
Celestial Fuzz True love will find you in the end.
Song for Saraswati Homage to the Goddess of Music.
Starlight Sisters Two girls who are best friends stargazing in the desert.
Black Silk She’s got the Magick Key.
The whole album is a journey that has a beginning and an end, at least that's what I felt. Is there a pre-established concept from the conception of the album? I’m into the idea that it’s possible to raise vibrations and expand consciousness thru white noise and feedback, similar to the concept of binaural beats, if you know what I mean. So, maybe Acid Bench is like a meditation album for people who like guitars. In December we interviewed Sean Laffan from Psychoactiv. And looking at the videos he has made for the band, do the video footage fit the idea of Dead
Gurus? I’ve never met Sean or spoken to him about what my vision is. His interpretation is what it is. I try to stay open minded. The dude is just out there doing his thing on his own time. I don’t like to be controlling or restrictive with fan videos. It’s a drag. I’d rather give him the freedom to do his thing. To end. What are the plans for 2017? We have an album release party in St. Paul MN at the Turf Club on March 8th. We are working on a Europe tour for September 2017 and hope to tour in the US as well! Also, we’re starting the recordings for the next album this spring. Hit us up!
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The13th U NA R EVISTA IMA GINA RIA