‘Pay a visit to Eddo Stern’s office at UCLA and you’ll get a sense of why he’s become the poster child for one of the art world’s heated debates: should video games be considered an art form? The floor-to-ceiling shelves and the long tables that cut across his large studio are piled high with the stuff of many a working artist: paper, glue, cardboard, museum catalogs and art books. But you’ll also find boxes upon boxes of computing manuals, monitors, routers, and all kinds of electronics equipment. Here is an artist with an obsession for technology who spends much of his time making games.

‘Much of Stern’s work is about the tensions that exist around technology as a form of simulation that lies in contrast to realism, authenticity, and objectivity. In his early work, Stern was a pioneer of what became known as machinima, short form videos created from real-time footage captured from video games. Today the company Machinima.com in West Hollywood has the second most popular channel on YouTube, but when Stern was doing machinima the term had barely even been coined. In “Sheik Attack” (1999/2000), he used footage from computer games created in the mid-to-late 90s to recreate and critique his experience serving for the military in Israel where he grew up. He used military simulation games created in the U.S. — Command and Conquer, Soldier of Fortune — to make what amounts to both a documentary piece and a piece of appropriation art. In “Sheik Attack” he seems to critique Israeli ideology on the one hand, while exposing the games industry on the other. “A real problem for games and the games industry is that they want to capitalize on political tension and fantasies of war while never being held accountable for a specific point of view since everything is abstracted into fantastical versions of reality,” he says.

‘A central theme that wraps the entirety of Stern’s work is the paradox between people’s desire for technological mediation and a yearning for real, direct experience as well. “People want technology to do more and more things for them,” he says. “They increasingly want to spend time in mediated realities, yet they also yearn for unmediated experiences that are more real, more direct, more true, more honest.” For Stern, the central claims of technology — the very fantasy of technology — is that it will make things more real. One of his chief obsessions is the paradox that this can be achieved through more and more mediation and more layers of artifice.

‘Stern’s project in an on-going stage of development is a sensory deprivation game called “Darkgame” (2009/13), which is about to go into its fourth iteration. Projected onto a wall, the game requires players to wear physical headsets that provide haptic feedback allowing them to sense where they are in the game at any given time. The whole game design is premised on subverting the idea of role playing; the notion that you leave yourself behind when you enter into the framework of a game. What’s innovative here is that the attributes in the game that usually belong to your avatar are split between you as a human player and the avatar that you play. There are six resources in the game and three of them directly affect the player’s physical experience of the game. The players vision, hearing, and tactile senses can be dialed up or down. If you enhance your abilities as a player, your avatar’s abilities will be severely diminished and it can become fickle and unreliable. Or, vice versa, you can play the game by hardly being able to see, hear, or feel what you’re doing and your avatar will become a very powerful, almost autonomous super character. A year and half ago Stern started working with the Braille Institute in L.A. to develop a version of the game in which visually impaired players can play together in a network environment with non-visually impaired players. Stern is interested in using immersive technology to probe its own possibilities and limitations.’ — KCET

 

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Further

Eddo Stern Website
Eddo Stern @ Cargo Collective
Eddo Stern @ Postmasters Gallery
Eddo Stern @ Facebook
Eddo Stern @ The Influencers
‘Eddo Stern turns viewers into players’
‘Eddo Stern makes art-games about game-life.’
‘Games Without Frontiers’
Video: Vernissage TV: Eddo Stern
Eddo Stern interviewed @ Unedit my heart
Eddo Stern reviewed @ Artforum
‘Machinima By Eddo Stern’

 

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Extras

GamerNode interviews Eddo Stern

EDDO STERN @ Chapter Arts Center, Cardiff, Wales

Eddo Stern: New Works / Postmasters Gallery, New York

Gadget OK! Feb 19, 2010 : Eddo Stern

 

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Interview
from Game Scenes

What is your relationship to videogames?

Eddo Stern: I started playing and making computer games on an Apple II+ in the early 1980s. I was a member of the Be’er Sheva computer club, cracking games and doublesiding floppies with a round hole punch till someone built a square floppy disk nibbler. Some of my more memorable game playing experiences were with Autoduel, Timezone, Castle Wolfenstein, Aztec, Ruski Duck, Utlima, Zork, Drol, and Karateka. I’ve been interested in and studied math, philosophy and then art. In trying to combine all three, games eventually became the solution, a new “gesamtkunstwerk”. My earliest art work was installation focused. After that I worked with pretty high end VR for a few years – but VR seemed so stale compared to gaming culture, and I really like low tech tinkerering. I am very interested in total immersion but not in a strictly visual or haptic way – and I think my approach to gaming reflects this.

Were you a member of the now legendary collective C-level? What was the artsitgic fulcrum behind this highly influential group? And how did it start?

Eddo Stern: C-Level was both a group or people and an artist run space. I started with a few friends right after graduate school. The initial idea behind C-level was to create a space and working environment outside of school that mirrored the Integrated Media Lab at CalArts which most of us had shared. C-level was supposed to be a workspace that broke from the tradition of the segregated artist studio. In the beginning C-level was just that – a space where we worked and shared equipment, an artist co-op. Eventually things shifted and C-level became a public space which produced and hosted events, and soon after become more well known as gaming lab and often miscatagorized as an “artist group” as a few of the gaming projects become well known (Tekken Torture Tournament, Cockfight Arena and Waco Resurrection), but there was plenty going on at C-level that had nothing to do with gaming.

Do you see any difference working with machinima and a more traditional style of video art?

Eddo Stern: I think it depends on the context of the video and what you are trying to say or do. Many Machinima works are self referential – in the sense that they exist in the same cultural context as the game(s) they are using. My choice of specific games for my Machinima are determined by something else I want to say. My subject matter is not much concerned with self references to game culture (you’ll notice that most Machinima is comic in nature) as it is to a wider cultural context for the intersection of history, violence and simulation. So to answer your question I do think that presenting work as Machinima assumes a context of game culture (and a more mainstream / lighthearted expectation from the work). Whereas presenting the same work as videoart in a museum / gallery brings a noter set of expectations and another set of viewers, likely not familiar with the game culture context and likely used to a shorter non-linear viewing experience. Showing the same work in a film festival brings with it yet a noter set of expectations and viewing practices. For my Machinima films I find that film festivals have often offered the best viewing context – not unexpectedly in terms of migrating the visual experience away from the computer screen which is something that is important to me when showing my Machinima. I was inspired to make video by a piece called “Dial H-I-S-T-O-R-Y” by Johan Grimonprez. Unlike many works of video art which document a performance or offer footage of repetitive goings-on, Dial was an intensely entrancing immersive experience, and yet did not rely on conventional narrative to achieve its immersiveness.

As an artist experimenting with videogames, what is your relationship with the art market?

Eddo Stern: My work exists in various art/economic contexts. Some of my works are free, some are editioned, some are one of a kind objects, some are distributed, some are self published, some are sold, bought and shown by galleries and museums.

 

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15 of Eddo Stern’s 43 Computer Games, Live Games, and Kinetic Sculptures

Enter the Lotus (with Steven Seagal) (2007)
‘[Stern’s] … kinetic shadow sculpture uses a mash-up of documentary material from online forums, clip art, youtube videos, midi music, electronics and hand made puppets. It mines the online gaming world at its paradoxical extremes: on one hand, an untenable perversion of everyday life spent slaying an endless stream of virtual monsters, on the other, an ultimate mirroring of the most familiar social dynamics. The struggles with masculinity, honor, aggression, faith, love and self worth are embroiled with the game world’s vernacular aesthetics.’ — Postmasters

 

 

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Vietnam Romance (2015 -)
Vietnam Romance recreates and interrogates the fictionalized history of the Vietnam War and its culturally commodified remains through a mash-up of cultural artifacts drawn primarily from Hollywood film culture as well as war literature, comic books, popular music, collectable war memorabilia, and adventure tourist packages.

The project takes various forms: computer game, collectable, card game, live performance / puppet show/ dinner theatre, and video installation.

Vietnam Romance is a tour of nostalgia for romantics and Deathmatch veterans pitting tourists vs. adventurers, history vs. its fantasies, and games vs. cinema. Film critic Ed Halter, described a film version of the project as exploring “a peculiarly American memory-trip, one in which the legacy of a gruesome war has become indistinguishable from pleasurable, if mythic-tragic, entertainments.”

If you hated the War but loved the Movies, you’ll love this game.

 

 

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Level Sounds like Devil / Baby in Christ vs. His Father (2007)
‘In June 2006 BabyInChrist, a Taiwanese teenager, living with an adoptive American Christian family posts the question to the online Christian forums: “Is World of Warcraft Evil ?” The Community helps him reckon with the moral and spiritual dilemmas of reconciling his life in World of Warcraft, with the strict edits of his father and the challenges of following his faith. As a synthetic fantasy world begins to encroach on the territory of established religion, the inner workings of faith, truth and the boundaries of reality begin to unravel and intertwine.’ –– ES

 

 

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Fort Paladin (2003)
‘Keywords: Tolkien, Christ, Your Empire and Your Desktop

‘Fort Paladin is a medieval computer castle automaton trained to kill and master the American army ‘s recruitment training game “America’s Army” using elecro-mechanics and a custom written expert system.

‘GodsEye is borrowed from the computer gaming term God’s eye perspective which positions the player as a God/General/Wizard floating above the world – awarded total control over cities, armies and minions. GodsEyecosists of several computer sculptures that make up a techno-/neo-medieval landscape built around the functional hardware elements of a computer desktop environment: keyboard, mouse, monitor, tower, etc. Formally, it draws from the subcultures of custom computer case modifications, hardware hacking, computer game modification and sampling.’ — ES

 

 

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Landlord Vigilante (w/ Jessica Hutchins, 2006)
‘Landlord Vigilante tells the story of a Los Angeles cab-driver-turned-landlady, who has nothing in life except for her fierce belief in individual freedoms and the marketplace.’ — ES

 

 

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Crusade (2002)
‘Keywords: Tolkien, Christ, Your Empire and Your Desktop

‘Crusade – a mechanical windmill desktop spins on its axis looping a posse of medieval avengers and a MIDI sample of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir”.

‘GodsEye is borrowed from the computer gaming term God’s eye perspective which positions the player as a God/General/Wizard floating above the world – awarded total control over cities, armies and minions. GodsEyecosists of several computer sculptures that make up a techno-/neo-medieval landscape built around the functional hardware elements of a computer desktop environment: keyboard, mouse, monitor, tower, etc. Formally, it draws from the subcultures of custom computer case modifications, hardware hacking, computer game modification and sampling.’ — ES

 

 

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Waco Resurrection (2004)
Revisiting the 1993 Waco, Texas episode, gamers enter the mind and form of a “resurrected” David Koresh through a specially designed voice activated, surround sound enabled, hard plastic 3D skin. In an attempt to defend the Branch Davidian compound against internal intrigue, skeptical civilians, rival theologians and the inexorable advance of government agents, each player on the network plays as a ”Koresh”. Ensnared in the custom “Koresh skin”, players are bombarded with sounds of government psy-ops, internal voices and the clamor of battle, and empowered to voice messianic texts from Koresh’s exegesis of the book of revelation, wield a variety of weapons from the Mount Carmel cache and influence the behavior of both followers and opponents by “radiating” charisma. Waco Resurrection draws on the rhetoric of conspiracy theory, cult activity and apocalypticism to investigate the Waco siege as a cultural milestone. It addresses the multi-layered dynamics of a 51-day media-event that served to mobilize the militia movement, radicalize Timothy McVeigh and cause a re-evaluation of the role of religion in society.

 

 

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Money Making Workshop (2012)
‘Money Making Workshop is a role playing game for 2 to 4 players. One player plays as Genius and the others play as Pistons. The game lasts 13 rounds, about 25 minutes. Genius plays against the Pistons. Be aware that completing the game is going to be a challenge, but be assured that all of your hard work will pay off in the end.’ — ES

 

 

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Hatewave (2004)
‘A clan of templar, farmers and champions gather to greet the future

‘A mechanical crowd does the wave

‘Their giant prays’ — ES

 

 

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Fake Portal #4 (2012)
‘Wood. Electronics. Video Loop.’ — ES

 

 

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Goldstation (2012)
Goldstation’s keywords: bluework, whitework, Goldenwork; sweat & gold, dust & space; pickaxe, cauldron, bellows & ingots; survival of the fittest & progress to the right.

 

 

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GoldenStern (2014)
Goldenstern is a pachinko-pinball game played amidst the the Stern-Hutchins-Atlas-Lynch-Lanister family trees. Included are portraits painted by Jon Haddock of Helman Stern, Levia (Atlas) Stern, Eddo Stern, Jonathan Hutchins, Mary (Lynch) Hutchins, Jessica Hutchins, Jem Stern, Tywin Lannister and Cersei Lannister The gameplay involves guiding gold coins towards Jem Stern using the heads and noses of the older family members.

Goldenstern is part of a series of short-form computer games loosely bound by interpretations of portraiture in game form. Visually, these games explore an expressionistic / eclectic aesthetic – the result of visual experiments and collaborations.

How to Play:
The goal is to catch the coins on Jem’s nose located at the base of the family tree.
Use left bumper to control Hutchins heads on the left.
Use right bumper to control Stern heads on the right.

 

 

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Still Life with Putin (2014)
The goal is to move Putin through as many rooms as possible without hitting any objects, doorways or walls . – Each time you complete a room a new randomly generated room is attached.

 

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Darkgame (2005 – ?)
‘Around 2005, Eddo Stern began work on Darkgame, a virtual-reality game that uses haptic technology, which incorporates players’ sense of feel. Players wear a headset with small motors embedded into pressure points, giving them tactile feedback, allowing them to sense, for instance, that someone is following them. As you play, you can either gain or lose sense of sight, hearing and touch. The first headset Stern designed included a black head-covering, because images of John Walker Lindh, the “American Taliban” who was famously transported with a hood over his head, had seared their way into his memory (though the new headset includes no such covering).

‘Players who are already hard of hearing or unable to see can opt to give up hearing or sight from the start, in exchange for other heightened senses. The latest version of the game debuts in his Young Projects exhibition, and Stern has been testing this version at the Braille Institute in L.A., where few of the sight-impaired volunteers have ever played multiplayer games that involve a joystick. Games like that, which dissolve the differences between the senses, just don’t exist. But this game has a life outside the screen.’ — LA Weekly

 

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c-level (2000)
C-level was a cooperative public and private lab formed to share physical, social and technological resources. Its members were artists,programmers, writers, designers, agit-propers, filmmakers and reverse-engineers. Part studio, part club, part stage and part screen; C-Level was located in a basement in Chinatown Los Angeles and played host to various media events such as screenings, performances, classes, lectures, debates, dances, readings and tournaments.

Who was in c-level: Karen Lofgren, Christina Ulke, Cyril Kuhn, Eddo Stern, Jason Brown, Jessica Hutchins, Mark Allen, Michael Wilson, Marc Herbst, Peter Brinson

 

 

*

p.s. Hey. ** Charalampos, Hi. Both great, I agree. Right now I’m working on the script for a short film — short being an hour or less, not short like 10 minutes. When Zac reads the script draft in the next days, we’ll decide if we’re going forward with it. I think so. In the meantime, we’re conceptualising the new feature film. Yes, but there are many writers who shoot their wad in their first book or two and then fade out or their writing gentrifies. That’s not uncommon at all. Greetings from a bit too warm Paris. ** jay, Hi. At least in the US, The Shaggs had no hits at all. Their album and songs were totally obscure until they were rediscovered in the 80s. I found them then along with all the other hipsters. I guess my instinct is to think that the inclinations and behavior of any creatures who aren’t human are beyond my understanding. They’re like outer space aliens or something. Cool, I’ll revisit ‘The Conversation’ then. Thanks on behalf of France and the French. ** _Black_Acrylic, I saw some episodes of ‘Jem and the Holograms’ at some point, and it was very cool. Today’s the day I get therapy from your Play(ing)! ** Dominik, Hi!!! Thanks again! Yes, a festival acceptance would go a long way towards saving our film. Prayers. Thanks, yeah, I’m quite liking the new script. I hope Zac does. I like L7 too, of course. I love their appearance in ‘Serial Mom’. Favorite … I would have to pick The Shangri-Las as they’re one of my very favorite musical units/creators of all time. So your mail system is a mess too. While love’s on that mission maybe he can also find my copies of ‘Flunker’ which seem to remain adrift in the mail somewhere far from my box, G. ** Jack Skelley, Hi, J. It’s interesting about the uptick of Fanny’s rep. I saw them live a few times back when, and I thought they were mediocrity central. But then the things I did like sometimes back then seem quite cringe now. Migraine-healing vibes have just been hurled at you by the Hulk, who happens to be in France for the Olympics, so they should crash through your roof any second. Heads up. Week to go, cool. You’re going to need your entire brain, but hopefully the Hulk has you covered. Mm, I wish I could be on ‘ML’s’ launch bill, but I fear not. But you never know. But I fear not. x on top of o even though I can’t do that with my keyboard, DC. ** Joseph, Hi, Joseph! Good lord, man, holy fuck, I’m so glad the diagnosis was the hugely preferable one. Spooky. Thanks about ‘Flunker’. That’s so cool to hear. Yeah, I keep thinking I’d like to read ‘Face Eraser’ at a reading, and I’m trying to figure out how to play the typography stuff vocally, if so. If my book inspired you to dig into your work, that is the ultimate desired outcome by far. I’m honored, sir. The Gits, yeah, me too. The Bobby Lees? I don’t think so, but I’ll check. Thanks. Have a lovely and even productive day yourself! ** Lucas, Hi, Lucas. Cool. Riot Grrl was so fun. Shit, I just realised I forgot to include Babes in Toyland. Strange. I’ve never had a B12 shot, but I have friends who have and say it’s like cocaine without the bad part and hugely lengthier. I wonder if I can get one if I’m feeling okay. I think I’ll ask. Anyway, glad you’re fully upswinging. Brusque makes sense. It’s more intense when visualised, I think. Jonathan Capedeville is so incredibly brilliant in it. It was a live theater piece, obviously, that toured for, like 10+ years. People would faint dead during the show, and they’d have to stop the show and have paramedics come revive people. It made Bjork burst into tears and want to kill Gisele for putting her through that. Yeah, the puppets are really beautiful. Gisele designed/made them. Before she became a theater director/choreographer, she studied puppetry. If you ever see that guy again, say hi back for me. Very fetching. Very happy today! ** Malik, Hi, M. So tomorrow’s your birthday! Let me wish you a divine one now so it’ll be timely if a wee bit preemptive. OOIOO are big fun, I think. Fantastic that the performance of your work went so well! And you have an impressed family even! Great! Big reinforcement of your interest in concentrating your work on theater, yes? Oh, I’ll email you. Or, if I don’t, nudge me because I’m notoriously terrible with email. And I’m excited to read your new piece. Everyone, Malik aka Malik Berry has new short fiction work called ‘To Be Loved Naturally (after David Cronenberg)’ up at Do Not Submit, and your visit to that precise location is highly recommended. Here. Thank you so much about ‘Flunker’. I’m so happy you like, thank you so much! ** Sarah, Hi, Sarah. Freed of the grind, congrats! Indulge yourself. Yeah, I hate hot weather. It just doesn’t suit me at all. I don’t know why, but it’s a lifelong dislike. Luckily Paris has had a very mild summer so far. I like winter because when you step out of the brrrrr into a warm interior it feels like god for at least a short while. Yes, I paid a lot of attention to the election even though, no, I can’t vote. It was very scary. And the fact that French people put aside their differences and formed a united front to defeat the Fascists just ups my Francophila. Prayers that Americans take the tip and follow suit. Have the best and freest Tuesday! ** Cletus, They do, right? I just discovered them when making that gig. Congrats on the return of your full life status. I’ll look for the review, congrats on that too. Let me think about suggestions. When I’m doing the p.s., it’s hard for me to access my memory very properly. But I will. That club sounds very cool and noble. ** Harper, Hi. Me too. I kind of adore/worship The Shangri-Las. It just doesn’t get better than ‘Past, Present and Future’ or ‘I Can Never Go Home Anymore’ for me. Total musical pinnacles. I’m naturally really happy that you’re getting so much from ‘The Space of Literature’, Blanchot being my god of wordage and everything. Those are such great quotes. The Pessoa particularly. Wow, I’m going to write that down. Mallarme is pretty incredible, I think. You sound great! That’s so nice! ** Steve, Hi. Everyone, Here’s Steve. Listen up and follow the lead: ‘My article on the Japan Society’s “Japan Cuts” series was published by Gay City News today. I wrote about Takeshi Kitano’s KUBI and a terrible film called ICE CREAM FEVER, but the rest of the festival seems pretty exciting. I’ll be watching two films there this weekend.’ Haha, gotcha re: Bezos’ life reenactment. Uh, really, the only reason for the Spandau Ballet song is because it’s called ‘Gold’ like the character and is humorously awful. ** Uday, You should come to Europe. Or at least France. It’s nice over here. Yes, write the novel! That’s a role-play order. ** darbyy🛌✍, RIP Mia Zapata for sure. Horrifying all these later still. Yes, I know The Gits. I saw them live even. I don’t why he bit my ear. It seems very passive aggressive. He died when I was still pretty young so I never got to ask him. Yes, I recall your height, which I think I’ve said before I find impressive because I’m tall so shortness is exciting and mysterious to me. I went to a party at Danny DeVito’s house once. He is very short, but it works for him. I hope the bed swallowed you up. Wait, not swallowed, but like, what’s the word, bussed you. ** Okay. Today I present to you a post about the game designer and game-adjacent visual artist Eddo Stern whose work I like very much. And even though it’s not work that translates into a blog post very effectively, perhaps you’ll see enough herein to see what I see. See you tomorrow.

—-

 

The Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls builds girls self-esteem through music creation and performance. Providing workshops and technical training, we create leadership opportunities, cultivate a supportive community of peers and mentors, and encourage social change and the development of life skills.

Q: Do I have to like rock music?

A: NO! Rock ‘n’ Roll is in our name but we support all the ways girls want to “rock” whatever that means to them!
We teach, listen to and love all sorts of music from rock to hip hop, jazz to folk, pop to punk! Campers often invent their own genres for the week like “songs about trees” and “I dont care, I’m just here to have fun!”

Q: Do you offer Financial Aid?

A: YES! Our Financial Aid is based on need. We try very hard to make sure Camp is accessible to all girls! Please visit the application page to download our Financial Aid form.

Q: Do I have to bring my own instrument?

A: NO! We can lend you one. We have everything you need to learn your instrument, practice with your band and play a show! But our supply of equipment is limited so you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own equipment and accessories if you have them. We also have a no-cost instrument loan program for basses, guitars and keyboards. Rock Camp has plenty of drum sets, amps, cords and DJ records you can use while you are here, but these do not typically get checked out. We can also refer you to some rental shops and music stores around town.

Q: Whats Rock Camp like?

A:

 

 

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The Paris Sisters
‘The Paris Sisters bridged the gap separating the traditional vocal pop of the post-World War II era from the equally generation-defining girl group sound that emerged in the wake of rock & roll. By the 1961 release of their Phil Spector-produced breakthrough “I Love How You Love Me,” the siblings were already longtime veterans of the music business. Albeth (the oldest), Sherrell (the middle child), and Priscilla Paris (the baby) were born and raised in San Francisco. Their mother, Faye, was the quintessential stage parent, a former opera singer who continued her career vicariously through her children. The Paris Sisters got their start singing and dancing at local Air Force showcases, and circa 1953 they made their recorded debut. Although their records fared poorly, The Paris Sisters toured relentlessly, appearing at county fairs, USO showcases, and even in Las Vegas, casino performances made possible with the aid of falsified birth certificates, makeup, and padded bras.’ — collaged

‘What Am I to Do’ (1962)

 

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Reparata and the Delrons
‘The Delrons started out as a quartet in 1962 at St. Brendan’s Catholic School in Brooklyn, New York, led by lead singer Mary Aiese, who subsequently billed herself as Reparata after Sister Reparata, one of her school teachers. The other originals were Nanette Licari, Regina Gallagher and Anne Fitzgerald, but they were soon replaced by Sheila Reilly, Carol Drobnicki, and (initially) Cathy Romeo. The group were spotted by record producers Bill and Ted Jerome, who recorded them in 1964 first for Laurie Records, and then on the Ernie Maresca song “Whenever a Teenager Cries” on the World Artists label. This became a regional hit but failed to reach the national top 40, a pattern repeated by its follow-up, “Tommy”. However, the trio toured nationally with Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars, and the group’s name became widely known. This song sounds as if it was inspired by “Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire, which was a recent hit at the time.’ — last.fm

‘Take A Look Around You’ (1965)

 

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The Daughters of Eve
‘The Daughters of Eve are an all-girl-band first formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1965. The Daughters of Eve are famous for singing and playing their own instruments on pop rock hits rather than using a backing band, as most female performers did in the days of early garage bands. They are particularly known for their international hits, Hey Lover, Stand By Me, Help Me Boy, Symphony of My Soul, Don’t Waste My Time, He Cried, Social Tragedy and A Thousand Stars. The band was managed by Chicago Radio icon, Carl Bonafede (The Screaming Wildman), also known for introducing the Buckinghams to teenage audiences everywhere.’ — DoE

‘Hey Lover’ (1965)

 

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The Shangri-Las
‘Along with the Shirelles and the Ronettes, the Shangri-Las were among the greatest girl groups; if judged solely on the basis of attitude, they were the greatest of them all. They combined an innocent adolescent charm with more than a hint of darkness, singing about dead bikers, teenage runaways, and doomed love affairs as well as ebullient high-school crushes. These could be delivered with either infectious, handclapping harmonies or melodramatic, almost operatic recitatives that were contrived but utterly effective. Tying it all together in the studio was Shadow Morton, a mad genius of a producer who may have been second in eccentric imagination only to Phil Spector in the mid-’60s. Even today, the Shangri-Las’ history remains somewhat murky and mysterious; the original members have rarely reunited for oldies shows or talked to the press.’ — allmusic

‘He Cried’ (1966)

 

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The Shaggs
‘The Shaggs were an American rock band formed in Fremont, New Hampshire, in 1965. They comprised the sisters Dorothy “Dot” Wiggin (vocals and lead guitar), Betty Wiggin (vocals and rhythm guitar), Helen Wiggin (drums) and, later, Rachel Wiggin (bass guitar). Their music has been described as both among the worst of all time and a work of unintentional brilliance. The Shaggs composed seemingly simple and bizarre songs using untuned guitars, erratic time signatures, disconnected rhythms, wandering melodies and rudimentary lyrics. According to Rolling Stone, the sisters sang like “lobotomized Trapp Family Singers”, while the musician Terry Adams compared their music to the free jazz compositions of Ornette Coleman.’ — Wikipedia

‘My Pal Foot Foot’ (1969)

 

__
She
‘Driven by the slinky, unhurried pulse of Sally’s bass and Nancy’s taunting cool, She’s sound falls somewhere between psychedelic pop and garage rock. It’s at once dreamy and grounded by grit—head in the clouds while boots insistently stomp the floor. Which isn’t to say they couldn’t write a memorable pop hook, too (She wrote all their music and lyrics, as well as played their own instruments). The raw, Farfisa-driven “Like a Snake” ostensibly takes the familiar form of an early girl-group “advice song” (like the Marvelettes’ “Too Many Fish in the Sea”), as it warns the female listener of a smooth-talking bad boy’s tricks, but both the sound and lyrics (“All the girls he makes get the shivers and the shakes when he moves … like a snake”) were much coarser than any ’60s girl-group song I’d heard. “Da Doo Ron Ron” this was not.’ — Lindsay Zoladz

‘Like a snake’ (1969)

 

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Fanny
‘Fanny, the original “Godmothers of Chick Rock” were the first all-female rock band to be signed to a major label. They toured from 1970-1975, wrote and arranged their own songs, released five albums, and had a number of international hit singles. But most importantly, they played hundreds of fantastic live concerts for thousands and thousands of fans and were instrumental in founding the modern world of women in rock. Many major women rock artists – from Joan Jett to Girlschool to Courtney Love and many, many more – were able to get to the top because Fanny broke down the barriers and opened the way!’ In a 1999 interview with Rolling Stone, Fanny fan David Bowie revealed his respect for the band: One of the most important female bands in American rock has been buried without a trace. And that is Fanny. They were one of the finest… rock bands of their time, in about 1973. They were extraordinary… they’re as important as anybody else who’s ever been, ever; it just wasn’t their time. Revivify Fanny. And I will feel that my work is done.”‘ — collaged

‘You’re the One’ (1971)

 

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Spring
‘Spring were a 1970s pop music duo (known outside the United States as American Spring), made up of sisters Diane Rovell and Marilyn Wilson, who had earlier been members of girl group The Honeys. As with the earlier Honeys, Beach Boy Brian Wilson (Marilyn’s then-husband) played an integral role with Spring, producing much of their recorded material. A 1972 album release didn’t sell well in its time, but has since become a sought-after collectible. Other singles followed, along with album-oriented material, only some of which saw release. The duo unfortunately never caught on widely, and with the divorce between Marilyn and Brian, Spring became dormant. Rhino Records issued an anthology of Spring’s music during 1988, and a 1992 Capitol Records Honeys collection included several previously-unissued Spring tunes. The Honeys also re-formed during the 1990s, to perform locally around Hollywood.’ — Wiki

‘It’s like Heaven’ (1972)

 

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The Runaways
‘Much maligned band who deserve some recognition. Created by Kim Fowley as a males heavy rock wet dream you have to give credit to the girls for just managing to continue and keep their dreams alive. Revolving around the strong rhythm guitar of Joan Jett, the heavy metal lead of Lita Ford and the sex appeal of the prima donnish Cherie Currie there were too many personalities for all to survive. Cherie was the first to go then Jackie Fox then her replacements before they all called it a day. Viewed as jailbait with no possibility of respect for their music they probably endured more taunts of ‘get them off’ than anyone yet they were a group of musicians who were both sexy and could play. Fowley’s pre- tour training involved “..how to beat up guys with guitars and basses and drumsticks…they could take a bottle, brick or a a stick and keep playing.” They may have looked available, but as Rat Scabies or the drummer from 999 found out, hit on them too hard and you would find yourself punched out! Young, average age was 16, manipulated, they somehow grew up on the road. Their sound though was heavy as hell and their songs about sex, drinking and disobeying parents and authority figures, though typically American, pre-figured later punk.’ — punk77.co.uk

‘All Right You Guys’ (1977)

 

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Mo-Dettes
‘The all-female Mo-dettes were formed in early 1979, originally calling themselves The Bomberettes. And although the assumption is that they were a mod band, this is incorrect: some called them punk, others thought they were more pop-punk, while still others compared their music to that of early Raincoats or Slits. Their first and most highly-acclaimed release was White Mice, released in mid-1979 on their own Rough Trade-distributed Mode label. They released several more singles as well as one full-length album called The Story So Far (which unfortunately got poor reviews due to supposed “weak and uninspired production” – a true shame). The Mo-dettes’ last single was Tonight, released in June of 1981; they recorded numerous demos but never released anything else after that.’ — last.fm

‘White Mice’ (1979)

 

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The Slits
‘This UK feminist punk outfit formed in 1976 with a line-up featuring Ari-Up (b. Arianna Foster; vocals), Kate Korus (b. Katherine Corris, New York, USA; guitar), Palmolive (b. Paloma Romero; drums, ex-Raincoats) and Suzi Gutsy (bass). The band were known for their uncompromising attitude and professed lack of technique, but their music was as aggressive and confrontational as the best of the punk fraternity. Their failure to secure a record contract during the first wave of the punk explosion was surprising. By the time they made their recording debut, Palmolive had been ousted. By 1981, The Slits had lost much of their original cutting edge and it came as little surprise when they disbanded at the end of the year. Ari-Up revived The Slits in the new millennium for a series of low-key live sets.’ — discogs

‘Slime’ (1980)

 

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Bush Tetras
‘The Bush Tetras were a rock band from New York City. Forming in 1979, they were very popular in the New York club scene in the early 1980s, but never had much mainstream success. Their music combined dance rhythms and dissonant rock-guitar riffs. Lead guitarist Pat Place and vocalist Cynthia Sley produced the most distinctive aspects of the Tetras sound. Place’s guitar lines were rhythmic and distortion-filled. She had been the original guitarist and one of the founding members of the No Wave band The Contortions. With the Bush Tetras, Pat continued to pursue some of the musical ideas she had explored in that band, although her distinctive slide guitar is absent from many of the Tetras songs. Sley’s vocals were half-spoken, half-sung. In songs like “Too Many Creeps” and “Can’t Be Funky,” she repeated simple phrases over and over again, creating a hypnotic monotony similar to Place’s guitar rhythms.’ — collaged

‘Too Many Creeps’ (1982)

 

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Bananarama
‘Bananarama are an English female pop duo who have had success on the pop and dance charts since 1982. Bananarama were founded in London in 1979. The trio were ardent followers of the punk rock and post-punk music scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s and often performed impromptu sets or backing vocals at gigs for such bands as The Monochrome Set, Iggy Pop, The Jam, Department S and The Nipple Erectors. Rather than relying on a two part harmony, the duo generally sings in unison, as do their background vocalists. Although there have been line-up changes, the group enjoyed most success as a trio made up of lifelong friends Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin. In 1988, Bananarama were listed in the Guinness World Records as the all female group with the most chart entries in the world, a record which they still hold.’ — collaged

‘Really Saying Something’ (1982)

 

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Strawberry Switchblade
‘Strawberry Switchblade never fitted in. They were faces of the year in 1985, before disappearing into the obscurity they had emerged from; a peculiar punctuation to a peculiar decade of New Pop. Rose McDowall and Jill Bryson were classic Glasgow punks. In the true spirit of the times they created a personal visual revolution with mixed up style that was completely Pop. Attendants to the punk rock explosion that electrified Glasgow in the late ’70s, they were a part of the bohemian art scene who adored the New York Dolls and who followed local peculiarities Nu-Sonics from pillar to post in their brief and blinding ‘career’. Appropriated in true Pop Art tradition, Strawberry Switchblade became Rose and Jill’s moniker in their own chase towards Pop stardom.’ — Alistair Fitchett

‘Let Her Go’ (1985)

 

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Frightwig
‘Since forming in San Francisco in 1982, feminist punk pioneers FRIGHTWIG have been wielding joy and smashing the patriarchy. With life-changing live shows that spread revelry and revolution, Frightwig became a formative influence on the Riot Grrrl movement and paved the way for the likes of Hole, L7, and Lunachicks, among others. The band’s cult-favorite albums Cat Farm Faboo (Subterranean Records 1984) and Faster, Frightwig, Kill! Kill! (Caroline Records 1986), plus the EPs Phone Sexy (Boner Records 1988) captured the hearts of fellow freaks and outcasts. Songs like “My Crotch Does Not Say Go,” “A Man’s Gotta Do What a Man’s Gotta Do,” and “Crazy World” upended the masculine hardcore scene by infusing it with the vicious wit of women on a tear. Tours with Flipper, Butthole Surfers, and Redd Kross saw Frightwig screaming and shredding their way through glass ceilings and unapologetically leaving behind a pile of shards.’ — frightwig.org

‘I’ll Talk to You and Smile’ (1984)

 

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Fifth Column
‘Fifth Column was an all-girl band, which was just about the most political thing that could happen to the misogynist music industry of the 1980s. A rock musician from the 1980s is usually imagined as a metalhead dude with long, puffy hair, and tight jeans. Bands like Moetley Cruee and Poison even forming their own subgenre of “cock rock,” characterized by callous displays of male aggression and heterosexuality. Even hardcore music, which was rock music for misfits, wasn’t particularly friendly towards women. In this climate, Fifth Column stands out not just for being comprised of women, but women who were outspokenly feminist and queer.’ — Shameless Mag

‘Like This’ (1983)

 

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L7
‘The L.A. based band L7, formed in 1985, consists of Donita Sparks, guitar and vocals, Suzi Gardner, guitar and vocals, Dee Plakas, drums, and at various times, Jennifer Finch, Gail Greenwood, and Janis Tanaka on bass. L7’s albums have been released on legendary U.S. labels Epitaph, Sub Pop, Slash/Reprise, as well as their own label, Wax Tadpole. Since their recording career began in 1987, L7 have spawned underground and mainstream hits, such as: Shove, Pretend We’re Dead, Shit List, Andres, and Drama. Their music has also appeared on countless soundtracks, including “Natural Born Killers.” L7 have toured all over the world, numerous times, in clubs, concert halls, and festivals, some of which were: Offshore (Australia), Go Bang (Germany), Lollapalooza (U.S.), Hollywood Rock (Brazil), and Reading (U.K.). In addition to appearing on television shows internationally, including David Letterman, L7 starred in John Water’s movie, “Serial Mom”, and are the subject of a rockumentary by former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, entitled “The Beauty Process.”‘ — L7Official.com

‘Shit List’ (1993)

 

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Bikini Kill
‘Bikini Kill was a punk band of the Riot Grrrl movement formed in Olympia, Washington in October of 1990 (see 1990 in music). The group was infamous for its radical feminist lyrics and fiery performances. While occasionally collaborating (politically and creatively) with high-profile acts such as Nirvana and Joan Jett, Bikini Kill was well known for shunning major labels and the mainstream rock press. After four full-length albums and several EPs, the group disbanded in 1998. Earlier this year, the members of Bikini Kill, the foremothers of the Riot Grrrl movement, announced the creation of their own label. The aptly named Bikini Kill Records will begin by slowly reissuing all the band’s previously available material, as well as old demos, practice tapes, films, unreleased songs, and records by more modern practitioners of that style such as The Frumpies and Casual Dots.’ — collaged

‘Suck My Left One’ (1994)

 

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Tribe 8
‘Tribe 8 isn’t notable just because they were a group of rockers who gave the grunge bands of the early ’90s a run for their money. They were also proud lesbians who are credited as being one of the first “Queercore” bands, members of a genre that would help smash the prevailing homophobia within the American hardcore scene. Their impact can not be ignored, and their epic live shows, which typically featured lead singer Lynn Breedlove topless, will not be forgotten.’ — KQED

‘Femme Bitch Top’ (1994)

 

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Spitboy
‘While the hardcore scene was obviously male-dominated, an even bigger boys’ club was the ’90s anarcho-punk scene that included groups like Aus Rotten and Disrupt and Resist. Spitboy were a shining light among the black clothing, butt flaps and face-jewelry, reminding the shower-hating members of the genre that women’s rights were just as important as destroying capitalism. As you can hear, their musical output (especially their split LP with Los Crudos) sounds just as powerful as it did back then.’ — Rockist

‘What are Little Girls Made Of’ (1994)

 

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The Donnas
‘The Donnas were badass young women whose aesthetic was a studied blend of The Ramones and The Runaways, while their lyrics were thrillingly, unabashedly brazen, introducing me to slang terms for doing drugs (“Everybody’s Smoking Cheeba”) and plotting to kill a crush’s girlfriend (“Get Rid Of That Girl”). Best known for 2002’s Spend the Nightvia Atlantic Records—and the still seminal bossy pop of “Take It Off”—The Donnas self-titled debut LP was full of lo-fi melodies and three chord anthems, mixing sassy teenage rebellion with a punk snarl. With no single song clocking over three minutes it’s the the kind of music perfect for playing on your walkman as you snuck out of your parents’ house for a night on the town.’ — Vice

live 1998

 

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Free Kitten
‘Free Kitten began in 1992 in New York as a vehicle that would allow Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon and Pussy Galore’s Julia Cafritz to pursue other projects away from their usual work with their respective bands. Guitarist Cafritz and bassist Gordon began playing out, offering their audiences short sets of post-punk numbers. They put out “Call Now/Straight Up” later that year, and proceeded on the Lollapalooza tour. Their singles include “Oh Bondage, Up Yours,” which was originally done by X-Ray Spex. Yoshimi, of the Boredoms, joined the group in 1993, contributing harmonica, trumpet, and drums, as well as occasional vocals. Free Kitten’s debut album, Nice Ass, was released in 1995 and followed by Sentimental Education in 1997. Nearly 11 years of inactivity later, Gordon and Cafritz reunited in 2008 for a new album, Inherit.’ — allmusic

‘What’s Fair’ (1994)

 

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7 year bitch
‘7 Year Bitch was an American punk rock band from Seattle, Washington. The band was active between 1990 and 1997 and released three albums over that time. The band formed at the same time as the emergence of the riot grrrl sub-genre, which is a subgenre of punk music from the early to mid-1990s that emphasized the role of women in rock music. The Riot Grrrl movement began as a feminist response to the violence and misogyny that became more prominent in punk music in the mid-to-late 1980s, and 7 Year Bitch, an all-female punk band, emerged as part of that sub-genre.’ — Wikipedia

‘Hip Like Junk’ (1996)

 

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Thee Headcoatees
‘Thee Headcoatees were formed by Billy Childish as a backing group for his band Thee Headcoats. The Delmonas were the first incarnation of Thee Headcoatees. Member Ludella Black headed up the Delmonas. Their songs were principally written by Billy Childish and were songs that did not fit into his other two bands Thee Headcoats and Thee Milkshakes. In 1991 the band cut their first album Girlsville for Hangman Records. It consisted of songs all written by Billy Childish. In 1998 “Bongo” Debbie Green left the band to work on her other bands Dutronc, Baby Birkin and The Speed of Sound. The band was reduced to a three piece for their final Album Here Comes Cessation. Thee Headcoatees continued to tour with Thee Headcoats until the group folded in 1999. Holly Golightly has gone on to pursuit a solo career, recording more than 10 LP’s.’ — musicianguide.com

‘Come into My Mouth’ (1999)

 

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Sleater Kinney
‘They came from the Pacific Northwest! They were young, and they had things to say. At first, it appeared that the weaponry, the system, the strategy, consisted of a lead singer who had an uncanny urgency to her voice, more so than anyone since Patti Smith, enough to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. That was the first part of the weaponry, this lead singer, and the second part consisted of a remarkable chemistry between the two guitar players, viz. Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker. One guitar seemed on occasion to finish the other’s lines, and vice versa, as if they were performing the medieval form called the hocket. Initially, these were the strategies. It was urgent, it was fierce. The noise got noisier. Where the songs had orbited around a certain feminist rage on the eponymous first album, the message got deeper as the noise got noisier, especially on “I’m Not Waiting,” and “Good Things,” and “Taste Test.” Sleater-Kinney wasn’t waiting to make the transition from promising girls to women, they were taking, and they were allowed.’ — Sub Pop

‘Modern Girl’ (2005)

 

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Electrelane
‘Electrelane were an English indie rock band, formed in Brighton in 1998 by Verity Susman and Emma Gaze. The band comprised Susman, Gaze, Mia Clarke, and Ros Murray. Their music drew from a wide range of influences including Neu!, Stereolab, Sonic Youth, and the Velvet Underground. Although the band had strong feminist and political views in their personal lives, they generally preferred to not communicate that directly to their fans or through their music.’ — collaged

‘To the East’ (1999)

 

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OOIOO
‘OOIOO are an all-female group founded by Boredoms drummer (and sometimes trumpeter and vocalist) Yoshimi P-We. It’s next to impossible to describe their sound, because — by design — it rarely follows consistent patterns. Some of their music has been described as having “a majestic ebb and flow that suggests natural wonders” or a “witchy, tribal side”. Either way, at any one time it may incorporate chanting and punchy drums, dancer polyrhythms, atonal composition, or psychedelia. The majority of OOIOO’s music originates from improvisations. When asked about OOIOO’s songwriting process in an interview with Pitchfork, Yoshimi (P-we) Yokota said, “When you transform improvisation into a song that people can listen to, it is difficult to recreate the initial improvisation each time because you have to play in a different time and space. In order to utilize the initial impulse of improvisation, we restructure improvisation into songs. Once the song is structured, it is no longer improvisation.”‘ — Wiki

‘UMO’ (2008)

 

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A Lovely Day For Bloodshed
‘ALDFB is an all female deathcore machine, that doesnt take no for an answer. The band has been together since 2006, but early 2008 put on the breaks for this thought-to-be unstoppable band. Personal problems forced the band to call it quits, and brought on the departure of guitarist Lori.’ — last.fm

‘Last Chance’ (2008)

 

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Vivian Girls
‘Behold the Vivian Girls. Just as their alluring name only became passed around mere months ago, this group of three upstart New York females have taken the noisy pop mantra and dipped it in pure gold, right out of the gate. With their debut 7″ on their very own Plays With Dolls Records label already sending out waves of panic and adoration to the outer limits of the underground pop contingent, they have become the newest breakout sirens of the New York loft-pop brigade. Within seconds of hearing their seductive three-part girl group vocal harmonies lushly interwoven with chest-pounding rhythms of beautiful feedback, it’s obvious that their songs are hard to resist, especially if you find yourself keen on the mid-80s noise pop conglomerate of Jesus & Mary Chain, The Vaselines, Black Tambourine, and Shop Assistants. The echo-filled songs resonate with such sweetness and provocative noise, that it culminates into a wall of beautiful vocals interplayed with a simple yet timeless beat that will have no problem crossing over genre lines and warming up to virtually anyone with an ounce of good taste.’ — Todd Killings, VictimofTime.com

‘When I’m Gone’ (2009)

 

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8 Inch Betsy
‘Best known for an aggressive yet melodic style of punk rock similar to that of the Distillers, Chicago queercore band 8 Inch Betsy were on the cusp of a breakthrough thanks to a reputation as a terrific live band and the strong 2007 debut This Time, Last Time, Every Time. Although the follow-up The Mean Days was recorded over the course of several years since 2010, it was never quite completed, and sadly this past January singer/guitarist/songwriter Meghan Galbraith passed away at the age of 35.’ — Pop Matters

‘Doomed’ (2010)

 

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Grass Widow
‘Though Grass Widow could easily be grouped with the tons of other retro post-punk groups that have occupied the indie rock scene for the past few years, their musicianship and needlework melodies should never be forgotten. They released plenty in the six years they were together, and all of it is worth picking up. And if you’re still jonesing for rocking-yet-pretty jams after you’ve gone through the entire Grass Widow catalog, I highly suggest checking out the rip-roaring shoegaze of Cold Beat, which features Grass Widow bassist Hannah Lew.’ — Kevin L. Jones

‘Fried Egg’ (2016)

 

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Wild Flag
‘Wild Flag is a Portland, Oregon- and Washington, DC-based quartet consisting of Carrie Brownstein, Rebecca Cole, Mary Timony, and Janet Weiss. The members of Wild Flag have played in numerous and notable bands including Sleater-Kinney, Helium, Quasi, The Minders, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, and others. The four musicians who make up Wild Flag have known one another for well over a decade. Brownstein and Weiss were in Sleater-Kinney and toured with Timony’s band Helium on numerous occasions. Brownstein and Timony played in a side project called The Spells. Rebecca Cole’s Portland-based band The Minders was a frequent opener for Sleater-Kinney. Weiss and Cole play together in the 1960’s garage-rock cover band The Shadow Mortons. If someone drew a visual representation illustrating the ways in which all indie bands are interconnected, Brownstein, Cole, Timony, and Weiss would be in the same tiny sphere, so playing together felt almost inevitable.’ — Merge Records

‘Black Tiles’ (2012)

 

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Skinny Girl Diet
‘London’s Skinny Girl Diet knew what they were doing when they chose a moniker that, on the surface, could be read as sexist: they were taking it back. By naming themselves after impossible beauty standards forced on women everyday, they’re commenting on it. Their music does the same thing. It’s not sweet. They snarl. They’re a better band because of it.’ — Maria Sherman

‘Dimethlytryptamine (DMT)’ (2012)

 

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Trippple Nippples
‘Trippple Nippples (Japanese: トリプル・ニプルス) is a Japanese electropop band from Tokyo. Famous for their unique performances, the band was formed in 2005. The artists go by the stage names Qrea Nippple, Yuka Nippple and Nabe Nippple.’ — genius.com

‘LSD’ (2020)

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*

p.s. Hey. ** jay, Hi. I don’t not share that neuroses, and, in fact, might question if it is a neuroses even. They’re lots of fun: the films, I predict. You can never trust people’s self-publicised opinions these days. I’m going to find out for myself. I remember ‘The Conversation’ being awfully good. Is it? ** Steve, I realise I know absolutely nothing about Jeff Bezos as a person and am tempted to keep it that way. Given the happy election result, which I assume you saw, I would venture to guess that the Left being now the largest party in parliament will have a positive effect on culture funding if it has any effect at all. The French respect culture, yes, even the Right, but the Right’s idea of valuable culture is quite different from the rest’s. Well, thanks to the humidity for keeping your nose planted to the music then. ** _Black_Acrylic, Obviously, my pleasure. Yay, now I have a soundtrack to my celebrations of the election results. Everyone, Listen up. Here’s the maestro: ‘The new episode of my show Play Therapy v2.0 is online here via Tak Tent Radio! Ben ‘Jack Your Body’ Robinson says our lives hang by a delicate thread and sometimes we can pull on that thread. It is so exciting, isn’t it?’ ** Dominik, Hi!!! Aw, thank you so much, pal! I’m so really happy you liked it. That warms the cockles of my heart, and that’s the only form of heat I like. Really, thanks, D. No film news. The giant mess continues, awaiting some kind of miraculous resolution. Otherwise, we’re waiting nervously to hear from a couple of film festivals, this month sometime. The new script is going really well, I think. I worked on the first draft all weekend. Zac will undoubtedly want changes when he reads it, but I’m pretty excited about it. Thank you for asking. I’m sure you got that cut when you were fighting with Darth Vader. Don’t you remember? Love wondering if you have a favorite all female rock band, G. ** ted rees, Hi, ted! Loveliness to set eyes on your type! Oh, right, I think I remember you telling me about the night at K&D’s. So cool. I never got to meet him, sadly. Oh, someone sent me ‘Hand Me the Limits’ because a copy arrived. Maybe it was Lonely Christopher, I can’t remember. Anyway, it’s an amazing and great book. I think my favorite collection of yours so far. Massive congrats and even more thanks! And thanks a ton about ‘Flunker’. Pleasing the likes of you is no small thing. I hope you’re doing great in every respect. Love from newly relieved Paris, me. ** Uday, Have you ever been to Charleville? I made a pilgrimage there in the 70s. It’s very sleepy. Well, be so grateful that you’ve survived this long without becoming uncurious and aesthetically self-protective because you will stay ‘young’ when your current friends don’t, and most of your friends will become younger and younger, or that’s what happened to me, and it’s ace. I guess I did miss that comment somehow. Trends don’t have endings, they just have lulls, sometimes lengthy lulls, but still. I, of course, think your idea for the novel is a very fine one. I’ve done things like that. Don’t worry about the ‘not skilled enough to do it’ because you’ll get any missing skills while doing it. I think we have about a week until Paris locks way down. ** Lucas, Hi, Lucas. Yeah, me too. I’m on it. I’m hoping the tea chugging has pretty much gotten you completely upright and exuding your preternatural sprightliness. I, and everyone here with any brains or heart, is very, very relieved by the election results, yes! Oh, yes, there is a way re: ‘Jerk’. I’ll email you. Thank you for the bird. It seems highly likeable. And of course for the resplendent green world as usual. I hope Monday lets you forge ahead. xo. ** Sarah Cummins, Hi, Sarah! Thank you a lot for saying that about ‘Flunker’. I’m super happy you liked it. How’s everything with you? Our summer has barely been summery so far, more like spring’s continuance, so it’s been good, knock on wood. ** Cletus, Hi, Cletus. $10 is a steal. No, I have not done a post about Kentaro Miura, and that is a very good idea. Let me get on that and see what I can come up with. I know his work only a little, but I’ve really liked what I’ve seen. Thanks a lot. You good? ** Harper, Bon-nest jour! No question Kathy’s persona is a big lure to her work and one of the reasons it pops more than more lowkey experimental writers’ works. Burroughs is the classic example of the experimental writer as brand. It’s dreadful that ‘Eden Eden Eden’ isn’t in print in English. I asked my friend who runs Semiotext(e) why they haven’t reprinted it since they’ve published several Guyotat books, and he said there’s some really fucked up rights ownership issue that’s keeping it in the dark. I love that Radiguet too. Really awesome reading you’re doing, needless to say. Curious to hear your thoughts. ** A, Hello, A! Thanks, prayers are needed, but, yes, one way or another, the film will get born, and then things will be easier. I assume you got the hardcover of ‘MLT’. That’s my favorite of all my book covers. I was shocked when they replaced it with most boring ever paperback cover. Once you publish a second book, and people finally get what you’re doing, and your work is legitimised in their eyes by having staying power as evidenced by the publication of more than one book by you, you’ll stop being crucified. Whatevs is the word. ** Charalampos, I don’t think ‘Empire of the Senseless’ is one of Kathy’s best, but it’s still very good. She was a big deal while she was alive. Her post-life bigness is just a continuance. I wish the very best for your week too. ** Justin D, Hi. Thanks, Justin, thank you so much. About ‘Flunker’. I still have yet to see a copy. Interesting: I was actually thinking about the form of Russian nesting dolls when I was writing ‘Gold’. Good eye. I’m obviously happy you have ‘The Devil, Probably’ under your belt, and, yes, no denying the Bresson impact on ‘PGL’. I think the new one is a little less Bresson-y, but we’ll see. Of course now I am going to pull up ‘The Road Not Taken’ and scour it for clues. Huh. My weekend was okay. Decent writing work and a very relieving election. How was your batch of days? ** darbyy🛌✍, I am imagining what you asked me to imagine. It’s very relaxing. Strangely? Ouch, your grandad, especially a grandad that gives you serial killer books. Wow. You do realise that most grandads don’t do things like that with their grandkids. All I remember about my grandad was that every time he saw me, he bit my ear, sometimes so hard it bled. I disliked him. I like seeing the book covers. They’re so old school in a charming way. Thanks. I didn’t know Rumspringa, but now I’m starting to. Liking where your book’s going. My liking of what you’re building there is not surprising, I know, but liking doesn’t have to be surprising to be effective. The particular glossiness of that thing in that gif made me feel really weird. Good weird, duh. Comment’s display was A-okay. ** Oscar 🌀, Wow, you wrote to me on the same Monday morning that I’m writing back to you? That doesn’t happen very often, as you can imagine. Chappell Roan is a genius! Clearly! I just sat down at a very old typewriter, and now I’m typing: *click* H *click* i *click* O *click* s *click* c *click* o *click* *back space/delete* *click* a *click * r *click* , … (thinks) … I’m glad that later ‘Animal Crossings’ accepted the wrongdoing of its guilt-tripping ways. It is one of the great mysteries of the world to me why ‘Eternal Darkness’ is the only game I’ve ever seen that employs the obvious meta possibilities of game playing. I’m holding off on ‘Riven’ until I get further on the new film script because it would kill my buzz. You’re court jester-like? Mm, I can see that. My weekend was work-filled in the good way and topped off by a shock/happy election. How was yours, sir? ** Okay. I went down a particular youtube rabbit hole the other day and decided to drag you all along with me with some judicious edits. See you tomorrow.