AUGUST 2008 fork news
DUSTIN will be performing as a member of Japan's BOREDOMS in the 88-drummer BOADRUM event in LA (LA BREA TAR PITS park) this friday 8.8.08. he is one of the 10 'drum leaders' for this 88-drummer extravaganza.
CUP will also be around, so say hello if you see them there, or get in touch here if you have something special they should know about while in LA (tues-mon)!
for more info: google BOREDOMS 8/8/08
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IAS CDS, RECORDS, 7'S, SHIRTS, BUTTONS, MIRRORS, CARD SETS, STICKERS, POSTERS, ETC...
you can mailorder all in-print I AM SPOONBENDER / SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 / SPOONBENDER SLEEP RESEARCH TEAM merchandise from the fast and excellent pros at AQUARIUS RECORDS. visit their site and search by 'ARTIST' (not 'keyword'): SPOONBENDER. they accept payment via credit card, paypal and money order.
MARCH 2008 fork news
DUSTIN will be spending most of april in EGYPT on an deep Saharan expedition with author ROBERT BAUVAL. also involved is astrophysicist and Nabta Playa researcher THOMAS BROPHY.
there are many reasons for this trip, but at least one of them is in research for the upcoming 3rd IAS album, SYNUNDRA APPUNDRUM.
while in one of the truly last unexplored parts of the world, dustin will celebrate a birthday in the CAVE OF THE SWIMMERS (made famous in the filmed version of the ENGLISH PATIENT). shemsu hor!
DUSTIN has been invited to speak as a panelist at the Bay Area Video Coalition's 4th INNOVATION SALON in SF on march 5th, 2008. details here.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
official archived news 2007
AUGUST 2007 fork news
IAS audio on myspace
(click on 'open standalone player in new window', found at the bottom of the media player and then come back here. the IAS myspace page is fan run, so do not attempt contact through myspace...)
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 will be performing their live score (including re-recorded foley!) to master Czech filmmaker/animator JIRI BARTA's incredible THE LAST THEFT at SF's historic CASTRO THEATER on november 1st, 2007 (11/1!). also appearing: PA's the valerie project, who are touring a live score of another amazing czech film masterpiece, VALERIE AND HER WEEK OF WONDERS. do not miss this!
a second pressing of I AM SPOONBENDER BUY HIDDEN PERSUADERS cd in ultra-deluxe gatefold packaging is now available in the 'for sale/released' section of the website. order yours now.
there are also new IASBHP shirts and buttons too!
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 have been commissioned by the DEAD CHANNELS film festival for a live presentation of their score for DAVID CRONENBERG's CRIMES OF THE FUTURE at the ROXIE FILM CENTER sf, friday, august 11th. director rumored to be in attendance.
want IAS to come to your town? see the booking page of the website.
MAY 2007 fork news
hello forks - here is your may news...
the first I AM SPOONBENDER live show in 3 years will take place at mezzanine (SF) on MAY 11th 2007. tickets are on sale now.
special guests include STEVEN STAPLETON (aka NURSE WITH WOUND, direct from the UK with a specially prepared DJ set), and more TBA.
we know that some of you will be coming from very far away for this event, so, as usual, please remember to buy your show ticket first, before your travel arrangements. if you haven't done so already, join the IAS mailing list and you'll receive all pertinent info directly.
in addition to new shirts and other goodies, a unique and magnetic pressing of the most recent IAS album, BUY HIDDEN PERSUADERS, will be available as a cd in a stunning gatefold vinyl sleeve, designed and silkscreened by poster designer lil tuffy!
only 500 will ever be made, and will only be available at the show and thru mailorder from aquarius records.
it is unknown how many of each will be at each outlet.
we are so excited about being able to do this with you again!
please come and celebrate levitation!
hypnotico ! arouseo ! awakeup !
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 has been asked to curate a whole evening at the upcoming DEAD CHANNELS film festival (august 10-16, 2007 ) in SF. at this point, it looks like there will be 3 films involved, 2 of which will feature new, all-original live scores performed by SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 during the showings! more details forthcoming at the festival website as they develop.
CUP is once again at the drafting board hard at work as NARDWUAR THE HUMAN SERVIETTE's official illustrator and hand-drawn fontographer for his second dvd collection! Keep your eyes peeled for it later this year!
IAS audio on myspace
(click on 'open standalone player in new window', found at the bottom of the media player and then come back here. the IAS myspace page is fan run, so do not attempt contact through myspace...)
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 will be performing their live score (including re-recorded foley!) to master Czech filmmaker/animator JIRI BARTA's incredible THE LAST THEFT at SF's historic CASTRO THEATER on november 1st, 2007 (11/1!). also appearing: PA's the valerie project, who are touring a live score of another amazing czech film masterpiece, VALERIE AND HER WEEK OF WONDERS. do not miss this!
a second pressing of I AM SPOONBENDER BUY HIDDEN PERSUADERS cd in ultra-deluxe gatefold packaging is now available in the 'for sale/released' section of the website. order yours now.
there are also new IASBHP shirts and buttons too!
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 have been commissioned by the DEAD CHANNELS film festival for a live presentation of their score for DAVID CRONENBERG's CRIMES OF THE FUTURE at the ROXIE FILM CENTER sf, friday, august 11th. director rumored to be in attendance.
want IAS to come to your town? see the booking page of the website.
MAY 2007 fork news
hello forks - here is your may news...
the first I AM SPOONBENDER live show in 3 years will take place at mezzanine (SF) on MAY 11th 2007. tickets are on sale now.
special guests include STEVEN STAPLETON (aka NURSE WITH WOUND, direct from the UK with a specially prepared DJ set), and more TBA.
we know that some of you will be coming from very far away for this event, so, as usual, please remember to buy your show ticket first, before your travel arrangements. if you haven't done so already, join the IAS mailing list and you'll receive all pertinent info directly.
in addition to new shirts and other goodies, a unique and magnetic pressing of the most recent IAS album, BUY HIDDEN PERSUADERS, will be available as a cd in a stunning gatefold vinyl sleeve, designed and silkscreened by poster designer lil tuffy!
only 500 will ever be made, and will only be available at the show and thru mailorder from aquarius records.
it is unknown how many of each will be at each outlet.
we are so excited about being able to do this with you again!
please come and celebrate levitation!
hypnotico ! arouseo ! awakeup !
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 has been asked to curate a whole evening at the upcoming DEAD CHANNELS film festival (august 10-16, 2007 ) in SF. at this point, it looks like there will be 3 films involved, 2 of which will feature new, all-original live scores performed by SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 during the showings! more details forthcoming at the festival website as they develop.
CUP is once again at the drafting board hard at work as NARDWUAR THE HUMAN SERVIETTE's official illustrator and hand-drawn fontographer for his second dvd collection! Keep your eyes peeled for it later this year!
official archived news 2006
AUGUST 2006 fork news
I AM SPOONBENDER BUY HIDDEN PERSUADERS: meet yourself on 9/11. FREE audio download/view the trailer/interview at the BUY HIDDEN PERSUADERS microsite. you will also be able to preorder the 111 page book that accompanies the 3-sided, 2nd full-length album from I AM SPOONBENDER.
THE SPOONBENDER SLEEP RESEARCH TEAM have released HYPNOTIC TRANCE PAMPHLET series 2. available now. info in the 'for sale/released' section of the website.
IN SYNC: NURSE WITH WOUND, MATMOS, IRR APP (EXT), SPOONBENDER 1.1.1, and 2 or 3 more (time constraints of the cd format permitting), are all working on a 'stereo telepathy academy'-style release. the idea: the groups are each picking a favorite short film or scene from a longer film, and writing an original soundtrack. you will then buy the cd, rent the films, and sync up your cd and dvd players to experience the new audio/visual juxtaposition. the only rule for the project was that the films need to be commercially available. films, label and release date tba.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2006 fork news
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 STEREO TELEPATHY ACADEMY was released on february 14th 2006 by the THE HELEN SCARSDALE AGENCY label. this is the studio-album debut by 1.1.1, and is limited to only 333 copies on special letterpressed metallic silver paper. the majority of these were shipped to select stores worldwide, but there are still a few available for mailorder from www.helenscarsdale.com. this is one of our favorites all the SPOONBENDER releases. if you're into the more psychological, atmospheric elements of the SPOONBENDER concept- this is what you've been waiting for. DON'T MISS IT!
watch this space for the imminent announcement of a STEREO TELEPATHY ACADEMY release show in san francisco. this will be open to the public, as opposed to the 'secret' record release show which took place in front of 111 select attendees on 1.11. 2006. for those of you not on the IAS mailing list, here's information on the event that everyone who attended has sworn to keep secret.
more info on SPOONBENDER 1.1.1.
the next time news is posted on this site it will be about how you can get BUY HIDDEN PERSUADERS, the long-completed, long-unreleased, endlessly delayed I AM SPOONBENDER hall of mirrors. your multi-level self hypnosis guide is right around the corner!
SURE, USING A COMPUTER WOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER: CUP was recently commissioned to hand-letter NARDWUAR THE HUMAN SERVIETTE's new website and upcoming career-retrospective dvd compilation. virtually every word was DRAWN by CUP. check it out!
DUSTIN and CUP had a great time with recent houseguests STEVEN STAPLETON (NURSE WITH WOUND) and MATT WALDRON (IRR.APP.EXT.). an encyclopedic knowledge of surrealist film, 'panic' plays, and indian pizza are required during your stay at chateau spoonbender... and black humor is a must! it seems that we love these people as well as their work. watch for some upcoming collaborations!
do you have anything to add to this?
I AM SPOONBENDER BUY HIDDEN PERSUADERS: meet yourself on 9/11. FREE audio download/view the trailer/interview at the BUY HIDDEN PERSUADERS microsite. you will also be able to preorder the 111 page book that accompanies the 3-sided, 2nd full-length album from I AM SPOONBENDER.
THE SPOONBENDER SLEEP RESEARCH TEAM have released HYPNOTIC TRANCE PAMPHLET series 2. available now. info in the 'for sale/released' section of the website.
IN SYNC: NURSE WITH WOUND, MATMOS, IRR APP (EXT), SPOONBENDER 1.1.1, and 2 or 3 more (time constraints of the cd format permitting), are all working on a 'stereo telepathy academy'-style release. the idea: the groups are each picking a favorite short film or scene from a longer film, and writing an original soundtrack. you will then buy the cd, rent the films, and sync up your cd and dvd players to experience the new audio/visual juxtaposition. the only rule for the project was that the films need to be commercially available. films, label and release date tba.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2006 fork news
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 STEREO TELEPATHY ACADEMY was released on february 14th 2006 by the THE HELEN SCARSDALE AGENCY label. this is the studio-album debut by 1.1.1, and is limited to only 333 copies on special letterpressed metallic silver paper. the majority of these were shipped to select stores worldwide, but there are still a few available for mailorder from www.helenscarsdale.com. this is one of our favorites all the SPOONBENDER releases. if you're into the more psychological, atmospheric elements of the SPOONBENDER concept- this is what you've been waiting for. DON'T MISS IT!
watch this space for the imminent announcement of a STEREO TELEPATHY ACADEMY release show in san francisco. this will be open to the public, as opposed to the 'secret' record release show which took place in front of 111 select attendees on 1.11. 2006. for those of you not on the IAS mailing list, here's information on the event that everyone who attended has sworn to keep secret.
more info on SPOONBENDER 1.1.1.
the next time news is posted on this site it will be about how you can get BUY HIDDEN PERSUADERS, the long-completed, long-unreleased, endlessly delayed I AM SPOONBENDER hall of mirrors. your multi-level self hypnosis guide is right around the corner!
SURE, USING A COMPUTER WOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER: CUP was recently commissioned to hand-letter NARDWUAR THE HUMAN SERVIETTE's new website and upcoming career-retrospective dvd compilation. virtually every word was DRAWN by CUP. check it out!
DUSTIN and CUP had a great time with recent houseguests STEVEN STAPLETON (NURSE WITH WOUND) and MATT WALDRON (IRR.APP.EXT.). an encyclopedic knowledge of surrealist film, 'panic' plays, and indian pizza are required during your stay at chateau spoonbender... and black humor is a must! it seems that we love these people as well as their work. watch for some upcoming collaborations!
do you have anything to add to this?
official archived news 2005
JUNE/JULY 2005 fork news
hello forks - here is your june/july news...
2 NEW RELEASES (info in the 'for sale' section): SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 live in SF (ultra-limited hand-packaged cd-r), and the HYPNOTIC TRANCE PAMPHLET card set. don't snooze- these are very, very limited!
NEW SONG and VIDEO UP NOW! ever/never seen I AM SPOONBENDER LIVE? take in 'THE DRUG COMPANIES DID A GOOD JOB', taken from the forthcoming 'HIDDEN PERSUADERS' CD. in the 'moving pictures' section.
IN THE TOP 10. the may issue of AP magazine has a large story on the history of synthesizers in rock music, and lAS' SENDER/RECEIVER is named as one of the 'top 10 most influential synth-rock records ever released'. recordings by DAVID BOWIE, GARY NUMAN, NINE INCH NAILS and DEVO are also in this list. DUSTIN is interviewed in the article. thanks to all who voted!
DUSTIN's 'coincidence' of the month: woke up late, with BLUE OYSTER CULT's "flaming telepaths" in my head for some reason. gotta get to the studio. scrambling. humming "flaming", and trying to get a second to throw it on the stereo... no time. call a cab. humming "flaming". grab the 'secret treaties' album. as i'm putting it on, the phone rings- it's the robot at the cab company saying "your cab will arrive in . .. ONE . .. minute '. forget the song, grab my notebook, head out the door. sitting on the porch, waiting. the cab is late, somehow. a car pulls up across the street with a single man inside, windows down. suddenly, "flaming telepaths" comes blasting out! i hear the whole song. it is the only song he plays. the cab arrives, and i go to SEISMIC SEANCE.
MARCH 2005 fork news
hello forks - here is your march news...
NEW MERCHANDISE: don't miss the just-released, very limited, 1st-in-a-series-of-3 HYPNOTIC TRANCE PAMPHLET card sets. info and photos in the 'for sale' section. do not snooze on this! YOU HAVE BEEN SUGGESTED.
see CUP's new comic strip 'foxy loxy' in the current issue of CHUNKLET magazine (#19).
did you like our video for 'REPLACED BY TOYS'? if so, check out THE RESIDENTS new 'commercial' dvd, which contains a video by director ERIC NORDHAUSER. intense stuff.
a message from DUSTIN: one of my favorite movie soundtracks is from roman polanski's THE TENANT. so much so, that i've been looking for the soundtrack album (at the end of the film, it says there is one) since 1991. i've never found it until now. big deal right? well, let's say i love it so much that at one point around 1993 i TAPED the soundtrack off the movie itself (on vhs only, at the time) onto a 90 minute cassette. now i know all the dialog, too. anyway, around the time that i was on tour with SKINNY PUPPY (who, not coincidentally, are also big fans of THE TENANT) i was so obsessed and tired of asking for it in every store i visited while on that summer tour, that i tracked down the phone number for Varese Sarabande, the legendary soundtrack label, who were listed as the release company for this fantastic, moody work. i was told: " never heard of it. it was probably never made. in the 70's, soundtrack records sold pretty well, and so often they would plan for an album release of the soundtrack, but if the movie didn't do so well, it'd just never come out. i have no catalog number for it." fast forward to fall of 2003 when the dvd FINALLY came out. watched it 3 times that week, loud. told people about it again. wondered about the soundtrack album. today, march 1st 2005, CUP walked into the living room with a used, japanese-issued cd of the soundtrack to THE TENANT, released late last year: "aren't you looking for this?" right now, i can only think of good things to say about japan. right now, i'm listening to THE TENANT on cd.
hello forks - here is your june/july news...
2 NEW RELEASES (info in the 'for sale' section): SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 live in SF (ultra-limited hand-packaged cd-r), and the HYPNOTIC TRANCE PAMPHLET card set. don't snooze- these are very, very limited!
NEW SONG and VIDEO UP NOW! ever/never seen I AM SPOONBENDER LIVE? take in 'THE DRUG COMPANIES DID A GOOD JOB', taken from the forthcoming 'HIDDEN PERSUADERS' CD. in the 'moving pictures' section.
IN THE TOP 10. the may issue of AP magazine has a large story on the history of synthesizers in rock music, and lAS' SENDER/RECEIVER is named as one of the 'top 10 most influential synth-rock records ever released'. recordings by DAVID BOWIE, GARY NUMAN, NINE INCH NAILS and DEVO are also in this list. DUSTIN is interviewed in the article. thanks to all who voted!
DUSTIN's 'coincidence' of the month: woke up late, with BLUE OYSTER CULT's "flaming telepaths" in my head for some reason. gotta get to the studio. scrambling. humming "flaming", and trying to get a second to throw it on the stereo... no time. call a cab. humming "flaming". grab the 'secret treaties' album. as i'm putting it on, the phone rings- it's the robot at the cab company saying "your cab will arrive in . .. ONE . .. minute '. forget the song, grab my notebook, head out the door. sitting on the porch, waiting. the cab is late, somehow. a car pulls up across the street with a single man inside, windows down. suddenly, "flaming telepaths" comes blasting out! i hear the whole song. it is the only song he plays. the cab arrives, and i go to SEISMIC SEANCE.
MARCH 2005 fork news
hello forks - here is your march news...
NEW MERCHANDISE: don't miss the just-released, very limited, 1st-in-a-series-of-3 HYPNOTIC TRANCE PAMPHLET card sets. info and photos in the 'for sale' section. do not snooze on this! YOU HAVE BEEN SUGGESTED.
see CUP's new comic strip 'foxy loxy' in the current issue of CHUNKLET magazine (#19).
did you like our video for 'REPLACED BY TOYS'? if so, check out THE RESIDENTS new 'commercial' dvd, which contains a video by director ERIC NORDHAUSER. intense stuff.
a message from DUSTIN: one of my favorite movie soundtracks is from roman polanski's THE TENANT. so much so, that i've been looking for the soundtrack album (at the end of the film, it says there is one) since 1991. i've never found it until now. big deal right? well, let's say i love it so much that at one point around 1993 i TAPED the soundtrack off the movie itself (on vhs only, at the time) onto a 90 minute cassette. now i know all the dialog, too. anyway, around the time that i was on tour with SKINNY PUPPY (who, not coincidentally, are also big fans of THE TENANT) i was so obsessed and tired of asking for it in every store i visited while on that summer tour, that i tracked down the phone number for Varese Sarabande, the legendary soundtrack label, who were listed as the release company for this fantastic, moody work. i was told: " never heard of it. it was probably never made. in the 70's, soundtrack records sold pretty well, and so often they would plan for an album release of the soundtrack, but if the movie didn't do so well, it'd just never come out. i have no catalog number for it." fast forward to fall of 2003 when the dvd FINALLY came out. watched it 3 times that week, loud. told people about it again. wondered about the soundtrack album. today, march 1st 2005, CUP walked into the living room with a used, japanese-issued cd of the soundtrack to THE TENANT, released late last year: "aren't you looking for this?" right now, i can only think of good things to say about japan. right now, i'm listening to THE TENANT on cd.
official archived news 2004
DECEMBER 2004 fork news
hello forks - here is your december news...
HIDDEN PERSUADERS IS STILL REAL!
after a terribly difficult personal year that saw many things 'IAS' put on the back burner, we're thrilled to announce that HIDDEN PERSUADERS is being mixed through the month of december and early january. it will be done by the 15th- yes, that much is true. as for more info... one step at a time, these days...
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 W/ guests IRR. APT. (EXT). and SAGAN
friday january 7th. elbo room, SF.
don't miss this show. really. and come early.
no, really!
photos of SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 W/ PSYCHIC TV 3 -
one of IAS' admitted inspirations is the conceptual element of vintage PSYCHIC TV. look closely and you'll see the similarities right in front of you- not to mention the influence and friendship of WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS work on both projects. GENESIS P-ORRIDGE told us that we were 'even more beautiful with our flowerheads off than we were with them on'. how sweet. live film soundtracks, said flowerheads, and the third mind came down on wednesday, nov 3rd in san francisco. photos here!
VOTING, next time: let's leave the illusion behind that there's a difference between democrat/republicans and vote for a 3rd option: rejection of the ready-made, pre-chosen dualist republicrat 'democracy'. let's be the first to actually achieve what should've happened decades ago. until then, we intend to stay vigilant. yes, we're sure to lose things that are dear in the inevitable (manufactured) 'terrorist' paybacks and ensuing civil war that's likely to unfold, but hey- let's all just choose to not believe in their apocalypse! reality can be undreamed, together.
" be seeing you! " - IAS ( #5 and #111 )
"the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. it is the source of all true art and science." - albert einstein
JULY 2004 fork news
do you have an IAS TATTOO? we don't, but would like to see yours!
shows with new member DAVE EDWARDSON (of NEUROSIS) are coming soon!
SECRETS THE MOUTH WON'T KEEP: there is a new, informative interview in the 'said out loud' section of the website.
after last months newspost about IAS' label breakdown/subsequent financial disaster surrounding the HIDDEN PERSUADERS album (see last month), there have been offers and requests about contributing monetarily to IAS, so we've set up a paypal account. please feel free to do so! any amount is helpful, but is not tax deductible. if you decide to donate, send your address and we'll send you rare, unique IAS stuff (if you want).
thank you very much for your support everyone!
HIDDEN PERSUADERS song titles/track listing:
1. was that a commercial?
2. project spellbinder
a. scheme b. product c. sold!
3. love of the evolved
4. hidden persuaders
5. three folded words
6. the drug companies did a good job
7. so it turns out that life was a movie they saw?
8. don't trust pictures
9. white knuckle revelations
10. ESPionage
11. meeting yourself : i'm you
12. srorrim ni decalper ylwols
strange and true. last month, dustin and cup (as spoonbender 1.1.1) were hired to perform at a 'top-floor' corporate party where San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom spoke. WEIRD. oscillators tickled the ears of the fickle.
APRIL 2004 fork news
well forks, there's good news and bad news for may:
first the good news: there has been a regime addition, with a high-profile, long-time friend and fan now in the ranks! we'll let you know who very soon, but we can promise that the next phase of live I AM SPOONBENDER will be the ultimate one yet. guaranteed. it's probable that the west coast forks may experience this as soon as summertime.
the bad news is big, unfortunately. the label whom we've been working on releasing the HIDDEN PERSUADERS dvdalbum with has announced (at the final stage of production) that they are not able to follow through. what this means for IAS and HIDDEN PERSUADERS is that the funds to finish off this enormously expensive project are not forthcoming, effectively leaving it in an unfinished limbo-state. after 3 years of work on this, you might be able to imagine how this is... _________ (pick whatever emotional description you prefer- it fits). anyway, we are now in the position of having to start over on the process of 'shopping' this pivotal release, which can take forever. of course, we'd already been through this process with HP, from major label to hippest indie. we finally found the 'perfect' one and, well... reorganization. we had hoped to see it in your hands/minds/hearts in september. who knows when, now- but it will appear.
anyway, we'd like to take this chance to thank you for all your support and interest in IAS. your salivatory anticipation has been felt, and encouraging.
for the faithful: we'll post some work mixes of HIDDEN PERSUADERS songs next month!
IAS is now 6 years old.
" time is the final frontier " - IAS
" the otherworldly avant-pop trio I Am Spoonbender is a band that, since 1998, has challenged mainstream music's status quo (as well as the paradigms of natural order and the occult) with thought- provoking electronic song-experiments. The group's do-it-yourself approach covers everything from recording its own albums to creating all the sounds in its tunes (as opposed to using widespread, preset patches), an ethic that has been influential on other musicians in recent years. Named after the telekinetic 'powers' of Uri Geller, the band shares a common thread with the great literary minds of magical realism. Above all, the group strives to draw attention to and point out the possible beauty of the small details in life that are often taken for granted, as well as those overarching issues that concern us all. In I Am Spoonbender's universe, this goal comes alive in multiple dimensions, with and without words. Vocals, bass, and drums meet with the band's primary instrumental palette, synthesizers (each member plays one in some manner or another), yet I Am Spoonbender is far from being some kind of new-wave revival band, the likes of which are all too common in today's musical landscape. In fact, as explained on its Web site, one of the band's strongest stances is "to NOT capitalize on the younger generation's lack of knowledge to the music that's come before." A high-minded experimental pop band with a conscience? Yep. " - SF WEEKLY
FEBRUARY 2004 fork news
IAS live at the 12th annual NOISE POP fest in SF, thursday feb. 26th @ the brand new independent venue. in addition to the opening acts, there will be a couple of special guests onstage with IAS. more info here!
select new interviews, reviews and show flyers are now up here at ias.com
check here next month for a few snippets of HIDDEN PERSUADERS songs!
live photos by an austin, tx fork here!
ATTENTION MEDIA -TYPES: we will not respond in regard to your questions about our relationship with URI GELLER in connection with his relationship to MICHAEL JACKSON. stop wasting your time.
"SF trio I Am Spoonbender anticipated indie rock's current fixation on analog electronic textures and spazzy post-punk funk by five years. Check out their astounding albums for IAS's ingenious filtering of Tago Mago-era Can's tribal rhythmic power, This Heat's unconventional dynamics, and post-rock/ electronic/musique concrète interfaces." - THE STRANGER
" Calling all music makers and performers: The Bar has been raised. I Am Spoonbender has achieved what so many of us hope/ believe we might experience when we go out " - ENFUSE magazine
" i am spoonbender craft a singular uniqueness from a seemingly disparate grouping of fundamentals, somehow achieving a cohesive synergy that consistently evokes 'godhead' responses. when mentioned, (I.A.S.) are usually referred to in futuristic terms, (as in 'here is the future of music', 'fucking visionaries' and the like) causing one particularly exuberant critic to gush "where does music go from here?". where indeed?" - CHICAGO READER
hello forks - here is your december news...
HIDDEN PERSUADERS IS STILL REAL!
after a terribly difficult personal year that saw many things 'IAS' put on the back burner, we're thrilled to announce that HIDDEN PERSUADERS is being mixed through the month of december and early january. it will be done by the 15th- yes, that much is true. as for more info... one step at a time, these days...
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 W/ guests IRR. APT. (EXT). and SAGAN
friday january 7th. elbo room, SF.
don't miss this show. really. and come early.
no, really!
photos of SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 W/ PSYCHIC TV 3 -
one of IAS' admitted inspirations is the conceptual element of vintage PSYCHIC TV. look closely and you'll see the similarities right in front of you- not to mention the influence and friendship of WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS work on both projects. GENESIS P-ORRIDGE told us that we were 'even more beautiful with our flowerheads off than we were with them on'. how sweet. live film soundtracks, said flowerheads, and the third mind came down on wednesday, nov 3rd in san francisco. photos here!
VOTING, next time: let's leave the illusion behind that there's a difference between democrat/republicans and vote for a 3rd option: rejection of the ready-made, pre-chosen dualist republicrat 'democracy'. let's be the first to actually achieve what should've happened decades ago. until then, we intend to stay vigilant. yes, we're sure to lose things that are dear in the inevitable (manufactured) 'terrorist' paybacks and ensuing civil war that's likely to unfold, but hey- let's all just choose to not believe in their apocalypse! reality can be undreamed, together.
" be seeing you! " - IAS ( #5 and #111 )
"the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. it is the source of all true art and science." - albert einstein
JULY 2004 fork news
do you have an IAS TATTOO? we don't, but would like to see yours!
shows with new member DAVE EDWARDSON (of NEUROSIS) are coming soon!
SECRETS THE MOUTH WON'T KEEP: there is a new, informative interview in the 'said out loud' section of the website.
after last months newspost about IAS' label breakdown/subsequent financial disaster surrounding the HIDDEN PERSUADERS album (see last month), there have been offers and requests about contributing monetarily to IAS, so we've set up a paypal account. please feel free to do so! any amount is helpful, but is not tax deductible. if you decide to donate, send your address and we'll send you rare, unique IAS stuff (if you want).
THE 'HELPING-IAS-GET-IT-DONE' RELIEF FUND :
paypal@iamspoonbender.com
paypal@iamspoonbender.com
thank you very much for your support everyone!
HIDDEN PERSUADERS song titles/track listing:
1. was that a commercial?
2. project spellbinder
a. scheme b. product c. sold!
3. love of the evolved
4. hidden persuaders
5. three folded words
6. the drug companies did a good job
7. so it turns out that life was a movie they saw?
8. don't trust pictures
9. white knuckle revelations
10. ESPionage
11. meeting yourself : i'm you
12. srorrim ni decalper ylwols
strange and true. last month, dustin and cup (as spoonbender 1.1.1) were hired to perform at a 'top-floor' corporate party where San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom spoke. WEIRD. oscillators tickled the ears of the fickle.
APRIL 2004 fork news
well forks, there's good news and bad news for may:
first the good news: there has been a regime addition, with a high-profile, long-time friend and fan now in the ranks! we'll let you know who very soon, but we can promise that the next phase of live I AM SPOONBENDER will be the ultimate one yet. guaranteed. it's probable that the west coast forks may experience this as soon as summertime.
the bad news is big, unfortunately. the label whom we've been working on releasing the HIDDEN PERSUADERS dvdalbum with has announced (at the final stage of production) that they are not able to follow through. what this means for IAS and HIDDEN PERSUADERS is that the funds to finish off this enormously expensive project are not forthcoming, effectively leaving it in an unfinished limbo-state. after 3 years of work on this, you might be able to imagine how this is... _________ (pick whatever emotional description you prefer- it fits). anyway, we are now in the position of having to start over on the process of 'shopping' this pivotal release, which can take forever. of course, we'd already been through this process with HP, from major label to hippest indie. we finally found the 'perfect' one and, well... reorganization. we had hoped to see it in your hands/minds/hearts in september. who knows when, now- but it will appear.
anyway, we'd like to take this chance to thank you for all your support and interest in IAS. your salivatory anticipation has been felt, and encouraging.
for the faithful: we'll post some work mixes of HIDDEN PERSUADERS songs next month!
IAS is now 6 years old.
" time is the final frontier " - IAS
" the otherworldly avant-pop trio I Am Spoonbender is a band that, since 1998, has challenged mainstream music's status quo (as well as the paradigms of natural order and the occult) with thought- provoking electronic song-experiments. The group's do-it-yourself approach covers everything from recording its own albums to creating all the sounds in its tunes (as opposed to using widespread, preset patches), an ethic that has been influential on other musicians in recent years. Named after the telekinetic 'powers' of Uri Geller, the band shares a common thread with the great literary minds of magical realism. Above all, the group strives to draw attention to and point out the possible beauty of the small details in life that are often taken for granted, as well as those overarching issues that concern us all. In I Am Spoonbender's universe, this goal comes alive in multiple dimensions, with and without words. Vocals, bass, and drums meet with the band's primary instrumental palette, synthesizers (each member plays one in some manner or another), yet I Am Spoonbender is far from being some kind of new-wave revival band, the likes of which are all too common in today's musical landscape. In fact, as explained on its Web site, one of the band's strongest stances is "to NOT capitalize on the younger generation's lack of knowledge to the music that's come before." A high-minded experimental pop band with a conscience? Yep. " - SF WEEKLY
FEBRUARY 2004 fork news
IAS live at the 12th annual NOISE POP fest in SF, thursday feb. 26th @ the brand new independent venue. in addition to the opening acts, there will be a couple of special guests onstage with IAS. more info here!
select new interviews, reviews and show flyers are now up here at ias.com
check here next month for a few snippets of HIDDEN PERSUADERS songs!
live photos by an austin, tx fork here!
ATTENTION MEDIA -TYPES: we will not respond in regard to your questions about our relationship with URI GELLER in connection with his relationship to MICHAEL JACKSON. stop wasting your time.
"SF trio I Am Spoonbender anticipated indie rock's current fixation on analog electronic textures and spazzy post-punk funk by five years. Check out their astounding albums for IAS's ingenious filtering of Tago Mago-era Can's tribal rhythmic power, This Heat's unconventional dynamics, and post-rock/ electronic/musique concrète interfaces." - THE STRANGER
" Calling all music makers and performers: The Bar has been raised. I Am Spoonbender has achieved what so many of us hope/ believe we might experience when we go out " - ENFUSE magazine
" i am spoonbender craft a singular uniqueness from a seemingly disparate grouping of fundamentals, somehow achieving a cohesive synergy that consistently evokes 'godhead' responses. when mentioned, (I.A.S.) are usually referred to in futuristic terms, (as in 'here is the future of music', 'fucking visionaries' and the like) causing one particularly exuberant critic to gush "where does music go from here?". where indeed?" - CHICAGO READER
official archived news 2003
DECEMBER 2003 fork news
LIVE SLEEP RESEARCH UPDATE:
the following 2 shows ARE NOT HAPPENING due to a family emergency:
saturday 12/13/03 COSTA MESA: Detroit club
friday 12/19/03 LOS ANGELES: the Echo
again: IAS will not be at these shows.
IAS will be still performing a down low san francisco show:
monday 12/15/03 SAN FRANCISCO: Elbo Room
( special club show- advance tix from aquarius records are recommended. this is an early show- 7:30pm. no joking. )
this show signifies an end to a specific era of IAS for us- don't miss it.
that was IAS on recent episodes of MTV's ' Viva La Bam ' and ESPN's ' Playmakers ' , so either quit emailing or watch less tv. yes, one or the other.
WHERE ARE THE HIDDEN PERSUADERS?
OCTOBER 2003 fork news
Forks - it's october:
the 3rd time is the charm, so the cliche goes. whatever- this is the 3rd ever U.S. tour, and final out-of-state IAS shows this year, and you really should be there. we will.
Remaining Dates:
10.23 - NYC - pianos ( CMJ- KORK AGENCY SHOWCASE )
10-24 - SWARTHMORE, PA - Campus Show
10-25 - RICHMOND, VA - TBA
10-26 - ATLANTA, GA - TBA
10.28 - DENTON, TX - rubber gloves
10.29 - AUSTIN, TX - the mercury (w/ EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY)
10.31 (halloween) - LOS ANGELES - location 606 (606 E. 6th Street, downtown Los Angeles)
double checking your local listings for changes/details is advised...
"..the most innovative live-instrument electronic rock band around, with a hypnotic, surprise filled show that reveals others to be mere pretenders... I AM SPOONBENDER belong in one category only- their own." - VILLAGE VOICE
"vote IAS: the only band that promises everything"
IAS NOMINATED FOR 'BEST SF ELECTRONIC GROUP'
while we take issue with IAS being reduced to the generic, narrow, genre title of 'best electronic band', we are flattered that you nominated us. you can make us win by voting online (until 10/15) : sf weekly music awards
Preview: CMJ Music Marathon
October 22-26
New York, NY
"The annual CMJ MUSIC MARATHON, a three-day showcase of buzz bands, panels, and films, is back. Panel discussions include talks on regional club scenes and the explosive growth of the jazz remix industry, as well as roundtables on press, new technology, and digital distribution — issues that affect rockers, rappers, and ravers alike. The current buzz surrounding no wave and post-punk lends the lineups their share of bands that fuse rock structures with electronic instrumentation, including SF electro-mashers I AM SPOONBENDER, it-band-with-a-cowbell The Rapture, and, for the opening night party at Webster Hall, classic dance-metallers KILLING JOKE." -from some 'hip' online site that all the kids are talking about...
SEPTEMBER 2003 fork news
IAS will be playing their first ever shows in washington and oregon in september! they are:
september 11th: PORTLAND - BERBATI'S
september 13th: SEATTLE - GRACELAND
OCTOBER MIDWEST/EAST COAST DATES ANNOUNCED HERE SOON!
there is a 20 minute IAS documentary up at BRAINWASHED.COM. this short documentary was filmed in boston during IAS' may u.s. tour. it gives a general overview of certain aspects of the group, as well as showing live footage (try to ignore the sound quality of the live footage please!). IAS is pleased to be a part of brainwashed.com's ongoing docu-series 'the eye', as the site is the web's foremost authority, host and hub for some of the most innovative music-makers around.
JULY 2003 fork news
it's likely that we're more disappointed than those of you that came to our midwest/east coast shows with the NEW PORNOGRAPHERS - to make a very complicated story simple: we weren't there. we're all fine, thanks, but machines and bureaucracy were insurmountable. thanks for your support and see you in october.
______________________________________________________________
southern californians: you're always asking about IAS playing LOS ANGELES... well, this is the time:
SATURDAY JULY 26TH. THE KEY CLUB, LOS ANGELES. 18/UP.
aside: we know next to nothing about the opening bands, and playing on sunset blvd is as surreal as it can get, but we highly recommend this show for the great stage, sitelines and a-list soundsystem- not to mention that our current set is the most fully realized and head-melting yet assembled.. DON'T MISS IT !
______________________________________________________________
SAN FRANCISCO - we're playing 2 intimate SF GIGS :
FRIDAY and SATURDAY, AUGUST 1st and 2nd. EDINBURGH CASTLE.
w/ special friends and guests
we're foregoing our annual GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL show for an opposite choice- two nights at the "tenderknob"s EDINBURGH CASTLE. despite this decidedly more low-key approach, you should still expect our extensive stage production, with the result being our most intimate experience together since IAS' G.A.M.H. debut over 4 years ago. these will be the first full SF sets in a year and a half.
______________________________________________________________
do you believe what you read?:
"one of the most unique and creative live bands around. The next time you hear about this band coming to a town near you, make sure you don't miss out. They will make you realize just how original and artistic a live musical performance can be, and let me tell you: there are a lot of bands out there that really should be taking notice. one of the best shows I have seen in a long time." - pitchfork.com
" .. far more complex and intelligent than most of their counterparts (exactly who is that again?). Songs like "Remover - Installer", off their 2002 EP Shown Actual Size are raucous and technologically maniacal, like a computer system meltdown. Over the course of their too-brief set, every movement and moment was scripted, calculated. Lights ran amok. Their bodies seizured rhythmically. The stage went dark, strobe lights flashed, the drumsticks went luminous. They ripped off their top uniform to reveal saucy outfits underneath. Besides angular sonics in a synth-heavy, dark, yet hooky montage, they also rock out, thrash, kill their instruments with mechanical strength, burn. They hammer away at both (drumkits). It is too much. It is not enough. ..IAS's show at the (NYC) Knitting Factory was near perfect.." - popmatters.com
"..the most innovative live-instrument electronic rock band around, with a hypnotic, surprise filled show that reveals others to be mere pretenders... I AM SPOONBENDER belong in one category only- their own." - the village voice
JUNE 2003 fork news
it was great seeing you all on tour in may- the response was incredible! thanks. we're coming back your way in early july with THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS. this will include our first ever appearance in detroit. there is also a costa mesa, ca show on saturday june 28th at the DETROIT BAR. more info/dates at bottom.
new music from IAS:
- "my rhythm box has teeth" by I AM SPOONBENDER with JIMMY/MARGARET ' is out now on the DEATH BEFORE DISCO compilation on princehouse records. new song unavailable anywhere else. this comp was mastered by us at SEISMIC SEANCE and features many interesting groups doing mutant dance tracks. order it from aquarius records.
- "chapped lip hypnotist (turn me on in session)" by I AM SPOONBENDER with BENJAMIN CHANCE' is out now on the GSL 50 comp, available free with issue 11 of SKYSCRAPER magazine. new song unavailable anywhere else.
IAS LIVE:
june 28th- detroit club, costa mesa w/ dance disaster movement
w/ THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS:
july 5th- minneapolis. 1st ave
july 6th- chicago. metro
july 7th- detroit. magic stick
july 8th- toronto. phoenix
july 9th- montreal. la sala rossa ( no N.P. )
july 10th- boston. middle east
july 11th- nyc. bowery ballroom
some recent press surrounding the may tour:
the origin of CUP's name revealed; aesthetic choices explained:
http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2003/050103/music3.html
glad you liked it, but we're not really 'electroclash' OR 'dance music' :
http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/i-am-spoonbender-030510/
"(among many things) The telephone (mics are) a live visual prop born out of the time when Cup still lived in Vancouver. We developed a relationship that was based on the telephone because we lived in different countries, so it became the most precious object in our friendship.." It just became a central image. If you were to take the telephone back 200 years, it''d be perceived as a magic object from another dimension that people would likely worship. It's almost become invisible now because of how usefully and perfectly it works." - excerpt from NOW magazine toronto, may 2003
MAY 2003 fork news
in spite of tyranny, s.a.r.s., and recent emergency room visits, I AM SPOONBENDER is going on its 2nd NORTH AMERICAN TOUR ever- bringing stroboscopic delirium and metaphysic glam surrealism to your town.
- or the next one over, at least.
in addition to lights and fog, there will be songs from SENDER/RECEIVER, TELETWIN, SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE, and plenty of new ones from the imminent dvd album HIDDEN PERSUADERS. mostly, it will be great getting groups of people together who believe in possibilities.
it's rare for IAS to get out of california, so we hope to see you at one of the following locations:
I AM SPOONBENDER NIGHTLY DREAM COMMITTEES:
friday may 2 MINNEAPOLIS 7th st entry
saturday may 3 CHICAGO empty bottle
tuesday may 6 TORONTO the 360
wednesday may 7 MONTREAL la sala rossa
thursday may 8 BENNINGTON U., VT tishman auditorium
friday may 9 BOSTON tt the bears
saturday may 10 NYC knitting factory
monday may 12 PHILADELPHIA first unitarian
wednesday may 14 ATLANTA the echo
friday may 16 DENTON, TX rubber gloves
saturday may 17 AUSTIN emos
we will also have many limited, tour-only items and goodies with us. yes, that includes METALLICA DRUMMER videos. if you've got the space and no pets, we'd rather stay with you (although your clocks might stop working). if you have interesting/pretty telephones that you don't want- bring 'em to us. working or not...
see you soon!
IAS
"if one is not happy with the illusion that is foisted upon us, one must not only attack this illusion but also those whose own lives and actions sustain it." - jason wynd
"Realism is a bad word. EVERYTHING is 'realistic'. I see no line between the imaginary and the real." - federico fellini
"give me two hours of activity a day. Give me the other 22 in dreams." - luis bunuel
APRIL 2003 fork news
IAS will play more shows this year than all of the shows they've played up to this point combined. promise.
DUSTIN unknowingly performed last weekend in SAN LUIS OBISPO for EARTHFEST with acute appendicitis, and immediately went to the hospital in severe pain for an emergency appendectomy. DUSTIN may not be the man he used to be, but it's going to take more than missing parts to keep IAS from playing these shows this weekend:
fr/4/18 san francisco, ca - slim's ( w/ germany's NOTWIST )
su/4/20 los angeles, ca - knitting factory ( w/ the NOTWIST )
MAY NORTH AMERICAN TOUR dates will be posted THIS COMING WEEK.
DON'T MISS IAS' 2nd EVER TOUR!
after reading some wrong reviews about SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE, we'd like to point out some writing here from someone who gets it the way we intend it:
we don't just like this review because it's positive- it's well written (a well written bad review is cherished too).
DUSTIN recently played drums on the soundtrack to the film 'DOPAMINE', which won the Sloan Feature Film Prize at the recent SUNDANCE film festival. dustin recorded with an assembled band for the project which included billy gould (FAITH NO MORE), and mike morasky (STEEL POLE BATHTUB, MILK CULT).
the new issue of CHUNKLET magazine (#17) contains 'SHATTERED DREAMS', a new comic strip by CUP and DUSTIN, as well as CUPs' 'ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO METALLICA'S 'KILL 'EM ALL'. check it out.
WANTED: old, weird, cool TELEPHONES. it's a bonus if they work, but they don't need to... we'll trade for anything you want (cd's, shirts, etc) so send us a jpeg or photo if you've got something good! just the handsets are fine too... let us know: forks@iamspoonbender.com
"people do not think. what luck for the rulers." - adolf hitler
"the one thing that cannot be controlled by them is the imagination. this then, is the key" - IAS
"the genius of life is to carry the spirit of childhood into old age." - aldous huxley
LIVE SLEEP RESEARCH UPDATE:
the following 2 shows ARE NOT HAPPENING due to a family emergency:
saturday 12/13/03 COSTA MESA: Detroit club
friday 12/19/03 LOS ANGELES: the Echo
again: IAS will not be at these shows.
IAS will be still performing a down low san francisco show:
monday 12/15/03 SAN FRANCISCO: Elbo Room
( special club show- advance tix from aquarius records are recommended. this is an early show- 7:30pm. no joking. )
this show signifies an end to a specific era of IAS for us- don't miss it.
that was IAS on recent episodes of MTV's ' Viva La Bam ' and ESPN's ' Playmakers ' , so either quit emailing or watch less tv. yes, one or the other.
WHERE ARE THE HIDDEN PERSUADERS?
OCTOBER 2003 fork news
Forks - it's october:
the 3rd time is the charm, so the cliche goes. whatever- this is the 3rd ever U.S. tour, and final out-of-state IAS shows this year, and you really should be there. we will.
Remaining Dates:
10.23 - NYC - pianos ( CMJ- KORK AGENCY SHOWCASE )
10-24 - SWARTHMORE, PA - Campus Show
10-25 - RICHMOND, VA - TBA
10-26 - ATLANTA, GA - TBA
10.28 - DENTON, TX - rubber gloves
10.29 - AUSTIN, TX - the mercury (w/ EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY)
10.31 (halloween) - LOS ANGELES - location 606 (606 E. 6th Street, downtown Los Angeles)
double checking your local listings for changes/details is advised...
"..the most innovative live-instrument electronic rock band around, with a hypnotic, surprise filled show that reveals others to be mere pretenders... I AM SPOONBENDER belong in one category only- their own." - VILLAGE VOICE
"vote IAS: the only band that promises everything"
IAS NOMINATED FOR 'BEST SF ELECTRONIC GROUP'
while we take issue with IAS being reduced to the generic, narrow, genre title of 'best electronic band', we are flattered that you nominated us. you can make us win by voting online (until 10/15) : sf weekly music awards
Preview: CMJ Music Marathon
October 22-26
New York, NY
"The annual CMJ MUSIC MARATHON, a three-day showcase of buzz bands, panels, and films, is back. Panel discussions include talks on regional club scenes and the explosive growth of the jazz remix industry, as well as roundtables on press, new technology, and digital distribution — issues that affect rockers, rappers, and ravers alike. The current buzz surrounding no wave and post-punk lends the lineups their share of bands that fuse rock structures with electronic instrumentation, including SF electro-mashers I AM SPOONBENDER, it-band-with-a-cowbell The Rapture, and, for the opening night party at Webster Hall, classic dance-metallers KILLING JOKE." -from some 'hip' online site that all the kids are talking about...
SEPTEMBER 2003 fork news
IAS will be playing their first ever shows in washington and oregon in september! they are:
september 11th: PORTLAND - BERBATI'S
september 13th: SEATTLE - GRACELAND
OCTOBER MIDWEST/EAST COAST DATES ANNOUNCED HERE SOON!
there is a 20 minute IAS documentary up at BRAINWASHED.COM. this short documentary was filmed in boston during IAS' may u.s. tour. it gives a general overview of certain aspects of the group, as well as showing live footage (try to ignore the sound quality of the live footage please!). IAS is pleased to be a part of brainwashed.com's ongoing docu-series 'the eye', as the site is the web's foremost authority, host and hub for some of the most innovative music-makers around.
JULY 2003 fork news
it's likely that we're more disappointed than those of you that came to our midwest/east coast shows with the NEW PORNOGRAPHERS - to make a very complicated story simple: we weren't there. we're all fine, thanks, but machines and bureaucracy were insurmountable. thanks for your support and see you in october.
______________________________________________________________
southern californians: you're always asking about IAS playing LOS ANGELES... well, this is the time:
SATURDAY JULY 26TH. THE KEY CLUB, LOS ANGELES. 18/UP.
aside: we know next to nothing about the opening bands, and playing on sunset blvd is as surreal as it can get, but we highly recommend this show for the great stage, sitelines and a-list soundsystem- not to mention that our current set is the most fully realized and head-melting yet assembled.. DON'T MISS IT !
______________________________________________________________
SAN FRANCISCO - we're playing 2 intimate SF GIGS :
FRIDAY and SATURDAY, AUGUST 1st and 2nd. EDINBURGH CASTLE.
w/ special friends and guests
we're foregoing our annual GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL show for an opposite choice- two nights at the "tenderknob"s EDINBURGH CASTLE. despite this decidedly more low-key approach, you should still expect our extensive stage production, with the result being our most intimate experience together since IAS' G.A.M.H. debut over 4 years ago. these will be the first full SF sets in a year and a half.
______________________________________________________________
do you believe what you read?:
"one of the most unique and creative live bands around. The next time you hear about this band coming to a town near you, make sure you don't miss out. They will make you realize just how original and artistic a live musical performance can be, and let me tell you: there are a lot of bands out there that really should be taking notice. one of the best shows I have seen in a long time." - pitchfork.com
" .. far more complex and intelligent than most of their counterparts (exactly who is that again?). Songs like "Remover - Installer", off their 2002 EP Shown Actual Size are raucous and technologically maniacal, like a computer system meltdown. Over the course of their too-brief set, every movement and moment was scripted, calculated. Lights ran amok. Their bodies seizured rhythmically. The stage went dark, strobe lights flashed, the drumsticks went luminous. They ripped off their top uniform to reveal saucy outfits underneath. Besides angular sonics in a synth-heavy, dark, yet hooky montage, they also rock out, thrash, kill their instruments with mechanical strength, burn. They hammer away at both (drumkits). It is too much. It is not enough. ..IAS's show at the (NYC) Knitting Factory was near perfect.." - popmatters.com
"..the most innovative live-instrument electronic rock band around, with a hypnotic, surprise filled show that reveals others to be mere pretenders... I AM SPOONBENDER belong in one category only- their own." - the village voice
JUNE 2003 fork news
it was great seeing you all on tour in may- the response was incredible! thanks. we're coming back your way in early july with THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS. this will include our first ever appearance in detroit. there is also a costa mesa, ca show on saturday june 28th at the DETROIT BAR. more info/dates at bottom.
new music from IAS:
- "my rhythm box has teeth" by I AM SPOONBENDER with JIMMY/MARGARET ' is out now on the DEATH BEFORE DISCO compilation on princehouse records. new song unavailable anywhere else. this comp was mastered by us at SEISMIC SEANCE and features many interesting groups doing mutant dance tracks. order it from aquarius records.
- "chapped lip hypnotist (turn me on in session)" by I AM SPOONBENDER with BENJAMIN CHANCE' is out now on the GSL 50 comp, available free with issue 11 of SKYSCRAPER magazine. new song unavailable anywhere else.
IAS LIVE:
june 28th- detroit club, costa mesa w/ dance disaster movement
w/ THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS:
july 5th- minneapolis. 1st ave
july 6th- chicago. metro
july 7th- detroit. magic stick
july 8th- toronto. phoenix
july 9th- montreal. la sala rossa ( no N.P. )
july 10th- boston. middle east
july 11th- nyc. bowery ballroom
some recent press surrounding the may tour:
the origin of CUP's name revealed; aesthetic choices explained:
http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2003/050103/music3.html
glad you liked it, but we're not really 'electroclash' OR 'dance music' :
http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/i-am-spoonbender-030510/
"(among many things) The telephone (mics are) a live visual prop born out of the time when Cup still lived in Vancouver. We developed a relationship that was based on the telephone because we lived in different countries, so it became the most precious object in our friendship.." It just became a central image. If you were to take the telephone back 200 years, it''d be perceived as a magic object from another dimension that people would likely worship. It's almost become invisible now because of how usefully and perfectly it works." - excerpt from NOW magazine toronto, may 2003
MAY 2003 fork news
in spite of tyranny, s.a.r.s., and recent emergency room visits, I AM SPOONBENDER is going on its 2nd NORTH AMERICAN TOUR ever- bringing stroboscopic delirium and metaphysic glam surrealism to your town.
- or the next one over, at least.
in addition to lights and fog, there will be songs from SENDER/RECEIVER, TELETWIN, SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE, and plenty of new ones from the imminent dvd album HIDDEN PERSUADERS. mostly, it will be great getting groups of people together who believe in possibilities.
it's rare for IAS to get out of california, so we hope to see you at one of the following locations:
I AM SPOONBENDER NIGHTLY DREAM COMMITTEES:
friday may 2 MINNEAPOLIS 7th st entry
saturday may 3 CHICAGO empty bottle
tuesday may 6 TORONTO the 360
wednesday may 7 MONTREAL la sala rossa
thursday may 8 BENNINGTON U., VT tishman auditorium
friday may 9 BOSTON tt the bears
saturday may 10 NYC knitting factory
monday may 12 PHILADELPHIA first unitarian
wednesday may 14 ATLANTA the echo
friday may 16 DENTON, TX rubber gloves
saturday may 17 AUSTIN emos
we will also have many limited, tour-only items and goodies with us. yes, that includes METALLICA DRUMMER videos. if you've got the space and no pets, we'd rather stay with you (although your clocks might stop working). if you have interesting/pretty telephones that you don't want- bring 'em to us. working or not...
see you soon!
IAS
"if one is not happy with the illusion that is foisted upon us, one must not only attack this illusion but also those whose own lives and actions sustain it." - jason wynd
"Realism is a bad word. EVERYTHING is 'realistic'. I see no line between the imaginary and the real." - federico fellini
"give me two hours of activity a day. Give me the other 22 in dreams." - luis bunuel
APRIL 2003 fork news
IAS will play more shows this year than all of the shows they've played up to this point combined. promise.
DUSTIN unknowingly performed last weekend in SAN LUIS OBISPO for EARTHFEST with acute appendicitis, and immediately went to the hospital in severe pain for an emergency appendectomy. DUSTIN may not be the man he used to be, but it's going to take more than missing parts to keep IAS from playing these shows this weekend:
fr/4/18 san francisco, ca - slim's ( w/ germany's NOTWIST )
su/4/20 los angeles, ca - knitting factory ( w/ the NOTWIST )
MAY NORTH AMERICAN TOUR dates will be posted THIS COMING WEEK.
DON'T MISS IAS' 2nd EVER TOUR!
after reading some wrong reviews about SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE, we'd like to point out some writing here from someone who gets it the way we intend it:
we don't just like this review because it's positive- it's well written (a well written bad review is cherished too).
DUSTIN recently played drums on the soundtrack to the film 'DOPAMINE', which won the Sloan Feature Film Prize at the recent SUNDANCE film festival. dustin recorded with an assembled band for the project which included billy gould (FAITH NO MORE), and mike morasky (STEEL POLE BATHTUB, MILK CULT).
the new issue of CHUNKLET magazine (#17) contains 'SHATTERED DREAMS', a new comic strip by CUP and DUSTIN, as well as CUPs' 'ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO METALLICA'S 'KILL 'EM ALL'. check it out.
WANTED: old, weird, cool TELEPHONES. it's a bonus if they work, but they don't need to... we'll trade for anything you want (cd's, shirts, etc) so send us a jpeg or photo if you've got something good! just the handsets are fine too... let us know: forks@iamspoonbender.com
"people do not think. what luck for the rulers." - adolf hitler
"the one thing that cannot be controlled by them is the imagination. this then, is the key" - IAS
"the genius of life is to carry the spirit of childhood into old age." - aldous huxley
official archived news 2002
NOVEMBER 2002 fork news
'SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE' is available in stores now, worldwide. for mail order, we recommend AQUARIUS RECORDS. don't miss the first new recorded work in 2 years, about which the adventurous music authority BRAINWASHED.COM has proclaimed: "(while) hordes of imitators flood the market and are scooped up by any record label wanting to compete in the "new market", I AM SPOONBENDER refuse to allow keyboard presets, generic production and predictable riffs to drive their music... releases like this, along with their previous, will still be as listenable years from now and just as tasty as they are today.."
yes, that was DUSTIN (along with CHUNKLET magazine/LITTLE ARMY records impresario henry owings) filming shows and merchandising the recent west coast shows of the infamous MR. SHOW comedy team. rumors are that dustin's digital video recordings (done with bob odenkirk's camera, at his request), are being reviewed for possible inclusion in a future MR. SHOW dvd.
for more about 'SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE', see the 'info/photos' section of the website.
OCTOBER 2002 fork news
'SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE' (cdep or 12") is out now worldwide! ask your favorite record outlet for it. if said store is out, ask them to order it - any store can have it within days.
if you prefer, mailorder is fast and cheap from AQUARIUS RECORDS, s.f. and you can also get a selection of our other items as well (cds, picture discs, tshirts, buttons, posters). PLUS: they are currently holding an I AM SPOONBENDER 'SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE' CONTEST: from now until november 21st, everyone purchasing a copy of the cd or 12" will be entered in a draw to win an AQUARIUS RECORDS gift certificate for $15 as well as his/her choice of a SENDER/RECEIVER or TELEWIN cd!
SEPTEMBER 2002 fork news
NEW RELEASE:
SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE cdep/12" - out OCTOBER 21st (worldwide) on Gold Standard Laboratories
brand new 'SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE' bios and photos at the 'info/photos' page of the website!
the current issue (october) of ALTERNATIVE PRESS (AP) has a 'synths and samplers' special containing exclusive photos/interviews with IAS, trent reznor and kid 606.
SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE listening / release party: CLUB FAKE san francisco friday, 9/20.
JULY 2002 fork news
SHOWS
I AM SPOONBENDER have been personally invited by SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES to open 2 los angeles-area shows in august. these are S.A.T.B. only announced west coast dates- likewise I.A.S.
8/11- HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM
8/13 - GROVE OF ANAHEIM
the rumor is that I AM SPOONBENDER were used as the model for this 'ad-band'. hhhmmm.
" an estimated 18 million people (conciously or subconciously) heard I AM SPOONBENDER's 'clocks grow old / stopwatch static' on a recent episode of fox tv's golden-globe-winning '24'. "
I AM SPOONBENDER ON 'ELECTROCLASH'
we're constantly being asked about 'electroclash':
" are you electroclash?" "what do you think of it? ", etc.
hmmm.
well, a few things come to mind : "I AM SPOONBENDER : opening the doors for electroclash since 1997", and "electroclash : opening the doors for imitation and mediocrity since 2001".
"since their formation in 1997, ias has lead the underground electro-avant-rock scene to it's current bulging at mainstreams edge, but with a vision that sees far beyond the confines of the trendy 'electroclash' movement they helped spawn. With everything that IAS touches there is far more going on than initial impressions may suggest. Political, metaphysical, and musically ambitious, (it is) bound to sound alien — and just as wonderful — 30 years into the future. It opens up fields of vision and ways of reinterpreting the world around you- in a sense, it offers you new eyes, new ears.” - All Music Guide (‘best-of’ artist)
outside of feeling like a big-shot before your trend withers, why would anyone want to sound (or do anything) JUST LIKE WHAT'S COME BEFORE?
useless.
unless of course, you're following the example of being like what's come before by NOT being like what's come before. most of the artists clawing to identify themselves with an art-strangling 'scene' title are (quite often unbeknownst to themselves even) replicating what's come before. it's sure to get worse. we're not against electroclash; we're more for attempting to express the inexpressable- looking forward, mostly. disposable is fine (that is the essence of trends), but ask yourself : do you want the 80's or do you want change? go buy the albums released in the 80's, not albums by groups ripping them off. and for the record : doing 'electro' covers of worse-than-shit songs from the 80's is something we do for fun between sleeping and going to the dentist. the only thing worse than releasing it is journalists taking it seriously.
a true electroclasher is against electroclash.
so, spoonbender? electroclash? only inasmuch as warhol was a packaging designer.
or rather: pop music is for sheep, and we are disguised as shepherds.
MARCH 2002 fork news
view our new video for "Replaced By Toys" in the 'moving pictures' section of the website.
ON THE RADIO ON TV:
yes, that was 'STOPWATCH STATIC' on fox's '24' tuesday night, march 12th. it seems that I AM SPOONBENDER is kim bauer's favorite band... what's most interesting to us is the fact that the song was used while the characters were talking to each other on the phone (as we do when it's performed live), and it seems that the show's concept directly deals with clocks, time, and telephones- as do the lyrics.
what is coincidence?
photos from our recent shows with THE FAINT and ADULT.:
http://noisepop.com/2002/sf/photos2.html#ias
I AM SPOONBENDER on the cover of west coast performer magazine:
http://performermag.com/wcpindex.shtml
I AM SPOONBENDER in the san francisco examiner:
http://www.examiner.com/ex_files/default.jsp?story=X0227SPOONw
FEBRUARY 2002 fork news
we now have demo excerpts of new songs up on the mp3 page- you can get a glimpse of what we're currently working on. remember though: these are excerpts from DEMOs. they are NOT FINISHED- meaning, what you hear now may not (and likely won't) appear on the final release. 'demo' means trial vocals, lyrics and performances. nothing here is set in stone. we hope you enjoy these rough sketches.
I AM SPOONBENDER will be performing 3 shows this month with new members (!) KEVIN FARKAS, MONIQUE JENKINSON, and ERIC NORDHAUSER:
february 27th. san francisco: bimbo's ( noise pop 10.) this show is sold out - thank you.
february 28th. los angeles: el rey theater.
march 1st. pomona, ca.: the glasshouse.
all 3 shows are with THE FAINT and ADULT.
these will be our only shows this spring, as we're working on an as-yet-untitled new 12" (cd to follow soon thereafter) due in MAY on GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES. 'HIDDEN PERSUADERS' (our new full-length DVD album) is still being worked over and (presumably) will be out this fall.
west coasters from vancouver to san diego: look for I AM SPOONBENDER on the cover of WEST COAST PERFORMER magazine in the march issue. amidst discussion of 'hidden persuaders', special photos, and more, will be the first tangible results of what happens with the money you forks send in when you join the 'SPOONBENDER SLEEP RESEARCH TEAM'. definitely a questionable use of time and funds...
the january issue of ALTERNATIVE PRESS magazine contains a eulogy for MICHAEL KAROLI of CAN written by DUSTIN. the new issue of CHUNKLET magazine contains new comic strips by CUP and DUSTIN (GLIM AND POG), an article by MARC ('INDIETRONICA') , life changing social behavior guides by DUSTIN (the 'MAN HUG') and documentation of a life-long drivers license photo prank by I AM SPOONBENDER's front-of-house sound engineer KURT SCHLEGEL (who is currently on tour mixing alt-rock superheroes TOMAHAWK in europe and australia). check it.
'SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE' is available in stores now, worldwide. for mail order, we recommend AQUARIUS RECORDS. don't miss the first new recorded work in 2 years, about which the adventurous music authority BRAINWASHED.COM has proclaimed: "(while) hordes of imitators flood the market and are scooped up by any record label wanting to compete in the "new market", I AM SPOONBENDER refuse to allow keyboard presets, generic production and predictable riffs to drive their music... releases like this, along with their previous, will still be as listenable years from now and just as tasty as they are today.."
yes, that was DUSTIN (along with CHUNKLET magazine/LITTLE ARMY records impresario henry owings) filming shows and merchandising the recent west coast shows of the infamous MR. SHOW comedy team. rumors are that dustin's digital video recordings (done with bob odenkirk's camera, at his request), are being reviewed for possible inclusion in a future MR. SHOW dvd.
for more about 'SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE', see the 'info/photos' section of the website.
OCTOBER 2002 fork news
'SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE' (cdep or 12") is out now worldwide! ask your favorite record outlet for it. if said store is out, ask them to order it - any store can have it within days.
if you prefer, mailorder is fast and cheap from AQUARIUS RECORDS, s.f. and you can also get a selection of our other items as well (cds, picture discs, tshirts, buttons, posters). PLUS: they are currently holding an I AM SPOONBENDER 'SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE' CONTEST: from now until november 21st, everyone purchasing a copy of the cd or 12" will be entered in a draw to win an AQUARIUS RECORDS gift certificate for $15 as well as his/her choice of a SENDER/RECEIVER or TELEWIN cd!
SEPTEMBER 2002 fork news
NEW RELEASE:
SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE cdep/12" - out OCTOBER 21st (worldwide) on Gold Standard Laboratories
brand new 'SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE' bios and photos at the 'info/photos' page of the website!
the current issue (october) of ALTERNATIVE PRESS (AP) has a 'synths and samplers' special containing exclusive photos/interviews with IAS, trent reznor and kid 606.
SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE listening / release party: CLUB FAKE san francisco friday, 9/20.
JULY 2002 fork news
SHOWS
I AM SPOONBENDER have been personally invited by SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES to open 2 los angeles-area shows in august. these are S.A.T.B. only announced west coast dates- likewise I.A.S.
8/11- HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM
8/13 - GROVE OF ANAHEIM
the rumor is that I AM SPOONBENDER were used as the model for this 'ad-band'. hhhmmm.
" an estimated 18 million people (conciously or subconciously) heard I AM SPOONBENDER's 'clocks grow old / stopwatch static' on a recent episode of fox tv's golden-globe-winning '24'. "
I AM SPOONBENDER ON 'ELECTROCLASH'
we're constantly being asked about 'electroclash':
" are you electroclash?" "what do you think of it? ", etc.
hmmm.
well, a few things come to mind : "I AM SPOONBENDER : opening the doors for electroclash since 1997", and "electroclash : opening the doors for imitation and mediocrity since 2001".
"since their formation in 1997, ias has lead the underground electro-avant-rock scene to it's current bulging at mainstreams edge, but with a vision that sees far beyond the confines of the trendy 'electroclash' movement they helped spawn. With everything that IAS touches there is far more going on than initial impressions may suggest. Political, metaphysical, and musically ambitious, (it is) bound to sound alien — and just as wonderful — 30 years into the future. It opens up fields of vision and ways of reinterpreting the world around you- in a sense, it offers you new eyes, new ears.” - All Music Guide (‘best-of’ artist)
outside of feeling like a big-shot before your trend withers, why would anyone want to sound (or do anything) JUST LIKE WHAT'S COME BEFORE?
useless.
unless of course, you're following the example of being like what's come before by NOT being like what's come before. most of the artists clawing to identify themselves with an art-strangling 'scene' title are (quite often unbeknownst to themselves even) replicating what's come before. it's sure to get worse. we're not against electroclash; we're more for attempting to express the inexpressable- looking forward, mostly. disposable is fine (that is the essence of trends), but ask yourself : do you want the 80's or do you want change? go buy the albums released in the 80's, not albums by groups ripping them off. and for the record : doing 'electro' covers of worse-than-shit songs from the 80's is something we do for fun between sleeping and going to the dentist. the only thing worse than releasing it is journalists taking it seriously.
a true electroclasher is against electroclash.
so, spoonbender? electroclash? only inasmuch as warhol was a packaging designer.
or rather: pop music is for sheep, and we are disguised as shepherds.
MARCH 2002 fork news
view our new video for "Replaced By Toys" in the 'moving pictures' section of the website.
ON THE RADIO ON TV:
yes, that was 'STOPWATCH STATIC' on fox's '24' tuesday night, march 12th. it seems that I AM SPOONBENDER is kim bauer's favorite band... what's most interesting to us is the fact that the song was used while the characters were talking to each other on the phone (as we do when it's performed live), and it seems that the show's concept directly deals with clocks, time, and telephones- as do the lyrics.
what is coincidence?
photos from our recent shows with THE FAINT and ADULT.:
http://noisepop.com/2002/sf/photos2.html#ias
I AM SPOONBENDER on the cover of west coast performer magazine:
http://performermag.com/wcpindex.shtml
I AM SPOONBENDER in the san francisco examiner:
http://www.examiner.com/ex_files/default.jsp?story=X0227SPOONw
FEBRUARY 2002 fork news
we now have demo excerpts of new songs up on the mp3 page- you can get a glimpse of what we're currently working on. remember though: these are excerpts from DEMOs. they are NOT FINISHED- meaning, what you hear now may not (and likely won't) appear on the final release. 'demo' means trial vocals, lyrics and performances. nothing here is set in stone. we hope you enjoy these rough sketches.
I AM SPOONBENDER will be performing 3 shows this month with new members (!) KEVIN FARKAS, MONIQUE JENKINSON, and ERIC NORDHAUSER:
february 27th. san francisco: bimbo's ( noise pop 10.) this show is sold out - thank you.
february 28th. los angeles: el rey theater.
march 1st. pomona, ca.: the glasshouse.
all 3 shows are with THE FAINT and ADULT.
these will be our only shows this spring, as we're working on an as-yet-untitled new 12" (cd to follow soon thereafter) due in MAY on GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES. 'HIDDEN PERSUADERS' (our new full-length DVD album) is still being worked over and (presumably) will be out this fall.
west coasters from vancouver to san diego: look for I AM SPOONBENDER on the cover of WEST COAST PERFORMER magazine in the march issue. amidst discussion of 'hidden persuaders', special photos, and more, will be the first tangible results of what happens with the money you forks send in when you join the 'SPOONBENDER SLEEP RESEARCH TEAM'. definitely a questionable use of time and funds...
the january issue of ALTERNATIVE PRESS magazine contains a eulogy for MICHAEL KAROLI of CAN written by DUSTIN. the new issue of CHUNKLET magazine contains new comic strips by CUP and DUSTIN (GLIM AND POG), an article by MARC ('INDIETRONICA') , life changing social behavior guides by DUSTIN (the 'MAN HUG') and documentation of a life-long drivers license photo prank by I AM SPOONBENDER's front-of-house sound engineer KURT SCHLEGEL (who is currently on tour mixing alt-rock superheroes TOMAHAWK in europe and australia). check it.
official archived news 2001
NOVEMBER 2001 fork news
you haven't heard from us in a while, and that's because our heads have been wrapped around writing and recording our new album 'HIDDEN PERSUADERS'. nothing we can say will prepare you for it, so just the details: it is a full length cd/dvd, meaning- full visuals for EVERY song. very musically stripped down, vocal orientated (cup's voice mostly), quite straightforward rhythmically... read: minimalist telepathic electro-wave for fans of music. guaranteed to be challenging and familiar all at once. recorded at SEISMIC SEANCE, of course. should be out in spring.
we need more of you to join THE SLEEP RESEARCH TEAM, as it helps keep our closet tidy and helps cut down the huge costs of our new album/dvd! remember, you get exclusive merchandise- including lots of rare and original items like posters, buttons, stickers, photos..who knows? send 3 dollars to: i am spoonbender sleep research team: 1055 valencia street, s.f., ca 94110 - enclose an 8X11 envelope and we'll fill it.
we've been asked by our friends in THE FAINT to re-mix 'your retro career melted' from their new release 'danse macabre'. we gladly accepted. look for that sometime early next year, we suppose. speaking of THE FAINT, JOEL from the band is playing bass guitar on a large part of our new release, as is DAVE EDWARDSON of NEUROSIS. we're pretty ok with this idea.
europeans! yes, it's true: our releases are soon to be domestically available in your countries via GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES europe, distributed by southern uk. this will happen early next year, which also means we'll most likely see you next year. as always, the re-releases of SENDER/RECEIVER and TELETWIN will contain unique song titles and artwork additions, maybe even a video or two... also, we'd like to take this chance to thank our fans in sweden and italy for being so... visible and dedicated.
watch iamspoonbender.com for more info.
speaking of sweden, we have recently endorsed/been endorsed by ELEKTRON, makers of the incredible SIDSTATION synthesizer. it rocks, and we're happy to use it. check it out: www.sidstation.com
dreaming in sequence-
cup. marc. dustin.
AUGUST 2001 fork news
we extend our apologies to those of you who recently came to see us in MINNEAPOLIS and DETROIT- we had to cancel the shows due to some personal urgent family matters. thanks for your support- we'll make it up to you.
I AM SPOONBENDER will be performing FRIDAY, AUGUST 31ST at the COMMODORE BALLROOM in VANCOUVER, BC CANADA to celebrate MINT RECORDS 10th anniversary. also appearing: THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS, THE SMUGGLERS, THE EVAPORATORS (featuring NARDWUAR!), and more. there will also be a SPOONBENDER 1.1.1. instore at zulu records on sunday september 2nd at 5pm. if you're traveling from out of town for this show, it is recommended that you get tickets early, as it will sell out.
we recently finished a collaboration with JELLO BIAFRA (renowned spoken word performer and former DEAD KENNEDY) for a SCREAMERS tribute record! if you don't know, the SCREAMERS were a late '70's L.A. 'artpunk' band- reportedly the first all-synthesizer one (no guitars!). anybody who's ever seen them live (before their '81 break-up) including JELLO himself and RE/SEARCH magazine founder V. VALE claim that the SCREAMERS are one of the all-time best live bands. never made a record unfortunately, although there are bootlegs of demos floating around. we cover 'EVA BRAUN' with JELLO on vocals, and we think it's pretty amazing... watch this space for more info on how to obtain this cd when it's released.
there is a rather controversial interview with DUSTIN up at www.anti-complacency.org
you decide: is dustin being fair, funny, 'uncool', or all three?
look for CUP in the latest issue (#22) of GIANT ROBOT magazine with her TOP 5 FAVORITE EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTIONS:
1. CLAIRVOYANCE- prophecy!
2. TELEPATHY- know what i mean?
3. REMOTE VIEWING- just like santa.
4. TELEKINESIS- i am spoonbender!
5. PSYCHOMETRY- "reading" an objects history via touch.
MAY/JUNE 2001 fork news
we will be in the midwest for 4 shows starting THIS COMING WEEKEND:
friday june 15th. columbus, oh @ the MORE THAN MUSIC FESTIVAL.
sunday june 17th. chicago, il @ the fireside
wednesday, june 20th. minneapolis, mn @7th st. entry
saturday, june 23rd. detroit, mi @ detroit contemporary arts
all shows all ages. all shows with THE LOCUST.
these will probably be our only midwest appearances this year.
look for DUSTIN as a 'cover model' on the debut release from PLEASURE FOREVER (sub pop), out now.
a thought about corporations from Gerald V. Casale, theoretician/video director/founding member of DEVO: "Corporations ARE people (as in human nature). The idea of a corporation was created by people (make that trial lawyers) to embody and formalize the worst aspects of people (i.e. greed, self aggrandizement, hypocritical behavior, etc.) In the corporate feudal state under which we all exist EVERYONE is a corporation! That's why Bush is president, that's why 62% of white males between the ages of 24 and 45 voted for him! What did they learn in college? - We are a nation of pseudo-trial lawyers with no sense of shame - counting our shekels, despising the community, ripping off the artists who are now "content providers" and placing blame on the "other" guy. It's over! The liberals and socially conscious lay down in front of the pig death machine. They are complicit in their passivity. It's time for the big ream. No one is innocent."
we will be playing the MORE THAN MUSIC FESTIVAL in columbus, ohio on june 15th. also playing this event: SUICIDE (!), ALEC EMPIRE and NIC ENDO (of ATARI TEENAGE RIOT), ARCHER PREWITT, HIGH ON FIRE, THE NEED, among many others. there will be other shows in the midwest (chicago, minneapolis) that will be annouced on june first.
I AM SPOONBENDER LIVE FOOTAGE: there is a streaming audio/video broadcast of our NYC show, courtesy of digital club network. WARNING/GUARANTEE: this recording is really poor- actually, just WRONG- and should not taken as an authentic document of the 'real' experience...
if you live in san francisco, make sure you check out
CUP is hosting cbc's radiosonic again: may 19th/20th and 26th/27th. all info is at www.radioescapade.com.
we've seen a lot of our still-in-print stuff on ebay lately going for pretty high prices- especially our posters. while we can't do anything about it (and don't particularly want to), remember that you can get everything we've released directly from us for less than in stores- and certainly, ebay.
fanboys MARC and DUSTIN recently met the hugely influential and infamous avant-garde filmmaker/author KENNETH ANGER in san francisco. here's some spirit photography.
we'd like to thank everyone that came to the shows on our recent (and first) u.s. tour- we had a great time. if you have any photos from any of our shows, we'd love to check them out- send or email them our way! thanks to everyone who helped out, and to the bands with whom we spent some time - fly pan am, atombombpocketknife, neko case/new pornographers, the locust, and pleasure forever.
MARCH/APRIL 2001 fork news
I AM SPOONBENDER
"ACROSS THIS BEAUTIFUL DIVINATION" TOUR
MARCH/APRIL 2001
all shows with PLEASURE FOREVER
(formerly SLAVES), except where noted by **
SUN 3-11 LA, CA -SPACELAND
MON 3-12 PHOENIX, AZ -MODIFIED **
TUE 3-13 DRIVE
WED 3-14 AUSTIN, TX -EMO'S/SXSW ** (GSL SHOWCASE w/ LOCUST)
THU 3-15 AUSTIN, TX -SXSW (DJ'ING EPITONIC.COM EVENT)
FRI 3-16 AUSTIN, TX -SXSW (DJ'ING LISTEN.COM EVENT)
SAT 3-17 OFF- SXSW
SUN 3-18 HOUSTON, TX -NOTSOUH'S (w. VUE)
MON 3-19 BATON ROUGE, LA -SPANISH MOON
TUE 3-20 NEW ORLEANS, LA -(DAY OFF FOR PALM READINGS AND VOODOO)
WED 3-21 DRIVE
THU 3-22 ATLANTA, GA -MJQ (w. THE PLASTIC PLAN) FRI 3-23 GREENVILLE, NC -PERCOLATOR
SAT 3-24 PHILADELPHIA, PA -UPSTAGE (w. STINKING LIZAVETA)
SUN 3-25 BALTIMORE, MD -OTTO BAR (w. FLY PAN AM)
MON 3-26 NY, NY -BROWNIE'S
TUE 3-27 HOBOKEN, NJ -MAXWELL'S (w. QUINTRON)
WED 3-28 DRIVE
THU 3-29 TORONTO, ONT -CMW ** (w. FLY PAN AM, KING COBB STEELIE)
FRI 3-30 CLEVELAND, OH -BEACHLAND BALLROOM (w. FLY PAN AM)
SAT 3-31 INDIANAPOLIS, IN -MELODY INN
SUN 4-1 OFF
MON 4-2 CHICAGO, IL -EMPTY BOTTLE (w. FLY PAN AM)
TUE 4-3 OMAHA, NE -SOKOL UNDERGROUND
WED 4-4 DENVER, CO -15TH ST TAVERN
THU 4-5 DENVER, CO -THE CAT
ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANcE.
as you probably know, we don't get the opportunity to tour very often, so this might be your only chance for a while to see us outside of california.
also, if any of you forks cook indian, italian, or thai and feel like having us for dinner (or if you've got good stuff on dvd!),
please send an email asap to: forks@iamspoonbender.com
subject: knifeforkspoon
we'll just come on right over.
please include your phone number and which city you're in...
no cat or dog homes, please- allergies make it hard to sing.
yes, we'll have METALLICA DRUMMER with us.
in the meantime, CUP's on the radio again. hosting three more weekends of radioescapade on cbc radio two.
saturday and sunday nights after midnight (02/24-25, 03/03-04, 03/10-11). lots and lots of new sonic pleasure.
www.radioescapade.com.
you haven't heard from us in a while, and that's because our heads have been wrapped around writing and recording our new album 'HIDDEN PERSUADERS'. nothing we can say will prepare you for it, so just the details: it is a full length cd/dvd, meaning- full visuals for EVERY song. very musically stripped down, vocal orientated (cup's voice mostly), quite straightforward rhythmically... read: minimalist telepathic electro-wave for fans of music. guaranteed to be challenging and familiar all at once. recorded at SEISMIC SEANCE, of course. should be out in spring.
we need more of you to join THE SLEEP RESEARCH TEAM, as it helps keep our closet tidy and helps cut down the huge costs of our new album/dvd! remember, you get exclusive merchandise- including lots of rare and original items like posters, buttons, stickers, photos..who knows? send 3 dollars to: i am spoonbender sleep research team: 1055 valencia street, s.f., ca 94110 - enclose an 8X11 envelope and we'll fill it.
we've been asked by our friends in THE FAINT to re-mix 'your retro career melted' from their new release 'danse macabre'. we gladly accepted. look for that sometime early next year, we suppose. speaking of THE FAINT, JOEL from the band is playing bass guitar on a large part of our new release, as is DAVE EDWARDSON of NEUROSIS. we're pretty ok with this idea.
europeans! yes, it's true: our releases are soon to be domestically available in your countries via GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES europe, distributed by southern uk. this will happen early next year, which also means we'll most likely see you next year. as always, the re-releases of SENDER/RECEIVER and TELETWIN will contain unique song titles and artwork additions, maybe even a video or two... also, we'd like to take this chance to thank our fans in sweden and italy for being so... visible and dedicated.
watch iamspoonbender.com for more info.
speaking of sweden, we have recently endorsed/been endorsed by ELEKTRON, makers of the incredible SIDSTATION synthesizer. it rocks, and we're happy to use it. check it out: www.sidstation.com
dreaming in sequence-
cup. marc. dustin.
AUGUST 2001 fork news
we extend our apologies to those of you who recently came to see us in MINNEAPOLIS and DETROIT- we had to cancel the shows due to some personal urgent family matters. thanks for your support- we'll make it up to you.
I AM SPOONBENDER will be performing FRIDAY, AUGUST 31ST at the COMMODORE BALLROOM in VANCOUVER, BC CANADA to celebrate MINT RECORDS 10th anniversary. also appearing: THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS, THE SMUGGLERS, THE EVAPORATORS (featuring NARDWUAR!), and more. there will also be a SPOONBENDER 1.1.1. instore at zulu records on sunday september 2nd at 5pm. if you're traveling from out of town for this show, it is recommended that you get tickets early, as it will sell out.
we recently finished a collaboration with JELLO BIAFRA (renowned spoken word performer and former DEAD KENNEDY) for a SCREAMERS tribute record! if you don't know, the SCREAMERS were a late '70's L.A. 'artpunk' band- reportedly the first all-synthesizer one (no guitars!). anybody who's ever seen them live (before their '81 break-up) including JELLO himself and RE/SEARCH magazine founder V. VALE claim that the SCREAMERS are one of the all-time best live bands. never made a record unfortunately, although there are bootlegs of demos floating around. we cover 'EVA BRAUN' with JELLO on vocals, and we think it's pretty amazing... watch this space for more info on how to obtain this cd when it's released.
there is a rather controversial interview with DUSTIN up at www.anti-complacency.org
you decide: is dustin being fair, funny, 'uncool', or all three?
look for CUP in the latest issue (#22) of GIANT ROBOT magazine with her TOP 5 FAVORITE EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTIONS:
1. CLAIRVOYANCE- prophecy!
2. TELEPATHY- know what i mean?
3. REMOTE VIEWING- just like santa.
4. TELEKINESIS- i am spoonbender!
5. PSYCHOMETRY- "reading" an objects history via touch.
MAY/JUNE 2001 fork news
we will be in the midwest for 4 shows starting THIS COMING WEEKEND:
friday june 15th. columbus, oh @ the MORE THAN MUSIC FESTIVAL.
sunday june 17th. chicago, il @ the fireside
wednesday, june 20th. minneapolis, mn @7th st. entry
saturday, june 23rd. detroit, mi @ detroit contemporary arts
all shows all ages. all shows with THE LOCUST.
these will probably be our only midwest appearances this year.
look for DUSTIN as a 'cover model' on the debut release from PLEASURE FOREVER (sub pop), out now.
a thought about corporations from Gerald V. Casale, theoretician/video director/founding member of DEVO: "Corporations ARE people (as in human nature). The idea of a corporation was created by people (make that trial lawyers) to embody and formalize the worst aspects of people (i.e. greed, self aggrandizement, hypocritical behavior, etc.) In the corporate feudal state under which we all exist EVERYONE is a corporation! That's why Bush is president, that's why 62% of white males between the ages of 24 and 45 voted for him! What did they learn in college? - We are a nation of pseudo-trial lawyers with no sense of shame - counting our shekels, despising the community, ripping off the artists who are now "content providers" and placing blame on the "other" guy. It's over! The liberals and socially conscious lay down in front of the pig death machine. They are complicit in their passivity. It's time for the big ream. No one is innocent."
we will be playing the MORE THAN MUSIC FESTIVAL in columbus, ohio on june 15th. also playing this event: SUICIDE (!), ALEC EMPIRE and NIC ENDO (of ATARI TEENAGE RIOT), ARCHER PREWITT, HIGH ON FIRE, THE NEED, among many others. there will be other shows in the midwest (chicago, minneapolis) that will be annouced on june first.
I AM SPOONBENDER LIVE FOOTAGE: there is a streaming audio/video broadcast of our NYC show, courtesy of digital club network. WARNING/GUARANTEE: this recording is really poor- actually, just WRONG- and should not taken as an authentic document of the 'real' experience...
if you live in san francisco, make sure you check out
.VOCODER.
:FROM VINTAGE VOLTS TO NEW FORMS:
A WHIRLPOOLED ELECTRONIC MUSIC TIME-SLIP from bordello and sixxteen's JENNY and OMAR with guest: MAGICK LANTERN CYCLE (I AM SPOONBENDER's DUSTIN DONALDSON).
monthly. first night: THURSDAY MAY 17TH
601 EDDY STREET at the PHOENIX HOTEL.
:FROM VINTAGE VOLTS TO NEW FORMS:
A WHIRLPOOLED ELECTRONIC MUSIC TIME-SLIP from bordello and sixxteen's JENNY and OMAR with guest: MAGICK LANTERN CYCLE (I AM SPOONBENDER's DUSTIN DONALDSON).
monthly. first night: THURSDAY MAY 17TH
601 EDDY STREET at the PHOENIX HOTEL.
CUP is hosting cbc's radiosonic again: may 19th/20th and 26th/27th. all info is at www.radioescapade.com.
we've seen a lot of our still-in-print stuff on ebay lately going for pretty high prices- especially our posters. while we can't do anything about it (and don't particularly want to), remember that you can get everything we've released directly from us for less than in stores- and certainly, ebay.
fanboys MARC and DUSTIN recently met the hugely influential and infamous avant-garde filmmaker/author KENNETH ANGER in san francisco. here's some spirit photography.
we'd like to thank everyone that came to the shows on our recent (and first) u.s. tour- we had a great time. if you have any photos from any of our shows, we'd love to check them out- send or email them our way! thanks to everyone who helped out, and to the bands with whom we spent some time - fly pan am, atombombpocketknife, neko case/new pornographers, the locust, and pleasure forever.
MARCH/APRIL 2001 fork news
I AM SPOONBENDER
"ACROSS THIS BEAUTIFUL DIVINATION" TOUR
MARCH/APRIL 2001
all shows with PLEASURE FOREVER
(formerly SLAVES), except where noted by **
SUN 3-11 LA, CA -SPACELAND
MON 3-12 PHOENIX, AZ -MODIFIED **
TUE 3-13 DRIVE
WED 3-14 AUSTIN, TX -EMO'S/SXSW ** (GSL SHOWCASE w/ LOCUST)
THU 3-15 AUSTIN, TX -SXSW (DJ'ING EPITONIC.COM EVENT)
FRI 3-16 AUSTIN, TX -SXSW (DJ'ING LISTEN.COM EVENT)
SAT 3-17 OFF- SXSW
SUN 3-18 HOUSTON, TX -NOTSOUH'S (w. VUE)
MON 3-19 BATON ROUGE, LA -SPANISH MOON
TUE 3-20 NEW ORLEANS, LA -(DAY OFF FOR PALM READINGS AND VOODOO)
WED 3-21 DRIVE
THU 3-22 ATLANTA, GA -MJQ (w. THE PLASTIC PLAN) FRI 3-23 GREENVILLE, NC -PERCOLATOR
SAT 3-24 PHILADELPHIA, PA -UPSTAGE (w. STINKING LIZAVETA)
SUN 3-25 BALTIMORE, MD -OTTO BAR (w. FLY PAN AM)
MON 3-26 NY, NY -BROWNIE'S
TUE 3-27 HOBOKEN, NJ -MAXWELL'S (w. QUINTRON)
WED 3-28 DRIVE
THU 3-29 TORONTO, ONT -CMW ** (w. FLY PAN AM, KING COBB STEELIE)
FRI 3-30 CLEVELAND, OH -BEACHLAND BALLROOM (w. FLY PAN AM)
SAT 3-31 INDIANAPOLIS, IN -MELODY INN
SUN 4-1 OFF
MON 4-2 CHICAGO, IL -EMPTY BOTTLE (w. FLY PAN AM)
TUE 4-3 OMAHA, NE -SOKOL UNDERGROUND
WED 4-4 DENVER, CO -15TH ST TAVERN
THU 4-5 DENVER, CO -THE CAT
ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANcE.
as you probably know, we don't get the opportunity to tour very often, so this might be your only chance for a while to see us outside of california.
also, if any of you forks cook indian, italian, or thai and feel like having us for dinner (or if you've got good stuff on dvd!),
please send an email asap to: forks@iamspoonbender.com
subject: knifeforkspoon
we'll just come on right over.
please include your phone number and which city you're in...
no cat or dog homes, please- allergies make it hard to sing.
yes, we'll have METALLICA DRUMMER with us.
in the meantime, CUP's on the radio again. hosting three more weekends of radioescapade on cbc radio two.
saturday and sunday nights after midnight (02/24-25, 03/03-04, 03/10-11). lots and lots of new sonic pleasure.
www.radioescapade.com.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
official archived news 2000
DECEMBER 2000 fork news
hello forks. here is your news for december:
we are absolutely thrilled to announce SHOW DATES for JANUARY 2001. these shows will be the first performances with new member CHAD AMORY! CHAD has been through all of the requisite de-programming and subsequent 're-focusing' sessions necessary to become a fork and is now officially ready to bend. chad is amazing and we can say without question that the band has never been better. we would like to extend the invitation for you to see for yourself at the following locations:
=====================================================================
JANUARY 1ST- PHOENIX, AZ @ THE NILE THEATRE
JANUARY 2ND- SAN DIEGO, CA @ THE CHE
JANUARY 3RD- LOS ANGELES, CA @ THE SMELL
JANUARY 4TH- ANAHEIM, CA @ CHAIN REACTION
JANUARY 7TH- S.F., CA @ BOTTOM OF THE HILL (SPECIAL DJ SET)
======================================================================
all of the above are part of the 6 show GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES records showcase tour. appearing at some or all shows will be: THE LOCUST. DEFACTO (members of AT THE DRIVE IN). GOGOGO AIRHEART. VUE. BEAUTIFUL SKIN. LE SHOK.
======================================================================
JANUARY 19TH- SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ THE GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL.
headlining, w/ KID 606, SLAVES, WETGATE & KNIGHTS OVER EGYPT.
======================================================================
this is a very, very special show for us as it marks our first headlining show at this large historic venue. it is a rare thing for a san francisco act not on a major label to have this opportunity and we are taking full advantage: this will be the biggest and most beautiful stage show we've assembled and we hope everyone makes the trip to attend. it will also be our last S.F. show for quite awhile as we ready ourselves for our first north american tour in march.
we've been writing a lot lately and the new material is coming out very nicely. the latest stuff seems to be much more voice oriented than in the past, giving way to a strong 'hypnotic, synthetic pop' feel. the demos for these songs- IMPOSTER(I'M YOU), TRIVIAL PREMONITIONS, COMPLETE WITH TREES, etc- are being shipped around to various labels for the consideration of our next release.
CONTEST: be one of the first three people to name the 20th century american conceptual artist that our song title 'THE TEETH'S LOAN AND TRUST CO.' (from SENDER/RECEIVER) is referencing and you'll win your choice of any I AM SPOONBENDER item currently in print. send your answers to: forks@iamspoonbender.com before 12.31.00.
on halloween, SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 performed at the san francisco international film festivals' DARK WAVE FEST- an annual 3-day horror movie festival. this was great for us, as we actually got to fulfill some life-long desires of opening for a movie.
the following is from the program:
"Spoonbender 1.1.1 is the "tele-ambient" dream self of I Am Spoonbender- the world renowned, San Francisco-based electronic avant-pop group. While I Am Spoonbender is designed for playing in concert halls, theaters and clubs, Spoonbender 1.1.1 has previously influenced the atmospheres of art galleries and modern dance events. For Dark Wave, Spoonbender 1.1.1 will augment its "electronic soundtracks for levitation sessions" with a considerably darker, seasonal timbre."
lastly, we'd like to extend special thanks to all of you who sent packages and emails about trying out for I AM SPOONBENDER. for everyone else, see you at the shows and thanks for the support.
SEPTEMBER 2000 fork news
sunday september 17th, san francisco:
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 (our 'tele-ambient' alter ego)
aquarius records instore. 5PM. free.
bottom of the hill club. 9PM. $ tba also appearing: TRANS AM and NEIL HAMBURGER come early- this show will sell out.
for those of you who aren't in san francisco (which is most of you!) - we'll be coming to vancouver, seattle, portland, l.a., and san diego in november/december. east coast/midwest soon after.
check out www.allmusic.com ("the worlds largest music database" for an amazing and beautiful i.a.s. overview/history/review frenzy) enter 'i am spoonbender'. "no other band or artist makes music like (i am spoonbender). the only problem? where does music go from here?"
CUP and DUSTIN recently played with DEAD VOICES ON AIR opening for THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS in san francisco. D.V.O.A. that night was mainman MARK SPYBEY, w/ RYAN MOORE (TWILIGHT CIRCUS, L.P.D.), NIELS VAN HOORNBLOWER (L.P.D.) CUP, DUSTIN, and AIMEE (unknown last name). a very good time onstage, and the PINK DOTS were amazing as usual.
the DAMO SUZUKI'S NETWORK 'live in seattle' cd is out now in japan (and some american specialty shops) on the amazing CAP'T TRIPS label. this record features DAMO SUZUKI and MICHAEL KAROLI (of CAN!!), MARK SPYBEY and DUSTIN. live versions of 'mother sky' and 'spoon' can be found along with some heavy-duty improv psych.
the new issue of BUNNYHOP magazine (# 10- "the fake issue") contains an interview by MARC with SANDY STONE titled VIRTUAL IDENTITIES. sandy's academic/art credentials are too varied and lengthy to go into here, suffice to say it is a very interesting read. check it out.
CHUNKLET magazine is up to issue 15, and the new one is certain to ruffle some...people. beyond the cover lies CUP and DUSTIN's first published 3-part comic strip ("GLIM AND POG"),and an interview with WILL HART from the OLIVIA TREMOR CONTROL by DUSTIN. CHUNKLET is put out by the same folks who run LITTLE ARMY records- who, of course, put out the american version of our e.p. TELETWIN. which you own, right?
the "SENDER/RECEIVER" picture disc (GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES) is available now from us or better indie shops. as usual, one new song title- "around them like ghosts" replaces "spirit photography".
want to hear the best new independent music from around the world? listen to CBC RADIOESCAPADE (canada) where CUP will be hosting and spinning the latest "twisted pop and sonic oddities". dates: 9/02-03, 9/09-10, and 9/16-17 from midnite to 4. in realaudio at www.radioescapade.com.
join our email list. describe ice cream.
AUGUST 2000 fork news
TELETWIN (cd-ep) is now out in canada on MINT RECORDS. this version features very special must see packaging, and of course one new song title! TELETWIN (cd only, the 3-sided vinyl is long gone) is still available in the u.s. on LITTLE ARMY RECORDS. everything is available through this site also.
the 'PLASTIC LIPS' b/w 'SEARCHING FOR MR. RIGHT' 7" is available now on CONTACT RECORDS (japan). 500 copies are in existence- 400 black vinyl, 100 white. 'plastic lips' is a retitled 'replaced by toys' (from SENDER/RECEIVER), and 'searching for mr right' is a YOUNG MARBLE GIANTS cover, done our way. we love the young marble giants, and if you haven't heard them..... this 7" is a japanese only release, but AQUARIUS RECORDS in san francisco will definitely have 20 or so white vinyl copies. contact them.
lot's more special and limited releases coming soon, not to mention our 2nd album (the SENDER/RECEIVER follow-up, tentatively titled BLACK DOTS SHIFT).
THE LOCUST remix album is out now on GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES, and features a slamming mix that we're quite proud of- it's basically a spoonbender song now. there are also remixes by KID 606, CHRISTOPH DE BABALON, and more. amazing packaging too, check it out!
URI GELLER recently sent us some photos from his home in england after he'd received some cd's, shirts, stickers, etc. that he'd ordered. soon after that, a package arrived for us here in san francisco with signed bent spoons and books for all I AM SPOONBENDER members...very cool. learn more about uri here.
from a recent interview with uri geller: Q- "who's your favorite band?" A- "i am spoonbender"
DUSTIN just recently completed filming his part in indie-superstar filmmaker JON MORITSUGU's latest (as yet untitled) movie. this is his follow up to last year's oscar-nominated FAME WHORE. CUP and MARC also have cameos. look for it early next year.
SENDER/RECEIVER is now a limited vinyl lp picture disc! one new song title! order it here.
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 (our 'tele-ambient' alter-ego project) has been getting quite a workout lately: we recently played with MACHA, THE DYLAN GROUP, and ELECTRIC BIRDS in may, and GOGOGO AIRHEART in june. we also performed a special show called 'CHEMICALS RECOMMENDED- A TRIBUTE TO THE RESIDENTS' in june- there is a video from this show that will be posted on this site shortly, under the new 'movies' section. look for a SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 release this year.
"U.S. POP LIFE 2" the compilation cd on CONTACT RECORDS (japan) is out now. this release will probably be found only in japan, though some are probably to be found in better u.s. shops. it features I AM SPOONBENDER ('WHERE DO WORDS GO?') and others such as MACHA, BRIGHT EYES, MUSIC TAPES, etc.
our studio- SEISMIC SEANCE- has moved! we are now in a beautiful new space and have combined forces with LUCKY CAT studios. a major overhaul is in the works for the SEISMIC SEANCE page at this site, but we're still available as a commercial studio for your recording projects. 16 track analog tape/protools. get in touch for rates.
check out our new 'photo album' section- lots of pictures of us and friends (or at the very least, people we've played shows with!). look for late-night stupidity with WIRE, SEAN LENNON, BOB BERT, URI GELLER, MOGWAI, JELLO BIAFRA, lots more...
hello forks. here is your news for december:
we are absolutely thrilled to announce SHOW DATES for JANUARY 2001. these shows will be the first performances with new member CHAD AMORY! CHAD has been through all of the requisite de-programming and subsequent 're-focusing' sessions necessary to become a fork and is now officially ready to bend. chad is amazing and we can say without question that the band has never been better. we would like to extend the invitation for you to see for yourself at the following locations:
=====================================================================
JANUARY 1ST- PHOENIX, AZ @ THE NILE THEATRE
JANUARY 2ND- SAN DIEGO, CA @ THE CHE
JANUARY 3RD- LOS ANGELES, CA @ THE SMELL
JANUARY 4TH- ANAHEIM, CA @ CHAIN REACTION
JANUARY 7TH- S.F., CA @ BOTTOM OF THE HILL (SPECIAL DJ SET)
======================================================================
all of the above are part of the 6 show GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES records showcase tour. appearing at some or all shows will be: THE LOCUST. DEFACTO (members of AT THE DRIVE IN). GOGOGO AIRHEART. VUE. BEAUTIFUL SKIN. LE SHOK.
======================================================================
JANUARY 19TH- SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ THE GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL.
headlining, w/ KID 606, SLAVES, WETGATE & KNIGHTS OVER EGYPT.
======================================================================
this is a very, very special show for us as it marks our first headlining show at this large historic venue. it is a rare thing for a san francisco act not on a major label to have this opportunity and we are taking full advantage: this will be the biggest and most beautiful stage show we've assembled and we hope everyone makes the trip to attend. it will also be our last S.F. show for quite awhile as we ready ourselves for our first north american tour in march.
we've been writing a lot lately and the new material is coming out very nicely. the latest stuff seems to be much more voice oriented than in the past, giving way to a strong 'hypnotic, synthetic pop' feel. the demos for these songs- IMPOSTER(I'M YOU), TRIVIAL PREMONITIONS, COMPLETE WITH TREES, etc- are being shipped around to various labels for the consideration of our next release.
CONTEST: be one of the first three people to name the 20th century american conceptual artist that our song title 'THE TEETH'S LOAN AND TRUST CO.' (from SENDER/RECEIVER) is referencing and you'll win your choice of any I AM SPOONBENDER item currently in print. send your answers to: forks@iamspoonbender.com before 12.31.00.
on halloween, SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 performed at the san francisco international film festivals' DARK WAVE FEST- an annual 3-day horror movie festival. this was great for us, as we actually got to fulfill some life-long desires of opening for a movie.
the following is from the program:
"Spoonbender 1.1.1 is the "tele-ambient" dream self of I Am Spoonbender- the world renowned, San Francisco-based electronic avant-pop group. While I Am Spoonbender is designed for playing in concert halls, theaters and clubs, Spoonbender 1.1.1 has previously influenced the atmospheres of art galleries and modern dance events. For Dark Wave, Spoonbender 1.1.1 will augment its "electronic soundtracks for levitation sessions" with a considerably darker, seasonal timbre."
lastly, we'd like to extend special thanks to all of you who sent packages and emails about trying out for I AM SPOONBENDER. for everyone else, see you at the shows and thanks for the support.
SEPTEMBER 2000 fork news
sunday september 17th, san francisco:
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 (our 'tele-ambient' alter ego)
aquarius records instore. 5PM. free.
bottom of the hill club. 9PM. $ tba also appearing: TRANS AM and NEIL HAMBURGER come early- this show will sell out.
for those of you who aren't in san francisco (which is most of you!) - we'll be coming to vancouver, seattle, portland, l.a., and san diego in november/december. east coast/midwest soon after.
check out www.allmusic.com ("the worlds largest music database" for an amazing and beautiful i.a.s. overview/history/review frenzy) enter 'i am spoonbender'. "no other band or artist makes music like (i am spoonbender). the only problem? where does music go from here?"
CUP and DUSTIN recently played with DEAD VOICES ON AIR opening for THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS in san francisco. D.V.O.A. that night was mainman MARK SPYBEY, w/ RYAN MOORE (TWILIGHT CIRCUS, L.P.D.), NIELS VAN HOORNBLOWER (L.P.D.) CUP, DUSTIN, and AIMEE (unknown last name). a very good time onstage, and the PINK DOTS were amazing as usual.
the DAMO SUZUKI'S NETWORK 'live in seattle' cd is out now in japan (and some american specialty shops) on the amazing CAP'T TRIPS label. this record features DAMO SUZUKI and MICHAEL KAROLI (of CAN!!), MARK SPYBEY and DUSTIN. live versions of 'mother sky' and 'spoon' can be found along with some heavy-duty improv psych.
the new issue of BUNNYHOP magazine (# 10- "the fake issue") contains an interview by MARC with SANDY STONE titled VIRTUAL IDENTITIES. sandy's academic/art credentials are too varied and lengthy to go into here, suffice to say it is a very interesting read. check it out.
CHUNKLET magazine is up to issue 15, and the new one is certain to ruffle some...people. beyond the cover lies CUP and DUSTIN's first published 3-part comic strip ("GLIM AND POG"),and an interview with WILL HART from the OLIVIA TREMOR CONTROL by DUSTIN. CHUNKLET is put out by the same folks who run LITTLE ARMY records- who, of course, put out the american version of our e.p. TELETWIN. which you own, right?
the "SENDER/RECEIVER" picture disc (GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES) is available now from us or better indie shops. as usual, one new song title- "around them like ghosts" replaces "spirit photography".
want to hear the best new independent music from around the world? listen to CBC RADIOESCAPADE (canada) where CUP will be hosting and spinning the latest "twisted pop and sonic oddities". dates: 9/02-03, 9/09-10, and 9/16-17 from midnite to 4. in realaudio at www.radioescapade.com.
join our email list. describe ice cream.
AUGUST 2000 fork news
TELETWIN (cd-ep) is now out in canada on MINT RECORDS. this version features very special must see packaging, and of course one new song title! TELETWIN (cd only, the 3-sided vinyl is long gone) is still available in the u.s. on LITTLE ARMY RECORDS. everything is available through this site also.
the 'PLASTIC LIPS' b/w 'SEARCHING FOR MR. RIGHT' 7" is available now on CONTACT RECORDS (japan). 500 copies are in existence- 400 black vinyl, 100 white. 'plastic lips' is a retitled 'replaced by toys' (from SENDER/RECEIVER), and 'searching for mr right' is a YOUNG MARBLE GIANTS cover, done our way. we love the young marble giants, and if you haven't heard them..... this 7" is a japanese only release, but AQUARIUS RECORDS in san francisco will definitely have 20 or so white vinyl copies. contact them.
lot's more special and limited releases coming soon, not to mention our 2nd album (the SENDER/RECEIVER follow-up, tentatively titled BLACK DOTS SHIFT).
THE LOCUST remix album is out now on GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES, and features a slamming mix that we're quite proud of- it's basically a spoonbender song now. there are also remixes by KID 606, CHRISTOPH DE BABALON, and more. amazing packaging too, check it out!
URI GELLER recently sent us some photos from his home in england after he'd received some cd's, shirts, stickers, etc. that he'd ordered. soon after that, a package arrived for us here in san francisco with signed bent spoons and books for all I AM SPOONBENDER members...very cool. learn more about uri here.
from a recent interview with uri geller: Q- "who's your favorite band?" A- "i am spoonbender"
DUSTIN just recently completed filming his part in indie-superstar filmmaker JON MORITSUGU's latest (as yet untitled) movie. this is his follow up to last year's oscar-nominated FAME WHORE. CUP and MARC also have cameos. look for it early next year.
SENDER/RECEIVER is now a limited vinyl lp picture disc! one new song title! order it here.
SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 (our 'tele-ambient' alter-ego project) has been getting quite a workout lately: we recently played with MACHA, THE DYLAN GROUP, and ELECTRIC BIRDS in may, and GOGOGO AIRHEART in june. we also performed a special show called 'CHEMICALS RECOMMENDED- A TRIBUTE TO THE RESIDENTS' in june- there is a video from this show that will be posted on this site shortly, under the new 'movies' section. look for a SPOONBENDER 1.1.1 release this year.
"U.S. POP LIFE 2" the compilation cd on CONTACT RECORDS (japan) is out now. this release will probably be found only in japan, though some are probably to be found in better u.s. shops. it features I AM SPOONBENDER ('WHERE DO WORDS GO?') and others such as MACHA, BRIGHT EYES, MUSIC TAPES, etc.
our studio- SEISMIC SEANCE- has moved! we are now in a beautiful new space and have combined forces with LUCKY CAT studios. a major overhaul is in the works for the SEISMIC SEANCE page at this site, but we're still available as a commercial studio for your recording projects. 16 track analog tape/protools. get in touch for rates.
check out our new 'photo album' section- lots of pictures of us and friends (or at the very least, people we've played shows with!). look for late-night stupidity with WIRE, SEAN LENNON, BOB BERT, URI GELLER, MOGWAI, JELLO BIAFRA, lots more...
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