Charlie Looker: vocals, synth, acoustic guitar
Caley Monahon-Ward: electric guitar, synth, electronics, violin, backing vocals
Nick Podgurski: drums, synth, electronics, backing vocals

http://extralifetheband.blogspot.com/

http://www.africantape.com/

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Touchy Mob is the plenty-limbed, vulnerable love affair of a hauntingly warm guitar song and the body language of beats, that are meant for a floor. It’s a long-term marriage to the lyrical intensity and comforting darkness of songwriters like Chad VanGaalen, yet with a heavy crush on the riffs of the rave, throwing in found-sound stuff like The Books do, laying a kiss on the kraut history here and there, but in Four Tet marching time. Songs grow on instant glances of admiration instead of continuous influence, scratching along towards punchlines, that can be entirely different in sound yet cohesive in general aesthetic or mood, not a dense mass, but a mass to get lost in.

http://www.touchymob.com/

For the 3rd Live Confession of Month of Performance Art 2012 we have the opportunity of discovering the world and wonders of Dolanbay. Come down to Soupanova and witness the unpredictable unfolding of the conversations unfold and give us an insight into the artist himself.

http://dolanbay.com/

- Boys Noize
- Spank Rock (live)
- Para One (live)
- d.i.m.
- Jan Driver & Siriusmo
- Scntst & Audionite (b2b)
- very special guest: Annie Mac (bbc radio 1)

Celebrating the 7th anniversary, BNR is inviting you to a party marathon you will never forget.

Featuring the best of best of the BNR crew and friends, be guaranteed to get your brain melted and see the dancefloors blown up during the first of two night of debauchery in the Boy Noize crew homebase, Berlin.

Come down to the cozy Heroes bar on Sunday to get to know inner workings of the UK based artist, Simon Lewandowski.

Through the conversational game that is Live Confession we are going to unpick and open up the artist’s mind in a whole new way. Grab a beer and a chair and lets see what happens.

dÉbruit & bAnd (FR)
SENSATIONAL & KOYXEи (US/JAP)
DJ SCOTCH BONNET (aka DJ Scotch Egg/ JAP)

supported by:
http://www.french-music.org/
http://www.playberlin.com/
http://www.berlin.unlike.net/
http://www.digitalinberlin.de/

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dÉbruit + bAnd (FR)
http://www.debruit.com/

Parisian Synth Magician dÉbruit´s style is a no holds barred sonic assault filtered through dark Congolese sound systems, Downtown L.A. block parties gone wrong, haze filled Kingston recording studios and freaky Tunisian backstreet souks all powered by a fat hip hop engine.

Clark, DE:Bug, Dazed and many more tagged him as one to watch in the near future. XLR8R were early supporters, picked 2 of his tracks in their top 50 of 2008 and recently noted he was their their most downloaded artist with 4 out of the top 10 tracks featuring his trademark synths.

Along with Hip-House alter ego KeeCLAC he’s been remixing Architeq, Zero7, Lee Scratch Perry, Kotchy, Meanest Man Contest, Man Like Me, Konono#1 and more.

dÉbruits productions combine freewheelin synthlines, wobbly loops with Middle Eastern instrumentation, chopped, angular African beats, wild bass and some of the heaviest wonky fusions you will hear all year!.

The night at Festsaal Kreuzberg is gonna be a very special occasion because for the first time in Germany dÉbruit will perform in a live set-up with a band backed by a mindblowing show of hallucinogenic visuals. If you don´t believe us check out the link below!

dÉbruit´s new album will come out in early May on London´s CIVIL MUSIC!

Playing first on May 19 is ANIAETLEPROGRAMMEUR, a Berlin-based band
formed in Paris by Aniajules and Hanrigabriel. They mix heavily
effected guitars and vocals with massive electronic synths and beats,
bridging the gap between rock music, epic composition, psychedelic
electro and soundscapes. Since september 2011, media-artist and
musician Valquire Veljkovic joined the band originaly as a “light
drummer”, bringing a new dimension to their live shows. He lately
tends to be musicaly involved on stage with live drums and keys. The
three of them constantly experiment and develop ways of controling
light gears and devices on stage with triggerring and sequencers
linked to their music devices.
http://www.aniaetleprogrammeur.com/

+ Marie-Antoinette (DJ-Set)

On the same night we’ll have BASKETBALL, a live electronic act, known
for their insanely engaging live shows. Their sounds are created by an
alchemy of sequencers, drum machines, traditional instruments such as
the santoor, zurna, the banjo, guitar, live percussion, bass and
vocals. 20Jazzfunkgreats labeled their sound best as shamanic
disco.The combination of their sound has drawn comparisons to
Modeselektor, Gang Gang Dance, Buraka Som Sistema, and Tinariwen.
http://basketballaz.bandcamp.com/

+ Field Agent Slow Learner (DJ-Set/Heavy World Music/DE)

LUCKY DRAGONS are joining the bill on May 17. Their
concerts-as-workshop style happenings have generated considerable
interest in both the art and music worlds. With a basic set-up of
laptop, homemade electronics and folk instruments the pair creates
equal-power situations in which audience members cooperate amongst
themselves, building up fragile networks held together by such light
things as skin contact, unfamiliar language, temporary logic, the
spirit of celebration, and things that work but you don’t know why. At
the heart of it all is playing together–building up social
collectivities, re-engaging the wonder and impossibility of
technological presence. It sounds–and looks–like simple and ancient
patterns coming together and falling apart in a sincere attempt to let
wires and screens and words become clear and crystal.
http://luckydragons.bandcamp.com/

+ The Mono Kid (DJ-Set/Ethnodelic Disco/DE)

If your origins are related to both east and west, if you have experienced three coup-d’états, have experienced three coup-d’états, violence between left and right, gay and minority demonstrations, and secular and Islamic facets for almost 50 years, then inevitably your productivity will include strong political arguments. This approach can be observed in the works of many contemporary artists born in Turkey. In his exhibition iBerlin at Tanas Berlin, Vahap Avşar “explores the underlying patriarchal conditions of socio-political and cultural structures”  (press release) with installations, videos and paintings. Although living and working in New York, one may see the strong ties with current political debates in Turkey in Avşar’s work, interpreted with a good dose of humor.

Installation view: Vahap Avşar, iBerlin, 2012 Photographer: Uwe Walter, Copyright: TANAS Berlin

In the film Goodbye Lenin, one of the most remarkable frames is when the sculpture of Lenin flies, representative of a precise moment in history. Sculpture, with its concrete existence, has always been an important tool of power because of its impact on society.  Standing at a significant spot in the Tanas space, upside down plinths bearing the head of the artist face each other in 20^th Century as We Know It (2011-2012), a piece that deconstructs this image in society, referencing also the emphasis of public sculptures in Turkey, starting with the crucial Modernization period. As with the aforementioned flying Lenin scene, busts of Avşar silently report this new vision, in contrast with the powerful sculptures of the 20^th Century of which they are reminiscent.

Vahap Avşar, Shoot Out, 2011, 4-channel video installation, HD , 16:9, synchronized, color, sound, loop, Photographer: Uwe Walter, Copyright: TANAS Berlin 

In the video Tekmil (2010), a sweating soldier answers the questions of his commander, frankly visualizing the exercises of the patriarch.  Reminiscent of the speech act theory, as the sound and stress of the commander’s voice controls the soldier’s behaviour. The soldier pretends as if nothing is wrong, trying to give the best answers with a machine-like attitude, yet seeing him perspire reminds the viewer of the reality of the situation. Another video with two young men practicing with shotguns depicts the process of practicing cultural codes through different mediums.

The kitsch painting display includes postcards and posters collected by Avşar since childhood, covering one huge wall in the gallery space. These are the images that Avşar grew up with and in regard to cultural codes, one may interpret how visual history may play a more significant role than that of the verbal. His kitsch painting of the Caliph Ali, an important figure for the Alevi minorities in Turkey, hung all alone, has a visual connection with the upside-down pedestals. This spatial communication displays the change in the society by one hung up and the others toppled over. For several years, there have been times that Alevis had the courage to express their beliefs. Avşar’s work, alongside the posters of the Ali that are given out to the visitors, becomes a tribute to them.

Exhibition view: Vahap Avşar, iBerlin, 2012 Photographer: Uwe Walter, Copyright: TANAS Berlin 

The strong impact of image and the bounds of cultural codes are well subjectified in the works of Avşar. As it is argued in lots of mediums, public-private spaces, or bodies, are constructed according to the apparatuses of power, but this is something we all know. What separates Avşar’s work is his ironic and direct approach within this context. Once these these images have been observed one by one with their many layered meanings, the dematerialization process can really start in the mind of the beholder.

Vahap Avşar was showing at Tanas Berlin  27/03 – 12/05/2012.

Ivo Gretener’s  There’s Only Rumors, Nothing’s Decided,- is now open for visitors at the small but cosy Enblanco Projektraum. Once inside the space one is faced with an object almost as big as the room itself; a caravan. People are gathered around it, lights shine from the windows with curtained domesticity. At the same time there is a feeling that something is not right here, something uncanny… The existence of this large object- the caravan- within such a small art space even makes it hard to move around. Nodes of people may not be generated in the space , raising issues of private-public, space and body. It doesn’t move, although it supposed to, summoning memories of times in one’s life when nothing can be done, with total inertia. And how, in fact, did this get in here anyway? Where is the dust on the caravan coming from? Why are we not able to get in? Which part of the space is “in” and which part is “out”? Who is inside?

 For those of you who aren’t familiar with Jodorowsky, the Chilean/French filmmaker, actor and writer is renowned for causing a bit of a stir with his avant-garde films displaying surreal and provocative imagery. The Holy Mountain is no exception to the rule. You can prepare to be firmly pushed out of your comfort zone, because it’s not exactly easy viewing. A scandal when first released, Jodorowsky’s movie is an extravagant, often incoherent satire on consumerism, militarism and the exploitation of developing cultures by the West.

The film starts with a Christ-like figure, representing ‘the thief’ who wanders through bizarre scenarios filled with religious and sacrilegious imagery. He meets an alchemist (played by Jodorowsky) who introduces him to seven wealthy and powerful individuals, each representing a planet in the solar system. The characters are led by the alchemist through several death/rebirth rituals and journey to Lotus Island to gain the secret of immortality from nine immortal masters who live on a holy mountain. However, at the end, we realise the cloaked immortals are in fact dummies and Jodorowsky instructs his group (and the audience) to leave the Holy Mountain where ‘real life awaits us’.

The director’s avid interest in alchemy, the tarot, Zen Buddhism and shamanism is evident in the film, which is itself a surrealist exploration of these spiritual Western traditions. As preparation for the film, Jodorowsky apparently spent three months doing spiritual exercises guided by Oscar Ichazo of the Arica Institute (the Arica training features Zen, Sufi and yoga exercises). He was instructed by Ichazo to take LSD for the purpose of spiritual exploration, which might explain a great deal to viewers. Jodorowsky’s films have often been compared to psychedelics, and The Holy Mountain is without a doubt one extraordinary trip in itself with a crashing comedown at the end, when we realise there is in fact no ‘Holy Mountain’ at all.

KaterHolzig proved to be a fitting location for Jodorowsky’s bizarre and imaginative film. Often comparable to a hedonistic adventure playground for adults, the former Bar25 is brilliant for partying the weekend away. The film event ticket also included entry to the club afterwards (€12 for non-members and €8 for members), making it value for money.

Berlin Film Society aims to engage with its audience and create a whole new approach to experiencing film. For more information on their upcoming events including a Charlie Chaplin film screening and a delicious film experience in conjunction with the Taste Festival, see the website.

After playing a fantastic set at Naherholung Sternchen’s opening party in July 2011, Shameless/Limitless is happy to present the return of chillwave hero Blackbird Blackbird (San Francisco) to Berlin.
+ Holy hell! Special guest DIY hero Molly Nilsson.

Blackbird Blackbird:
Blackbird Blackbird (formerly Bye Bye Blackbird) is the moniker/musical outlet of San Francisco, California wunderkind Mikey Maramag. His reverb-laden musical collages tend to lean towards anthemic, inspirational, and dream-driven themes. Maramag’s influences range from various ends of the musical spectrum. Blackbird Blackbird often tweaks nature-samples and mixes electronic textures with organic instrumentation (guitar, drums, synths, vocal-harmonies). Ghostly female vocals are chopped and screwed, spun around a paint-splattered collage of sound.

After presenting their debut European show back in October 2011, Shameless/Limitless is happy to announce the return of  of Montreal side project Yip Deceiver for a show at much hallowed Westgermany.
+ Berlin-based R&B DANCE Hit Machine HUSH HUSH!

BORN GOLD (CA):
Formerly operating under the moniker GOBBLE GOBBLE, the weird, futuristic pop outfit fronted by pop experimentalist Cecil Frena are tried and tested road warriors. They recently completed an extensive US tour with future pop princess Grimes, where they served as not only the opening act but also Grimes’s backing band.

With their intensive, blown-out guitar peals, eclectic, crunchy synth lines and sparkly 8bit bleep-bloops mixed with outbursts of digital noise, Born Gold is a definite recipe for a bubbling dance floor, with live shows that takes the concept of musical performance to a whole new level.

http://www.facebook.com/borngoldofficial
http://soundcloud.com/borngold
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KUHRYE-OO (CA):
Calvin McElroy aka Kuhrye-oo is not the first Born Gold/Gobble Gobble member to start publishing his own tunes aside from the band; as former member Corin Roddick of Purity Ring blew up on Pitchfork earlier last year, and now recently signed to 4AD. Aside from his work with Born Gold and Grimes, Kuhrye-oo has been a favourite of No Fear Of Pop ever since his deep electronic creations created a small wave of underground buzz through music sites and blogs earlier last year.

http://www.facebook.com/kuhryeoo

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+ No Fear of Pop DJ set!

We chat to the famous groove-monger about his new album, loving Animal Collective and what colour socks he wears.

]]> http://dontpaniconline.de/p/event/screening-adam-broomberg-oliver-chanarin-at-mindpitares/feed 0 http://dontpaniconline.de/p/event/alexander-geist-7-release-party-at-hbc http://dontpaniconline.de/p/event/alexander-geist-7-release-party-at-hbc#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 16:37:31 +0000 lucy http://dontpaniconline.de/?p=11271 … more]]> “Morose disco-soul singer Alexander Geist celebrates his new 7” single “Bad Language”, released the same day on Haute Areal. Part Evelyn Waugh novel, part silver screen star, Alexander is the velvet voice of a new epoch in pop music, embracing the dry wit of Morrissey, the soundscape of Moroder and the sensibilities of Manet. Support comes
from Köllsch synth-pop duo Dievondavon, and Joey Hansom—who produced the single and its B-side—will turn the whole shindig into a dance party afterwards. Guests can also pick up a copy of the 7” for a
special reduced price.”

Music by Face & Faddy

If you have a passion for film and fashion and would have something to contribute apply here before 15th June for a chance to be a part of the event. As an effort to promote emerging talent, the recently opened Berlin concept store for emerging designers Konzept86 will provide the winner with an exhibition space for 6 months. Following the event, the fashion films will be screened across Berlin throughout the duration of Berlin Fashion Week, and on selected websites, providing visibility to the emerging filmmakers and fashion designers presented.

Amani (Oriental Dancer) MIlo (Darbukka) Tillman (Bass Guitar) dURY de Bagh (Guitarra & Vocals)

DJs Benjamin Hatton//Emil Doesn’t Drive//Peter Power