Montag
Sturgeon's Revelation states that "ninety percent of everything is crud."
Once this is understood to its fullest, it becomes apparent that the remaining ten percent is that which we should embrace. Ironically, especially in this modern world, it is more often than not that this precious ten percent is discarded, seen as trivial, esoteric, self-indulgent. The music of Montag is trivial, esoteric, self-indulgent. It is up to the listener to decide if it is or is not crud.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Been lurking around the periphery for decades, never stepping fully into the light. Performed Max's Kansas City with a NYC no-wave band called Science back in the early '80's, then formed a proto-industrial progmetal band called Monolith before falling into a state of musical suspended for nearly a decade. Did a brief stint as a solo act named Protoplasm, performing live electronic music as a score to the film Metropolis. Later joined Chock Fullo Beak, a postindustrial art ensemble that had its roots in the mutagenic waters of Schenectady, NY, led by Bryan Kieser, a multi-instrumental time travelling renaissance man. Still lurking around the periphery.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I play in the theatre of your mind. Live performance is controlled by businessmen, dictated by the corporations who tell us what is good and what we should like.
Your musical influences
Jimi Hendrix was the first artist to make me want to play. Later, Brian Eno helped me make the evolutionary leap I was about to take on my own but needed that bridge. Others that have left a lasting impression - Robert Fripp, Frank Zappa, Bela Bartok, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Randy California, Syd Barrett.
What equipment do you use?
Anything I can get my hand on. My favorites are a Stratocaster and a Korg Wavestation.
Anything else?
If reincarnation is real, I would have to believe that I am the reincarnation of my grandfather, a wild second generation exiled son of the old sod who never seemed to be able to settle down. That I have already lived longer than he did has given me ample opportunity to rectify that situation. The other thing he never did was make a lasting artifact of his music, another score I am attempting to settle with my own. Then again, I do not believe in reincarnation.
