The 12 years I spent away from the music business coincided almost exactly with the rise of SXSW. It’s a phenomenon I’ve observed from a distance, and I’m excited to see it firsthand. In 1992 I quit music to become a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur. It took a while for my company to become successful – Beatnik Inc. now licenses its software to over two-thirds of the world’s cell phones – now I’m able to get back to my first love: music.
Now this isn’t some Eighties revival trip. It’s important audiences realize that I’m dead serious about making relevant, new music and not just reliving the thrill of the MTV generation. Which is why I felt SXSW was the perfect opportunity to get in front of the industry and the current rock audience and re-establish my credentials as a songwriter and performer. My furious three-day schedule kicks off Thursday with a 6:30am live performance on KTBC, which I’m kind of dreading!
After I played Austin on a Saturday night last December, I wandered around the Sixth Street area, and I can imagine the incredible atmosphere we’ll experience when we play SXSW this week.
As well as my Elysium showcase on Thursday, I’ll be playing the Music of Industry Showcase street party Friday evening. I’ve prepared a show I believe will light the place up, complete with an artful, rear-projected video show.
Using a combination of state-of-the-art computers and synths, along with vintage Royal Navy and U.S. Air Force field equipment (bought on eBay) that I’ve gutted and replaced with MIDI pots, I build tracks up layer by layer until it’s grooving nicely, then I play and sing over the top. My three-piece brass section will add a gritty and unusual analog flavor to my digital beats.
I’m also looking forward to hooking up with old friends and acquaintances like Robyn Hitchcock and David Byrne. David’s introduced me to some fascinating world music over the years, so it’ll be cool to see what he’s got in store for us this time.
This article appears in March 16 • 2007.