I've been meaning to review the feature length documentary People Who Do Noise for a while now. In fact, we've had the DVD for so long that the good people at Netflix must think we're either dead or we're trying to keep everybody else from seeing it, which couldn't be further from the truth--we are alive!
Directed by filmmaker/videographer/musician Adam Cornelius, this low budget documentary centers on the experimental music scene in Portland, Oregon, and serves as a good introduction for those who just don't get why people make this stuff as well as a pretty enjoyable treat for those of us who do.
Shot in 2007, Cornelius thankfully fought back the urge to employ trippy visual effects and keeps his shots relatively clean and stable. Given the subject matter, one can only imagine what horrific results would have come about had the documentary been created by an overly earnest arty type, so kudos to you, my friend.
Through interviews and largely private performances, People Who Do Noise highlights the diverse and varied instruments, styles, methods and philosophies of the musicians involved in the creation of noise and experimental music. Folks who are unfamiliar with these genres but can maintain an open mind will be most surprised that there exists so much thought behind the squeaks, squeals, screams and white noise. On the other hand, there's some fairly nutty moments as the musicians describe their individual processes, proving once again that HIlarity can and should be part and parcel of every type of art. Once you start takin' yourself too seriously, it's all over, man.
While most are young one- and two-person shows, the exception is the fabulous and nearly mythical five piece Smegma. Born in 1973, the collective performs free improvisations, combining traditional and handmade instruments as well as turntable work. Also, they wear weird, freaky costumes, which is completely awesome!
The one true disappointment is that there are only two--count 'em, two--female musicians presented in the whole one hour and twenty-two minutes: Kitty Midwife and Oblivia of Smegma. I realize that the noise and experimental world is a predominately male one, but come on, really? Only two in the whole of Portland? Ms. Midwife does speak directly to the fear and loathing of many women to play noise, which is based on an unfounded belief that being wacky somehow negates your femininity. Her mesmerizing performance clearly proves that to be a vicious lie--believe me, she had the undivided attention of the three gentlemen I watched the movie with, so take that, you fraidy cats!
Anyhoo, in conclusion, I would recommend you check out People Who Do Noise at your earliest opportunity. It's true that some in the audience who happen to be in the know about noise and experimental music may get a bit frustrated that there isn't more techy nerd talk about the instruments--oh, what's that ya got there? A Wiard 321 Module (a.k.a. The Sequantizer)?--but that would get mighty tedious for anybody who has no clue as to what in the hell they're talkin' about, so deal with it.
You can rent People Who Do Noise from Netflix--and keep it for weeks at a time as we did!--or buy it from Film Baby.
hey cricky, i had no idea you were into noise.
Who's your local favorites?
Posted by: Rex Winsome | March 12, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Indeedy do! I'd say I'm more on the experimentally side than the noisy side, but I've grown to appreciate the chaos of noise more in recent years.
Hmm... Fav experimental locals would have to start with ESVC http://www.myspace.com/esvc
Hal Rammel, of course. http://www.myspace.com/halrammel
Who can you recommend for good local noise?
Posted by: Mary Dally-Muenzmaier | March 12, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Those are good beats. I like his innovative music by infusing nature sounds with light beats.
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