Re: [microsound] Re: DC electronic open mic/fan reaction

[Tim Kugel <guitardo@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

hi Tad
I think he preferred the "mixing board music" but that may be anecdotal I
suppose
I think (I will talk to him via phone soon) that the particular laptop
performers were just not as good, musically speaking. I think you are right
to read more into it though.

He mentioned it was a mainly male audience, and that the crowd generally
dug it. I think people at the Black Cat are acclimated to such fare, but
then again, speaking as someone who has played a LOT of bar gigs with a
guitar band (and parties, colleges, even larger venues...farms...street
corners...) the crowd usually doesn't pay any attention sin or con guitar
half the time. Next time you are in a restaurant listening ("watching") an
acoustic guitarist, see how many people are talking throughout. The
interest level rises by dint of talent, venue and seating, but also by the
popularity of the tune. I have seen a SMALL club crowd pretty much blabber
through a John McLaughlin performance with Dennis Chambers!!! Egad.

Of course the ones who are dressed in leather, barf blood, or look like
Brittney get the biggest visual interest. I actually hate bars clubs etc. I
hate the smoke, the noise and the nonsense of the fan scene [mot always].
But if you are in Prague and see where Mozart debuted some of his work - at
a Cathedral with great acoustics - you just have to sigh.

> I'm assuming he preferred the "mixing board" *MUSIC* to the music of the
> laptop performers.
>
> Your friend seems curious about what's doing on the laptop screen and
> feels shut out in a negative way (...could've been checking their
> email).

Good call.

> By contrast, the "mix artists" have him imagining soundwaves even though
> he's guessing at how they do it.

True

> What were they looking at, and doing with their hands that was different
> from the laptop folks?

I'll find out. I bet the mixers were standing up. (?) It may be the laptop
performers weren't very good at the software they were using, or it may
have been boring software - to my friend.

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