Alec Empire – Past – Present – Future

From ear’s roots in punk, hip hop, and rave, this music and sound maker has produced sounds in the ambient, minimal, musique concrete, industrial, electro-punk, techno, and jungle areas. At times even straight up rock ‘n’ roll has been heard. Covering such vast genres of musical endeavors is Alec Empire.

As I pull out my first Atari Teenage Riot album, “Burn, Berlin, Burn,” I remember why it interested my ears. The sound was brutal, yet it disturbed my ears in a good way. A lot of sounds coming out during that time (’96) were very pretty and sweet. It was refreshing to listen to an album which didn’t adhere to what was being spat out like the usual suspects all around. I thank Alec Empire and ATR for bringing this about. ATR were controversial and “in your face” along the later industrial veins of Throbbing Gristle and SPK. ATR reigned hardcore supreme from ’93-2001 with live recordings and remixes still being issued.

Alec as a single entity has pursued many musical interests since his beginnings. His own Digital Hardcore Recordings (DHR) label has had many releases of digital hardcore psychosis and even spawned a deal with the Beastie Boy’s Grand Royal record label. Empire’s musical endeavors have been on Force Inc and their sub label Mille Plateaux as well as many others. He has also done remixes for diverse artists ranging from Coil to Bjork and others everywhere in between. With that having been said, the diversity is abounding. If that’s not a warning as to Empire’s uniqueness, I suggest you dig deeper and have a listen for yourself.

Around 2007, Empire set his attention towards his new label “Eat Your Heart Out (EYHO).” He has since left DHR to the more underground ventures in sound. Empire describes EYHO as the “new sound of Berlin.” That definitely catches my attention as it should yours.

With hard edged beats, industrially linked at many times, and metallic percussion, this new “Berlin” sound has it coming strong. Empire’s vocals, full of distortion and reverb, seep and drill into your ears. There are even whispers abound. Numan-esque keys and chords are a pleasant surprise amidst the fury of sharp beats and guitar induced electronic rhythms. The distortion screeches and wails. Bleeps, arpeggiators, and metallic percussion strike you like a whip. The basslines pulse and pull you in. Empire’s voice screams and whispers at you. His music literally digs into your skin, yet holds delicate areas in songs to reassure there isn’t one set standard to his form of creativity.

Alec Empire is a true DIY guy in both ideals and philosophy. He has defined a genre and subculture on his own and with those he has worked with. His live shows are to be witnessed, both on and off the stage, for his recorded material still has that “live” energy. Empire is a force to be reckoned with, both past and present. With this being said I recommend “The Golden Foretaste of Heaven” (’07) and “Shivers,” his latest release.  If you give him a listen you’ll find a space to breathe amongst the nonsense of pop and all the mundane sounds you are subjected to.

For more info and a taste of what he has to offer go to:
www.myspace.com/alecempire
www.alec-empire.com

Article By GEO
www.myspace.com/geotekno