Indie Bands With Black People In Them.

Listening to TV On The Radio right now. Any indie band with black people in it, I'm down with. There's also a band called The Dears where the black lead singer sounds just like Morrissey. Talk about a soul man. I couldn't believe it when I first heard it. There's also Bloc Party from the UK. I read about them in NME, but haven't actually heard their music yet.

It was a gorgeous day here in Chicago, almost 70 degrees! I can't help but think a new snowstorm is right around the corner, though. It's happened before.

Not a whole lot going on at the homestead, though. Started working out today in anticipation of getting back out there to rock some shows. Looking forward to Tresor and La Real, especially. I've got some new white labels from Mr. Sims and Mr. Ho that I haven't played out yet. I actually played out last month, but it seems like forever.

Also finished that last comic book page day before yesterday. I'm looking for a backer to help me put this book out. Since it's a black female super-hero, I'm sure the traditional comic book publishers won't want to put it out. And I definitely want to get it in bookstores; the real publishing world, not the techno world at all. I learned my lesson with "Orietta." Techno people don't "get" comics.

If you know somebody I can pitch "Vectra" to as a project, let me know. Hey, it's worth a try.

I was asked about being in this DVD project produced by the Electric Avenue guys in Detroit. They want to film all the sets at their parties during festival weekend and maybe do interviews of the artists. Good idea, but I spent the entire '90s chasing press and publicity and getting my face out there. I'm kind of over that now.

Then again, never say never, right?

Playing Out/Gallery Pics.

It was a beautiful day today in Chicago. Warm and nice for a change. I can only hope it lasts for awhile.

I finished that last page of "Vectra: Zero" last night. Lettering and online posting as soon as Miss Giaxia has time. I'm looking for a backer to help me publish "Vectra" # 1. Since it's a black female character, I don't expect any traditional comic publishers to want to put it out. And I definitely want to release it in the real comic book world where it can be sold in bookstores, not the techno world. I learned my lesson with "Orietta." Techno people don't "get" comics at all.

Started working out today in anticipation of playing out again. I've been off for a long time, it'll be cool to rock a show again, especially at Tresor and La Real. I've got a bunch of white labels I haven't played out yet.

I actually played out just last month but it seems like forever.

Cisco, if you're reading this, send me more G-Flame records!

The gallery show at the Open Door comes down tomorrow. What a great experience. I hope to do another show soon with new pieces. I'm talking to a guy right now about it. Here's a pic for those of you who missed it. By the way, "Vectra" is the piece in the middle (girl with the 'fro) and the five pages along the bottom are her preview comic I've been talking about. "Vectra" was the most popular piece in the show.

Blah Blah Blah.

Uneventful day, not much going on. Cold out as usual. I'm drinking tea. I've laid off coffee these past couple of weeks. I was getting chest pains, seriously. And I was too on edge. Switched to tea and I'm all good. Aside from the occasional White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks, I like those.

Hmmm, what does that say about me that White Chocolate Mocha is my favorite Starbucks flavor? ;-)

Right now, I'm laying out this last comic book page and trying to get it right. Sometimes I have to go through several versions of a page before I like it, which is why it takes me so long to do a project. Once I get the layout right, finishing the page doesn't take that long, especially when it's a painted project, like this one.

Speaking of which, I might have sold a painting. It will be my first sale as a fine artist.

Oh! And somebody bought an art book off of Cafepress and you can too! Check out: www.cafepress.com/alanoldham, find something you like, buy it, and make me happy.

Still haven't finished this track. Maybe early next week I'll just finish the damn thing.

Going to see Sven Vath tonight.

And that's my big Friday =P

Vampire Hours.

Page seven done, one more page to go. After that, I start on the new series of large-scale prints, and Vectra # 2.

I also went through old DATs last night to put together my lowtempo compilation. I ran up on a lot of stuff I forgot I made.

I'm also working on a new track at the same time. Just letting it sit there while I figure out what part to put in next. I just don't want to do flat tracks where nothing happens, I want them to be dynamic. I don't have a label for it yet, although a few Europeans have requested tracks from me.

Speaking of which, I sent an EP demo off to this one French label, but haven't heard back yet. Can you tell I'm into the French these days? The coolest people to deal with as an artist. All the creative opportunities are in France these days. For me, anyway.

I did a remix for Alexander Kowalski almost two years ago, and found out on the Internet that it was out. It's cool, though. As long as my name's out there in the marketplace.

I've been sleeping like a vampire lately. I paint and work all night (like now), go to bed at about 8 a.m., and wake up at 3: 30 p.m.

Watched "Pulp Fiction." Makes me want to write a screenplay.

Just Another Manic Monday.

I actually woke up early today, 10:30 a.m. My upstairs neighbor is on a vacuuming spree. She must have dust phobia 'cause she vacuums every other day. She's vaccuming right now. She even vacuums the bathroom, if you can believe that. I can hear it.

Well, I finally heard from Gayle San's people. We are finally moving ahead with the record! It's called "The Professional Volume One," a compilation of four Pure Sonik tracks; "Loop and Destroy," "Made to Phase," "Thesis," and "Elektroberlin." Gayle herself chose the tracks. I also get a spot on her management roster, Contact, nice bonus. They have some European dates coming up this summer.

Gayle has licensed two of my tracks for her mixes, "Track Machine" and "'Bout to Bang It (DisX3 Remake)", so I figured she'd be cool to work with on this level. Plus I prefer working with women if possible. We'll see what happens.

Nothing to do today but work on this track and do the last page. I'm gonna try to get it lettered and digitally post-produced soon and up on the alanoldham.com site for you to see.

The lowtempo comp will be under my name and titled "Convergence." The text will be completely in French.

Also heard from Tresor today. Everything's a go for Berlin. I'm hoping to do a side gig there, an all-indie rock/shoegaze/trip-hop set. Not at Tresor but another club. It'll be the first time I play such a set in Europe. Waiting to hear back on that one.

Grey Saturday.

So I watched "La Dolce Vida" last night. It was cool that it was Rome in the '60s, the cars, fashions, and Marcello Mastroianni was super-cool, the women were beautiful, and it was in gorgeous black and white, but the flick just went on and on and on. It never ended. I looked on the box and it was 174 minutes. Damn! I finally got to the end and it felt like an endurance test.

It wasn't a straight narrative, but several vignettes strung together. Very existential, nothing is ever resolved, story-wise. My favorite was the first part with Anita Ekberg as this Jayne Mansfield-style American actress in Rome. Marcello tries and fails to have an affair with her. Man, she was a lot of woman. Today she'd be considered plus-size.

There were also a lot of black people in the movie. I wish I could have lived in Rome in the '60s. Or Paris, like "Breathless" (It's time to rent that movie again). Just get in a time machine and vanish. Fuck 2005.

Not much going on today. Me and Giaxia (www.giaxia.com) went to Starbuck's for mochas and to Barnes & Noble to get ideas. Now, it's more art and music. It's dreary out there. I was invited out tonight but I'm just gonna stay in and work.

I want to release a compilation of all my lowtempo/mood music tracks (most unreleased) on CD, but who would buy it? Nobody buys CDs. It would have a booklet in there with some art works, and tied in with the gallery showings. Maybe I'll do all the notes in French, it's the best market anyway.

I don't go out to spin again until April. I've got a few open dates in Europe in April and May, so if you're reading this and know of any parties I can rock, let me know.

La Dolce Vida.

Started page seven of "Vectra: Zero," the first five pages of which are hanging in the gallery now. I'm really onto something with this character, people really like her design.

I sold this EP to Equator, Gayle San's label. I really like Gayle and want to be in business with her and her management. Their distributor, Intergroove, even asked for me to illustrate the album cover, which is great because I'm moving more in an art direction now. Everything was going good, then silence. I've been waiting for a while to hear news about moving ahead. I might have to shop this project somewhere else. I don't want to, but...

Saw that new John Stamos show "Jake in Progress." It's another cute romantic comedy set in New York with no black people in it. Other than that, it's great, a male "Sex In The City." But, since it's on a network (ABC), there's not much sex. In fact, now that I think about it, it's basically a white "Kevin Hill" without the baby. And he's a PR man, not a lawyer. It's a good show, though, it'll last for awhile. ABC is on a roll.

Best line from Jake's boss (Wendie Malick): "I say a 'hello, how you doing,' and all of a sudden these morons think we're soulmates." Preach to me, sistah.

Went to Tsuki tonight to hear Steve play, had some martinis and scammed some free sushi. Giaxia (my web designer) did the flyer design for the night.

I've been going out a lot lately and not working. I've got to cut that shit out and get back to the grindstone.

I rented "La Dolce Vida" but I haven't watched it yet. I also want to rent "The Office." The British version. I've never worked in an office so I want to see what all the hype is about.

Stuff I Did Today.

I finished a new page of my comic book last night. I think we'll start doing lettering and post-production soon. It's the eight-page prologue to issue one, which we will premiere on www.alanoldham.com. This stuff is leagues better than "Orietta." Fully-painted with fine art influences, not comic book ones.

Anyway, Giaxia dug out the first Interpol CD today and we were listening to it. Yup, leagues better than "Antics," it's official. And in the truck, it was "Push Eject" by Boom Boom Satellites. Loud. On repeat.

I heard from Stewart Walker today. He wants to have lunch or dinner while I'm in Berlin. He moved there about the same time as I moved to Chicago. I love that guy.

My friend Tony called on the cell from Detroit to tell me that Robert Blake was found not guilty of killing his wife. His joke is that Blake's now joined the exclusive club of O.J., Klaus Von Bulow, and William Shatner; guys who got away with it. ;-)

I played "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater" earlier at Steve Tang's house. I suck at it. I say get rid of the game part and just release it as a movie. I'm not a game fan at all, but the "Metal Gear Solid" comic got me into it. Ashley Wood is my #1 favorite artist of the moment. Everyone else is so boring to me these days.

While I was playing "Metal Gear," Steve was pre-mastering this new track I did for Tresor. It's for this compilation they're doing to commemorate the closing of the club. I hope they like it.

And a bunch of us had drinks at this place called Rodan afterwards. Cool little place full of Wicker Park hipsters.

So my friend Adeline from Paris told me that she reads this blog everyday, so let me say hello. She's the one organizing my European gallery debut ;-)

And finally, the Cutout Blowout is in full effect. Yes, I'm selling off some records cheap. E-mail us at orders@puresonikrecords.net and ask for a PDF list of our stock.

Boom Boom Satellites.

I was at a party last night and my friend Jimmy had his iPod playing on random. All of a sudden, this jam came on and it sounded familiar. It was a glitched-out, trip-hop beat with cinematic strings on top. I asked Jimmy who that was, and he came back, "Boom Boom Satellites. This album," as he showed me the jewel case to "Out Loud." I was like, "Damn, I've got this CD!" It had been a couple of years at least since I'd listened to it.

The next day, I dug out my Boom Boom Satellites CDs. My copy of "Out Loud" was autographed by the band. I met them in 1999 when they were on tour with Moby. They were being pushed at the time as the "Japanese Chemical Brothers." I had a friend at the time who worked for Sony Japan and on their Detroit stop, she arranged for the band to have a Japanese dinner with a few Detroit people, myself included.

I was really into "Out Loud" at the time. It was like nothing else out back then. It was like neurons firing in your brain, it was wild. Digital, analog, jazz, punk rock, drum-and-bass, film music, everything at once. It was creative, futuristic, and fucked-up. It sounded like Tokyo, basically.

Later that night, they played at St. Andrews Hall and we hung out in their tour bus. I gave them some of my CDs and 12-inches, which they liked because I used Japanese lettering on all the Pure Sonik stuff. I was then asked to introduce the band from the stage. I don't know why they asked me to do that.

I also saw Moby that night. I've known him personally since 1990, when I used to play his early music on my show. It was funny, he still remembered me, and even asked if I still drew. Of course, he's a pop star now.

I introduced the band and they went on. They did a great show as I recall.

A few days later, a Fedex package came to my apartment. It was from Sony Japan. It had two Boom Boom Satellites t-shirts, both signed by the band, and a copy of the second album, "Umbra." Unlike "Out Loud," it had never been released in the States. There was also a thank you note inside, thanking me for introducing the band and hanging out with them.

My friend who worked for Sony, Nancy, went on to give parties herself in Tokyo. She invited me to play the Womb in 2001.

This kind of stuff was a matter of course back in the '90s. Cool shit like that happened all the time back then. Artists would come into town, wanting to hang out with the real techno guys from Detroit. Plus, I was DJing every weekend, putting out records full stop, kicking ass all over the place.

Now, of course, it's 2005, and I've left Detroit. You'll have to wait for my book to find out what I think of the current state of affairs. Or lack thereof.

(Yes, my book's finished, it's just on hold.)

As I sat down to do some artwork, I put on my copy of "Out Loud." Still good shit. It reminded me of better times.

"Total Recall."

Well, we didn't go out last night. Stayed in and watched "Total Recall" on DVD instead, a Schwarzenegger classic. The director, Paul Verhoven, also did "Starship Troopers." It came to me that "Total Recall" and "Starship Troopers" could both be in the same universe. In "Total Recall," Mars was a Federal Colony. In "Starship Troopers," the troops were Federal. In both films, their uniforms were very similar, black and grey. "Total Recall" is in the past, during the earlier days of space colonization, and "Troopers" is further into the future, after disastrous first contact with the Arachnids.

A lot of people didn't get "Starship Troopers," but I actually liked it. It was very unique in a lot of ways. I wish they'd done a sequel.

(Come to think of it, "Robocop," also directed by Verhoven, could also be in the timeline. The lawlessness of Robocop's era could be the precursor to the fascist state of "Starship Troopers.")

Something else interesting; in the commentary for "Total Recall," Verhoven says that the plotline for the never-made "Total Recall 2," in which the clairvoyant mutants can see the future and Schwarzenegger uses them to see crimes before they're committed, eventually became "Minority Report." Both movies are based on concepts by Phillip K. Dick (Blade Runner).

I was watching the news the other day and it said that my hometown of Detroit was the number two most depressed city in the nation. Philadelphia was number one, which is wild, because Philly doesn't seem so depressing to me. I always had good times there. Maybe the locals know something I don't. Anyway, they went by sales of anti-depressants and local suicide rates to draw their conclusions. Fill in your own Detroit punchline here___________________________________________________.

Pics from my gallery show are up now at www.technotourist.org if you haven't seen them. Thanks to Marie and KJ for the support.

Friday.

It's Friday. When people say to you "Happy Friday!" or "TGIF," it doesn't mean the same thing to me, 'cause I don't have a 9-to-5 job. I just kind of smile. It's like that "Seinfeld" where George says, "Jerry, you know how office politics are!" To which a deadpan Jerry replies: "Never had a job."

We went out to Tsuki last night, this super-cool club/bar/sushi place on Fullerton. My friend Steve DJs there every Thursday now. It's our new hangout now because it's free sushi 'cause we're with the DJ. ;-) We still have to pay for drinks, though. I was taking advantage of the $5 martini special. Shaken, not stirred (Sean Connery voice) with extra olives, please.

Re: Shake. Someone reading this e-mailed and told me that he'll be at Sonotheque here in Chicago, not Darkroom. Titonton's playing, too. Good to see somebody giving some dap to the black talent.

I've been on this Curve kick lately, going back and listening to all their CDs. I've loved them since they first came out in '91. Their stuff is so suited for film, especially the dark, stylish vampire movies like "Underworld" or "Blade," but nobody ever uses their tracks. On their website there's a letter from the lead singer, Toni Halliday, saying she's leaving the band and Curve has broken up. But, shit, I thought they broke up after "Cuckoo" in 1993. I also found out there's a whole album that I never knew came out, "The New Adventures of Curve." I'm too busy to pay attention.

Interpol's tonight, but tickets were tooooooooo expensive. Especially since I was disappointed in the new album. Carlos D is at Smartbar tonight, though, DJing, maybe we'll go see him. I'm on the guest-list there ;-)

Debut.

I didn't do anything today. Just one of those days. Can't be about work all the time.

The gallery show was last Saturday was great. It was a nice turnout and I got to meet the other artists in the show, all cool people. I fell in love (figuratively) with this woman Michelle Gordon, who did some incredible abstract works. Museum quality. She's hot, too. Super-tall brunette. When I met her, she told me she had Googled some of the other names on the show flyer and when she got to me, she was in awe of my globe-trotting career in the techno business, and couldn't believe I was making the jump to fine art. She seemed particularly impressed that I lived in Berlin a few years ago. Well, that was my ego boost of the night (one of many).

Overall, the work was well-received. Words like "Lichtenstein," "Pop," and "Fun" were used to describe my art. Very encouraging!

Jeff Mills' wife and sister also stopped by. Too bad Mills was out of town as always. They're really cool about supporting me whenever I do something in Chicago.

A bunch of us went out for drinks after the show. In fact, we bounced around to a couple of places. It was a great night all around.

Now it's back to reality. Gotta get back to work tomorrow. Inzec went out of business, so I have to shop these tracks elsewhere, plus I need to work on this comic book some more.

Spam City.

Well, I sent out my little spam to promote my art show this Saturday and got a bunch of nice responses and well-wishes from people. Very nice way to go about your day. I won't send anymore spam for awhile or else I'll wear out my welcome.

Looks like Shake is coming to Chicago end of next month. He e-mailed me today. I guess he's coming here to play, I didn't ask him. Probably Darkroom, they've been bringing Detroit cats lately, the housier guys. Shake is a true friend, one of the only Detroit guys I don't mind hearing from.

"Alias."

It's been a long time since I watched "Alias." They lost me about the time Lena Olin was in it playing Sydney's mother. When they did an episode where she, Sydney and her dad Jack all went on a mission as a spy family, that was it. I hated all that Rimbaldi stuff, too. This is a guy who lived in DaVinci's time, right? Yet his gadgets were scattered all over the world in a time before jet planes or anything. It took a lifetime just to get to one place. I never bought it.

Anyway, I checked "Alias" out on a fluke and it was damn good. Gina Torres and her big, sexy lips are back as Sydney's first-season nemesis, Anna, who is a former K-Directorate agent, now freelance killer. Justin Sark is back as well. So young, so British, so evil.

Bad-ass chicks kicking each other's ass all over the world, Sydney's hot disguises, it's all back. Don't know if I'll stick with it (too busy), but it's definitely back to basics.

Speaking of Jacks, have you noticed how many Jacks there are on network TV? Jack Bauer from "24," Jack from "Will and Grace," Jack from "Lost," and the aforementioned Jack from "Alias." Not to mention the failed Jack (another Jack!) Black/Ben Stiller pilot "Heat Vision and Jack." And that's off the top of my head, I'm sure there are more.

First Contact.

Welcome to my blog and here's the 1st entry.

I was just at the gallery today (the Open Door). They're hanging the artwork now, including mine. I got to see the other artists in the show and my stuff is way different from everybody's. You definitely know it's me. The opening reception is this Saturday. I hope a lot of people show up. I haven't been this excited in a long time. I'll let you know how it turns out.

On the DJ side, I am now confirmed for La Real in Oviedo, Spain on April 9th. That one came thru today from Natasha. One of the top techno clubs in the world made famous by Surgeon's track of the same name. Great, great venue. The owner of the club also has another place, called Octopus. I played there also with Ade Fenton (Advanced) also in 2002 (I think).

The previous night, April 8th, I'm playing Tresor in Berlin as part of its 16-day closing event. 16 days of straight partying, non-stop.They're getting everybody who ever played the club or recorded for the label to come be a part of it. I'm glad they asked me. For a long time, Tresor was my home in Europe, and I'm kind of sad to see it go. I haven't played either club since 2002, so I'm looking forward to those events.

Unfortunately, though, my appearance in Bloomington, IN on April 8th w/ Submerge 101 has been cancelled due to contractual issues. I apologize in advance for any inconvienience.