Music by Masami Akita.
Text by Shinji Miyadai.
Photograph by Masami Akita.
Designed by Emi Aida.
Produced by Kohei Noguchi.
credits
released October 8, 2015
■MERZBOW(メルツバウ)
Merzbow is an extreme experimental music project created in Tokyo in 1979 under the direction of musician Masami Akita (秋田昌美) and is recognized as being one of the earliest projects in what has become known as "Japanese noise". Highly prolific, Merzbow has released hundreds of recordings since 1979.
Miyadai Shinji- Sociologist whose works in the late 90s focused on Japanese subcultures and their behavioral patterns. Specifically considering the Otaku and kogul ("blue sailor suit girls:"), his works tackled behaviors that were often times sensationalized and depicted by the media. Proposes that Japan's youth have lost a sense of societal community, instead developing "island universes," enclosed youth groups such as the otaku or kogul, to satisfy this need. As such, they seem to exemplify the desire to construct a replacement for the lost grand narrative. However, this is not seamless replacement. Instead, these group are defined by "depthless communication based on the symbolic exchanges and a self-image that is barely maintained within the limited information space." The fictional is used as a replacement "to artificially make up for the presuppositions of communication that have become weaker than before." This notion calls to mind the previously stated argument that otaku social interactions are not defined by confusion between fiction and reality, but rather than fiction just better meets the social needs that the weakened state of traditional society can no longer fulfill.
supported by 4 fans who also own “Music for Urbanism”
Easily one of my favourite Merzbow records and one of my favourite noise records in general. Expertly crafted and blisteringly hot sonically, it's definitely not one to miss. Audrey Cusack
supported by 4 fans who also own “Music for Urbanism”
MONOAkumaからの収益はすべて、タスマニアデビルの研究と保存の試みに使用されます。近年、伝染性の顔面がんの影響により大きな被害を受けています。ありがとう、まさみ!
All proceeds from MONOAkuma will be used to fund research and preservation attempts for the Tasmanian Devil; which in recent years has suffered greatly due to effects of a transmissible facial cancer. Thanks Masami! MERZILLA
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