Featuring Hüsker Dü/Sugar front-man Bob Mould and the renowned remix artist Richard Morel, Blowoff is a project born from the glorious union of indie rock and dance music. Taking those innovative blends of sound and putting them into a live show, the Blowoff dance parties were bring characters from every walk of life to the dance floor. Hipsters, bear-types, and clubbers alike bond over the music that sets the scene for a Blowoff party, and Chicago’s very on Metro will be playing host to one such party tonight, May 29th.
Aside from making beats for the Blowoff, Morel and Mould have been keeping busy with their own respected projects. Fresh from releasing a new single of his own, remix artist Rich Morel is continuing to do what he does best: keeping a hand in something new at every turn. Aside from the release and new video for “Shoegazer Disco”, there’s a new remix for Yoko Ono’s “Wouldn’t” and Morel’s label Outsider Music is ready to put out a new single from Amanda Lear. Mould just finished up a lengthy tour of the US and Europe supporting his two releases, “Life and Times” and “Bob Mould Band LIVE at ATP 2009″, both of which were released this last year.
Combining the ex-Hüsker Dü/Sugar front man’s angry powerpop with Morel’s hazy soundscape, Blowoff is a true stand out for both its originality and experimentation in the world of dance music.
Blowoff will be performing tonight, May 29th at the Metro- Show at 11pm, 21+ $16.
Rich Morel and Bob Mould took a moment to answer some questions for us about their current influences, dream collaborations, and what plans are in store for the two in the coming year.
Reviewsic: If you could book a show with any 3 musicians, past or present, who would they be and why?
Rich Morel: Original lineup of Chic ( Nile Rodgers, Bernard Edwards, Tony Thompson) because it would be
supremely funky.
Bob Mould: Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine, Daft Punk, and Ian Curtis of Joy Division.
Reviewsic: What are your top three musical influences?
Rich Morel: That changes, today I would say Gui Boratto,The Doors, and The Clash.
Bob Mould: The Beatles, The Who, and The Ramones.
Reviewsic: What are the last three albums or bands you listened to?
Rich Morel:
“More” by Booka Shade
“The Doors” by the Doors
“Broken Bells” by Broken Bells
Bob Mould:
“Baths” S/T
“Donuts” by J Dilla
“Nothing Hurts” by Male Bonding
Reviewsic: If you could work with one person in the music industry (musician, label, producer etc),
who would it be and why?
Rich Morel: Janelle Monae. She is really pushing the envelope, musically and visually, the way Outkast did and I love her voice.
Bob Mould: Rick Rubin. We go back many years, but have never worked together in the studio.
Reviewsic: Who was the first band/musician you saw live?
Rich Morel: Elton John.
Bob Mould: Rush, opening for Aerosmith
Reviewsic: Who are three of your favorite local musicians?
Rich Morel: I listen to Internet radio.
Bob Mould: In SF, the band Thee Oh Sees, the musician Jhameel, and DJ Medic.
Reviewsic: What’s the back-story on how the Blowoff dance parties came to be what it they are today?
Rich Morel: We were working on the Blowoff cd and Bob suggested we throw a party in DC. Everything grew from there.
Bob Mould: I was new to DC in 2003, and wanted to meet people.
Reviewsic: How did you get your start DJ-ing and remixing?
Rich Morel: I was working with Deep Dish in the 90′s and I started doing remixes at that time.
Bob Mould: I was a college DJ, and also DJ’ed at rock clubs in Minneapolis in the early 1980. BLOWOFF was my first proper DJ gig. My first commissioned remix was for VHS or Beta. The track is called “Solid Gold”.
The first remix I did was for the Pet Shop Boys’ “Se A Vida e” they loved it and everything started rolling after that.
Reviewsic: What are some of your favorite cities and/or venues to play?
Rich Morel: I love DC and the 9:30 club. Its home and its always great. I also love San Francisco.
Bob Mould: 9:30 Club in DC, Metro in Chicago, Slim’s in SF.
Reviewsic: What are the best and worst music moments so far in your career?
Rich Morel: Doing remixes for New Order was a real high point for me. I have always been a big fan of theirs. I did three mixes for them and they included my remix of “True Faith” on their European box set. Worst? I can’t remember.
Bob Mould: There’s been many great ones and several challenging ones. The first time I played Royal Albert Hall as a solo singer / songwriter would qualify for both.
Reviewsic: What are your plans for your music in the next year?
Rich Morel: I have a lot of upcoming remixes.
I’m collaborating on an awesome new project with Brendan Canty from Fugazi, called Deathfix. We have a lot of Blowoff gigs booked through 2011. I’m going to be playing a couple shows in Europe with Amanda Lear this summer. My label Outsider Music has some really great releases coming out.
Bob Mould: I plan on spending 2011 focusing on writing new music. I’ve spent the past 18 months writing my autobiography, which will be published by Little, Brown in Spring 2011. Because of that, BLOWOFF and my other two DJ parties in SF (Distortion+ and ZOOSF) have been my primary musical outlets.
Tags: Interview, Upcoming Event, Video
