Susie Goes to Her First Noise Concert
From Noir to Noise, my social life is taking off
I had a great time showing Bound at an old-fashioned motel on a lonely highway in Ithaca, New York.
For one, the proprietors offered free popcorn from a vintage machine.
We had about 30 people lounging on sofas and overstuffed chairs. Some had unforgettable-memories of when they first saw the film, which I loved hearing. It was other folks’ first time.
There was an unexpected laugh line that I never noticed before. The movie takes place in 90s Chicago. Yet when Violet is seducing Corky, she traces a small tattoo on her breast, and remarks, “I got this from a woman in upstate New York.”
Everyone bust out! Is it a Finger Lakes joke? Well, I will have to investigate later.
Below is vintage “laser disk” director’s commentary, with me and Wachowskis talking about the BTS details. They’ve done a new, version for Criterion that I highly recommend, but this will give you a sense of what we were thinking in 1997:
“Bound,” Lana and Lilly Wachowski, directors/writers. Vintage director’s commentary with Susie Bright and others . . . A small clip.
Susie’s First Noise Concert
The night after my screening, my same motel hosts offered something far more avant-garde: a homegrown original noise concert, a new original composition.
I know nothing of the genre, but I’m game for everything, and I . . . Loved . . . It.
The two-man band, “Mound of Glass,” was something else.
If you like Dada, if you like Dilla, if you like Music Concrete and “Tomorrow Never Knows” — you might like Noise genre. Ditto: Zappa, early Joseph Byrd.
Not the least: Tibetan bowl sound baths. Smoking hash. Nothing is forbidden.
Ithaca art events are often a family affair. Seven’s dad, Stahl Caso, exhibited his latest sculpture and painting.
Seven Coso and Weston Czerkies, the Mound of Glass originators. End minutes of the set, videotaped by Mark Grimm.
Harsh noise and tape manipulation. But I also say: GROOVE.
Yes, you can get tape cassette of their originals at Angry Mom Records.
Weston told me for this night’s program, they came together to write a piece, each bringing fragments to compose with. Then they got the flow down, settled the composition, and rehearsed it.
Their inspirations? Czerkies recommended Aaron Dilloway, and Richard Ramirez. Also Euro horror movie soundtracks.
He said that in high school, when he put together his first punk band, a guitar string broke, and while messing with its replacement and the amp, he realized, “I liked THIS sound better than anything else the band is doing— I could do this on my own.”
Seven, who was surrounded by loving fans/family, did mention his favorite candy when I asked: Cherry jellybelly jellybeans. I always ask a Tiger Beat question when I interview musicians. His other preoccupations, as I’m sure you can tell, are Found art, and free roaming ducks.
Per Wikipedia, in case you’re inquisitive: noise musicians often employ audio technologies such as wire-recorders, tape cassettes, and vinyl. Many artists not only build their own noise-generating devices, but their own recording equipment and software. It’s a DIY noise-fest.
A 10-minute excerpt:
Sounds like you’re throwing parties that are history making. I hope you have created some digital artifacts to donate to a worthy archive!! 😘
They had a noise concert at the Greyhaven Motel, and I never found out about it? Gosh darn it...
Seriously, glad you enjoyed that show. We certainly enjoyed yours!
I've been to and sometimes recorded my share of noise shows in Ithaca. Many of them occurred at what is now The Nocturnal Cafe (formerly the Sacred Root Kava Bar). Some occurred at private residences.
Another noise act in Ithaca is Avoidance (https://serratedtapes.bandcamp.com/album/avoidance), whom I've seen on several occasions. I have met the guy who plays most of the manufactured and home-brew instruments.