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MASONIK
Kulcha, Fremantle
13/11/09
After taking a look at some brilliant Day Of The Dead
artwork posted throughout Kulcha, DJ Globoa initiated
the Black Friday proceedings with a minimal set that
included a hefty share of additional effects. It was the
perfect opening for Masonik, who hit the stage donning
all black. Consisting of Baziz (turntables and Ableton).
Mole (visuals) and Balon the sarangi, their first set
was a worldly one. Perhaps the only sarangi player in
WA, Bal was trained in India. Incredibly expressive and
astonishingly difficult to master, this string instrument
is played with the nails, cuticles and surrounding flesh.
Even though it is a painful one to take up, the drove of
sounds it can produce is staggering. Complemented
by Baziz's ambient scratches - akin to OJ Spookyand
programming, plus Mole's eye candy (at times
reminiscent of Godfrey Reggio's Koyapnisqatsi). the
performance was a versatile one. Incorporating dub
throughout, samples were fused like radio stations
crossing frequencies. Hypnotic from start to finish,
this first set was not unlike listening to Paul D Miller
jamming with Talvin Singh, Bill Laswell, and The Orb.
After another short mix from Globoa, Masonik began
their second set. Jazzier than the first. this time around
Bal was replaced by Pax on the saxophone and Darko on
the bass. Over more rigid beats, the trip hop influence
was immediately felt and the live instrumentation again
worked in their favour. Pax (real name Paul Andrews)
has recorded with everyone from James and John
Morrison to Don Burrows and Dale Barlow and has
gigged with a multitude of outfits, and his amalgamation
of free jazz, post bop and fusion added another
harmonious layer to the otherworldly backdrops he was
provided. Darko was a bit more reserved, although his
subtle picking also brought another aspect to the table.
For more infonnation on this colossally dynamic group,
check their MySpace. And while browsing, don't forget to
check out their live remix of Wall Of by Sigillum S. It's a
cinematic, brooding and haunting take on the original. and
one that would probably even make David Lynch happy.
TED SCHLECHTE - Drum Media - Perth Western Australia
Discography
Masonik is currently working on its first album.
All singles can be listened to at www.soundcloud.com/masonik
Photos
Bio
About Masonik
Masonik is a Vj, turntable & live musician project exploring Dub. Masonik has performed in various venues since 2006. Masoniks live Dub draws from a huge variety of sources including spoken word, world music and film.
Musical references range from Arabic, Jewish, Greek, Indian and Pakistani, fused with jazz, blues & dub.
These sounds combined with beats give Masonik a full and rich musical palette.
Masonik combines live instruments, custom vinyl cuts, world sounds, beats, ambient textures & video projections. Masonik offers rich immersive sounds, uniquely matched with live, dimensional video image textures.
All songs are original compositions & arrangements.
Masonik operates as a Temple or Lodge that records guest musicians to add to the sample base of the Masonik sound.
Masonik can perform under various forms being duo, trio or ensemble depending on the size of venue.
Masonik Performers
Baziz (Basil Psanoudakis) Turntable, Laptop, Gramophone, Beats & Unique Field Samples
Mixes custom cut & standard vinyl for texture on conventional DJ turntables. He feeds his sound via laptop, which also provides the source for Masoniks beats. Basil has been teaching multimedia for 20 years. He has been producing music, film & graphic design for the duration of this time. He has collaborated with numerous outfits producing work for bands, dance & theatre troupes, community groups and websites. He has presented numerous academic papers on new media in theatre, media & music, both nationally and internationally.
Mole (Tony Monaco) Live Video Projections
Manipulates unique, original Masonik graphics & rare archival video so that every beat & mood is matched for a total sight/sound experience. Tony has been working with digital video for more than 15 years. He created digital video & 3D graphic elements for Perth cult underground electro outfit Elvis Penis during the 1990s and also collaborated with educational institutions to provide multimedia projections for theatre productions. As well as providing live Vj for Masonik, Tony has also Vjed for the Perth Wami Awards & is the permanent Vj for local band Wormhole.
Pax (Paul Andrews) Saxophone, Bass Clarinet & Effects
Deconstructs his beloved jazz through the dub medium. Reinterpreting his years of honed performances and training into a completely different mold. An Internationally acclaimed saxophonist and educator, Pauls performances include the Monterey Jazz Festival, Expo'86 Japan & The World Saxophone Congress Chicago. He has recorded with James and John Morrison; Don Burrows; Dale Barlow; Peter Biffin; Arthur Gracias; Joe Lane; Alan Turnbull and The Daly Wilson Big Band.
Bal (Bal Singh) Sarangi & Drones
Plays in both Indian Classical and more experimental and contemporary contexts. He brings his own improvised Indian themes to downtempo beats and electro drones. Bal Singh is an Indian electronic music producer and also a disciple of sarangi maestro Ustad Sabri Khan. His music has been nominated for the WA music industry song of the year awards.
Bruno (Bruno Michel) Bass
Born in Paris and living now in Perth, Bruno graduated from CNAC (National Center of Circus Arts, France) and shares his skills between circus, music and dance. Bruno joined Masonik in 2009 as bass player.
Performance History
Bakery
PICA
KULCHA
Fremantle Fete De La Musique 2009
Fly By Night
Little Creatures Loft
Railway Hotel
The Moon Cafe
Xwray Café
Swan Lounge
Shape Night Club
masonikdub@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/masonik
www.youtube.com/user/Masoniktv
www.soundcloud.com/masonik
Links
