1115.org

Not many people know this, but 1115 was originally supposed to be focused on music as well as politics. El Presidente and his junta necessitated a bit more oversight than we had planned, and at some point I realized that I’d much rather listen to music than write about it. But along with a wicked case of spring fever, midwestern concert promoters are forcing me to make an exception.

DEMF/Movement has been showcasing the best in techno in downtown Detroit for several years now, to varying success. I last made the pilgrimage in 2003, but then skipped a few years due to general disorganization, especially late line up announcements. Last year, veteran promotion crew Paxahau took over and by all accounts it was a great year. This year’s edition takes place May 26-28 in Detroit’s Hart Plaza, and while there are plenty of great acts and personal favorites like A Guy Called Gerald, Guido Schneider, Mathew Jonson, Monolake, Moodyman and Vladislav Delay / Luomo, the highlight has to be a 6 hour DJ/live set by Rhythm & Sound featuring rare performances from vocalists Willie Williams, Lloyd “Bullwackie” Barnes and Milton Henry. Rhythm & Sound’s blend of classic dub and modern techno may (on paper) sound like an odd combination, but check out their album With the Artists and you’ll see that it’s more like a musical Reece’s Cup. They play in the States maybe 3 times per year, so I’m seizing the day on this one.

As if one festival wasn’t enough, the day after I finished making my travel plans to Detroit, I read about Pitchfork Fest in Chicago July 13-15. I don’t mess with Pitchfork much, again preferring to listen to music than read about it, but this looks like it’s going to be special.

There are a few albums that never leave my iPods, and Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation and GZA’s Liquid Swords are two of them. Pitchfork got Sonic Youth and GZA to perform these albums from start to finish, live. Needless to say, I’m there.

So if you rep Tha D or Chitown, get ready.

GZA & Method Man - Shadowboxin’