05: GLENN BRANCA
THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
(LES DISQUES DE CREPUSCULE, 1992)
You took part in Branca’s Hallucination City 100-guitar symphony, right? How was that?
“One of the most significant defining musical experiences in my life. The piece is a monster and it’s really beautiful. I’m lucky I got a chance to play this piece.”
Have you ever done anything on that scale before or since?
“That was a massive scale. I’ve never attempted anything quite that large. That and Central Market are the largest pieces I’ve attempted thus far.”
Correct me if I’m wrong, but this is a very New York record. So, come to think of it, are several others in your selection. How – if at all – would you say the city has impacted on you? Both in general terms, and in terms of the city’s avant-garde/experimental tradition…
“I think my experiences in NY figure heavily into the music I make. It’s the kind of city that doesn’t let you take a break even for a minute. It’s incredible. It’s a city with real depth. A depth that keeps its people in a perpetual state of inspiration and has the power to tear you limb from limb.
“The music history here has had an impact. NY has a tradition of a very raw, very immediate avant-garde music and it really perfectly mirrors the energy the city naturally gives off. The scene is infectious and compelling.”
Branca was highly influenced by musical theory/writing, particularly Rudhyar and Partch. Have you been at all influenced by theory in your life as a listener and musician?
“When I was young I tried to read my father’s TriAxiom Writings, which outline the belief system and philosophy of his music. It was too over my head back then but as I understand him and his music more his writings come alive. To call the TriAxiom Writings a huge world in itself is an understatement. They’re amazing.
“It’s not a theory book but I just recently finished Alex Ross’ The Rest Is Noise which was an incredible read. I like John Cage’s Silence in the same way that I like Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies and consult both.”
Ferris Coombes