When I saw DEVO perform on the TV show Fridays in 1980, I’m pretty sure that changed my world view forever. I was into some somewhat innovative music at the time, like the Cars. Of course, the Cars weren’t really “out there”, but they sounded different and were played on the radio. Being a skateboarder, I was aware of DEVO, but really didn’t get it.

Then I saw this performance on TV.

BLAM!

I was instantly a weirdo, and happier for it.

This week, the longtime drummer of DEVO, Alan Myers, died of brain cancer. I am so sad for him, his friends, and family. You see, three years ago my father died of extremely aggressive brain cancer. It is not a good way to go.

In fact, the day my dad was diagnosed, I went to see DEVO for the first time here in Dallas. Alan wasn’t with the band then, but kind of weird, eh? I was bumming hard, but dad was asleep in the hospital, mom was finally asleep at home, and I figured what the hell, I might as well go. I’ve got the tickets. It was fantastic.

So I’m posting this video in memory of Alan. It is worth sitting through the commercial for.

While I occasionally bang on an electric guitar, last year I decided to experiment with making some electronic music. I’ve been a fan of Gary Numan, Kraftwerk, etc, for along time.

I have a lot of friends who are excellent musicians. Sometimes we get together and play, so I decided to get a stand to put my stuff on.  I’m working on it. This is Phase 1 — a sheet of plywood on an inexpensive keyboard stand.

The instruments are, from left to right…

• Korg Kaossilator Pro – a synth and looper controlled by touchpad.
• Korg Kaoss Pad KP3 – effects processor, looper, and sampler, also controlled by touch pad.
• Akai MPD26 midi-based pad controller, running samples from my MacBook’s Ableton appliction.
• Trusty MacBook 13″ – 6 years old. Yikes!
• Korg Monotron Delay – sitting in front of my laptop.

I really haven’t figured out how to use the Akai too well yet, but a friend is coming over this weekend to give me a kickstart on it. After that I’ll be good to go.

I’ll be cutting some of the depth off the plywood, but keep it this wide. Paint it, apply dozens of skate stickers, and it’ll be good to go.

My electronics rig and under-development stand.