Martin Bisi – founder of BC Studios, and music producer known for his work with John Zorn, Sonic Youth, Swans, Unsane, and more – has just dropped his new EP, Your Ultimate Urban Fantasy, via Black Freighter Records. Keep reading in the article below to find out more.
Buy Your Ultimate Urban Fantasy here: https://martin-bisi.bandcamp.com/album/your-ultimate-urban-fantasy
Your Ultimate Urban Fantasy is a sonic journey through the vibrant tapestry of urban life, offering listeners a thought-provoking exploration of an imagined utopian future. Within the layers of each track, Martin Bisi masterfully navigates the complexities of modern city existence. From the bustling neighborhoods of New York City to the enigmatic streets of Berlin, the music transcends geographical boundaries, capturing the essence of these diverse urban landscapes. The record goes beyond mere musical expression, touching upon poignant societal issues. “Politically, cities are a big part of the future we’re heading into. Governments are reshaping the vision of how cities work” remarks Martin. The music becomes a socio-musical commentary, echoing the dissonance often experienced in contemporary urban life while contemplating the environmental degradation intertwined with the urban narrative. “Master Plan For Retaking Williamsburg’ is a live recording, where i removed the songs, and just left the improvisations between the songs. It’s significant because Williamsburg is a neighborhood that has been almost completely lost. Genevieve Fernworthy is pretty much the anchor.”
Collaboration lies at the heart of Your Ultimate Urban Fantasy, with Martin Bisi and his fellow artists pushing artistic boundaries and exploring new sonic territories. “There are some ideas I wasn’t sure would work until we tried them,” reflects Martin. “For instance, Joan Hacker had the idea of a melodica on “Manhattan Local Train.” She did four takes, and I decided to use all of them at the same time!” The album seamlessly weaves together a rich tapestry of influences, from the improvisational nuances of jazz to the hypnotic rhythms of krautrock. “Clearly “Transit Hub Extraordinaire” has a Kraftwerk/krautrock vibe, inspired by the time spent in railway stations in Europe, on tour with Oliver Rivera Drew who plays the drums on the song.”
As listeners delve into the verses, Martin Bisi’s voice becomes a poignant vessel for lamentation. “This Is Not My Fantasy“, Bisi expresses, transcending mere words to become a visceral outcry against the imposition of destructive urban ideals onto the cosmic realm. The track becomes a rallying cry for those who resist the homogenization of space, urging listeners to reflect on the profound impact of unchecked urbanization even beyond our terrestrial boundaries. Intrigued by the possibilities of urban transformation, Martin muses, “They’re already talking about Terraforming Mars, for human habitation! So I created a fictitious new neighborhood in Earth orbit – trying to be slightly more realistic.”
Your Ultimate Urban Fantasy invites listeners to embark on a journey of introspection and exploration, challenging perceptions and sparking conversations about the complex interplay between urban environments and human experience.
Your Ultimate Urban Fantasy tracklisting:
01 Manhattan Local Train
02 No SUN In Berlin TEMPELHOF
03 Your Ultimate Urban Fantasy
04 Transit Hub Extraordinaire
05 Master Plan For Retaking Williamsburg
More from Martin Bisi:
Martin Bisi has been a central figure in the musical history of New York City for the past four decades. Founding Brooklyn’s BC Studio in 1981, he has helped develop post-Punk, No Wave and experimental culture through recordings of Brian Eno (On Land), Sonic Youth, Swans, John Zorn, Herbie Hancock‘s “Rockit”, Afrika Bambaataa, Material/Bill Laswell, JG Thirlwell, Unsane, The Dresden Dolls, White Hills, Cop Shoot Cop and countless others.