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1.08.2005 I was told about Koji Tano's death. I was completely
shocked, although I knew since a while that Koji's life was
going towards a unavoidable end. At the moment he passed, there
were too many words unspoken, too many plans destroyed and I
felt I would explode if nothing happens. so I began to work
on a concept for a last goodbye, a musical gravestone for my
friend from the other side of the planet. From the beginning
on I found a lot of people who joined me and on 9.08.2005 the
message about the tribute compilation was spread into the worldwideweb.
I want to thank all the labels, all the artists and all my friends
who supported me in doing this hommage to a person we all will
miss forever.
within only 23 days this compilation was finished and
154 artists from 31 countries
took part in this final
Tribute to Koji Tano
this compilation is for free download and was released one month
after Koji Tano's death, on 31.08.2005.
CD1
74,6MB
CD2
91,3MB
CD3
79,8MB
CD4
91,3MB
CD5
79,5MB
CD6
87,5MB
CD7
80,8MB
CD8
94,5MB
CD9
79,4MB
CD10
79,8MB
COVER outside
/ inside
(with bandlist)
after downloading and zipping these 10 CD-folders, each folder
can be burned as a audio-CD.
the audio-content of each CD-folder is between 73 and 80 minutes.
as far as we know, all tracks are unpublished (except Emil Beaulieau),
most of them are exclusive for this tribute and the very main
part was especially recorded for Koji Tano, after the message
of his death.
all tracks are in chronological order,; as we received them.
the loudness of the tracks can differ in several cases, because
we wanted to keep each work original, as the artist wanted it
to be. we did no additional mastering on the tracks, except
to increase the volume of a few very quiet ones.
the reason, why we decided to do a free download compilation
and not a CD or LP release is, that we do not want to make any
profit from a friend's death. we only want to set a artistic
monument for a great man and his unforgetable lifework. another
reason was that everybody, who wants to say goodbye to Koji
Tano, could do this on a online-compilation. a CD or LP release
would just have been a limitation in artists and in spreading.
my special thanks are for the artists for their great contributions
and for all the people who helped me in spreading the message
about this project. a special thanks to M. / Institution D.O.L,
who helped me in many situations, another thank You is to Tadeo
from Gearwear / Mexico, who did the CD coverdesign and the final
special thanks goes to
Sjaak Jobses / Rtek of rxj.nl, without whom this tribute would
have failed in the very beginning.
following a few labels, who helped us to make this project work:
Amplexus
/ Silentes
/ Vinyl
on Demand / Sdim Org. / Vrihaspati
Rec. / Atacama Records
/ Clear Spot
War Office Propaganda
/ Soleilmoon / Torpor
/ Reduktive Musiken
/ Divine Comedy
/ Eternal Soul / Ant-Zen
Loki-Foundation / ColdSpring
/ Nail Records / Nuit
et Brouillard / Hagshadow
/ O.P.N.
Steelwork Maschine
/ Ambimorpheous / Athanor
/ Butcher's House Prod.
(if
You feel to be forgotten in the credits, please tell me and
I will add You)
a picture and the complete audio recordings
from one of Koji Tano's last concerts on 3.02.2005 in Maastricht/Netherlands.
MSBR
(mp3 / 32,2mb)
MSBR
vs Culpis (mp3 / 44,2mb)
___________________________________
following You will find a statement by each participating artist,
why he did his song for Koji Tano and about his relation to
Koji and his music. some of the participants did not know Koji
personally, but were strongly influenced in their musical developement
by the works of this great Japanese artist.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to all artists for the
songs they did to honour Koji Tano's lifework.
several artists told us, that it was difficult for them to express
their feelings in a foreign language. some of them asked us
to correct their statement, but most of the statements are published
here as they came in. we wanted to keep the originality and
all feelings in these very personal words, without doing any
orthographic or grammatical corrections.
I
sorted the statements in alphabetical order, but please allow
me to open this chapter of Koji's site with the statement of
my friend Reinhard from Stahlwerk 9. I think the essence of
his statement speaks for all of us.
[ if somebody is wondering for my personal Steinklang statement,
it's the last one at the bottom of this site ]
STAHLWERK 9 - Germany
"And silently the dead friend's hand is moving" was
the title of my track for Koji's Denzatsu compilation. A great
chance for me to participate in something greater than what
I've known so far. And now his dead hand is moving us all. How
to find suitable words for someone I have never known as a person,whose
hand I've never touched, whose eye I've never looked into? A
friend? Maybe, yes...and no, as we will never talk to each other
anymore. But I can listen to all the soundscapes he created
and feel at least a little bit the way he did, a bit closer
to his inner self. So I dare say that we are friends in this
special way and that his dead hand is moving me as well. This
track is the least way to say that. But the main thing is that
we must not forget him, and his work may help us not to do so.
Behind each single sound we have got from him stood his decision,
his thoughts, his feelings, his anger, his love. But apart from
all this mourning, let us not forget that we all will follow
him one day or the other, so let us use our time the best possible
way we know and be friends here on earth. Don't wait until another
dead friend's hand reminds us that we have wasted far too much
time with ourselves again. I want to say "thank you"
and "good bye" to a man who cannot hear me saying
that any more. And yet I wish for us to think of all the living
people outside before it's too late. - "Thank you, Koji"
100BLUMEN – Germany
Koji Tano ist auf tragische Weise zu früh aus dem Leben
getreten. Da auch ich vor kurzem ein Familienmitglied durch
Krebs verloren habe, kann ich nachfühlen, wie sich Kojis
Freunde und Lieben fühlen. Aus dieser Emotion heraus habe
ich das Stück aufgenommen, meine Art der Verarbeitung der
Trauer und Umgang mit dem Tod. Ich denke, es kann ein Trost
sein, zu sehen, dass sich viele für Koji Tano interessieren
und Abschied nehmen möchten.
A.V.I. - Germany
Leider habe ich Koji nicht persönlich kennenlernen können,
von seiner Arbeit als Künstler bin ich aber nachhaltig
beeindruckt worden. Der Track "-/+" ist nicht nur
von MSBR's "Metal stricken Terror Action" beeinflusst,
sondern enthält auch viele veränderte Zitate aus eben
diesem Werk.
Unfortunately I did not get to know Koji personally, nevertheless
I have been heavily impressed by him as an artist. The track
"-/+" is not only influenced by MSBR's "Metal
stricken Terror Action", but also contains many distorted
quotations from this very work.
A CHALLENGE OF HONOUR – Netherlands
After meeting Koji at the gig that we did for him in Maastricht
he gained a lot of respect from me and I hope that he will continue
making music in the place that he is now.
ACTS OF WORSHIP – Belgium
I've chosen this track because it's one of my noisier works
+ there are some (heavily distorted) natural sounds (a bit like
some MSBR material) + the link with Japan (kamikaze pilots/warriors
"falling like cherry blossoms"). I mostly know Koji
through his music MSBR/MAGMAX and artwork (smelly STABAT MORS
stuff!). I did have a brief chat with him after his concert
in Ghent ("De Fabriek",1999) a few years ago. He was
friendly but hindered because his knowledge of the English language
wasn't well enough to conversate long in a LOUD environment
:-) I'm also writing a small piece on Koji's death in the news
section of the Belgian underground magazine Gonzo Circus (www.gonzocircus.com),
the Fall issue (october,2005). I'll already send som stuff in,
but I'll update my scribblings and add your initiative + a link
to your tribute too.
ADIPOCERA - Brasil
Koji Tano was MBSR and I'm sure that I have to say a good bye
to him doing a small harsh work and keep listening and spreading
his noise to new generations. - Mario Brandalise Baril
AETHER – Germany
vor ein paar jahren sah ich im tv (war glaube arte oder 3sat)
einen berricht über untergrundkunst in japan, dort wurde
auch kurz über die dortige experimental/noise szene berichted.
der bericht bliebt bei mir nicht ohne spuren und so forschte
ich nach, und was ich fand beindruckte mich. künstler wie
koji waren es die neue wege aufzeigten, die wenn man sie entlang
ging, neue klangerfahrungen brachten. es ist nicht krach, es
sind einfach ganz viele melodien und rythmen aufeinmal. faszinierendes
chaos mit system. schmerzend und wunderschön.
AGIT 8 – Australia
i dedicate this track to Koji for his support, the last project
he was working on was the MSBR/Variation Of Sex/ agit8 release.
He was a great mastermind and will be forever missed, i dont
think we can recover from this tragic loss.
ALFARMANIA & PROIEKT HAT – Sweden
/ Stateless
In the summer of 2004, with the event in which Proiekt Hat was
allowed to come to Japan to play to a Japanese audience, live
at Koji Tano's house and return with loads of new interesting
tapes and analogue equipment for his collection, and new friends
in the land of the rising sun. On Koji Tano's initiative, a
collaboration was suggested, that would give some of the artists,
including PH, Alfarmania and Treriksröset, on the Hatband
roster a possibility to release works on Koji's own label. This
collaborative track was made to honor that collaboration, and
to pay tribute to a friend of a warm and kind nature. - Copenhagen,
August 29 2005
AMBASSADOR 21 – Belarus
We didn't know him personally and weren't a friends. May be,
some artists has much more reasons to be in this tribute for
Koji Tano. We just want to show our respect for this MUSICIAN.
RIP.
ANATOLE STRETCH – Belgium
MSBR was my very first noise live act i saw many years ago.
I didn't know what happened, how was such music possible? Still
now this evening is one of my favourite...
ANDREA MARUTTI - Italy
I met Koji Tano only once in my life when he played a concert
in Milan, my hometown, in December 2000. Althought I've never
been a great fan of "harsher" noise music I was really
impressed by his performance. His setup consisted of several
pedals / effects housed in a small suitcase and you can bet
he truly knew how to use them in a live situation. Watching
him play was a great pleasure, it was amazing how he could shape
the sounds with very rapid and precise movements. Each knob
and slider obeyed him. I guess he was very skilled at pedals,
he reminded me the best DJs / turntablists even if he didn't
use a turntable, obviously. I had the chance to create the artwork
for the booklet of one of his releases that was out a few years
ago on Blade Records and I particularly enjoyed it. In the most
recent years Koji was so kind to distribute some of the Afe
Releases in Japan through his mail-order and I'm very thankful
to him for doing this. Life is never kind.
ANNIHILIST – Canada
I had the great pleasure of meeting and sharing a stage with
Koji in 1999, and was impressed not only with the mantric, meditative
wall of noise he generated, seemingly without effort, but with
the warm, humble, and endlessly enthusiastic person that he
was. In our subsequent communications (and I regret now not
to have been a more reliable correspondent, a criticism that
could never be directed his way) these character traits never
failed to seep through the
generally mundane content of the text. What he gave to the world
and to his fellow artists can, of course, never compensate for
his departure from this world, but he has left a very important
legacy, and that can never be taken away. Ex nihilo nihil fit.
- JKH/Annihilist, August 2005.
ANTHONY SAUNDERS – U.S.A.
In March, 1999, MSBR & Government Alpha toured the east
coast of the United States, playing two shows in New York City.
I attended one of those shows as an audience member and was
lucky enough to perform at the other show as part of Exercise
in Disgust. At the second show there was a large improvised
performance in which members of MSBR, Skin Crime, Slogun, Noizeguild,
Brutum Fulmen, Exercise In Disgust and many others jammed. After
the show, a fair number of us went to a local apartment and
talked late into the night about noise around the world. I remember
this night with a great fondness, and this track reflects my
deep respect for the great impact Koji Tano and MSBR had on
the international noise community.
ANTI-KATI - New Zealand
Although we'd never met him, or even seen him perform, he still
managed to influence us. Both his music and his dedication to
it helped us realise that there are people who gladly dedicate
their lives to the cause, and that this is a viable way of life,
despite the economics, and despite the popped eardrums.
ANTRACOT – Germany
Ich finde Koji ist bzw. war einer der bedeutsten Musiker für
den elektronischen Bereich brzw. Industrial / Noise. Da ich
ihn ja auch als total netten und lieben Mensch persönlich
kennenlernen durfte, macht es das Ganze natürlich noch
tragischer. Mailkontakt hatte ich ja früher schon. Um ihm
ein Denkmal zu setzen hab ich beschlossen ein Lied für
ihn zu machen (inkl. Text).
ARCANE ART – Norway
As Koji always showed support for noise and experimental music
both through his MSBR label/distribution as well as according
to what I know also bringing younger acts along on his tours
in order to give them more exposure, I think it is necessary
for anyone who are dealing with experimental music to pay tribute
to Koji, no matterif one knew him personally or not. It is all
about acknowledging his major tribute to noise and experimental
music. This is also why I chose to pay my tribute with the song
"When The Gods Die". - Karsten Hamre
ASTRO – Japan
He was the great artist, but I had loved that his character
above that.
ATHANOR - France
we at athanor had the opportunities to meet three times at his
shop in Yoyogi a healthy and enjoyable Koji. He helped the distribution
of Athanor in Japan with care. It was a really bad astonishing
surprise to hear about his death early august while in Osaka.
May Inari be with you when you crossed the big torii. A big
ganbate to people at Densatsu and Teito for the continuation
of his work. - Stephane
ATROX – Germany
es ist das Mindeste, wie ich jemand ehren kann, der mich zu
seinem Festival nach Japan eingeladen hat!
AUDIBLE PAIN – Germany
Ich kannte Koji leider noch nicht persönlich. Aber nachdem
er meine LP bei einem gemeinsamen Freund bestellt hatte (3-4
Monate vor seinem Tod) habe ich angefangen ein 20-30 min. Programm
zusammenzustellen, welches ich ihm für ein Split-Release
anbieten wollte. Ich war fast fertig damit, als die Nachricht
seines Ablebens kam. Der Beitrag ist ein Stück davon. Der
Titel "c.d." steht für "Cancer Death".
Konnte dabei noch nicht wissen, dass es so passend sein würde.
Vielleicht eine Art Vorahnung? Nun gut, letzteres ist vielleicht
etwas hoch gegriffen. Dennoch war der Titel der Grund dafür,
dass ich gerade dieses Stück eingereicht habe.
BARDOSENETICCUBE – Russia
MSBR one of projects which big influence on my was rendered
Life and music... It is very a pity... IgOr
BARRACKS OF AFGHANISTAN – U.S.A.
I am fairly new to this noise shindig, it wasnt long ago that
I had no clue who Koji Tano was, never heard the name, never
knew what he did. I was just starting to listen to MSBR when
he died, but I had of course heard his name and stories of his
works. Even now I am learning about Mr. Tano. His music aside,
his advancements to the noise world have been tremendous. Anyone
affiliated with experimental music has felt the effects of Koji's
work.
BELBORN – Germany
Ein innovativer Musiker wie Koji Tano hat es einfach verdient,
von anderen Musikern ein kleines musikalisches Denkmal gestiftet
zu bekommen. Das wünscht sich schließlich jeder Künstler
(ich zumindest schon)!
BIG CITY ORCHESTRA – U.S.A.
bco had been in touch with koji about going noise together.
this piece is culled from material i was about to send him.
BOGUMIL NAD EVROPA – Republik of Macedonia
Koji Tano is important pioneer of the noise scene. Noise scene
is important part of my life. When I heard about tribute You
are makeing in his name I felt like I should do something about
it
IN THE NAME OF THE STRONG SPIRIT OF THE NOISE EMPIRE
BROKEN SLEEP – Canada
he made the first noise website that i ever saw. several years
ago i unsuccessfully tried to set up a show for him here in
vancouver and instead went down to seattle with a couple of
friends to see him play...really nice guy...he looked exactly
like the janitor from my work at the time, with a tucked-in
plaid shirt (which i thought was funny). for this track i thought
it would be fitting to go back to using my multi-effects pedal.
C-drík – Belgium / Netherlands
I never got the opportunity to meet Koji Tano. I liked his music
and was invited this year to play at the festival in Maastricht
with MSBR and the other musicians, I was happy to get this invitation
but sadly couldn't come as I was on tour on the other side of
the planet. One of the organizers told me that Koji was badly
sick, a few days later I read that he died and felt really sorry
and sad of it... So this track is my tribute to this great musician.
- C-drík Fermont
CAMISOLE – Belgium
I discovered MSBR several years ago, when searching for a more
radical form of experimental music, an Koji Tano's work introduced
me to the japanoise scene. I remember it was with a RRR release
"destructive locomotion",then I took a listen to several
split recordings he did - I guess anyone should be familiar
with these now (involving Daniel Mensche, Crawl Unit, Governement
Alpha...) Koji Tano's lead me to noise music in its purest form.
I never heard such things before, and it left me instantly flabbergasted.
For years I was wondering who was in fact the man behind such
energy, such oppression, such clausrophobia... Then I realized
he was a simple, friendly and regular guy - just like his appraoch
to music itself- who made noise just for the love of it. No
shitty dark concept or what, no politics, no rebellion, just
passion. He gave us europeans a lesson we should never forget.
And when I see pictures of him ans still hear his music, I remember
him as an devoted alchemist, a conscientious craftsman who carved
his raw material with the dedicated and restless passion we
all have to express when it comes to noise music. That's why
Koji will be missed, that's why he's now forever blessed...
CHOCHMAH – Germany
Fire! ist eine Hommage an das Lied Fire Wall von MSBR um das
Leben und die Arbeit Koji Tanos zu ehren. Es war das erste Lied
was ich von Koji hörte und es lief als ich von seinem Tod
erfuhr.
COLD FUSION – Poland
In living memory of Koji Tano. My huge respect for Him. Bad
times, when such people are gone. - Marcin Bachtiak
COURTIS - Argentinia
I have been for years in touch with Koji Tano, we also played
live and recorded together in Tokyo in january 2005. The track
I'm contributing is a remix that was intended for an MSBR-Courtis
7" on his label that unfortunately never appeared, so I
hope this Tribute can help to keep Koji's legacy alive... -
Courtis
CRIA CUERVOS - Italy
A piece of untreated digital error - meant as a tribute to MSBR's
exploration of harsh purity.
DANCE HOSPITAL – Germany
Es ist uns eine Ehre Koji-Tano, dessen musikalisches Schaffen
schon seit geraumer Zeit bei uns zu hause durch den Äther
tropft und dessen Klänge wir längst in unser Herzen
geschlossen haben, dieses Stück, dass nur für ihn
geschustert wurde zu widmen. - Martin, Marc und Rüdiger
DANIEL MENCHE – U.S.A.
In 1995 Koji helped me with my first Japan tour. He organized
this amazing show in an empty building where the whole floor
was completely empty and only a very dirty floor for the audience
to sit down on. The concert went well and many months later
he mailed me a video tape of the performances. I watched the
video and after all of the footage of the various performances
was done there was a strange scene on the video of Koji walking
around the empty building alone and picking up concrete chunks
and dropping them over and over again creating a big sound echoing
throughout this empty building. I don't know if he knew he was
being filmed but it was such a magical sight watching him, and
certainly the best part of this video tape. At that time he
asked me to do some collaberation recordings so I took the audio
from this video and create this track "Unholy Floor".
This track has a much more haunting effect after his passing
and It reminds me of the numerous beautiful aspects of who Koji
was: in this case someone with the largest passion for creating
sound for the sole purpose for it to simply exist, And Kojis
sounds will always echo and resonate brightly and infinetly
within all of us. - Daniel Menche / August 28, 2005
DEAD SHALL NOT DIE IN VAIN – U.S.A.
MSBR/Magmax, although I never met him in person, were very inspiring
projects to my music. Not only his sounds but his attention
to detail in his packaging has influenced my releases. I selected
Magmax for my tribute due to the fact that Magmax crosses the
genres of Power Electronics, harsh noise, and Rhytmic Noise;
both genres have become very important to me in my everyday
life activities. - Marc
DES SLOW – U.K.
To lose such an active and inspirational man as Koji at such
a young age is tragic. The material he leaves behind is a fine
legacy, and testament to his energy. My contribution to this
tribute was (except for the requiem intro) composed by processing
MSBR source material. It was my only chance to work with MSBR
and offers some kind of life beyond death.
DIE URSACHE AND FLOOT – Venezuela
Koji Tano's for me was an inspiration how a man can follow his
passion and don't care about the profit. the song i send it
tou you i made it for Koji like a personal tribute.
DJ REDSKEYE – U.S.A.
DJ RedSkeÿe has been increasingly influenced by Koji Tano/MSBR
to start musik at all (along with influences such as Merzbow,
Masonna, etc) although most of his work is not similar to Tano.
Anxiety Attack is more experimental noise and at times sounds
very close to tracks Koji put out himself. He will be missed
and a huge part of the noise scene will suffer a blow due to
his death..
DYSTHYMIA – U.S.A.
Koji Tano was an inspiration not only though his music and his
label; he had an attitude full of kindness, humility, and open-mindedness
which was apparent to all who had the pleasure of corresponding
with him.
EMIL BEAULIEAU – U.S.A.
E.B. was on tour during the creation of this tribute, but he
kindly permitted us to use a earlier track called NSBR, where
he treats sounds from MSBR.
EVGENIY GNOYSTRELEV – Ukraine
Koji Tano was a person that influenced me ... when i heard msbr
i understand that this music is what i will do all my life ...
holy angel of my experiments ... and this track just a little
piece of respect ... a little thing i can do in a honor of this
great noisician whom with his art showed me the way i'm on...
i never knew him by myself but ... i in ''artistick love'' to
him ... ... when he nailed another star – EV
F.ORMAL L.OGIC D.ECAY – Italy
I brought near Japan Noise about 10 years ago only, but I honestly
think He constitutes - together with Masami Akita – probably
one of the most deep influences which gave me the right stimulus
for evolving from my first still “Classical-constricted”
Concrete experimentations to the visionary and apocalyptic strenght
of power electronics. That’s my tribute to Koji Tano:
one of the men who understood the machines’ language and
knew how to express their Minimal Poetry…
FABIO KEINER – Austria
a mouth hunts arrows / an angel breaks unknown hells / turning
summer falls ...
FANNULLONE – China / Italy
i´m sad about the death of koji tano because he was a
very important figure in the noise scene. he helped to develop
and to keep the scene alive. he was one of the most important
connections between noise musicians all over the world. there
are many musicians playing noise. koji tano was a person who
lived noise. therefor many thx!
FARMACIA – Argentinia
transimte su saludo de manera musical a la familia de Koji Tano.
Queremos hacer llegar nuestro apoyo frente a esta situación
lamentable y en este momento nuestras palabras son dificiles
de comunicar, Nuestro mas sentido pésame. - (Diego Sima,
Ariel Sima, Sebastian Rodriguez Porto)
FIRE IN THE HEAD – U.S.A.
I met Koji at Bowels Of Noise 6 in Tokyo in December 2003. In
March 2005 he released my disc "Ignite/Submit" on
the Denshi Zatsuon label. He was kind enough to expedite the
release so it would be ready for Fire In The Head's Japan tour
that month. I visited him at his shop a couple times while in
Tokyo and he came to my show there. That was the last time I
saw him. The track I've submitted for this tribute is a work
in progress. Some of it was recorded the day he died and the
title is a direct reference to his passing. - Mike
FLUTWACHT feat. SYNOMORPH – Germany
Wir fühlten uns verpflichtet an diesem projekt teilzunehmen,
da die noise
szene mit Koji Tano einen der besten artist verloren hat. wir
kannten ihn nicht persönlich, fühlen uns aber sehr
verbunden, da wir seine arbeiten sehr schätzen und lieben.
um unsere trauer und mitgefühl mitzuteilen haben wir diesen
song ausgewählt. - flutwacht / d. simon & synomorph
/ f. schewe
FORESTA DI FERRO - Italy
"Lamentation" is our little tribute to Koji, who we
have been admiring since his very first moves.
Very few people we encountered across the years were as energic
and open minded as Kokji who, we are sue, will be missed the
many people around the globe.. This track has been composed
for this sad occasion working with a sound source of American
Indian funeral celebration and deals with the sense of loss
his trepassing left on all his friends, relatives and collaborators.
FRED NIPI – France
i respect a lot this guy because he was a real activist. i have
meet one time when he comes at Paris. and just some mail not
a lot.
FYLGJA – Vinland
I have been a fan of MSBR and Koji's work for years, My 1'st
MSBR find was Mass For Dead Insects, which is amongst 1 of My
favorite Experimental albums! The song I contributed "Eli-vagor
Bafrast" is Dedicated to Koji, and His ascension into the
afterlife. From suffering to Sanctity.
GIANFRANCO SANTORO / MARCO DEPLANO –
Italy
for this track Marco Deplano worked on several loops and raw
material sent by Gianfranco Santoro: short manipulated noise
pieces recorded by Santoro himself, plus loops and "handmade"
cut ups taken from the following MSBR's recordings: - "The
Final Harsh Work # 13" - originally released on a three
way split CD including Bastard Noise, Guilty Connector and,
of course, MSBR. (MSBR Records. MR30) and - "Infused Electronics"
- originally released on "Japanese Of Death" LP/CDr
compilation. (Steinklang International. SK-IN 01)
"Though the noise / industrial scene often deals with radical,
bizarre or weird themes and concepts, I always thought that
it is still a metaphor for what life should be: communication,
friendship, mutual respect. Koji Tano/MSBR's activities has
been the perfect synthesis for this positive attitude and for
this love for live: running a label, a mailorder and a shop,
booking concerts, helping other noise acts and more; his love
and dedication to the noise scene should be an example to anyone
invloved in this music genre. For this reason we thought that
taking part to this online compilation was very important for
us: to pay tribute to everything positive Koji Tano brought
to the scene, with his work and with his passionate enthusiasm"
- Gianfranco Santoro
GOVERNMENT ALPHA – Japan
R.I.P.Koji Tano
GREG MYERS – U.S.A.
In 1999 I saw Molten Salt Breeder Reactor K2 and Magmax play
live in CA. These gentlemen struck me as amicable, gracious,
and unpretentious. I was impressed. I am thankful for Koji's
music, and saddened by his death. These 3 items are what motivated
me to make a song for him. You said it best - we want to set
a musical gravestone for a great man and his work. This is why
I used his "Live Grappling Electronics" as the original
sound material/source for my track.
HARUKICHI – Japan
Only three years since I joined in Denshizatuson which was founded
by Koji, but the years was better than the best and I learned
many things, especially Magazine-making, from Koji. May his
spirit rest in peace. And last but not least, I'm grateful to
Max of Steinklang for doing this memorable project.
HEILIGES LICHT - Germany
Mit MSBR geht ein großer und wichtiger Meilenstein der
avantgardistischen Musikgeschichte. Dem Projekt Respekt zu zollen
gilt die Hymne von Heiliges Licht. Untitled weil es dazu keine
Worte gibt, ohne Text weil es dazu nichts zu sagen gibt, und
eine ganz andere Musikrichtung weil das Avantgarde ist (...und
das was MSBR ausgemacht hat!!!)
Ein Letztes Geleit!
...wir schweigen immer den Tag
...denn die Nacht bringt uns mehr als Worte!
Michael Obermeyer
HIDDEN TECHNOLOGY - Germany
"Koji Tano was one of the first (and one of the longest
lasting) contacts to Japan for us. Besides trading and selling
releases, we organised shows for him twice here in Germany -
where we got to know him as an open minded an humorous man.
We recorded this track using solely selected artworks, objects,
photographs and sound recordings of Koji Tano as sound sources.
May his spirit live long in the community.
HIV+ - France
First time I had a listen on K.T music, in the mid 90's, I took
a strong conscience on the fact that Merzbow created not only
a music, but a real scene; Japanoise, as it's now called was
a pure, original and strong scene, lead not by one but by several
"masters" as Koji, with their very own special way
to do sculptures with sound... this mood of distorting sounds
like a sculptor was a considerable influence in my own special
way to think on NOISE. I really respect this guy, and his goal...
may be the most harsh way to get the top, but the purest one!
Here my track is without concession, as Koji used to do.
HOMOLOGATION KOREA NORD – Germany
1997 wurden wir (MPD & Das Lolitakollektiv) durch MSBR inspiriert
Noise zu
machen, 1999 waren wir in der Lage unsere erste CD zu veröffentlichen.
Der Tod von Koji Tano ist für uns ein sehr großer
Verlust, da wir ihn als Grundstein für unsere Musikalischen
Werdegang sehen. Aus Respekt und Ehrfurcht für Koji Tano,
entschlossen wir uns mit unserem neuen Projekt "Homologation
Korea Nord" einen Track als Tribute zu veröffentlichen.
R.I.P. Koji Tano
HOROLOGIUM – Poland
I haven't had a chance to know Koji when he was with us, however,
I know and had known a few persons who faced cancer (some of
them live, some not). Since Koji also died of cancer, I would
like to dedicate my track to him and all those who like Koji
didn't survive the illness.
HORROR MEDIA - Brasil
I decided to make a tribute to Koji Tano though he deserves
too much more than that so I hope all the artists in this album
can make such a loud requiem as he wanted it to be. - Zusa
ILIOS – Greece
I have been in contact with Koji for years now, he organised
a tour in Japan for me in September 2004, where he also played
in many of the concerts. While in Tokyo, we used to sleep at
his room (him sleeping outside) and then we agreed to bring
him over in Europe in January with Culpis for the festival we
organise in Athens. They then toured to other european cities
also. Last month when I got in my mailbox a mail Lasse Marhaug
sent with the bad news, I could not believe it. I was shocked
by it. When I found out about this tribute, at least I though
to leave something for his memory. - ILIOS (Barcelona, August
2005)
inBOIL – U.S.A.
I met Koji several years ago when I organized a performance
for him in Seattle. I was lucky enough to have Koji invite me
to do a tour of Japan in 2002. We (MSBR, Solid Eye, Speculum
Fight and myself, inBOIL) played 10 shows across all of Japan.
It was absolutely fantastic in so many ways! Many of my fondest
moments in life were on that trip and I owe it all to Koji.
I am submitting an excerpt of the live collaboration we did
at Die Pratze in Tokyo for your tribute compilation. Thanks
for the opportunity to pay aural respect to a dear friend. -
Carl Farrow
INDUSTRIA MASOQUISTA – Ecuador
Koji Tano was an honest person of much work and a good collaborator
who always appreciated the effort of the artists.
INDUSTRIEPALAST – Germany
ich bin kein mann der großen worte oder reden, aber nach
einem gelungenen konzert von msbr und einem netten intensiven
gespräch mit koji tano, musste ein tribut gezollt werden.
dieser abend wird immer in erinnerung bleiben und msbr werden
einen festen platz in meiner plattensammlung haben. i love tokio.
we love msbr.
INSTITUTION D.O.L. - Austria
For me, Koji was a samurai of electronic music. Samurai in the
sense of "fight for" and explore "extreme music".
MSBR was more than a socalled "noise-project".
IRIKARAH – Germany
Als ich von dem Tod des ehrwürdigen Koji Tano gehört
habe, war es für mich überhaupt keine Frage, ein Stück
zu schicken. Dieser Künstler hat mich durch sein Werk und
sein Engagement für die Musik sehr beeindruckt. Die Welt
hat einen Heroen des Noise verloren. RIP
IRON YOUTH – Germany
Am 9. August bekam ich eine Info-Mail von Steinklang: Koji Tano
aka MSBR ist tot. Angefügt war die Aufforderung an alle
Empfänger die sich berufen fühlten, an einem Koji
Tano-Tribut teilzunehmen. Zuerst wollte ich das erstmal nicht
tun, da ich anfangs den Gedanken doch "seltsam" fand
an einem Tribut für jemanden teilzunehmen den ich überhaupt
nicht persönlich kannte. Als ich allerdings nochmal darüber
nachdachte wer Koji Tano eigentlich war (ausgehend von dem was
ich über/von ihn gehört oder gelesen hatte), erschien
es mir dann doch weit weniger "komisch". Mir fiel
ein, daß Tano seit Jahren in der Noise / Industrial-"Szene"
aktiv war und stets bestrebt war neue Künstler zu fördern.
Diese Tatsache ist für mich absolut Grund genug, ihm auf
diesem Wege meinen Respekt zu zollen, da es solches Engagement
leider nicht mehr alzu häufig gibt . Es bleibt zu hoffen,
daß es auch in Zukunft Leute wie Tano geben wird, welche
den Versuch wagen werden, unbekannte Klangkünstler zu fördern
und zu unterstützen ... und zwar aus Liebe zur Sache. Thanks
for keeping the spirit up all the years! - Matt X Nihil (World
Nihil / Fuck!)
J-WERK – Italy
the works and attitude of M.olten S.alt B.reeder R.eactor -among
a few landmark noise artists- are a huge driving force beyond
the struggle for creativity that hits me more often than I would
wish. His devastating frankness is what reminds me that I am
alive in a scenario in which expession has a potential outreach
that is way beyond the schemes, yet these forces are easily
crippled by the establishment. I have choosen to associate a
small piece of my work in progress with this most tragic event
simply to share my passion about primordial forms of expressions
for which KOJI TANO is forever highly to be prised.
JOHN SHARP – U.S.A.
the reasons why i want to pay tribute to koji are many. we began
our correspondence almost 10 years ago, when we began a mail
collaboration. i was lucky to perform and travel with him several
times. at one show i knocked over kojis gear in front of the
audience, and at another show i repeaired his equipment onstage
just before his set. in both cases, the show went on. i think
its a good example of kojis goodwill and grace that after knocking
down his whole setup, he patched the pedals back together and
we went ahead and played together that night. its a great example
of his dedication that with his only sound generator broken,
he took the time to fix his synth for an audience of 8 people.
im so glad i thought to pack a soldering iron... once he asked
me to show him around a city i had never been to. when i cooked
him dinner in my home, he asked me for the recipe three years
later. when i was a guest in his home he slept on the floor
by his desk so that i would have a bed. i owe that man so much,
for so many memories. - john sharp
KAKERLAK – U.S.A.
my first exposure to msbr was through the random purchase of
the live split lp with spastic colon on flenix. this was also
one of my earliest experiences of recorded noise. after this
i corresponded and ordered from koji multiple times and he was
always extremely considerate. some of these interactions got
me further involved in international networking in noise and
showed how beneficial that could be. Koji was always one of
those helpful ones and i could tell he truly loved what he did.
unfortunately i never got to meet him in person but i will definately
miss writing to him and hearing his great projects.
KAZUYA ISHIGAMI – Japan
Koji gave me many many musical help. And i must say to him "THANK
YOU".
KEAKIESE UND MILAN SANDBLEISTIFT / LICHT-UNG
- Germany
wir haben koji in bremen getroffen und ueber gemeinsame musik
gesprochen...
KELLY CHURKO – Japan/Canada
Koji Tano was one of the most supportive people I have ever
met. As a foreigner living
in Tokyo, big hearts are hard to find; his was the biggest.
The shows he organized were the best, EVER!
KEN NOBUNAGA + HIKOTO – Japan / U.S.A.
Koji Tano was a great musician, it was our teacher, and it was
good those who understood. It is proud that I am a staff of
Denshizatsuon
KK.NULL - Japan
As everyone knows, he has been devoting 100% of his energy,
life, time, soul to experimental/noise music and the best friend
of everyone involved in this community around the world. On
July 18th, I visited to see Koji at the hospital in Tokyo, he
was lying on the bed with smile welcoming me. He must have been
suffering from pain though, he looked calm and peaceful. I tried
to cheer him up but really didn't know what I should have said,
because I knew that his family had been informed he could live
only for another month or so. I said to him cheerfully, "You
must beat the disease and Let's do a MSBR comeback concert as
soon as you get recovered!!", and Koji positively responded
clenching and
upholding his left fist with his genial smile. We both did believe
the day of MSBR comeback concert would come soon, however, unfortunately
it was the last moment I saw Koji in-life. I am very sad, upset,
confused, have no words to express how I exactly feel now. Only
I can do now is, thank him from the bottom of my heart for all
he's done and his true friendship, and wish he rest in peaceful
heaven. And my deepest sympathy is with his family, his friends
& colleagues.
Thank you very much, Koji.
Domo Arigato, Tano-san.
Kazuyuki Kishino (KK.NULL)
KOFF KOFF – Norway
koff koff never heard the music of koji tano, only a lot of
good words. we had just finished a demo that we decided to send
to msbr when his death was announced. The track sent is an extract
from that demo.
KRANKHEID – Austria
Da ich mich schon seit langer Zeit für diese Art von Musik
interessiere war es eine Ehre für mich an einem Denkmal
für jemanden teilnehmen zu können, der den Noise so
geprägt hat wie Koji Tano. -So Long And Thanks For The
Noise-
KTFC @ GRAVITY SWARM - Japan
Intro, Koji playing his favorite music with his good friends,
and then, his another friend's music cross-over there music,
then I and Koji's favorite music fade into the elements, and
next, the LP twines the sounds, the LP released by Koji. Beats,
Pulse of Living thing. Noise, is my way, and Koji too. Life,
every Living thing have it. We remeber you, Koji. - Kohei/GxC
track-list:
1: msbr & blazen y sharp "balungan"
2: birchville cat motel "untitled freedom from LP"
3: david tudor "rainforest version 1"
4: kiyoshi mizutani "untitled split LP w/ small cruel party"
5: guilty connector "beats, noise, and life"
KULT – Portugal
As far as I can tell, I cannot speak for MSBR alone. While posting
this track I am paying my tribute to the whole japanese noise
scene, that in my opinion represents the top of this genre.
Thanks to noise (and consequently thanks to "heroes"
like Koji Tano or Masami Akita, among others) I grew up musically
and educated my ears and perception. Perhaps because of them,
I can feel sound in a diferent way, aprehending all that surrounds
me in a more intense way. I can only thank them for this.
KUNT - Japan
Kunt met Koji in Tokyo in 2001. With his support Kunt performed
at events organised by Koji and began collaboration projects
with Tokyo and Nagoya based units Mothra, Defektro, Fe26 and
also guest vocals with Koji's project MagMax. In 2002 Kunt member
LuLu Deluxe toured Kyushu with Koji as Kunt and MSBR. His constant
support through his record store, gigs, tour contacts and most
importantly friendship is unfathomable. Kunt loves Koji
LANGEMARCK – Germany
The first time I heard about Koji Tano was from an old friend,
Sonic Youth Fan, who was listen to MSBR, too, because of the
Support in Tokio 1998. I know that I was fascinated by this
kind of music, because in this former times I was listening
more punk/hc-music than electronic stuff; but that was a stile
i liked. So in the past years I tried to get more and more music
and information about Koji Tano and MSBR, what was kinda hard
because of not having any internet these times. As I was told
that he died a few weeks ago on 31st of July, I know that the
world has lost one of the best avangard electro musicians of
our time. I hope he will get a better world to live in...
LEICHE RUSTIKAL – Germany
Stupor-Arts hat dank Hilfe von Steinklang bei der Letzten Tour
von MBSR in Europa am 1.2.2005 ein Konzert in München veranstaltet.
Es war ein unvergessliches Ereignis! Leiche Rustikal (Rutra
Baz ist Mitglied von
Stupor-Arts) will KOJI TANO die Ehre erweisen.
LETHAL FIRETRAP - Japan
Koji Tano was dedicated to presenting emerging young artists
to the world. Both
members of this group have benefited greatly from his creative
and entrepreneurial support.
LEVIO PRAVOI – U.S.A. / Russia
Like many other post-industrial groups, Levoi Pravoi started
out cribbing shamelessly from noise music concepts and production;
Koji Tano and his Molten Salt Breeder Reactor signified this
style far above many of his contemporaries.
Our tribute track is not a cover nor an imitation of Koji, but
done in his spirit; we composed it in the passionate, morphing
style that he often employed, reusing elements processed beyond
recognition, and assembling the track primarily with effects
and processing; Koji's influence is far reaching in being able
to inspire music aurally different from his own, but of experiential
semblance. One could feel Koji's music shivering and discharging
through the speakers, tactile rather than simply harsh; we hope
that we captured that feeling of MSBR rather than simply plagiarizing.
Rest in Peace Koji.
LITH – France
I didn't have any contact with Koji Tano, I didn't know him
personnaly, but his involvement in the developpement in industrial
music mustn't be forgotten. Losing an actor of such a small
musical movement like noise music is a huge loss of talent.
But more than that is the loss of a human person, and my track
is an hommage for his family and friends. My track is different
of my usual style, I didn't want to play my music, but I wanted
to compose a track closer from pure noise, from Koji Tano's
style, to give an last honour to Koji Tano, not to make my musical
promotion.
LOGICKAL – U.S.A.
I will admit that I never met Koji - but while assisting my
friend John Sharp to mix and master his own collaborations with
MSBR, I found an artistry in pure sound that was unrivaled.
When John told me of his passing, I was shocked to hear that
this talent was gone... Therefore, I began to put together a
piece based sounds from a defective disc of one of Koji's performances
as a private tribute to him. When I found that you were doing
this compilation I finished the piece and submitted it for consideration.
Taking his sounds and processing them allowed me to pay my respects
for him in a way that I think he would have appreciated - to
collaborate via the greatest distance.
LONSAÏ MAÏKOV – France
At the very beginning is, for us, what certain calls "industrial
music", it is may be something like "post-modern"
music in fact, without this music LONSAIMAÏKOV has not
existed ... so we could say without Mister Koji Tano LONSAIMAÏKOV
Won't be. He learned to us that sound is a matter not an empty
intellectual substance but really a matter AND an essence, and
this mean for us that surely he was a great musician and as
all true musician a great metaphysician ... for that we would
like to sing : ETERNAL MEMORY !
LORD RA – U.S.A.
My motivation for the tribute track for Koji Tano derives from
my first introduction to noise music, where MSBR was the catalyst
that revved me up to find out more, and never stop making noise.
If there is one thing I know I'll never stop doing/always want
to do, it's noise music, and Koji Tano played a crucial role
in my life.
LP – Brasil
My admiration to Koji Tano began in 1999, when a friend of mine
showed me some MSBR recordings. I began to record my works and
release some tapes in limited number. One day I decided to send
these tapes to Koji. He sent me an e-mail telling me he had
received the tapes and gave me support. We communicated by e-mail
during a short time. Koji always supported independent works
and new artists, and this is my greatest reason. I admire Koji
Tano and I show it in "Walls of Silence".
MAIM - Sweden
I consider it an honour to be part of this tribute to Koji Tano,
who sadly was taken before his time. Even though I did not know
the man personally (I had sent Koji some Maim material for a
possible release we had discussed briefly via email, but he
fell ill shortly after and I never heard from him again), I
feel the deepest respect and admiration for his dedication and
passion for the experimental/noise/avantgarde scene as well
as his own musical output. - Jonas
MDT – Italy
I've discovered Msbr through one of my friend and collaborator.
I've always seen Koji Tano/Msbr like one of the greatest noisemaker/experimentator
in the world. So what can I say I was, I am a Koji Tano/Msbr
fan.
MICHI NAGATA – Japan
My experience in Europe with Koji Tano as CULPIS in early 2005
became the greatest memory in my musical life. When I met him
last time, he said to me "I am most happy that I can play
in the presence of so many friends!" Koji Tano always smiled,
but there was a serious look in his face at that time. I think
that all of his impulse have come from this word. His heart
was filled with being a musician and with great humanity. Honoured
most was his soul, his spirit. I want to say a big eulogy to
all his help and contribution.
My deepest gratitude to Koji Tano.
MONOMENTAL – Germany
durch viele hörstunden von msbr wurde dieser tribut-track
beeinflusst. harsche sounds und grobes arrangement der msbr
tracks waren typisch. der tribut-track besteht nur aus fragmenten
und sounds von zig verschiedenen msbr releases und wird zu einem
neuen track zusammen gesetzt. sozusagen eine werkschau in fünf
minuten.
MORAL FRAKTAL – Germany
Auch wenn man es der Musik von Moral Fraktal nicht unbedingt
anhört, war Koji Tano als ein Pionier experimenteller elektronischer
Musik ein Quell der Inspiration. Sein Tod ist ein grosser Verlust
nicht nur für die Japan-Noise-Szene, sondern für jeden
Freund avantgardistischer Musik.
Mr.CROW – Hongkong
you only live once, but you work it right, once is enough
MÜRNAU / COLD FLESH COLONY / LEGION ULTRA / NDE
– Belgium
ETERNAL
When worlds collide
Have crumbled
Into dust
In tender times
That dared
To hope and trust
Close your eyes
Evoke the glory
Of change
Mind
Body
Soul
All
Will be one
MUTANT APE – U.K.
I entered this comp because MSBR was part of why I still noise
today. He was amazing at what he did and his output was always
perfect, never mediocore. Me and the noise community all over
the world are sure to miss him and his music, but he will always
be remembered. RIP.
NAPALMED – Czech Republik
A big RESPECT to Mr. Koji Tano! I was not too much in contact
with him, just few trades and some shoppings, but as I can count,
he was one of the few very good "working human-machines".
Napalmed's first full CD album was titled "Never mind the
MSBR, here's NAPALMED". It was meant as a joke, then a
small continuity (may be mostly my inner) and connection to
the albums of SEX PISTOLS and SORE THROAT, and at last a respect
to japanese noise icon. Once again THANK YOU for your help to
many small unknown artists for example as I am... - RadeK.K.
NEKSCHOT vs AUTOBAHNKOMMANDO – Netherlands
MSBR inspired us in our music as Whitehouse, Merzbow and Otomo
Yoshihide did. We saw three concerts of MSBR in Gent, Rotterdam
and Maastricht. Our tribute to MSBR is called A2, because it
is the name of the main highway from Alkmaar, where we live,
to Maastricht. A2 is build upon the experience of driving to
the concert, seeing the concert and driving back.
NERVENLAEHMUNG – Germany
MSBR hat, solange das Projekt bestand hatte einen nicht zu unterschätzenden
Einfluss auf die Industrial/Noise Szene gehabt und durch sein
unermüdliches Engagement, speziell auch für junge,
unbekannte Künstler einen wichtigen Beitrag zu dieser Musikrichtung
geleistet. Aus diesem Grunde, aus Respekt vor seiner Arbeit,
habe ich den Track angefertigt und beigesteuert.
NO LIGHT FOR TOMORROW – Italy
I've never met Koji. I've never spoken with Koji. But I've always
listen to his music. Listening to his tracks I've perceived
the man who was Koji Tano, and all his pain and his misanthropy
was mine too. I chosen to "remix" an ambient track
then a noise one because i wanted to play a sort of "epilogue"
to a man who was one of the masters of the worldwide noise music.
This is my tribute to Koji Tano.
o.m.s.-n.m.a. - Belgium
Koji has had a godlike status among me and my friends, from
the first time we saw him performing live, back in december
2000. Much later, about a year ago, we became partners when
it comes to distribution, did some trades and such... We started
emailing more often, and he even showed interest in helping
me out with the promotion in Japan of my upcoming album... and
for a possible tour overthere in mid-2006... I am glad that
I could finally meet him in real life in Maastricht last February...
he left a lasting impression...
ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK – U.S.A.
Music can be so much for so many; a source of spiritual inspiration,
an emotional hiding place, a well of creative freedom, a prison
of self expression or a vessel of physical release. The music
of Koji Tano, and MSBR, has been, within his life, and will
continue past his death, to be a many faceted source of passion
for all he, his music and his life has contacted.
P-E-D-R-O (Hoersturz) – Germany
Koji was my first and deepest contact from Japan. He had to
leave at the centre of his life.
P.A.L. - Germany
koji tano was one of the most important artists of the noise
genre. i never had the chance to meet him in person, but i am
familiar with his' music since the beginning of the 1990s -
he was one of my many many influences and he passed away much
too soon. the title of my track speaks for itself... - P.A.L
29.08.2005
PAINSLUT – Germany
For me my first contact with msbr was on my first industrial
record called contact #1 and I was immediately blown away from
the intensity of his work. Seeing him live in last year was
an experience I don't want to miss. Now everything turns into
silence.
PAUL KLAUI – Netherlands
I know the music of Koji trough the shop Carlo Stegen from Antwerpen.(Freaksendfuture.com)
It is inspiring. He made the comparation with my music. So he
was thinking a piece of noice would be a great tribute to a
special guy from the underground. Thats it. and a whole lot
of roses an tulips, - Paul Klaui
PERSONA – Catalonia
since a long time ago, we have been following Koji's work with
MSBR and his magazine (Denzatsu). We are really sad because
of his death. He has been one of the biggets creators of japanese
noize. The song is a contraposition of ideas. It is made by
computer, voice samplers and latin lyrics. It tells about the
darkness that is war and has a pray in ancient latin. It is
a honour for us to participate in the tribute.
PIER RUARO – Sweden
I want to contribute to the tribute, because Mr Koji's music
means a lot to me. The track that i have done is for his memory
only. It would be an honour to be included in this tribute.
PROPERGOL – France
I made this track especially for this compilation. I see it
as a spectral journey before return into the magma. I didn't
want to develop it from an harsh-noise perspective. I elaborated
a sepulchral moment/movement : Some shouting children - An urban
legend - A breath of wind like an infinite caress from the mind
before the night ... .. .
A photo of Koji Tano' glance helped me to crystallize the sound
of his destiny. The reflect of the final stage of his disease.
Although I haven't known Koji Tano personally, I was full of
empathy when I received the bad news of his death. At the end,
the title "konbanwa" means "Good night"
in Japanese.
"The days of Man are but as grass.
He flourishes like a flower in the field.
And the wind goes over it is gone.
And its place will know it no more.“
RADIO MURMANSK – Germany
Leider hatte ich nur eine Gelegenheit der beinahe magisch-transzendenten
Atmosphäre eines MSBR Konzerts live beizuwohnen, dass große
japanische Künstler vom lärmmachenden Rest trennt.
Bei dieser Gelegenheit ergab sich auch ein mehr als interessantes
Gespräch, dass mir ein sehr persönliches Bild von
Koji Tano ermöglichte. Die dabei angesprochene Idee eines
Splitreleases werde ich in diesem ihm gewidmeten Track nun realisieren:
neben einem Song, den ich an dem Tag des MSBR Konzerts in München
aufgenommen habe - ist ein Auszug der MSBR Live in Moskau Single
zuhören, die ich nicht ohne Grund gewählt habe. Sein
Wirken war stets präsent in meinen musikalischen Gedanken
- auch wenn mich andere offensichtlicher beeinflusst haben.
Ich schätze sein Schaffen - seine Kunst als Gesamtes
RESISTOR
– Austria
Der Verlust einer Persönlichkeit oder Gruppe aus einem
Bereich der Musik, die man mit seinen Emotionen verbinden kann
ist immer schmerzlich. Dieses "Abschiedsgeschenk"
von mir wurde nur für diesen Tribut erstellt und ist inspiriert
von der Kassette "The final harsh work #2".
ROD STASICK – U.S.A.
Because Koji Tano kept the dream of experimental music alive
thru performance and thru the great musical offering of composers/
performers worldwide, I dedicate this short undulating stream
of dark sound to him.
RONEZ – China
I choose this track for Koji Tano just becoz this track is sad
and powerful. In fact, I never write a email to Koji Tano, just
wrote a short letter with my cdr package to him, about 3 months
ago. That's the first and last time i wrote to him, he's already
in hospital at that time I think. So, R.I.P. noiseman!
RTEK – Netherlands
Performed in the time I was first introduced to music from the
late mr. Tano. His work evokes the imagery of complex landscapes.
My condolances go out to his family and relatives. May he ride
on eternal noisefields.
RUKKANOR – Poland
A monument built from memoirs lasts much longer than stone.
and I will always remember You... - Robert Marciniak
SCOTT ARFORD – U.S.A.
Koji Tano touched the lives of a great number of people. Obviously
there were many who he would have considered close friends,
and many, many more, such as myself, who have had the pleasure
of spending a few short hours with him, at his shop in Tokyo,
at a concert, or in one of the many cities he has visited. Koji
epitomized one of the most important values noise music –
community. I believe the sheer amount and great variety of artists
contributing this comp is a testament to this as well as to
his kindness and acceptance of everyone in the world of experimental
music. He will be sadly missed, but the threads of friendships
and community that he has helped to build will last for a very
long time indeed.
SCUMEARTH – Spain
MSBR It's a very strong influence so that Scumearth make noise,
always.
SEAMUS - Italy / Germany
ciao Koji
SILVUM – U.S.A.
Koji Tano / MSBR has been a visual and audio influence to my
music for a long time. There was always an aesthetic subtlety
and focus to his work which I appreciate and consider very important.
I remember when I was 15 and I got my first MSBR records and
tapes, I was so excited, he changed the way I thought about
art with music and how presentation was so important... and
I will always remember driving around during a thunderstorm
in highschool listening to "2,000 Thousends Contaminate
Electric Acid" on an old boombox. I'm also worried that
the connection between Japan and Europe and the US will suffer
greatly... he did so much... I'm also sad that our plan for
me to release an MSBR album and his track for my compilation
never happened... At least there is plenty more of his music
living for us to hear, I only have like 20 MSBR albums... there
will always be a new story to hear. Rest in peace, you changed
the world. -- Nick Henry
SPHERICAL DISRUPTED – Germany
The last time I saw MSBR live was in Muenster/Germany, 2001.
I talked to Koji Tano a little bit and I got to know him as
a very friendly person. My track for the tribute is called "Monasteria"
which is the old latin name of Muenster. I used a sample of
his last concert in Maastricht to make a direct reference to
him. I liked his concerts a lot and I will really miss them!
SPLINTER vs STALIN - Italy
Koji was great and as italian people we really miss a person
like him; all italian ones should take him as example. Yakuza
wins Mafia.
STARDUST - Austria
So wie sein Kreis nun neu beginnt, so wird uns schmerzlich bewußt,
dass die zweite Chance nur von denen genutzt werden kann, die
den Glauben nie verlieren konnten - ich kannte Koji Tano zwar
nicht persönlich, aber ich schätze seine Musik...
TARDIVE DYSKINESIA – Germany
Auch wenn ich leider, wie so viele andere, nie die Möglichkeit
hatte Koji Tano persönlich kennen zu lernen, möchte
ich mit dem Track "Menschenwürde" seine Arbeit
und sein Schaffen ehren! Er war für mich eine wichtige
Persönlichkeit der experimentellen elektronischen Musik!
Im Gedenken an Koji Tano! - Ronny H. aka Tardive Dyskinesia
- Dystonia Recordings
TELEPHERIQUE – Germany
Mit Koji verband mich eine künstlerische Beziehung. Von
1992-1999 entstanden einige gemeinsame Projekte. zwei 7"
auf seinem Label "Amalgan" und "Schaschlik"
und ein splittape "Geplünderte Leichen" und eine
LP "Contact 1# mit Contagious Orgasm, MSBR und Telepherique.
1999 spielten wir zusammen auf einem Festival in Darmstadt in
der Oettinger Villa. Ich war stets begeistert über seine
selbst-made covers, die immer sehr aufwendig waren, aber von
einer künstlerischen Vielfalt. Seine Art der Noise Interpretation
war konstruierter als von anderen Japanese Artists und die Geräusche
gezielter und deutlich gesetzt. Mir kam die Musik manchmal wie
im Pointelismus (Malertechnik) vor. Es war schade, daß
seit 1999 der Kontakt zurück ging, das lag mehr an mir
wegen sozialen Veränderungen und neuen Lebensabschnitten.
Aber während meiner Zeit mit Drahtfunk Products war die
Beziehung zu Koji und vielen Japanern in dieser Zeitperiode
eine Bereicherung in Sachen Kreativität, Aufgeschlossenheit,
Vertrauen und Hinzulernens in vielen bereichen.
TORBJÖRN BELLIND – Sweden
Only a few artists can deliver a relentless 'wall of sound'
without loosing themselves in clichés and annoying attitudes.
Koji Tano was one of these rare musicians. To me his works seem
very honest - powerful, yet delicately balanced. R.I.P.
TORTURING NURSE - China
Torturing Nurse loves MSBR,because he is hero of all diy noise
man's hero!
UNREIN
- Germany
Als ich vom Tode Koji´s erfuhr, war ich zutiefts betroffen,
wir haben ambitionierten und offenen Menschen verloren. Wir
werden Ihn und sein schaffen auf bitterste Vermissen!
VEHEMENCE 6.2 – U.S.A.
Koji Tano's impact on experimental electronic music is one that
will remain long after his passing, in the work of those who
he has influenced, and as more people come to discover his work
for the first time and understand why he was respected by so
many. When I first became interested in Noise/Experimental music
years ago it was artists like M.S.B.R. that I was listening
to. And all of the stuff that I listened to early on had a great
impact on my life. I wanted to contribute a piece because I
wanted to give something back to one of the men who helped shape
what I am doing now. - Kevin
VELVET NARCOSIS – Belgium
I am 36 years old and I listen to noise music, extreme noise
and industrial since more than 20 years, so bands like Merzbow,
Whitehouse, early SPK and of course MSBR are in my record library
since years. So Koji Tano's death is a real loss for that kind
of music and I decided to make a noise song as a tribute for
him. - Pierre BAPS
VLUBÄ – Argentinia
Vlubä sopla la luz que asciende brillante hacia los altos
reyes de las altas esferas, la luz inmensa de Koji - Gracias
por tu brillo, amigo espiritual Vlubä blows the light that
promotes brilliant towards the high kings of the high spheres,
the immense light of Koji - Thanx for your shine, spiritual
brother!
Our motivation to do a track for tribute to Koji Tano was because
he was an artist who always captivated us, years ago that we
knew his music and his editions; we were surprised and it made
us bitter to hear the news of his disappearance of this earth.
Indeed, the track that we sent and that we decided to title
vlubä - 310705 was exactly a part of the session of that
day, which unconscientiously dismissed him quickly. Let us create
to be clear and honest with our condolence.
WERTHAM - Italy
Koji has been the first Japanese person I ever got in touch
with. I have always admired his way of being everywhere at the
same time, doing many things as he would have been 4/5 different
persons, yet with a coherence I have rarely found in other people.
I've felt like loosing the ground under my feet when I got the
sad new and although I can't really say we've been in close
connection in the last years, he's been a source of inspiration
and extremely supportive during my first steps. Hiis enthusiasm
shown toward my own activity has been enough to consider him
more than just another "artist"even knowing almost
nothing about his private life. This track is a small harsh
hommage to a person we will all miss, released with analog sounds
only.
XV PAROWEK – Poland
I've been making experimental music since 1994. I encountered
many industrial noise and harsh noise recordings during my networking
activities. At that time I didn't really respect them, treating
noise as a kind of antimusic, because all I received was just
very simple wall of sound approach type of noise. In fall 1999,
I did my first trade with Koji, and in early 2000 I did another
one. These two trades changed my view on harsh noise - I discovered
its depth and quality. Koji also gave me some basic info on
his technical approach to making this noise. Using this info
I was able to play my first live show later that year. This
was a really inspiring episode.
WRECK & DROOL feat. DRONE LEBANON
& NOAMONKEY – Israel
we here in the israeli noise "scene" were all sadden
to hear of koji's passing. a few of us had the chance to interact
w/ him and enjoy his vital passion for the unconventional and
sheer joy of experimentation. He was a rare individual and a
true hero. he will be greatly missed. after hearing about the
label's wonderful tribute we felt obligated to express our respect
and we hope that we can still participate in this valiant effort.
it was an act of honour and tribute to a man that we feel was
a true pioneer. pivotal to the development of experimental music
across the world. -
R.I.P KOJI LONG LIVE M.S.B.R
STEINKLANG INDUSTRIES / Max Presch –
Austria
I do not want to loose too many heavy words now, as words can
never express what many people including myself felt when Koji
went away. I just want to tell You a brief story about my first
and last meeting with Koji Tano and the impressions I had from
this fine man.
a while before Koji passed, the message of his sudden, heavy
suffering simply blew me away. only 3 months before Koji was
diagnosed with cancer in the last state, we met in Maastricht
(Netherlands) where he played a unforgetable concert with his
friends from CULPIS. It was beginning of february 2005 and we
planed that I take the guys with my car from Munich to Maastricht
and I was happy to have a 7 hours car-ride with my (physically)
unknown friend from Japan. unfortunately we had 2,5 meters of
fresh snow in the Austrian Alps these days and so I was caught
by a heavy traffic jam, which made us to decide that Koji and
the guys should better go by train. in fact I was in Maastricht
one hour before the train arrived and Peter from ACOH/Sdim.org
went to the railwaystation to pick them up there. when he came
back to the location, where we prepared the „stage“
meanwhile, Peter decided to park my car not beside the house-wall,
but „on“ the housewall. I am thankful to Peter now,
because every day when I see the right side of my car, I remember
these impressive 2 days with Koji and his friends. after this
small but close meeting with central european architecture,
our Japanese guests got out of the car and from the first moment
I felt very close to this man from the other side of the planet,
whom I only knew from many releases over the years, several
mails and a few telefone calls some hours before we met. of
course I was very excited to meet the famous Koji Tano/MSBR/Denzatsu,
but this excitement was immediately replaced with familiarity
as Koji took me in his arms. it's hard to explain, but I try:
imagine you know a famous artist over 15 years from his first
(LP) release on and later then from a closer (business) contact.
then you meet him for the first time and the feelings are like
you meet a old friend, whom You just did not see for a while.
I was very much surprised by such close feelings and in fact,
we did not need any perfect english to have a lot of fun together
this evening. next day and much too early our 4 friends from
Japan had to take the train back to Germany.
I never expected that this was my last goodbye to the new, old
friend.
in april, Koji contacted me for the last time to invite my friend
Andy from ATROX and me to play at his festival in late 2005.
I think I never got any invitation that made me more excited
than this one. playing in Japan and visiting our friends and
the japanese cities, mountains and woods was always one of my
most secret wishes.
I am forever thankful to Koji for his will to let us see all
this.
now he is the one to see the light of eternity...
seasons
they change
while cold blood is raining
I have been waiting
beyond the years
now over the skyline
I see You're travelling
brothers from all time
gathering here
come
let us build
the ship of the future
in an ancient pattern
that journeys far
come let us set sail
for the always island
through seas of leaving
to the summer stars
the
circle is unbroken (Robin Williamson – The Incredible
String Band – 1969)
I
am very sad, that due to my work on this tribute, I had no chance
to find some quiet moments to record my own hommage-track for
Koji. even if I were
able to do so, I suppose my aims at my own Song To Koji would
have been so high, that I would have probably never finished
the track. therefor I decided to dedicate a song to him, which
I did in Vienna in 1995, together with Hannes Schober, a artist
of the early viennese Electro scene. this song is a 14 minute
ambient-elektroacid piece and it is (of course) unreleased.
it is one of my few favourite tracks I have ever done. I kept
this track over 10 years for a very special occasion and now
I know this special moment has finally come. this track was
recorded under heavy influence of a fantastic evening with Panasonic,
Chris Carter and Bruce Gilbert in a old Vienna undergroundstation.
I always saw this track as a soundtrack for a journey into another
dimension,
into faraway spheres. and this shall be its destination now:
a soundtrack for Koji's journey into the other world...
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