Blip On: Ten Thousand Free Men & Their Families
Ten Thousand Free Men & Their Families is the name of choice for this one-man-8bit-punk-band, however, the lazy among the chip community affectionately refer to him as 10k.
Blip: How did you first become aware of the possibility of creating art using vintage hardware or using vintage equipment?
10k: While surfing the net I discovered Nanoloop for the Game Boy. I figured I’d started a musical revolution. I was mistaken.
Blip: What kinds of influences do you draw upon to make your work?
10k: My influences are incredibly varied. In the chipscene, I am always interested in what little-scale, Dot.AY and all the other Aussie bros are doing. In the wider world, I am influenced by the stupidity surrounding niche forms of music.
Blip: What type of tools do you use to create your work?
10k: A Game Boy (generally running LSDJ) for the arrangements and a microphone to capture my voice. I also plant my tongue firmly in my cheek whenever I write, play or record.
Blip: How did it feel to be asked to Play Blip Festival?
10k: It felt pretty awesome. It always feels good to be recognized, especially by people you respect and admire. It feels even better if you’ve just said “fuck you Nullsleep” through a PA to an audience member, and moments later he asks you.
Blip: Do you have anything special planned for your set(s)?
10k: Well, I’d love to think that my shows are pretty Special. But I have a feeling that with the energy of a bunch of chipfans in that room, I am going to go wild. Maybe I’ll break a bone or something. Who wants to see blood?
Blip: Who amongst your Peers are you most excited to see?
10k: I am going to say Starscream (simply because I have seen cTrix too many times)! I have a feeling their A/V set, with all their new material is going to be off the chain. I’ve also never seen the ‘Gooch before (I fell asleep before they played the Sunday Party in ’09) so it will be nice to check that box. 4mat, Stagediver, talktoanimals… hell. I am excited to see everyone on this bill!
Blip: What do you think of the scene as a whole? Do you feel your music is representative of it, or exists in opposition to the community?
10k: I’d like to think I (as would any of the Sydney guys), that my music represents the Sydney Chip Sound. We’re abrasive, filled with humor and in it for the good times. The same kind of thing can be said for the Australian scene. But as a worldwide phenomenon, I am unsure. I know my music rubs a lot of people the wrong way on some of the online communities, and I like that. Who really knows?
Ten Thousand Free Men & Their Families is playing Blip Friday 5/20 at 10pm with visuals by NO CARRIER.
