|
Post by japanesebird on Aug 31, 2012 16:29:34 GMT -5
Is it known whether Masami Akita has ever used or still uses recreational drugs? I have read that he hates smoking. Is that cigarettes or marijuana also? If he's straightedge does that fully mean for Merzbow.
Somewhere I read that he is very influenced by Japanese Buddhism and on the inside cover of the Merzbuddha album there is a picture of him seated in a meditation posture in what appears to be a Zen temple kind of place. Does he meditate? I would like to know his secrets.
Thank you for any relevant information.
|
|
|
Post by ashessehsa on Sept 4, 2012 21:14:10 GMT -5
I think that he's straightedge, actually. He claimed something of the sort in an interview, although I could be misremembering things. I'm guessing he meditates, and I think that the process of making noise, for him, is probably a meditative thing. He said that getting into a trance while listening to his music is probably the best way to listen to it (or something like that, I'm working from memory here,) and I feel like that must be the state of mind he's in when he makes it. Lost in the act of collaging sound together, in a state of meditative non-thinking or some such.
For some reason I also remember him saying that the only album he'd ever made while under the influence of something was Venereology, and it was alcohol.
I drum, and have made some noise, and I find I do my best work in both when I am in a meditative state. I guess "meditative state" is ambiguous, because meditation can be different from person to person, and varies from culture to culture a bit. What I generally mean, though, is the act of creating sound without concern for the outcome, just playing and enjoying and letting what happens happen. Losing yourself in it and doing it all intuitively.
I don't know how much more knowing "his secrets" would help than just sitting down with a musical/noise setup and jamming until you start making things you like the sound of. Just go into it swinging!
|
|
|
Post by venereologist on Oct 13, 2012 13:09:21 GMT -5
I've got no sources to site, but I'm fairly sure I have read that he is more or less totally abstinate, and he's suppsedly not too fond of "druggies", or the attitudes associated with excessive drug use.
He's been seen holding beers and things, but I don't figure he's a heavy drinker. Truth is, alcohol is just a big part of Japanese culture... Which is to say, it is extremely socially acceptable, and in fact usual to not drink in social settings from what I can gather. It's sort of a "bonding" thing, I figure.
They have kind of an unusual concept of what constitutes drug use... tobacco and alcohol are essentially not even considered as such, and the Japanese people inhale them both like oxygen, but other drugs are not only illegal, but deemed socially reprehensible (even marijuana).
|
|
|
Post by japanesebird on Nov 6, 2012 16:21:39 GMT -5
I think that he's straightedge, actually. He claimed something of the sort in an interview, although I could be misremembering things. I'm guessing he meditates, and I think that the process of making noise, for him, is probably a meditative thing. He said that getting into a trance while listening to his music is probably the best way to listen to it (or something like that, I'm working from memory here,) and I feel like that must be the state of mind he's in when he makes it. Lost in the act of collaging sound together, in a state of meditative non-thinking or some such. For some reason I also remember him saying that the only album he'd ever made while under the influence of something was Venereology, and it was alcohol. I drum, and have made some noise, and I find I do my best work in both when I am in a meditative state. I guess "meditative state" is ambiguous, because meditation can be different from person to person, and varies from culture to culture a bit. What I generally mean, though, is the act of creating sound without concern for the outcome, just playing and enjoying and letting what happens happen. Losing yourself in it and doing it all intuitively. I don't know how much more knowing "his secrets" would help than just sitting down with a musical/noise setup and jamming until you start making things you like the sound of. Just go into it swinging! Thanks for the reply. I really find this to be a fascinating subject, as one would be hard pressed to find a stranger musician than Merzbow. I have found that people tend to associate his music with drug use, as if it can only be enjoyed by drug users, so it is of great interest to me that he does not use anything. I've got no sources to site, but I'm fairly sure I have read that he is more or less totally abstinate, and he's suppsedly not too fond of "druggies", or the attitudes associated with excessive drug use. He's been seen holding beers and things, but I don't figure he's a heavy drinker. Truth is, alcohol is just a big part of Japanese culture... Which is to say, it is extremely socially acceptable, and in fact usual to not drink in social settings from what I can gather. It's sort of a "bonding" thing, I figure. They have kind of an unusual concept of what constitutes drug use... tobacco and alcohol are essentially not even considered as such, and the Japanese people inhale them both like oxygen, but other drugs are not only illegal, but deemed socially reprehensible (even marijuana). Thanks for the reply. About tobacco - I have read that he hates smoking and prefers if venues go "non-smoking" for his performances. So I think we can rule out all kinds of smokables for Akita. Who knows about possible LSD use though... perhaps in his past? It is not unhealthy. Personally it is inspiring to me. I have used many drugs and have difficulty experiencing day after day entirely sober. Marijuana has been the worse inasmuch as the daily use of it made total abstinence unbearable. Merzbow has influenced me in many ways and I am trying to find the benefit of total abstinence. About the beer thing - I guess he doesn't get drunk but just drinks it socially? I am not a fan of alcohol at all. For music, LSD and weed are best. I saw the recent clip of him performing at the Supersonic thing. It's on Youtube. He looks great, I never get tired of seeing him in front of his computer looking detached and calm. I'd like to ask him how he gets enough brain phosphorus from his vegan diet. He seems like a very intelligent fellow and this is linked to brain phosphorus, which is abundant in egg yolk and meat. My diet is practically vegetarian, I don't eat meat, but I do eat eggs and drink milk. I find that if I go without eggs or other phosphorus-rich foods, I notice it very subtly in my mental functioning, feeling slower and less intelligent. I would go full vegan if this were not an issue.
|
|
|
Post by acsenger on Nov 6, 2012 23:19:55 GMT -5
I'm not vegetarian, but can't vegetarians buy supplements that provide them with the nutrients they can't obtain from their diet?
|
|
|
Post by Bucketfel on Nov 7, 2012 1:54:41 GMT -5
I'm not vegetarian, but can't vegetarians buy supplements that provide them with the nutrients they can't obtain from their diet? i guess they can but Merzbow is not vegetarian but a vegan i think. And i think those are more stict with their diet.
|
|
|
Post by ashessehsa on Nov 7, 2012 13:41:57 GMT -5
Yes, Merzbow is a vegan. That means that he not only doesn't consume meat, but he also abstains from any animal products; dairy, eggs, and anything else that animal parts find their way into (like gelatin).
I'm vegetarian myself, meaning that I just don't eat meat. I've been one for a over a year and a half now. I'm not the strictest of vegetarians; once every 3-4 months I might eat a bit of meat, sometimes when it's offered to me and I don't want to turn it down. I figure that I'll probably stay vegetarian longer in the long run if I let myself have meat very rarely. More benefit in the long run! However, the longer I've been a vegetarian, the easier its become, and I could probably do without the occasional meat eating. I'd really prefer not to eat any at all, and its been a while since I've done it. I'm probably not going to have any more for quite a while, at least.
|
|
|
Post by japanesebird on Nov 9, 2012 21:04:47 GMT -5
Yes, Merzbow is a vegan. That means that he not only doesn't consume meat, but he also abstains from any animal products; dairy, eggs, and anything else that animal parts find their way into (like gelatin). I'm vegetarian myself, meaning that I just don't eat meat. I've been one for a over a year and a half now. I'm not the strictest of vegetarians; once every 3-4 months I might eat a bit of meat, sometimes when it's offered to me and I don't want to turn it down. I figure that I'll probably stay vegetarian longer in the long run if I let myself have meat very rarely. More benefit in the long run! However, the longer I've been a vegetarian, the easier its become, and I could probably do without the occasional meat eating. I'd really prefer not to eat any at all, and its been a while since I've done it. I'm probably not going to have any more for quite a while, at least. That is what I did for a while. I ate meat without a guilty conscience until my early 20s and then it began to disgust me as I realized that the meat industry is a murder industry. I'd still eat it occasionally, as you said when it was offered and there was either no alternative or I didn't feel like causing an argument, but I disliked it. Still, I thought that by not eating meat, I am obviously not helping the situation much, it is just a selfish reason to have a less guilty conscience, so occasionally I'd have some. After I got into Merzbow, though, I made the move to completely abstaining from eating meat. As I mentioned in the previous post, I do eat eggs and drink milk, but I see it as a necessary evil for maintaining my own brain health. If someone can show me a comparable source of everything that eggs have then I will gladly give those up also. Merzbow is influencing me so much that I am even considering going totally 'straight edge' and staying sober for the rest of my life. I have never enjoyed alcohol but have had a serious habit with weed for years and I used DXM with some regularity for four years. These days though I am finding more dignity in directly confronting malaise and depression without recourse to drugs as distractions. There are many interesting experiences to be had on various drugs but once they wear off it's like having never used anything at all. The memory remains of the experiences but just like a mirage in the mind. I dislike the dependency that inevitably develops and the emptiness one feels without the drug. Just imagine Merzbow requiring a particular drug to get into a creative zone and going crazy if he can't get it. It would seem kind of pathetic, no? There is a certain dignity to him, knowing that he is vegan and straight edge, and yet making the most awesome alien music ever. On the subject of meat eating - sometimes I get cravings for meat even though I was never a big meat fan anyway. I wonder whether this is just a kind of food lust based on the taste memory or if my body actually requires something in the meat that it is not getting without it? I am a thin person - 130lbs and 5'11" - and sometimes meat seems like it will be more sustaining than any other food. I haven't caved and eaten any in months though. I wish we could get a translation of My Cruelty Free Life, since I'm sure he details his daily dietary habits in it and I'd honestly like to follow it. I have that much respect for Masami Akita that I'd trust him on such issues.
|
|
|
Post by Bucketfel on Nov 9, 2012 23:53:46 GMT -5
while i personally do not agree with Veganism purely on biological facts and my background studying ancient cultures, i do see the reasoning why now people do so. Regardless of his views and the reasons (or there i say, concept) behind his music, i try to separate both and just enjoy the music as it is.
I dont think he uses drugs to make it, he has enough inspiration for a hundred more animal-themed albums without the use of drugs.
|
|
|
Post by trollh on Nov 10, 2012 0:32:19 GMT -5
while i personally do not agree with Veganism purely on biological facts and my background studying ancient cultures, i do see the reasoning why now people do so. Regardless of his views and the reasons (or there i say, concept) behind his music, i try to separate both and just enjoy the music as it is. I dont think he uses drugs to make it, he has enough inspiration for a hundred more animal-themed albums without the use of drugs. Absolutely agreed.
|
|
|
Post by ashessehsa on Nov 10, 2012 23:33:07 GMT -5
I dislike the dependency that inevitably develops and the emptiness one feels without the drug. Just imagine Merzbow requiring a particular drug to get into a creative zone and going crazy if he can't get it. It would seem kind of pathetic, no? There is a certain dignity to him, knowing that he is vegan and straight edge, and yet making the most awesome alien music ever. This. I agree so much. Drugs can have therapeutic effects if used knowing that they will not solve your problems, only alleviate the symptoms temporarily. And, even if they can be fun and interesting sometimes, the benefits reaped from their use are temporary, just like everything else. Being reliant on them rather than self sufficient in being creative and whatnot is completely self-defeating, even if their occasional use might provide inspiration.
|
|
|
Post by japanesebird on Nov 12, 2012 22:36:53 GMT -5
possible breakthrough: lecithin. suggested listening for reading this post and further experimentation in thought: 'the joy of soy' from hodosan.
i was reading about lecithin and recalled the that track title and made the connection to merzbow. masami akita seems to get a lot of soy in his diet, based on the title. this means lots of lecithin. in studying this substance i am pleasantly surprised about its contents and benefits. i think it can be thus concluded that lecithin is a significant influence on masami akita's brain functioning.
|
|
|
Post by trollh on Nov 14, 2012 9:16:59 GMT -5
Btw it was interesting when I had a discussion with Con-Dom's girlfriend, cuz she told she think the enjoy of noise music must to be under the effect of drugs... After I found her a completely stupid bitch about her earlier oppinions, this submit that I'm right...
I'm against drugs, but sometimes (very rarely) I experiencing with weed to take lower my unbearable backbone pain, so... As how i radical right-winged am I, this discussion shows me why I hate to perform live for the underground, its full with stupid junkie liberals...
Sorry if I was "harsh", its just my view of point...
|
|
|
Post by acsenger on Nov 14, 2012 18:17:54 GMT -5
It's strange that the girlfriend of Con-Dom thinks you should take drugs to enjoy noise, given that Con-Dom has a strong "message/agenda" that forms part of his music and this could hardly be considered under the influence of drugs. I've never used drugs and will never do so, but the idea that you should take drugs to enjoy this kind of music is ridiculous to me. You can, I guess, but you definitely don't have to.
|
|
|
Post by trollh on Nov 15, 2012 2:07:35 GMT -5
Agreed, sometimes back from the pub easier to listen harsh noise on full volume, but as its a long-termin relationship its not depends on my sober... I mean, if you listen noise and Merzbow for years and may you like to try alcohol or drugs, you will listen it as sober, as drunken, as weedhead, etc...
But its fuckin irational you must to use drugs before you start to use something chemical...
|
|
|
Post by trollh on Nov 15, 2012 2:10:21 GMT -5
Fukk: So use drugs before listen something noise
|
|
|
Post by Bucketfel on Nov 15, 2012 3:32:39 GMT -5
Fukk: So use drugs before listen something noise music is my drug.
|
|
|
Post by ashessehsa on Nov 15, 2012 23:23:12 GMT -5
Yeah, you certainly shouldn't need it to enjoy something. But listening to experimental music when stoned can be a pretty enjoyable experience!
|
|
|
Post by ashessehsa on Nov 15, 2012 23:37:56 GMT -5
I'm much more a left-winger myself, by the way.
|
|
|
Post by letsgo on Dec 31, 2012 17:50:34 GMT -5
I hope he dont use drugs to create Music. Real artists dont need drugs to be creative.
|
|
|
Post by ashessehsa on Jan 1, 2013 17:10:48 GMT -5
I hope he dont use drugs to create Music. Real artists dont need drugs to be creative. Exactly how I feel, although I do like to acknowledge that there is aesthetic merit to experiences one has on pot. Plus pot is really only bad for your lungs, which isn't a problem if you don't use it all that much.
|
|
|
Post by Bucketfel on Jan 2, 2013 2:18:53 GMT -5
I hope he dont use drugs to create Music. Real artists dont need drugs to be creative. Exactly how I feel, although I do like to acknowledge that there is aesthetic merit to experiences one has on pot. Plus pot is really only bad for your lungs, which isn't a problem if you don't use it all that much. actually the damage to the lungs is not that high. I cant remember how many more times slower it will kill you but it points out that its relatively harmless.
|
|
|
Post by ashessehsa on Jan 2, 2013 16:09:16 GMT -5
Oh trust me, I think it's harmless. But if you have a once a week habit and you smoke it, it's going to have an effect on your lungs.
|
|
|
Post by japanesebird on Jan 4, 2013 21:30:40 GMT -5
Oh trust me, I think it's harmless. But if you have a once a week habit and you smoke it, it's going to have an effect on your lungs. i'm currently age 24 and started smoking weed [never cigarettes] at age 15 on a regular basis, would stop here and there for a few months at a time, but from age 21-recent it was daily, several times a day smoking from when i woke up until i went to bed, and my lungs are fine. i can breath deeply just fine and although i don't get much exercise, i can ride a bike several miles without losing my breath. it depends on what you use to smoke. for example i had one idiotic period of a few months where i used a homemade piece from a cardboard protein shake bottle. i was stupid enough to think it would be fine but really i was inhaling burnt cardboard each time. after a few weeks i felt a pain in my lungs and shallower breaths. they recovered completely after switching to a different piece. i can't see how once per week would have any effect whatsoever. in my opinion weed is not harmless at all, or not for certain people. when you get in a daily habit it's incredibly hard living life without it. i can't describe the sense of boredom i feel sometimes, it would be enough to make some people kill themselves. fortunately i am like a rock and suffer through the worst depressions quite stoically.
|
|