Kraftwerk's future live setup

There has been some indications lately that Kraftwerk is moving towards a more futuristic setup than before, at least interface-wise. I'm sure there's more information out there, but let me tell you what I know.

New interface #1, the Tenori-On.



The Tenori-On is an instrument/controller/interface, created by sound artist Toshio Iwai (backed by Yamaha). Mr Iwai is also responsible for the brilliant Electroplankton program for the Nintendo DS. Tenori-On has existed for, if I remember correctly, a few years already, but only as a prototype version. Now, Yamaha seems to be ready for a commercial release of the rather amazing looking product.

We were recently reached by the news that a number of interesting artists, including Mouse On Mars and Atom™, had visited Japan to test drive the machine. And recently, Kraftwerk was added to the list of test pilots.

Here's a video that will tell you everyting you need to know about the Tenori-On.



New interface #2, the JazzMutant Lemur

The Lemur, produced by the french JazzMutant company, is an interesting input device, designed to control real-time computer applications. The multi-point touch screen is said to be completely customisable, allowing users design their own personal control surface. And it looks good, too.

Amongst the "lemurized" artists listed on the JazzMutant web pages, we find our german friends Kraftwerk.



Added together, these two items might lay the foundation for an interesting future of updated Kraftwerk concerts. Maybe, the Tenori-On is the tool they've been looking for to get back to the front of the stage for an old skool performance of "Pocket Calculator"?

Hot Chip to remix Kraftwerk

Electronic party band Hot Chip has remixed the two Kraftwerk tracks "Aerodynamik" and "La Forme" for release in September, according to several official EMI websites.

The four Hot Chip members have divided the heavy work load between themselves. "Aerodynamik (Intelligent Design Mix)" was created by Alex Taylor and Joe Goddard, while Al Doyle and Felix Martin did the King of the Mountains Mix version of "La Forme". The remixes will be available as 12", cd and as digital download.

But what do we think about this, then? Well, cant say that I've heard it yet but I am not completely sold on the idea... I mean, it's been almost three years since "Aerodynamik" and "La Forme" were first released, on the "Tour De France Soundtracks" album. So, really, why now?

On the up side, however, we have this:



Early this spring, DFA Records presented a 12" by Booji Boy High. Obviously some kind of DEVO tribute band, BBH actually consisted of Alex Taylor and Joe Goddard from Hot Chip, disguised as Georgios Panayiotou and Mother Markzbow. Now, that was an interesting idea. And most likely nu rave. Listen here.

Robots ♥ Summer

Pretty nice work, this short video ad for last years Summer of Love festival in the Czech Republic. Kraftwerk in a bumblebee vehicle, flying in over their followers. Jeff. Mills, Tiga, CJ Bolland and Elektrabel being ... pollinated, I assume.

Autobahn vas ein Monster

The cover of this Kraftwerk compilation from 1975 is just pure pleasure. Read that sticker. Read it again. I believe that the wonderful thing was found exclusively on a British edition of the record?

Bootwerk - A Bastard Pop Tribute To Kraftwerk

Wow, this is rather uninteresting.



Mashup Industries proudly presents "BOOTWERK - A Bastard Pop Tribute To Kraftwerk".

Nineteen artists have created Kraftwerk mashups for this mp3 only compilation. Kraftwerk meets Dolly Parton, The Beastie Boys, Genesis, Depeche Mode, Fergie and Robbie Williams.

It's new, it's well conceived and it's free to download, but you don't need it.





Oh, and another small and almost completely unrelated tidbit of information: Swedish techno producer Cari Lekebusch has released three records on the Heroes International label under the alias The Mantis. The second of the three records, "Kool & Deadly", was released in 2005 and features a bootleg Kraftwerk remix/track also called "Bootwerk". Listen here.

New old music from Harmonia

Krautrock supergroup Harmonia was created when Cluster/Kluster members Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Dieter Moebius joined forces with ex Kraftwerk member and Neu! founder Michael Rother in 1973. The band released the brilliant albums "Musik von Harmonia" (1974) and "Harmonia de Luxe" (1975). In 1976, they recorded an album with Brian Eno. The album, titled "Tracks and Traces", wasn't released until 1997.

This fall, Groenland Records (Europe) and Water Records (US) will release a so far unreleased 1974 live recording by Harmonia. This is brilliant news, of course. The title will be the rather imaginative "Live 1974". The release date seems to be set to late September. CD and LP. Look out.

Waaalking!

Once again, the four Kraftwerk characters appear in Calpurnio's comic strip "El Bueno Del Cuttlas". You will find the original here. And don't forget to look through the archives on that site. Kraftwerk will show up on more than a few places.