y-files work agents units labels allied 068 ting klubb kanin galleri 22+ trass! y-files work agents units labels allied 068 ting klubb kanin galleri 22+ trass!
RUMOURS & TRUTH
>> So the following is based on a bunch of pages tore out of a notebook, anecdotes, correspondence and facts descreetly illuminating MAJOR EGO's status in the Origami Rep-ub-lika concept.# The SchMerzPønkDaDa concept was concieved by Major Ego around springtime 1996. He came to Lasse A73 and Tore A22 with the idea, and to ask for assistance in this 'assignment' as he called it. On the various SchMerzPønkDaDa output he is more or less in charge of the sounds and compositions, but yet he's totally responsible for the lyrics, design and 'post-ironic' conceptual ideas. A great deal of the actual sound sources were snatched by him from everywhere in the Origami Republika audio art archives. This is also based on his tendency to combat the very ideas of copyright and royalties, seeing that this always shifts the focus over to economical issues, instead of the pure artistic value. This fight, as you'll hear if you listen carefully, ended on the edge of crime at some occasions. On the other hand, he did want to credit the respective artists correctly on the cover.
# Tore A22 writes; Dear Lasse. I think the Ka/Skader cd turned out well. Thanks! But it was not a good idea to let the Major do the typesetting. I guess he'll have a big laugh about changing my name for his, and keeping my agent number doesn't make it better. He said to me 'Well, I'm paying parts of the release, I should have my name on there!'. We should inform the folks on this fact, I don't want anybody to think I'm him. Guess you understand this. I know he's done the same on some of the tape covers, so I expect to see traces of this joke far into the future. But what the heck!? Anyway, good luck with the promotion!
'Sounds good good HOT! Come & Play, maybe attract other hot bands too!' – Lee Stokoe (Culver), Tyne & Wear, UK
'Utvilsomt den av musikerne denne kvelden som hadde best kontroll på orkestreringen av sine lyd-collager. Maskinelle loops som vibrerende fylte lokalet, mens han selv stod midt på scenen med en metallplate han bøyde, ristet, sparket på og dunket i gulvet, og han tok seg sågar tid til å male noen krusseduller på den underveis. På mange måter var det tiltalende, likeså neste nummer hvor han brukte en regnstokk som instrument … Han kastet ting ut i salen og skrek illsint i mikrofonen, men han var ikke sintere enn at han smilte selvironisk da han oppdaget at han ikke hadde flere ting å kaste.' – J. Henriksen, Adresseavisa, Veita Scene 4/1-97.
'Sloss dere på ordentlig, eller var det teater? … Ja, da var det nøye innstudert.' - Konsertpublikum, Det Akademiske Kvarter, Bergen 5/4 -97
# Tore A22 writes: The very first day of 97, at around nine in the morning the first preparations were made for the first SchMerzPønkDaDa live event. Lasse A73 and me went out to find suitable scrap metal for the gig, and ended up in the local newspaper Adresseavisa in a photo story about the new year in Trondhjem.
# Tore A22: The first gig started more as my own show, using some of my previous material, but shortly it became a turmoil of emotions and screaming and throwing, so I realized the SchMerzPønkDaDa stage character was born. Little did I know how much effort this would take the over the next 18 months. Major Ego was really satisfied with the show, only attending as 'any other member of the audience'.
# Major Ego did do most of the SchMerzPønkDaDa 7" Cd-single on his own. On the Commercial Album he was using the previously released Origami Replika 'Nevropa Zip' tape as a a main source for the beats. The tape is a sketch tape by Cyberpope A02 (ex-Origami Teknika) included in the Soil installation. Also he received a sketch-tape from the young talented ambient/techno constructor Kelly A34 (of Medit, Origami Galaktika, Ka), which he used to the maximum extent. In addition there is a track based on three tracks by the now well-known Alec Empire (Atari Teenage Riot).
Then comes the Rock'n'roll Album, a diverse collage of some 40 trashpunk-tracks. Here the Major involved a lot of guest musicians, being in regular contact with both us and the Nomad Nipples at the time. So he borrowed their rehearsal room and invited us all along to do our share. Here we find the Major at his peak in my opinion. Sessions followed sessions, participants from abroad not able to come in person send him tapes of their talent, and he mixed and manipulated them all.
These tracks were laying around until after Lasse A73 and me came back from the tour in May, just to find the Major gone, so hopefully we edited the cd as he intended. We called in agent Nils A100 (of Urd Barbarian) to record a tribute track, the very Lament For Major Ego. On the two cd's Alive and Alive II, and the two bootleg tapes much of Major Ego's music is presented with more colour added by Lasse A73 and me. More in our direction, so to speak.
After he left us many parts of the concept was still in motion around. People spoke of possible remixes, a bunch of tracks had been send out to compilations coming out now, there is hours of video material to be edited down for the Motion Picture vhs, and so on. So we decided to end the concept with a sort of tribute to major ego, where allied artists (many from who Major Ego stole sounds in the first round) present covers and remixes. There will be no more than this, but it should be sufficient.
# Tore A22 writes; No, not at all confusing; Major Ego was obviously the one who kicked off the Major Ego Produkt label and its sub-label Major Ego Produkt Objekt & Aktions. So now these labels will be terminated, leaving a bunch of fine trashed pieces of music and lowest art. As I wanted to have more control over things as well, I started the Public Demand Cassettes label along with doing a lot of practical stuff for Major Ego Produkt. There's many pieces left to be released on the MEP label, but after all SchMerz-releases are out, shutting it down would be the only decent thing to do.
For you who watch closely, we can tell you that the new Null Spenn Records (a.o. the Shmerzponk .bootleg/too.) is the label of Frank Robert A124, of less Replika-fame under that name, but it will become evident if you read the Real Replika-website carefully.
# So you see, a lot of practical jokes were cracked at us. So to avoid any further confusion, here's the letter Major Ego send along with the cassette demo: Hello RRRon at RRR, this is Mr. Major Ego of ORIGAMI REPLIKA writing. We of Replika, the noise/crazy-ass electronics fraction of the Origami "multimedia collective" (a bunch of shite if you ask me...) have decided to do a record for your PURE cd series. Find enclosed a MASTERTAPE for it. It's: ORIGAMI REPLIKA "FUCKING PURE", as you can hear it's us playing around with lots of your Pure releases (which I like a lot actually, well - some of them). Bloody hell. I, we, hope that you will put it out, you hold the mastertape in your hands, and we've done the label, so all should be set and ready. Lasse Marhaug (I think you know him) is on this as well, he wasn't sure it was worthy of release and that it was too silly. ahgh, he should just worry less and shut his hole. He's too much of a perfectionist. Okay Ron, this is it - listen to it and then decide to put it out. We hope. You can write to Lasse and let him know if it's on. He (for some reason) likes getting mail. TILL NEXT TIME, Ego fucker! PS: if you do not want to put "FUCKING PURE" out, please burn the tape and drip hot melted plastic on your arms and forehead.
# Just a couple of weeks later this letter came from Rrron: Mr. Major Ego! Ok - Many thanks your Fucken Pure demo - it really is quite the laugh at times and I think Lasse M. was right when he told you it's too silly - hate to bruise your fragile ego but you should have listened to him - it really is a bunch of fucken crap - Sorry I will not burn your demo op drip hot wax on myself - I plan to keep your tape and blackmail you in the future - You will have to pay me NOT to release it after you learn better - Mr Ego Fucker. R.
# And the second comment came back from Ron: I'm really glad I burst your ballon - you need to be knocked down a few notches - next time you record something GOOD, I'd be curious to hear it. Jesus Loves You. R.
# On the Origamy Replica: .bootleg. tape, you can hear late night backstage comments by Geir Yven A105 of Origami Fanatika fame, with Lasse A73 and Tore A22 raving on, snatched from an interview with the student Radio in Bergen 260997. It continues with excerpts from interviews done with Norwegian Broadcasting P3 and statements made on dictaphone on tour. Also some well-known friends from England are telling naughty stories. Regretably most of this is in the strange tongue of Norwegian, but at least we'll give you one comment from Lasse A73 on onstage nudity:
Actually, I think your penis is ok. I think it's cool, what kind of nonsense is that 'tiny-dick' talk?! I think it's ok. And goddammit, most of the rooms we play in are quite chilly and that doesn't actually make it any better. I think your dick is ok.
# Lasse A73 writes: Before the UK tour we sent out this press-release: THINK FOR YOUR SELF! - 65000 obedient people shout along, U2 concert. FUCK YOU - I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME! - 6500 obedient people shout along, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE concert. WE'll BRING YOU FLOWERS AND CANDY! - 65 disobedient people leave the room, ORIGAMI REPLIKA concert. No press attention.
# General: We are trying to track down a copy of Major Ego's neurotical semi-biography entitled 'It Ain't Bad - It's A Bed!', but we have had no luck so far. We are not even certain it ever existed, as none of us here saw it, but if any of you out there by some reason should happen to have a copy, could you please xerox it for us? This would be of great concern for those on a quest to get to know the enigmatic Major better, and would possibly be crucial to his memory.
# On a piece of paper (decorated with sketches of rabbits?), Major Ego writes some words that I suppose could have something to do with the above: Maybe he just wasn't cut out to be talented? His initials being M. E. (and the use of Major Eagle doesn't change that)... Was it ME? Too shy. Maybe it wasn't pure modesty that made me turn down the date proposal Madonna came up with at the Anselm Kiefer vernissage in New York...instead at sleep beside the home destillery...not living life to the max...like a mosquito in a bloodbank. Always 13...
# Judge Replika A95 writes: Hey Tore and Lasse, did you see the Melody Maker article on DaDa Nation? On their list of the ten best bands in the nineties, it says: '4. Massive attack/Mad Pro, 5. Not Breathing, 6. Origami Replika, 7. The Legendary Pink Dots...'. In good company, are we? I'm wondering if they've heard the tapes, or the new Major Ego-thingy? You know more?
# Tsonumi Megazine (#2/98) writes about the Rock'n'roll Album demo: You can hear his sense of self-irony in the track 'You', where bigmouth strikes again. His ache (weltschmerz) is obvious in the recording of 'Heartattack'. His dadaist tendencies are reveiled in the lyrics and compositional structure of track 'Complex Stadium', clearly posed as a post-neoist statement. It is still a truth though that you have reached a complex stadium by listening this long to the record. The promo-sheet says, and we quote: 'Unfuckingbelievably, releasing this record will guarantee you a solid position within the next hype. You can be among the first to support the Happy Noise trend. Give us a lot of money so we can fund our underground cult lifestyles. The media will soon realize that you are one of the hippest dudes around, and your ego will be flattered simply by knowing us. Thanks.'
# Tore A22 writes: The joke all of us shared most gracefully was the Polar Bear Beat slogan. Here the more Happy Noise focussed philosophy of Lasse A73 and me actually intertwined with the more offensive and post-ironic ravings of Major Ego, and Judge Replika A95 as well I guess.
# Pig in Leeds writes to Lasse A73: Hello. My tutor at university came up to me the other day and gave me a copy of your tour diary that he had been sent by a friend of his?!! It was a pretty strange event for me! It made good reading: After you left Leeds I impressed my girl with my new found knowledge of Norway, I told her about the hungry polar bears walking through the streets!! I honestly believed that, what a gullible fool I am!
# Frank Robert A124 writes: I'm sick and tired of the way the fucking Major is taking over. Now he's even used my band name in an interview. Fuck, I can't deal with that. I hereby declare that I'm gonna blow the Judge Replika A95 cover in pieces. As for now, I don't care who'll use it, and for what purpose. Agreed? What do you think, Tore? Do you find it amusing that he's used your number? And does Lasse A73 ever get the deserved credit? Well, as you say, it's only a wordgame... and mine are Piss Off!
# Eric Lanzillotta of Anomalous Records, USA writes: A while back you send me a CD by Origami Replika, and I've only today gotten to open this envelope and play the disc. I honestly get far more things submitted than I can hope (or want) to listen to and many things fall in a big pile, which I noticed lately had some pretty old things and that I should go through. In your note with the CD, you point out that you were sending this so I could hear that not all you do is harsh noise. Well, I'm scratching my head at that one because this CD seems pretty noisy and obnoxious (I think that is what you would call some of these texts on here) and certainly not omething of interest to me. In any case, I can do whatever I want, like this CD says, and not carry music like this which I don't really like. I'm sure you have found some other homes for this disc that like it, as tastes are all very different and that's not a bad thing at all. Best of luck in your efforts, though I think we go very different directions.
# Judge Replika A95 writes: But to be honest The paranoia of Major Ego is getting on my nerves Like when we played together the last time he was so jumpy Hell I just can't cope with the idea that he's gonna go out all over Europe to promote an attitude he's got problems with But hey if he has to go back to jail again than maybe I'll join - no wait - I'll join no matter what! ICE CREAM POWER AND SPICE !
# Lasse A73 writes: Yeah yeah I know you're not on the heavy shit, but that doesn't mean you have to give these youngsters support for using god-knows-what. Never thought I'd say this, but there is a certain responsibility when being an artist. These kids look up to you, and you going "yes yes - do it, cool" can cause trouble for them. Oh well - I guess they have to take care of themselves.
# Judge Replika A95 writes: Don't worry Lasse, I'm rather fed up with the drug thing in our so called 'alternative underground' myself, regardless of my private preferences. I mean, like Mr. Hutchence of INXS had drug problems, see what that lead to, and this Cobain sell-out stunt. Stupid pop-stars. All these things, I really could care less. Maybe you're right, maybe the kids are better off without it, just see how soft-edged and diplomatic the old Judge has become after some years of controlled use of soft drugs, ha-ha. But then again; it's a thin line between freedom and self discipline. And between freedom and cynicism.
# Lasse A73 writes: I totally agree with you on the problem with Mr.Major Ego though. I've just about had enough of his pretencious bullshit and moaning. The last SchMerzPønkDaDa recordings, the Commercial Album in the series - it's fucking techno. And we're not even on it, just bits and pieces he'd sampled of us. We have to do something, maybe do the Rock'n'roll Album on our own without him. And now he's gone joining that stupid rock band, Nomad Nipples. I went to their show. Sure they were good, but he was standing there like a total self-important jerk - doing very little to add anything but buzz and hizz to the music. Those guys are better off without him.
# Judge A95 writes: Someone told me he has re-recorded parts of the Commercial Album, after erasing the track he was supposed to 'steal' from Alec Empire. They (DHR, that is) wrote him and started the usual publishing-rights-royalties and please-fill-out-the-forms-stuff (after stating 'fuck rock stars, fuck those who do what they're told' or something in a recent press release). But anyway, now he's trashing the Internationale; like some retro-commie-control-freak, without it being sarcastic even though he says so! Hey, isn't this the 90s? I don't wanna be no part of no political 'hey - We're gonna kick off like Chumbawamba' drag. And if I know you, you won't either. I think he really has some inner dream of becoming U2. When you look back at his writings and other work, maybe the whole 'intelligent sarcasm' game was just another propaganda-trick. We should keep away. I think we should go public with this, before our good names are totally contaminated. And NO, I won't have anything to do with the Rock'n'roll Album, I know that you and him have a signed deal to go on the european tour together, doing his thing all over again. But REMEMBER; all the tricks he pulls are ripped off from me, with God as my witness. Even the being naked handing out flowers thing, I let him do it, because he went on with his convincing word-ejaculations about 'role character building up to a myth' and so on. But you saw my 1994 show with Jon Eberson Group, didn't you? Nothing new! What I'm heading at again is simply: I CAN DO WHATEVER HE DOES, but better!
# Lasse A73 writes: I've been talking to the Origami co-ordinator Tore A22 about this problem, explaining to him that once we get this SchMerzPønkDaDa series done and out, and the tour of Europe in May is over, we have to seriously reconsider the future of Origami Replika. Either we go or he goes. But he said we should just stay low for a while and see if it gets better. I very seriously doubt it, but I'm tied up with Jazzassin and other projects now, so I suppose I'll just let it go for a while. I think you agree. If you see him, don't do anything stupid -just let it wait. Best wishes - Lasse.
# Judge A95 writes: Got to go to bed, 43 hours without sleep, starting to see reality in its grimmest dress. But; no, no violence, and I promise to try not to argue with the Major if I meet him, no use anyway. Too bad, we had some good times sharing clouds and dreams. Lasse, we'll sort it out, some way or the other. By the way; I heard the new Dada Nation album is due in a matter of a month or so, excited, are we?! Is it true they signed with Island Records? Maybe the back catalogue will finally be available again, I just have a couple of the early tracks (their finest is 'Mojo Mumbo' on the Sweet 80 compilation that Warner put out around 83 or 84). And you are the one who says you hate dub, maan! ?
# Regarding the endless quarrels taking place between Major Ego on one side and Lasse A73, Martin A40, Judge Replika A95, Frank Robert A124 and Tore A22 on the other, this comment came in from Depla A117: Fucking Norwegians always quarrellin... Too much whale with stinkt cheese eating! Make love not mess! love Depla A117.
# In the LIVE REPORT section of the 068 ¡ (ting) e-zine, Tore A22 writes: The NOMAD NIPPLES - Veita Scene, Trondheim, 271197: Lasse Marhaug and me went to see the 'showcase' of our popcore and power-rock friends, and maan! it was cool....It was compact, delicately loud and tight as a fist. Even though we are in a quarrel, specially Lasse, with Major Ego (ex-Replika?) at the time, I have to say that he did a fairly good job as a new band-member, working the flute, some percussion, some noises and an electrical saw. Time may improve his efforts up to the level of the others...Just hope they know what they do by taking in Major Ego. Luckily for all Major Ego only did that job with the Nips. The reason is that Frank Robert A124 had agreed to join them, but said a loud and clear NO to work with Major Ego as well. Strangely enough, seen in the light of his usual stamina, the Major turned away making no fuzz about it.
# So it should become Lasse A73 and Tore A22 who took on the task to spread the music and action of Major Ego to stages in the UK, Europe and Norway. The two healthy young lads sure would make a better impression on audiences around, than if the Major had gone on his own. He's not known to be the easiest guy to deal with, soundchecks would have been regular nightmares for the technicians, interview sessions devastating to ambitious music journalists, and late night party discussions would never be the same.
# Here's the press-release he send out before the european-tour: ORIGAMI REPLIKA will show you a very different side of music when they trash the night with their SchMerzPunkDaDa concept, a final degeneration of rock, punk and techno clichées. All is set for a humorous and sarcastic show mixing beats, lyrics and physical action into a blast of harsh noise seldomly seen or heard. The set includes both musical and lyrical 'quotes' from the entire history of rock, punk and techno, with a ton of references. This show were really successful at their UK-tour last september, where they also supported Einstürzende Neubauten in front of about 2500 people. On the tour they were nude, handing out flowers and candy to the audience. ORIGAMI REPLIKA puts a definite end to socalled 'subversive' music, and you might laugh your head off. They will ROCK you for about half an hour.
# Our Italian friend Marco Deplano A117 writes in his newsletter: If this letter reaches you is because I know you are in someway involved in organizing show or maybe you know someone interested in making my Norwegian friend of ORIGAMI REPLIKA play in your area during their European tour, maybe you can be interested in help them in organizing shows, or maybe you are political correct and want to insult them for being personally involved in slaughters of whales and production of rotten Norwegian cheese...Well... I've toured with them last summer and it was great both in the violent power/techno stuff than in the real sex on stage...
# Lasse A73 writes in a mailing: If the shows will be anything like the ones we did last year, I have no idea how I'm going to survive a 20 date tour.
# Tore A22 writes: And as we were working our asses off for his promotion, Major Ego was busy pulling this stunt: On 040698 the Major was supposed to do a special support-gig for Bob Dylan - none less - in Rostock, Germany. That Major Ego of all people were invited to do this gives a further view into his word of honest discordianism (faking). I did receive a call from the local promoter, and she was just so enthusiastic about 'his music and lyrics', I didn't quite know how to react. I didn't know shit about it all, busy as I was arranging the european tour (of his material!) with Lasse A73 at the time. At first I thought it was a prank call for me, but knowing the Major I pretty soon realised he was the prankster, and she the victim... I don't have a clue as for what was recorded on the demo-tape and written in the promo-sheets he must have sent to be considered, but it sure wasn't any SchMerzPønkDaDa. Probably he just pinched some tracks from some established Norwegian songwriter, and then used his wordly skills to fill out the fake and make it show likely. But it still is a fact that he did get the job. Sadly it was never to happen, and to me it's worth contemplation - should finally meeting the writer of Forever Young have anything to do with Major Ego's decision to leave us? What dreadful statement would he have come up with? Or would he not be doing the obvious again, really taking all by surprise by presenting suitable music? We'll never know. I have forwarded a mail to Columbia on this close-to-be-scandal.
# The SchMerzPønkDaDa 7" press-release: ORIGAMI REPLIKA are known for their intense live shows which includes nudity, gay sex, friendly fighting, vomiting, hurting themselves, smashing equipment, smashing each other and other rock clichés taken to the extreme. Heard before one show; "everybody is expecting REPLIKA to get naked and suck dick". ORIGAMI REPLIKA toured England September 1997 which included a support job for EINSTÜRZENDE NEUBAUTEN at their only UK-show at the London Astoria. The wild rumours of the aftershow party involving a bathroom scene with Nick Cave Jazzassin will not confirm. In may 1998 REPLIKA toured Europe playing 19 dates which ended with the band nearly splitting up. We've given it much thought, and we think that every one of you really need this record.
# Here's a note from Phil Todd of the label and mailorder Betley Welcome Careful Drivers: I also would like to get two more "Scmerzpunkdada" CDs as (unbelievably) I've sold all the ones I had and (even more unbelievably...) NOBODY complained after purchase!!
# Lasse A73 forwarded this note from a German mailorder after receiving the SchMerzPønkDaDa 7" cd-single: Hell, the Origami cd is a real killer, it made me crazy to listen to it. But I'm not sure If I can sell them... Anyway, they are very cheap!
# From our allied noise cream maker E. Hagstrom of the highly respected Cock E.S.P. came these words: The Origami cd you sent me is great - I keep humming 'Media Trash Desire' all day long, in an evil voice.
# Our american distributor (Scratch) writes about the 7" cd-single: We did receive the Origami CDs...I think it's mighty, but everyone else complains about the package. People are upset by confusion I suppose.
# In the Polish Eld Rich Palmer's Zine (#7), Judge Replika A95 says: Maybe you can call Origami Replika the flowerpower child of the Kultural Terrorist Network.
# Niko of Someplace Else in Findland writes anbout the 7" cd-single: Hi, you just reminded that I haven't told this yet: I LOVE THAT CD! I might need more copies in near future, so glad to hear you have pressed more (did you really send out the 5000 yet or was it just part of it?!?!).
'And of course it was great to see your show - I think the most successful of the evening, although I enjoyed the whole evening very much - overall one of the best Termite Club events for a long time ... As I said already, the work/approach of 'Origami' (writings, actions, concept, and of course different sounds) impresses me greatly - even if I don´t always like the music/sound of every release - the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.' - Mike dando / Con-Dom about Leeds gig and conceptLasse A73 writes: The Origami REPLIKA SchMerzPunkDaDa 7" cd-single is now back in stock! The CD has sold tremendously well, and is now in its second pressing. As soon as we made trashgarbagetechnopoppunk we started to sell! The spanish/european lo-fi/punk magazine sCUMsPUNK took in 3000 copies at cost price to be included in their next issue.
# Here's the letter Major Ego wanted to send with the Alive I/II demos, intended as a double-lp: Hello, there you are?! We just wanted to tell you; we have chosen YOU to release the planned ORIGAMI REPLIKA: SchMerzPønkDaDa Alive I/II double-lp in full-colour fold out cover, in 10000 copies only! No! We're not kidding! YOU can be the proud pusher of the next REPLIKA gem. We have started to assemble the best exclusive tracks from the SchMerzPønkDaDa live sessions. We'll also keep the best exclusive tracks from the upcoming tour. Smash hits included. We have never been known to be humble, so we decided to put it like this. Please just write us your plan of how-what-when. We are looking forward to your positive response. Yours truly MAJOR EGO
# As for putting it right, maybe Major Ego has a point here: 'If you cut up the cut up, would you get it right again?' Other notes culled from his crummy pieces of paper: 'Do you read me - when I am the Word? Do you understand me - or is it too absurd?', or what does he really mean by the simple line 'Love is a War on the Word'?
# Clues, none. Images, plenty. Goodbye.
