Artist description Started in Nashville;, this Philly-based FSOL influenced band brought a Beastie Boy-esque approach to the world of electronic mixing trip hop and ambient elements with drum n/ bass and funk. They are arguably one of the first bands to effectively bring underground electronic dance to audiences in Nashville. And what a killer live show; full of lights and visuals. Now, revamped and with a new lineup by original member Otis Brown, the band returns with a new sound and approach still meshing genres and sounds. The Rigger sound incorporates a wide array of samples and sound effects, ranging from BBC nature recordings to NASA space broadcasts and special effects. With those samples mixed underneath added synthwork and effects inspired by dance pioneers such as the Orb, the Future Sound of London, and Underworld, their experiences become an almost extraterrestrial experience.

Music Style Experimental trip-hop, trance, ambient, drum and bass

Musical Influences Future Sound of London, the Orb, Radiohead, Underworld, Pink Floyd

Similar Artists the Future Sound of London vs. Orb with a little Underworld thrown in

Artist History Founded by former Very George frontman Rick Perry,ex-Self bassist Timm Nobles, and Philadelphia ambient artist Otis Brown (aka Otep 147), Rigger began as merely a think tank of local music thatwould meet on nights and weekends to exchange ideas and swap styles. The early experiments and jam sessions at parties became a full fledged band.The aim was for the band not be pidgeholed into one genre of music. Each of the members would keep switching instruments, elaborting and strengthing their weak points as musicians. Under Rick and Otep's watchful eye, the live shows grew to become huge mutlimedia showcases of psychedelic visions with multiple screens spewing forth images of colors and graphic art. Within a whirlwind of creative differences, alcoholism, and drug abuse, the original lineup of the band disappated without releasing a single album. But some of the members still jam together or solo and their music still spins at many underground parties throughout the South. In 2001, Rigger was reformed by Otis Brown as a collaborative project with area musicians. The act's first 12" was released in March 2002 with a full length CD to be released in the late spring.

Group Members [Phase 1 (1997-1998)] Ben Blue: bass, drum programming, guitar Otis Brown (Otep 147): bass, drum programming, keyboards, multimedia/soundscapes Cary Horner: keyboards, multimedia Rick Perry: drums, vocals Luke Snyder: bass, guitar, multimedia, programming, vocals Luke White: guitar, bass, drums, multimedia, programming, vocals [Phase 2 (2000-present)] John Baum: keyboards, drum programming, guitar, mutlimedia Otis Brown (DJ Otep): bass, keyboards, drum programming Severin Walker: keyboards, drum programming, multimedia

Instruments bass, guitar, drums, keyboards, drum sequencers, various unidentfied objects

Albums Neutral (1998); Drama (2002); Above All Things... (in works for 2003 release)

Press Reviews "Rigger was something innovative...I booked them for a show I did monthly called The Middle Tennessee Variety Showcase, and they played 2 gigs that night. They came out with all this cool lighting gear and set up and closed the show out with some intriguing trance-hop fusings which fit nicely into the evening." -- Terry McClain; Tennessee Artist Underground Radio "A very strong tune that kind of makes you wonder where you are, are you going in the right direction? One thing is certain, you have to move!" -- Mental Trip Radio on Rigger's track "Motion" "Neat Latin house tech step vibe happening with a little electronic scat thrown in for good measure." ---Divinty Lee (aka Gorgoeus Girl), Philadelphia based electronic artist on "Sky Marshal" [Listen for Divinity's work on MTV's popular show "Undressed" as well as her site at http://www.mp3.com/gg]

Location Philadelphia, PA - USA

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