I get inspired when I hear a really original song someone has recorded or read a zine that a lot of work has gone into. I get excited to be part of the process of putting on a show or whatever.
Playing music seems to be a big part of Mishap.
So Adam, tell us about Mishap Productions.
Mishap Productions is a group of people working together to make art outside of the mainstream. We've produced tapes, CDs, some Zines and other literature and some crude short films, and have put on various types of shows and other "events." We are interested in all genres and all media of art that can be created and distributed cheaply and simply.
Who's in the set up?
My name is Adam. I'm one of the main people involved with Mishap and also one of the more responsible people in it. I'm in a band called Pope John Paul the Third that plays freak-out music and happy pop tunes. My brother, Ryan produced a lot of the music Mishap has put out. There are also some other people who do things I'm too neurotic to do like organizing gigs and such. There are other people who come and go working on specific projects.
How Did Mishap start?
Mishap started about ten years ago when I was 12 years old and some
friends and I started an obscenity-ridden newsletter of political rants
called "the Void." We started some bands that played
avant-garde noise/punk and reverb hippie shit and I started making
tapes of "musique concrete."
So do you love the "tape culture"?
Yes. Though there are many frustrating limitations, I like the freedom of expression and the enthusiasm people have for their music in the world of underground tapes. Every time some one produces their own music independently, they are making a tiny guerrilla attack against the oligopoly of entertainment corporations.
How affected are you by the underground music scene?
I get inspired when I hear a really original song someone has recorded
or read a zine that a lot of work has gone into. I get excited to be part
of the process of putting on a show or whatever.
Playing music seems to be a big part of Mishap.
Yes.
Any plans for the future?
I'd like to be more productive. I think right now we are working on some new CDs and a new zine and maybe a book. We have some ideas for upcoming tapes.
What's the coolest thing about doing Mishap so far?
The only cool thing about it is when someone enjoys something you have done. And sometimes it's amusing when someone gets offended.
How do you feel about the major label music set-up?
Major labels produce records for profit only rather than for a love of music. A lot of good records have been put out by major labels, but most of it is inane drivel designed to pacify and promote consumerism. In theory, both punk rock and hip hop are angry, non-conformists creating art and music using crude, inexpensive materials such as four-tracks, drum machines, copy machines, spray paint, turntables and cassette tapes. In practice, both hip hop and punk rock are corrupted by capitalism. Both often spit on innovation and embrace stagnation.
Have you done anything that's been a bow to your heroes?
I steal ideas from people I admire or take samples from people's albums that I like. I have many Beatles records. There are a couple of "tribute album" compilations we're planning on doing.
What
are your favorite things about the Santa Cruz scene?
Santa Cruz fancies itself as a real sophisticated art town, but really it's more interested in looking quaint and pretty for tourists and yuppies. There are some good musicians here, but essentially no venues or outlets for local music of any kind. You've probably heard of college rockers, "Camper Van Beethoven" and mediocre pop punks, "Good Riddence." They came from here. Living in santa Cruz is much better than living in the bible belt or being a child prostitute with AIDS in Cambodia.
Any glorious things?
What?
Blag, news...?
If you'd like to get more information or would like to get involved with a future project, please write to us at 846 Pine Flat rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA or go to our fab website.