Avenpitch interview with Rift Magazine:

The following is an interview with Todd Millenacker of Avenpitch taken from Rift Magazine.

TC Electropunk CD Compilation Release Show 1/12/08
By Rich Horton

Just for a quick primer on Electropunk, Rift's Definition anyway. Electropunk is sort of like Depeche Mode meets The Sex Pistols. It's indie, there are electronics and computer generated music mixed with guitars and sometimes with a full band. On the mainstream side a band like Nine Inch Nails would fit, but locally it's generally not that serious of a tone and the local bands like to have a bit more fun with it.

Over 4 years ago, Todd Millenacker had the idea of putting out a CD compilation of just Electropunk bands. It came from a marketing brainstorming session with a few other musicians. Seeing that other bands in another genre of music were pooling their resources to put out a compilation, Millenacker thought doing the same with Electropunk could help build some awareness of their growing scene. It would also help promote his own band Avenpitch.

Now 4 years later, Millenacker is releasing the 4th version of the compilation and while some bands from that first comp are now long broken, some bands have made a return appearance for each comp. He also has been able to add new bands which keeps it fresh as well.

I asked Millenacker about the Electropunk and if he thought it was still growing and evolving:

"Oh yeah, definitely. I mean, I've been able to fill four volumes of Twin Cities Electropunk thus far, so that's a pretty encouraging sign. Being how "electropunk" is still such a loose and undefined term I think the door is wide open. Ideally, I'd like to think that some 7th or 8th graders will come across these comps and be inspired to put together a genre defining "electropunk" band and really show us how it's done," said Millenacker.

Even though all the bands chip in, Millenacker donates his time and some extra money to the cause just to keep it rolling. He already has plans for a fifth compilation and hopes eventually the number can go into the double digits. He finds all the bands, collects the tracks and organizes everything.

"All the bands involved are either folks I know or bands that have emailed me expressing interest in being a part of the Twin Cities Electropunk series, a couple I have sought out (on Volume 4 Zibra Zibra and Screaming Mechanical Brain). I just keep an email list together and when the time comes to start organizing another compilation I put word out and see who's interested in being a part of it," said Millenacker.

With the release of the CD also comes a huge release party, Millenacker filled me in on the bands and the logistics of the evening.

"Let's see... it'll be Thosquanta, Milkbar, Avenpitch, Apox/Mercy Kills, OBCT, Amdeide and Zibra Zibra. One band will be playing house-party style on a homemade stage to the right while the other band sets up on the main stage. Last year this worked extremely well and I'm hoping this year will go just as well. If not, I suppose it's only rock'n'roll!" said Millenacker.

Millenacker has realistic expectations about his own music career, he figures he will always be making music. Whether he does it part time like he does now, or an opportunity comes along where he can make it a full time deal. The compilation is a great chance for him to network with the other bands, have fun at the release show and do something for the scene. He let me in on his future plans.

"Keep making music and keep on keeping on. The nice thing for me about the comps is it's not like a label or anything and I don't have to personally oversee the bands on a daily basis; they all have to sink or swim on their own terms. Some will get bigger, some will burn out. It's fun/interesting to see what happens."

"As for Avenpitch, we're working away on a new album. Actually we have a new album ready to go, but we're writing more songs and then killing the runts of the litter hoping to make one super strong album. We'll see how successful this strategy is when it's finally released!" said Millenacker.

The TC Electropunk Compilation Volume 4 Release Party
Club Underground
Avenpitch, OBCT, Thosquanta, Zibra Zibra, Amdeide, Apox/Mercy Kills & Milkbar
9pm/21+/$5

www.tcelectropunk.com