From Space Junkies:

Wednesday Elektra: Hi Todd! I hope all is well down your way. Tell our readers a little bit about who you are and how you first got involved in music.

Todd Millenacker [Todd]: I'm Todd Millenacker - my main gig is being the singer/songwriter/musician guy in Avenpitch. As for how I got into music? I've just always been into music - I remember as a little kid making drums out of Lego boxes and guitars out of rubber bands. I started playing a real guitar in fifth grade after being inspired by Slash in Guns N Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" video.

Wednesday: How are things going in Avenpitch these days? Tell our readers a little bit about Avenpitch and what you have going on for the 2005-year.

Todd: Things have been going pretty good for Avenpitch. We're starting to get out of Minnesota and play around the Midwest on the weekends and we're also touring nationally this May. We'll be hitting Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. It'll be our first time on the road for an extended period of time, so I'm hoping we can tolerate each other's personality defects long enough to still have a band by the time we get home.

Wednesday: I think this is the first time I've ever interviewed someone about a compilation album! In this case it's the "Twin Cities Electropunk Volume 2" compilation album. For starters, tell us a little bit about the Twin Cities area and about your local music scene. What's hot in your area these days? What types of artists or genres of music are highly sought after in your neck of the woods?

Todd: The Twin Cities is an awesome place musically. It's got a cool history with some pretty important artists coming out of it - Bob Dylan and Prince are probably the most widely recognized. There's always been the great underground rock scene that's given us quite a few notable indie acts: Husker Du, the Replacements, Soul Asylum and 12 Rods just to name a few. As for electronic music - we can claim Information Society as our own. Just looking at our history - it makes sense that "Electropunk" would come out of Minnesota. As for what's happening now? Obviously, there's the Electropunk stuff which I think is only gonna get bigger. There's lots of indie-progressive rock stuff - I think Self-Evident do that sort of thing unbelievably well. We've got Halloween, Alaska - who have been getting some national attention due to the OC. There's American Head Charge who was picked up by Rick Rubin. "Alt-Rap" is another growing genre around here. Atmosphere is getting pretty popular. There's also POS and his Doomtree Crew. They are really political and have been getting quite a bit of attention locally. Really, there's stuff all over. Like I said, it's a great community for music.

Wednesday: I see from this particular compilation album that you have quite an assortment of industrial, electronic, electro-pop types of bands, but what other genre-labeling music do you have floating around down there?

Todd: Same as anywhere I suppose - metal, punk, alternative rock, rap, folk, country.

Wednesday: How did the Electropunk compilation albums begin? Who thought up the idea then implemented it?

Todd: I contacted some electro bands I liked around town, told them what I wanted to do: Put together a compilation CD, get it mass produced and give them away at each others shows in an effort to cross promote. I asked them if they wanted to join me - those that said yes did and here we are. We sort of figured it out as we went along.

Wednesday: Tell us about some of the key artists on the compilation and how they came to be on these compilations.

Todd: That's a tough one, all the artist have something to offer, but based on my working experience with them I think that - besides Avenpitch - Uber Cool Kung Fu, Mach FoX, Stellar Vector, Thosquanta and TELEPHONE!/Lolly Pop are really working hard to get the word out about "Electropunk" and these compilations.

Wednesday: Are most of the songs exclusive to the compilation or have they been previously released elsewhere?

Todd: About half-and-half - I leave it completely up to the artists. I just tell them if people could only hear one song from your band what song would they want that to be. For Volume 2 I did restrict the track length to 5 minutes just because there were so many artists involved. Other than that - I have no input on anyone's track. I figure it's up to the bands to sink or swim on their own merit.

Wednesday: How many compilations do you think you'll release in the Electropunk series? Will there be a series? I think there should be! This compilation album rocks, I'd love to hear many more like it!

Todd: Yes, I plan on putting out a "Twin Cities Electropunk" CD roughly once a year until interest fades. There really is something happening around here and I'm happy to do my part to support it. Volume 1 was 2004, Volume 2 is 2005, and Volume 3 will be 2006. I don't foresee a reason to stop.

Wednesday: I really liked the Manson and Nine Inch Nails-esque tracks on the compilation, but really there's a diverse variety of genres and sounds, what are some of your favorite songs and artists off of this compilation?

Todd: Obviously, I like Avenpitch's "Jack the Idiot Dance" otherwise I wouldn't have put it on there (so what - I'm bias). I also really dig the Trashed Actor tune - it's just got this heavy groove you've heard, but then you haven't! Thosquanta's "Cowboy" is awesome! They've got this electro-gothic-country thing going. Mach FoX and Stellar Vector both have cool tunes on this one as well. I also really love the Tim Rally Gold song; it sounds so off the cuff and fun. Honestly, I've spent so much time working on this thing that I like it all. It's a great collection of local "Electropunk" artists.

Wednesday: I've made some very do it yourself, Space Junkies Magazine compilations back in the day, but for those that have never had the opportunity of putting together a compilation album, tell us what's all involved and about some of the hardships you've come across along the way.

Todd: Since it's a local compilation it's kind of a weird predicament I find myself in --- I know and see lots of these artists regularly so that makes it a little harder in terms of sequencing and all that jazz. Really when it all comes down to it I just go with my gut (and sometimes the advice of the guys in my band). As for hardships - The biggest technical problem for me is the mastering, just because there are 16 different source tracks recorded in completely different ways all attempting to come together and sound like one cohesive album. Thankfully, Nick of Endless Blue took care of those headaches this time around and, I might add, did a fantastic job!

Wednesday: Do you have any advice to give other musicians, labels or music fans about what to do or not to do when putting together compilation albums?

Todd: At the risk of sounding like a business or motivational speaker I'll gladly share a few things I've learned. If you decide to organize something like this do it all yourself. Don't try and make decisions as a committee because then nothing will ever get done (way too many personalities/egos involved). Also, if you plan to do something like this make sure you've got the most money, time and energy invested, because the law of the universe dictates that whoever has the most invested has the final word. Another thing is to be patient and systematic about things. It's the hurry up and wait game. You'll need some legal releases and all that if you want to mass-produce anything. Just make sure all your ducks are in a row so when its time to do something you're set - you'll need somebody to master the disc, replicate the disc, send out press mailings, make up a web page, yadda, yadda, yadda. The more you can do yourself the better (within reason - I'm guessing you don't have a CD pressing plant in your living room). I also recommend thinking through a backup plan for each step of the way so if something goes haywire you'll be able compensate and correct the problem with minimal stress. Finally, do something! Everybody always talks about doing this or that, but no one ever follows through on things. Honestly, don't wait around for someone else to act on your ideas - if you think it's a good idea and you're halfway intelligent and somewhat likable - take the initiative and make it happen. Sure you're taking a chance, but that's the only way anything ever gets done.

Wednesday: What will you take away from this compilation album experience?

Todd: It's pretty cool to see results from a concept you've believed in all along. It amazes me how quickly this idea spread! The "TC Electropunk Scene" is getting press and attention from all over the world and here I am having my girlfriend and mom help me stuff Electropunk CDs and then going over to the post office on my lunch break to mail them out. I honestly believe our little scene is gonna be a big movement at some point in the future. It's a lot of fun to be on the ground floor of all this!

Wednesday: If we were currently 20 years in the future looking back over these compilation albums, what one factor about the compilations do you think you'll remember the most or what would you like the compilations to be remembered as?

Todd: It would be pretty sweet if people cite it as the first consolidated effort in the genre of "Electropunk". Ya know the same way Steve-O's Some Bizarre compilations from the early 80s had the first recordings of all these electro pop bands - such as The The, Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, Fad Gadget... At the same time they could just as easily be forgotten. It's up to the bands to decide. I guess only time will tell. As for the one factor about the compilations I'll remember most? Just the fact that I thought it was a good idea and I did it.

Wednesday: Will there be an Electropunk tour in support of the compilations at all? That would be kinda cool, like the Ozzfest or Lollapalooza of Electropunk!

Todd: No plans right now - but I wouldn't ever rule anything out. I mean even Lollapalooza started with one guy's vision, right?

Wednesday: How are you currently promoting/marketing the compilations?

Todd: All artists' involved give away "Twin Cities Electropunk" CDs for FREE at their shows. My whole thinking behind this compilation and "Electropunk" is to not be reliant on the standard means of promotion (i.e. press, radio or advertising) in order to promote it. Obviously, this means I expect bands to chip in a couple bucks to help cover costs, but it also means we don't have to "sell" the music to people - we're simply introducing cool electro bands to the general public and letting people make up their own minds. The irony, of course, is now that it's somewhat successful college radio and some other people are jumping in on the bandwagon and sporting the "Electropunk" banner. But that's okay; we're more than happy to take the attention!

Wednesday: Tell us about the Electropunk website, what can we find there and how can we access it?

Todd: TC ELECTROPUNK.COM can be found @ http://www.tcelectropunk.com - most importantly the site has got both volumes of the Twin Cities Electropunk compilations available for FREE download. It also has a press archive, message board and merchandise section.

Wednesday: How can our readers get in touch with you for more information about the Electropunk compilations?

Todd: Feel free to shoot me an email anytime about whatever at avenpitch "at" avenpitch.com

Wednesday: Is there anything else you'd like to mention about the compilation albums or your band Avenpitch?

Todd: Look for Avenpitch on tour in May. There will be a new Avenpitch album in the summer of 2005 [Note: Winter]. Expect Twin Cities Electropunk Volume 3 at some point in 2006. I guess that's all I've got to pimp for now.

Wednesday: Well, Todd, I guess that's all the questions my brain can fester up for now! In closing is there anything else you'd like to add or mention to the readers of Space Junkies Magazine?

Todd: Thanks!


From Grave Concerns:

Band: Todd Millenacker of Avenpitch
Interviewer: Julie Johnson
Date: 5-11-05

Julie Johnson: Before we talk about Vol. 2 of the Twin Cities Electropunk compilation - How well has Vol. 1 done since its release in 2004?

Todd Millenacker: Twin Cities Electropunk Volume 1 has done pretty well. We're completely out of the 750 copies we originally pressed of Volume 1 and it's been download about just as many times. Actually, I wasn't going put out Volume 2 for awhile, but then because Volume 1 caught on I figured we better "strike while the iron is hot" and put out Volume 2 fairly quickly.

JJ: Were there any bands that felt that their music became more of interest after the success of Volume 1?

Todd: I hope they all felt like that. If anything it puts every band's name and music in front of quite a few people who would have never stumbled across them normally. It also ties them to the electropunk movement in the Twin Cities which I think is gonna get more and more attention as time goes on.

JJ: Before you started compiling the artists for the compilations did you see a raise in Electropunk Artists?

Todd: Other than Avenpitch I don't think too many - if any - bands in the Twin Cities were claiming to be "electropunk". However, there was definitely something happening around here. There was already an established community of electronic music artists that had some awareness and respect for each other. There was the "Electro-Tank!" club night in St. Paul and also MSPESP, a Yahoo! Group, where local electronic music folks spent time chatting.

JJ: There are countless electropunk bands trying to survive in the underground seen. Is there a band that you think has influenced the artists on these compilations to do what they do?

Todd: I can't speak for the other bands, but I know personally I've been quite inspired by Emil Hyde of the Mystechs. I've known him since 2001 and he's basically shown me what it takes to make things happen as a DIY electronic musician. Every year he manages to release a new Mystechs album, tour America in the spring, fall and on weekends, run Omega Point Records, play keyboards in Corporate MF and produce 2 or 3 albums a year for other artist. Whenever I think I'm working too hard, I look at him and know I've got a long way to go. He's influenced my whole mentality and approach in regards to what it takes to be a successful underground musician.

JJ: How did you go about selecting the artists for Vol. 2?

Todd: After Volume 1 bands started contacting me. I gave them all a good listen and put together what I thought would make up a great sampler of our little scene.

JJ: I really got into the track by Heliosphere. What impressed you about them to have them on your compilation?

Todd: I think it's safe to say Heliosphere is probably one of the best, if not the best, EBM band in the Twin Cities. They make music that gets ya moving: simple as that. Andy's synth programming and production is tight and Bill has great stage presence. They're one of the newer bands on Volume 2 and look forward to seeing what they do next. Already they're doing quite well - they're opening for Assemblage 23 in a month. Very cool!

JJ: How does your own band Avenpitch play a role in the diversity of the compilation?

Todd: I think we're definitely the most "punk" band in terms of both sound and attitude on the compilation. Most of us come from rock band backgrounds and we've got much more of a "caveman" approach towards technology than the majority of electronic musicians.

JJ: I noticed that some of the same artists appear on both Volume 1 and 2. Is there a particular reason why?

Todd: No, not really. I liked the bands so I asked them be a part of Volume 2. I'm just happy they wanted to be a part of it again!

JJ: The first compilation only had 10 tracks, was there a demand for 16 tracks on Vol. 2?

Todd: All Twin Cities Electropunk CDs are given away for free at all involved artists' shows. With that logic I figured the more good bands on the comp and the more cross promotion for all bands involved. We were also able to print up 1000 CDs this time around. We're all Americans. Bigger is better, right?

JJ: How well has Vol. 2 been doing now that it has been about for about a month?

Todd: Very well! It seems like people were anticipating and looking forward to this disc. Volume 2 has been getting quite a bit of press. The Star Tribune (Minnesota' big paper) has declared electropunk "officially a genre" and quite a few netzines have done favorable write-ups on this comp as well. Hopefully, the compilation will continue to get attention and more and more people become aware of it.

JJ: Are there any particular artists that have been stirring up attention over others on Vol. 2?

Todd: There's absolutely no consistency to anyone's favorites. That's the beauty of these comps - everybody can get it for free and find something that works for them. The left field surprise for me was Tim Rally Gold. I loved their track from the start, but I didn't think it would be the one the critics single out time and time again. Honestly, all the bands are great and deserving of more attention.

JJ: Do you feel that this compilation may bring out more electropunk artists?

Todd: More than anything I'd like these comps to inspire other electronic musicians to start their own little electropunk scene wherever they live. I know the folks in the Twin Cities aren't the only people with cheap keyboards, loud guitars and out-of-date computers.

JJ: Can we expect this series to continue for several years?

Todd: I'm planning on putting out an electropunk disc every year or so until death. Well maybe not until death, but at least for awhile - at least until interest dies down. If I get too busy or lose the passion for it I'd like to hand the compilation series on down to some other ambitious electropunk. Volume 3 will be 2006.

JJ: Really, how is the electropunk scene really in the Twin Cities?

Todd: Good and getting better everyday.

JJ: Lastly, by making this available on-line has this created more buzz?

Todd: Definitely! I 'm amazed that people from all over the world - Denmark, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Australia - are sending me emails and telling me how much they like the comp and this or that artist. Its both amazing and humbling to see people paying attention to this little group of electropunk musicians from Minnesota.

JJ: Anything else you would like our readers to know about your compilation project?

Todd: Get more info and download "Twin Cities Electropunk Volume 1 & 2" for FREE @ http://www.tcelectropunk.com

Thanks!


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