Merzbow

also known as:   Akita Masami   Masami Akita

indies - active (1979 - )

Merzbow is a noise project created in 1979 in Tokyo by Masami Akita. The name Merzbow refers to the miscellaneous Dada architectural constructions, the Merzbau, from the German artist Kurt Schwitter. Masami Akita's artistic and musical references are as numerous as they are varied, ranging from Dadaism and surrealism to bondage and pornography via Frank Zappa, King Crimson, and avant-garde musics.

Masami Akita is the founder of two independent labels, Lowest Music & Arts, and ZSF Produkt, under which he releases his own creations. He is also the author of several books and articles about the Japanese underground culture, contemporary art, architecture and avant-garde music. He is also interested in staging and photography, mainly of the art of bondage. Lastly, he actively supports the cause of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), an association defending animal rights whose message is spread through several of his works.

Merzbow's music uses sounds with intense distortion made by all kinds of machines (samplers, synthesizers, effects pedals, computers...) or pre-recorded on audio tapes. He recorded more than 200 albums with several independent labels throughout the world, making him the most important and prolific artist of the noise world scene.