Cerysmatic.Factory

Scream City 5 - The International Edition

2019-10-22T07:00:00.000+01:00

Scream City 5 was the last edition of the fanzine that I produced, back in 2010 after a 2-year gap from the fourth edition. I didn't know at the time that there wouldn't be any others. In fact, for quite a while after this edition I had an active concept for SC6 "the Video Edition" which would have delved into the world of Ikon, Doublevision, Play at Home, etc and probably come with a free VHS tape glued to the front cover (seriously, this was in the concept!). I did some tests for video titles and had some ideas for articles including the Ikonathon (a non-stop marathon of video-watching that would somehow morph into a critical masterpiece plus, on a more serious note, the extensive interview by Brian Nicholson with the late Malcolm Whitehead that eventually made it onto Cerysmatic (and which, in turn, inspired the whole Scream City digital archive).

Back to Scream City 5 and its international theme, starting with the cover and Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion projection which has absolutely nothing to do with Factory but just seemed right for this edition. I stopped short of doing the fold-out inside front cover which would've enabled a build-it-yourself Dymaxion globe but I resolve to make the template available for those who are geometrically inclined. This, and other supporting materials such as alternate covers, source materials, etc will be made available once the main issues are published.

There were 10 different articles spread across 60 pages: Andrew James took a Factory Trip Around the World, I interviewed Fiona Allen about The Area and The Haçienda, James Nice presented an extract from his Shadowplayers book and discussed the background, David Quantick sleevenoted The Distractions, Ian McCartney gave us his magnum opus on Mozart vs Joy Division, Matthew Robertson had an exclusive interview with Andrew Penhallow of Factory Australasia, I talked to Mark Reeder, Ike Yard and Michael H Shamberg and David Nolan paid tribute to Larry Cassidy.

To top things off there was a limited edition compilation CD featuring Section 25, Ike Yard, Thick Pigeon, The Wake, The Names, The Durutti Column, Biting Tongues, The Distractions, Shark Vegas and Fidelity Kastrow & Spartak.

Phew! Enough fanzines already!!

Ike Yard Remixes out 23 October 2019 via Noiztank

2019-10-19T08:00:00.000+01:00

Ike Yard's latest releases on Noiztank, 2017's 'Sacred Machine' EP, and 2018's 'Rejoy' LP have been reworked by CUB (Regis and Mønic), Antechamber (Codex Empire), Grebenstein, Rebekah, Richard Fearless, Mønic, and Sedvs on a new remix compilation which is out on 23 October 2019 on 12" vinyl and digital delivery.

Buy it now via Bandcamp.

Tracklisting

A1 Night Klub (CUB remix)
A2 Beyondersay antechamber remix)
A3 Sister M GREBENSTEIN remix)

B1 Teardrop Rebekah remix)
B2 Indra’s Net (Richard Fearless remix)

Bonus 1: Spit Simon Shreeve monic remix)
Bonus 2: K55 (Sedvs remix)

Credits

Original tracks by Ike Yard: Stuart Argabright, Kenneth Compton, Michael Diekmann
Mastering: rude66
Design and edition: Zosima

NTK015 Remixes by Ike Yard

Michael H. Shamberg

2014-11-09T21:02:00.000+00:00

Cerysmatic Factory, along with everyone in the Factory Records community were saddened to hear of the recent passing of Michael H. Shamberg, the innovative music video producer who worked most famously with New Order. Michael also ran Factory's New York operations - Of Factory New York, Factory US and Factory America, and with the last of these was notably associated with Ike Yard on their debut album. Michael also produced films and videos outwith the Factory family via kinoteca.net.

New Order paid tribute to Michael their website saying they "will miss him dearly and send our condolences to all his family and friends."

In the Manchester Evening News Peter Hook, said "Michael was a lovely man. His work on our videos, so important at the time, defined our image and an era. He was a true revolutionary. One of a very small band of of truly gifted individuals! He will be missed.”

James Nice, of Factory Benelux said "We issued the Of Factory New York compilation album earlier this year to raise money for his ongoing treatment, and were able to transfer funds before he passed. More important, Michael received copies of the album and was delighted with it. He will be missed by many people inside the industry and out, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Miranda and his family."

Ike Yard's statement on their Facebook page echoed these sentiments: "Ike Yard would like to celebrate the life of Michael Shamberg, a friend and colleague who managed Factory America / Factory NY and produced many seminal videos for Factory artists. He also designed the cover for Ike Yard's "A Fact A Second" 1982 album. Michael passed away after a long illness last Saturday. We honor his indomitable creative spirit."

Finally, the director of New Order's True Faith, Philippe Découflé gave a short but heartfelt message at the Shamberg-associated Turtle Salon site - "Tristesse immense. Adieu Michael, mon ami...".

Rest in peace Michael.

Shimmering Sonic Depths

2014-09-28T10:13:00.000+01:00

The recent Atonal festival in Berlin featured a rare live performance by Cabaret Voltaire and, on the Contort night, Ike Yard. The Quietus and Secret Thirteen reviews nicely sums it all up.

In other Ike Yard news, Stuart Argabright tells us that Dior designer Raf Simons wanted to use the Regis remix of 'Loss' in their Spring-Summer 2015 Ready-To-Wear show video(s) and a suitable license was done.

Finally, there's a long-awaited Gretchen Bender retrospective featuring her legendary video installation Total Recall at Tate Liverpool from 7 November to 8 February 2015.

Ike Yard Remixed

2014-04-06T20:59:00.000+01:00

Desire Records has announced full details of the long-awaited Ike Yard 'Remixed' album which combines together the three 12" singles (1, 2 and 3) released over the last 18 months which featured various versions of Loss, NCR, Half A God and Cherish 8 reimagined by the likes of Regis, Monoton, Powell, KVB, Vessel and many more. All nine tracks are present and correct but are accompanied by a final three remixes exclusive to this compilation. Cherish 8 is remixed by French kraut/electronic producer Intramoros of One Switch To Collision and also by Norwegian electronic veterans Epilketrician. And to close this collection Monoton offers a club mix of NCR.

Remixed is available in a special Desire bundle including the CD, an exclusive 1-sided 12" single and 2 badges available to pre-order now with late April ahipping.

Update [7 Apr]: Stuart Argabright informs us that there is also a Japanese edition which will have a further bonus CDR with 3 Japanese remixes and an added Orphan Swords Ike Yard remix. Ike has done a collaboration with Orphan Swords that is coming out on Desire soon.

Tracklisting

1. Loss (Regis version) (new mastering)
2. NCR (Monoton dub)
3. Half a God (Tropic Of Cancer remix)
4. Half a God (Recombinant remix)
5. Cherish 8 (Arnaud Rebotini remix)
6. Half a God (Powell remix)
7. Cherish 8 (The KVB remix)
8. Cherish 8 (Vessel remix)
9. NCR (Bandshell remix)
10. Cherish 8 (Intramoros 100wassers remix)
11. Cherish 8 (Epilektrician remix)
12. NCR (Monoton club mix)

Of Factory New York Michael Shamberg

2014-03-13T17:39:00.000+00:00

Factory Benelux and New Order present Of Factory New York, a unique benefit album released to assist Michael Shamberg, who ran the NYC office of Factory Records during the celebrated label's Eighties heyday.

Available on CD and double gatefold vinyl formats, Of Factory New York gathers a selection of classic tracks by artists associated with OFNY including the John Robie remix of Yashar by Cabaret Voltaire, Do the Du by A Certain Ratio, Cool As Ice by 52nd Street, Love Tempo by Quando Quango, the Megamix version of Looking From A Hilltop by Section 25 and an exclusive version of Your Silent Face by New Order, recorded live on tour in America in June 1989.

Homegrown American talent featured on the album includes Ike Yard, Thick Pigeon, Konk, Anna Domino and deejay/producer Arthur Baker. The cover art is based on an original 1983 design by Lawrence Weiner, the conceptual artist closely associated with Shamberg and Factory's Big Apple operation.

Unfortunately in 2006 Michael was struck down with highly debilitating mitochondrial disease. All artists featured on Of Factory New York have donated their work free of charge, Factory Benelux will take no profit, and 100% of net revenues will be paid over to the medical trust which takes care of Michael.

"Michael has been with us from the very start," explain New Order. "Initially he was in charge of Factory New York, then became creative producer for all our early videos. He brought our attention to the early works of directors such as Kathryn Bigelow, Gina Birch, Robert Breer, Peter Care, Phillipe Decouffle, Jonathan Demme, Robert Frank, Paula Greiff, Robert Longo, Bailie Walsh and William Wegman. Michael is very ill and needs constant medical attention. We want to help him, and played two fundraising shows in 2011. This new Factory New York compilation album will contribute further financial support towards Michael’s ongoing care."

More info via factorybenelux.com.

Vinyl tracklist

A1. A Certain Ratio - Do the Du
A2. Quando Quango - Love Tempo
A3. 52nd Street - Cool As Ice

B1. Cabaret Voltaire - Yashar (John Robie Remix)
B2. New Order - Your Silent Face (live 1989)
B3. Konk - Baby Dee

C1. Section 25 - Looking From A Hilltop (Megamix)
C2. Streetlife - Act On Instinct
C3. Marcel King - Reach For Love (New York Remix)

D1. Thick Pigeon - Subway
D2. Ike Yard - Kino
D3. Arthur Baker - Come On
D4. Anna Domino - Summer (Arthur Baker Remix)

CD tracklisting

1. A Certain Ratio - Do the Du
2. Quando Quango - Love Tempo
3. Konk - Baby Dee
4. 52nd Street - Cool As Ice
5. Cabaret Voltaire - Yashar (John Robie Remix)
6. New Order - Your Silent Face (live 1989)
7. Section 25 - Looking From A Hilltop (Megamix)
8. Streetlife - Act On Instinct
9. Marcel King - Reach For Love (New York Remix)
10. Thick Pigeon - Subway
11. Ike Yard - Kino
12. Arthur Baker - Come On
13. Anna Domino - Summer (Arthur Baker Remix)

Ike Yard Remix EP #3 [Desire Records]

2013-11-23T12:05:00.000+00:00

Desire Records will release Remix EP #3 by Ike Yard on December 16 announces Juno Download. This is the third and final edition in the series that began in the wake of Desire's 2012 re-release of the debut self-titled Factory America album.

EP #3 brings Powell (Diagonal Records), Bandshell (Hessle Audio and Liberation Technologies), Vessel and The KVB to the remix party, following in the illustrious footsteps of Regis, Konrad Becker (#1), Camella Lobo and Black Strobe (#2).

Tracklisting

Half A God (Powell remix)
Cherish 8 (The KVB remix)
Cherish 8 (Vessel remix)
NCR (Bandshell remix)

Tracking the Thrill

2013-10-21T09:00:00.000+01:00

Recently, whilst on holiday in New York City, I was fortunate to attend an exhibition walkthrough with Ike Yard's Stuart Argabright of 'Tracking the Thrill' at The Kitchen, one of NYC's oldest non-profit art spaces. This was a selected retrospective of the influential video work of Gretchen Bender (1951-2004), the centrepiece of which was 'Total Recall' (1987) a multi-screen installation set to a superb soundtrack of by Mr Argabright.

Apparently back in the day the whole thing would be cued up on banks of video players and the play buttons would be pressed in sync. Nowadays it's driven by computers but the TV screens are resolutely old school cathode ray.

There are a couple of Factory-related videos in the rest of the exhibition:

Gretchen Bender did the title sequence for the America's Most Wanted TV show (UK readers think 'Crimewatch' in terms of content, but without Nick Ross) and the soundtrack for that was by The Other Two. Bender's cut-up style quickly became the norm for many a show.

Robert Longo's video for New Order's Bizarre Love Triangle (FAC 173) is also included. Gretchen, who was Robert's girlfriend, did the again rapid-fire editing. More on the making of that video by producer Michael Shamberg over at a New Order Discography. According to Stuart Argabright, Gretchen herself is in the video.

The exhibition has now finished (as has the holiday) but this short clip below gives an idea of the overall experience.

Half A God

2013-03-09T20:18:00.000+00:00

Ike Yard presents the next of its "recombinations", with the second remix featuring Tropic Of Cancer and Fred Szymanski and it's "pretty epic" according to Stuart Argabright.

The Half A God EP comes on 12" red vinyl limited to 500 copies and, like the Regis/Monoton remixes, it's via Desire Records and is available to pre-order now. The artwork is by Stephen Americh, inspired by the Factory America design for Ike Yard.

Ike Yard - Regis/Monoton Versions ltd 12"

2012-08-20T21:20:00.000+01:00

Blackest Ever Black and Desire Records present a limited edition (700 copies worldwide) as a taster for the forthcoming re-release of Ike Yard's eponymous debut album originally released on Factory America.

The tracklisting is:

A - 'Loss' (Regis Version)
B - 'NCR' (Monoton Dub)

Blackest Ever Black describe the remixes thus: "Regis returns to B.E.B. with a brooding, immaculately swung version of Ike Yard's 'Loss'. This is no 21st century techno makeover; Ike Yard's music requires no such updating. It sounds more like Regis sneaked into the The Ranch in '82, thrashing out a mix on the desk there and then."

Ike Yard's Stuart Argabright told Cerysmatic Factory "It was refreshing to hear Regis say this, as we were reminded how fresh the tracks were when we got the digi transfer back. And Monoton did a great job, his club, dub and KB remixes were all great, specific sections taken into focus and the beats just run and run free. Was reminded of hearing Basic Channel for the first time... that kind of shock of recognition."

Meanwhile, a reminder that Ike Yard has a gig on 7 September at 285 Kent in Brooklyn, NYC. The line-up includes Black Ozlem DJ, Led Er Est, Dan Selzer (Acute Records) DJ, Ike Yard, Xeno & Oaklander.

Plus, don't forget that they play London on 29 September at Hackney's Power Lunches night show and Manchester on 21 September The Factory,

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More info at Blackest Ever Black and Ike Yard Facebook.

Re-release of Ike Yard's Factory America LP

2012-07-28T13:50:00.000+01:00

The eponymous debut album originally released on Factory America by NYC band Ike Yard is set to be re-released via Desire in Autumn 2012 replete with remixes by Monoton, Raime and Black Strobe's Arnaud Rebotini.

Meanwhile the band has confirmed a new gig on 7 September at 285 Kent in Brooklyn, NYC. The line-up includes Black Ozlem DJ, Led Er Est, Dan Selzer (Acute Records) DJ, Ike Yard, Xeno & Oaklander.

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More info on Ike Yard Facebook.

Fantastique Night with Ike Yard in Brussels

2012-06-20T19:35:00.000+01:00

Crépuscule / Factory America No Wavers Ike Yard play their debut Brussels show as part of a special Fantastique Night at T.A.G. in Brussels, Belgium on Saturday 22 September 2012 from 20:00. The line-up is completed with HNN and True Zebra.

The gig is followed at midnight with a Minimal Wave Afterparty featuring DJs: Muffin | Skullscraper aka Dirk Ivens & Wattie.

Presale: 10€ (soon)
At the door: 13€
Afterparty only: 5€

T.A.G.
rue Marie Popelin straat / passage Rogier doorgang
1210 Brussels

More info at Ike Yard's Facebook and the official Facebook event page.

Download Ike Yard's new Virtual 7-inch

2012-01-27T18:04:00.000+00:00

Check out Ike Yard's new Virtual 7" with 2 new tracks from their upcoming album online at Everything Is Chemical. We hope you will enjoy.

The Whole Ike Yard

2011-01-26T08:49:00.000+00:00

Latest news from our good friend Stuart Argabright in NYC on Ike Yard and related projects:

Ike Yard are into the process of unearthing unreleased tracks from '81-82. Outpost 13 look set to return to London in April for a gig at Vortex Club on the 14th and a JG Ballard event on the 22nd. Finally, Stuart's first group in DC, Rudements (early '78) will be on Kris Needs' Dirty Waters 2 Birth of Punk.

Nord

2010-10-14T23:40:00.000+01:00

Ike Yard return with a new album via Phisteria under exclusive license to French label Desire (includes the Nord mini mix for you to stream). The album was recorded in New York with producer Paul Geluso and is out now.

Check out the rave reviews in Bleep and FACT.

Tracklisting

Traffikers
Mirai
Masochistic
Oshima Cassette
Metallic Blank
Beautifully Terrible
Type N
Citiesglit
Shimmer
Orange Tom
Robot Steppes

Full release details at discogs.com

Scream City - the Factory Records fanzine

2010-07-11T15:50:00.000+01:00

It's still not too late to buy your copy of Scream City, the Factory Records fanzine which was published at the end of June. Yes, Scream City is back with its fifth (the biggest and best ever) issue which is 60 pages in colour and black & white and is available to buy now for 3.00 GBP + Worldwide postage and packing via eBay (Buy it Now with Paypal only).

Contents

- A Factory Trip Around The World - the art of international collecting by Andrew James
- An interview with FAC 51 The Hacienda's (and Smack The Pony's) Fiona Allen
- The Distractions by David Quantick
- An exclusive extract from James Nice's new book about Factory Records 'Shadowplayers' plus a Q&A with James Nice
- Closer, Karamazov and K550 by Ian McCartney
- Looking From A Hilltop... at Lytham St Annes (or "When Interviews Go Wrong") - a salutary lesson about the dark art of the interview and a touching tribute to Larry Cassidy by David Nolan
- An interview with Shark Vegas man and remixer extraordinaire Mark Reeder
- Matthew Robertson talks to Factory Australasia man Andrew Penhallow
- Factory Over America - Scream City talks to the US wing of Factory Records with new interviews with Michael H Shamberg and Ike Yard's Stuart Argabright and Michael Diekmann

Scream City is still an old school fanzine and is made from paper, ink and staples.

Scream City 5 CDR tracklisting

2010-07-03T20:00:00.000+01:00

Scream City 5, the Factory Records fanzine, is out now and there are still copies available with the limited edition compilation CDR, the tracklisting of which is:

1. Section 25 Poppyfields (Live at Plan K) 5.12
2. Ike Yard Sweep 4.56
3. Thick Pigeon Merry Christmas 3.41
4. The Wake Something Outside (Live at Plan K) 5.35
5. The Names Zeroes 5.30
6. The Durutti Column Untitled Guitar Piece 1989 1.46
7. Biting Tongues Iyahbhoone (Live at Plan K) 6.09
8. The Distractions (I Thought You Were Dead) Josephine (Hollywood Mix) 2.02
9. Shark Vegas You Hurt Me (Radio Edit) 4.47
10. Fidelity Kastrow & Spartak Bad Love (Reeder's Playing the Game Radio Mix) 3.19

Scream City 5 (and a few copies of Scream City 4) are available to buy on eBay priced £3.00 plus Worldwide P+P.

Scream City 5 out now

2010-06-28T23:39:00.000+01:00

Scream City, the Factory Records fanzine from the people who brought you Cerysmatic Factory plus special guest contributors, is back (finally) with its fifth (and biggest ever) issue. Scream City is still an old school fanzine and is made from paper, ink and staples.

Scream City 5 (60 pages in colour and black & white) is priced 3.00 GBP + Worldwide postage and packing via eBay (Buy it Now with Paypal only).

- A Factory Trip Around The World - the art of international collecting by Andrew James
- An interview with FAC 51 The Hacienda's (and Smack The Pony's) Fiona Allen
- The Distractions by David Quantick
- An exclusive extract from James Nice's new book about Factory Records 'Shadowplayers' plus a Q&A with Mr Nice
- Closer, Karamazov and K550 by Ian McCartney
- Looking From A Hilltop... at Lytham St Annes (or "When Interviews Go Wrong") - a salutary lesson about the dark art of the interview and a touching tribute to Larry Cassidy by David Nolan
- An interview with Shark Vegas man and remixer extraordinaire Mark Reeder
- Matthew Robertson talks to Factory Australasia man Andrew Penhallow
- Factory Over America - Scream City talks to the US wing of Factory Records with new interviews with Michael H Shamberg and Ike Yard's Stuart Argabright and Michael Diekmann

Initial copies come with a free 10-track compilation CDR featuring live / rare / unreleased material by Section 25, Ike Yard, Thick Pigeon, The Names, The Wake, The Durutti Column, The Distractions, Biting Tongues, Shark Vegas and Fidelity Kastrow & Spartak (produced & remixed by Mark Reeder).

The tracks by Section 25, The Wake and Biting Tongues were recorded live at Plan K in December 2010.

The CDR is a strictly limited edition of 160 copies available on a first come first served basis.

JG Ballard project on The Exotic Pylon

2010-03-24T18:40:00.000+00:00

Outpost (featuring Ike Yard's Stuart Argabright) will do their JG Ballard project this coming Saturday 27 March 2010 on London's Exotic Pylon Show with Jonny Mugwump on Resonance FM. The performance will be archived online.

The JG Ballard Project features JGB-inspired music and spoken word pieces and further nights are planned in Oporto, Portugal and London, England for around November 2010. More info to follow.

Meanwhile Ike Yard is currently working on the remix of Vladislav Delay's cut (from around 2000) Sistol for Phthalo Records.

Ike Yard's Traffikers live @ WFMU

2010-02-27T01:12:00.000+00:00

Check out out Ike Yard's live recording of Traffikers live at WFMU with John Allen and Bil Bowen, 2007.

Stand by for Nord, the new album via Phisteria, in Spring 2010.