Episode 149: Martin Bisi

American recording engineer Martin Bisi started BC Studio in Gowanus, Brooklyn, New York City (originally as OAO Studio) with Bill Laswell and Brian Eno 45 years ago. Having worked with names like Afrika Bambaataa and Lydia Lunch, he was involved in the nascent days of both hip-hop and no wave. As an engineer and producer Martin is greatly respected and having worked extensively with underground legends like Swans and Sonic Youth continues to work with cutting edge artists at BC Studio. That’s just one part of the story though, because Martin also has a long and fascinating history as a musician in his own right. This Friday sees the release of the latest Martin Bisi album, Dancing On The Power Lines, an album as bursting with creativity, activist spirit and humour as you could hope for from someone so dedicated to the musical underground for so many years. We discuss the latest album, his own musical evolution, Gowanus, some fascinating family history, collaborations and communities. Back in 2014 a documentary marking the first 30 years of BC Studio was released, Sound and Chaos: The Story of BC Studio. Stay tuned for an updated documentary short, marking 45 years of BC Studio, due later this year. Check out Dancing On The Power Lines and more Martin Bisi music, videos, links and other materials on his website here. Thanks to Dan at Discipline PR.Photo credit: Ego Sensation (thumbnail), BastiFor more stories from the musical underground you can read my new column at New Noise Magazine: Mapping The UndergroundCheck out my latest album ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Silence on Drama Recorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My music on AmpwallPodcast artwork and logo: Get A Real Job KidIntro music: “Detachment” by Tom Osman This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tomosman.substack.com