Vivian Girls is an American band based in Brooklyn , New York . The only consistent members have been Cassie Ramone and Katy Goodman , on guitar and bass, respectively; the group has had several drummers throughout its history. They took their name from a book by outsider artist Henry Darger .
43-848: Vivian Girls, named after Henry Darger's magnum opus (full title: The Story of the Vivian Girls, in What is Known as the Realms of the Unreal, of the Glandeco-Angelinian War Storm, Caused by the Child Slave Rebellion ), started in Brooklyn , NY in March 2007, as the trio of Cassie Ramone (guitar/vocals), Katy "Kickball Katy" Goodman (bass/drums/vocals), and Frankie Rose (drums/bass/vocals). While only
86-447: A "corrupt medium". The contest was reportedly a "nationwide search for the most perfect boyfriend material a girl could ask for", and Svenonius was among 150 entries. Nation of Ulysses was known for their extremely physical performances, during which Svenonius recalls many injuries, including breaking his arm, his leg, and his skull on numerous occasions. Audience members were also hurt during some performances. The group disbanded in
129-586: A band for a short while, they recorded a demo, which included five original songs and a Wipers cover, and began to play locally in Brooklyn and Katy and Cassie's home state of New Jersey . Within the first couple of months, they had already developed a strong local following, supporting acts like Jay Reatard , Sonic Youth , and the King Khan & BBQ Show , as well as finding kindred spirits in other local bands, like Cause Co-Motion! , Crystal Stilts , and Woods , with whom they shared many bills and helped develop
172-568: A live audience at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City . Soft Focus later moved to London , England, where Svenonius interviewed British artists such as Mark E. Smith of The Fall and Billy Childish . In 1994, Svenonius had a supporting role in the independent film Half-Cocked . In 2001, Svenonius appeared in the documentary Plaster Caster about the plaster casts of Cynthia Plaster Caster . In 2021, Svenonius co-released
215-461: A local scene, to which the band is still very much connected. In March 2008, they released the "Wild Eyes" single on the Plays With Dolls label. With very little promotion and distribution, the single became an underground indie hit, as it charted on many college radio playlists and garnered positive reviews on the internet. Recorded in the same session, their debut self-titled LP was released by
258-415: A master themselves. In some guilds, apprentices were not allowed to marry until they had obtained full membership. In its original meaning, the term was generally restricted to tangible objects, but in some cases, where guilds covered the creators of intangible products, the same system was used. The best-known example today is Richard Wagner 's opera Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (1868), where much of
301-550: A number of 12-inch singles and splits . The Make-Up combined garage rock , soul , and self-styled " liberation theology " to make a new genre they called "Gospel Yeh-Yeh". The Make-Up were highly influenced by bubblegum music , particularly the French variety called Yé-yé music. As the Make-Up's frontman and mouthpiece, Ian Svenonius often contextualized the band's music in terms of larger socio-political themes, typically describing
344-447: A number of new essays included. The "Instructions" that preface the book state that it "should clear up much of the confusion regarding events of the last millennium – artistic, geo-political, philosophical, et al." and encourages the reader to "refer to the book in case of ethical quandaries, arguments, and social feuds". The writing addresses topics such as the ascent of the DJ as a "star",
387-595: A series of "Magazine-Style Records" which included other imaginary acts such as Death by Chocolate, Maria Napoleon, and Lollipop Train. Svenonius wrote an afterword for Glen E. Friedman 's 2005 photography book Recognize ( ISBN 0-9641916-6-0 ), as well as the introduction to Friedman's 2007 book Keep Your Eyes Open ( ISBN 0-9641916-8-7 ). As host of the VBS.TV online show Soft Focus , Svenonius interviews guests such as Ian MacKaye , Genesis P-Orridge , Adam Horovitz , Cat Power and Will Oldham in front of
430-477: A set of Aberdeen guild regulations dated to 1579, whereas masterpiece is first found in 1605, already outside a guild context, in a Ben Jonson play. Masterprize was another early variant in English. In English, the term rapidly became used in a variety of contexts for an exceptionally good piece of creative work, and was "in early use, often applied to man as the 'masterpiece' of God or Nature". Originally,
473-516: A short-lived side-project called Cupid Car Club , Svenonius formed the Make-Up in 1995, who combined garage rock, soul, and liberation theology to make a new genre they dubbed "Gospel Yeh-Yeh". The Make-Up disbanded early in 2001, and a year later, Svenonius formed the band Weird War, who were also known briefly as the Scene Creamers. Later Svenonius led the band Chain and the Gang. Currently, Svenonius
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#1733086177392516-446: A side project with Cat Power 's Gregg Foreman; the band has digitally released one self-titled EP. Her solo project, La Sera , also formed in 2010, has released four albums. In 2013, she collaborated with Springtime Carnivore's Greta Morgan as Books of Love, recording the science fiction-themed love song "Space Time". Goodman and Morgan collaborated again in 2016, releasing the punk covers album Take It, It's Yours . Cassie Ramone has
559-743: A side project, The Babies , formed in 2009, with Woods bassist Kevin Morby . The Babies released two studio albums in 2011 and 2012. During The Babies' hiatus, Ramone embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut album, The Time Has Come , in 2014. She released an album of Christmas music, Christmas in Reno , in 2015. Fiona Campbell is from New Zealand and previously played there in a band called The Coolies. She also played in Coasting, with guitarist Madison Farmer, and in Ian Svenonius ' band Chain & The Gang; Campbell
602-569: A solo project, Escape-ism encompasses a more lofi-electronic sound compared to Svenonius' band oriented projects. The band has featured Alexandria Cabral and Sandi Denton as live members and contributors. Live shows consist of programmed drum machines, sparse jagged guitars, and stream of conscious lyrics. Throughout his career, Svenonius has disc jockeyed at clubs such as Cold Rice in Washington, D.C. In 1993 Svenonius and Nation of Ulysses/Make-Up members James Canty and Steve Gamboa were involved in
645-573: A vacuous and counter-revolutionary forms". Between projects, Svenonius released a solo album under the pseudonym David Candy . After the Make-Up disbanded, Svenonius formed the group Weird War in 2001, joined by Make-Up members Michelle Mae and Alex Minoff . While the current lineup appears on the group's first release I'll Never Forget What's His Name, the group's first full-length, eponymous release featured Neil Hagerty and Jessica Espeleta on guitars, and Steve McCarty on drums. These collaborators soon left to pursue other projects, and
688-432: Is a creation that has been given much critical praise, especially one that is considered the greatest work of a person's career or a work of outstanding creativity , skill, profundity, or workmanship . Historically, a "masterpiece" was a work of a very high standard produced to obtain membership of a guild or academy in various areas of the visual arts and crafts. The form masterstik is recorded in English or Scots in
731-453: Is generally considered a literary masterpiece. The term is often used loosely, and some critics, such as Edward Douglas of The Tracking Board , feel it is overused in describing recent films. Ian Svenonius Ian Folke Svenonius is an American author, filmmaker, and musician with various Washington, D.C. –based punk bands including Nation of Ulysses , the Make-Up , Weird War , XYZ , Too Much , Escape-ism , and Chain &
774-446: Is it". The Make-Up formed in 1995, consisting of Svenonius, Canty, and Gamboa from Nation of Ulysses, and with the addition of Michelle Mae on bass guitar. The Make-Up were joined in late 1999 by a fifth member, Alex Minoff , who played guitar with the group until their dissolution in 2001. In the band's five years of activity, they released four studio albums, two live albums, a posthumous compilation of singles and B-sides, and
817-400: Is no longer produced under supervision. In Nuremberg , Germany, between 1531 and 1572, apprentices who wished to become master goldsmith were required to produce columbine cups , dies for a steel seal, and gold rings set with precious stones before they could be admitted to the goldsmiths' guild. If they failed to be admitted, then they could continue to work for other goldsmiths but not as
860-460: Is the leader of the group Escape-ism. In 2021, Svenonius co-released a feature film called " The Lost Record, " named for the Escape-ism LP of the same name. Svenonius' solo work includes the 2001 album Play Power under the fictional pseudonym of David Candy , the books The Psychic Soviet , Supernatural Strategies for Making a Rock 'n' Roll Group, Censorship Now!!, & Against
903-448: The "true practise of the Art & Mystery of Goldsmithry is not only grown into great decays but also dispersed into many parts, so as now very few workmen are able to finish & perfect a piece of plate singularly with all the garnishings & parts thereof without the help of many & several hands...". The same goldsmithing organization still requires the production of a masterpiece but it
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#1733086177392946-511: The 17th century, the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths , for instance, required an apprentice to produce a masterpiece under their supervision at a "workhouse" in Goldsmiths' Hall . The workhouse had been set up as part of a tightening of standards after the company became concerned that the level of skill of goldsmithing was being diluted. The wardens of the company had complained in 1607 that
989-414: The Gang . Between his numerous projects, Svenonius has released more than 22 full-length albums and over 20 singles, EPs , and splits . A published author and online talk show host, Svenonius' projects share a tongue-in-cheek, radical left political ideology. His first band, Nation of Ulysses, which released its first record in 1990, was highly influential in the punk scene but dissolved in 1992. After
1032-720: The Mauled by Tigers label, whose initial pressing of the LP sold out in ten days. During this time, the group signed with In the Red Records , who released a new single in August 2008. In the Red re-released Vivian Girls on LP and CD formats in October 2008. In July 2008, the band underwent a lineup change, with new drummer Ali Koehler replacing Frankie Rose. The band then went on an extensive tour that saw them visit
1075-545: The US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Puerto Rico in two months. Their second album, Everything Goes Wrong , was released by In the Red in September 2009. In May 2010, Fiona Campbell replaced Ali Koehler, becoming Vivian Girls' third drummer. With Campbell, they toured their third album, Share the Joy , to Europe, UK, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, and the US. The band also featured on
1118-464: The Written Word, and as host of Soft Focus on VBS.tv . Svenonius' first musical group was Nation of Ulysses . The band formed in spring 1988, initially composed of four members, Svenonius on vocals and trumpet , Steve Kroner on guitar , Steve Gamboa on bass guitar , and James Canty on drums , and known simply as "Ulysses". In late 1989, Tim Green joined the band as a second guitarist and
1161-474: The addition of Argentine Sebastian Thomson on drums, its intent has become more cosmic. Weird War claims that they are "the sole answer to the hype-based careerism, empty formalism and vacuity which has infected what was once a genuinely creative underground rock 'n' roll scene". Svenonius' musical project, Chain and The Gang, has released the albums Down With Liberty... Up With Chains! , " Music's Not For Everyone ", " In Cool Blood " on K Records, as well as
1204-771: The albums " Experimental Music " and " Minimum Rock 'n' Roll " on Radical Elite Records. Some of the musicians featured on these records are Calvin Johnson , Brett Lyman (Bad Thoughts/M'Ladys's Records), Fiona Campbell (Vivian Girls/Coasting), Sarah Pedal, Katie Alice Greer ( Priests ), Faustine Hudson (The Curious Mystery), Brian Weber ( Dub Narcotic Sound System ), Veronica Ortuño ( Finally Punk/Carrots ), Nicolaas Zwart (Desolation Wilderness), Karl Blau, Chris Sutton (Hornet Leg, The Gossip ), Sixx (The Vibrarians), Arrington de Dionyso, Aaron Hartman, Benjamin Hartman (Old Time Relijun), Anna Nasty ( Olivia Neutron-John ), and Francy Graham. Formed as
1247-542: The band and its gospel attitude in Marxist and socialist terms, in opposition of what he saw as the capitalist , bourgeois , machismo paradigm of rock and roll . The band's aversion to American culture was expressed through their self-styled musical genre "Gospel Yeh-Yeh", a belief system through which they advocated to their audience to "get theirs" and to "off the pigs in all their forms". The Make-Up intended to create ad-lib performances to re-energize what they saw as
1290-467: The band briefly changed its name to The Scene Creamers, with Svenonius on vocals, Michelle Mae on bass, Alex Minoff on guitar, and Blake Brunner on drums. In this incarnation, the band released I Suck on that Emotion , through Drag City . After being threatened with a legal suit for the name Scene Creamers by a French graffiti artist collective of the same name, the band reverted to the name Weird War. Since then, as its membership has become static, with
1333-517: The band released any official albums, Svenonius was featured as teen-oriented Sassy Magazine ' s first "Sassiest Boy in America". He was interviewed in the magazine's October issue, detailing the band's sound and political motivations. Svenonius stated that the Nation of Ulysses' intent was "to create a space of liberation where anything's possible". He criticized "traditional rock-and-roll" groups as
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1376-418: The band was renamed to "Nation of Ulysses". The Nation of Ulysses described themselves not as a rock and roll group in the traditional sense, but "as a political party " and as "a shout of secession". Explaining their intent, Svenonius said "it's basically a new nation underground for the dispossessed youth colony. It's all about smashing the old edifice, the monolith of rock and roll ". In 1990, before
1419-404: The band's reformation, alongside a new full-length album, Memory , to be released in September. It was recorded in 2018 with producer Rob Barbato. On August 14, 2019, a music video for the song "Something to Do", directed by Jason Lester, was released. On September 10, 2019, a music video for the song "Sludge", directed by Alex Ross Perry, was released. In 2010, Katy Goodman formed All Saints Day,
1462-524: The fall of 1992 having failed to complete their third album (the finished tracks were later released as The Embassy Tapes in 2000). In a later interview, Svenonius explained the reason for the split: "Nation of Ulysses broke up because the epoch changed with the advent of digital music and the Nirvana explosion. We were faced with what's now known as indie rock , a sort of vacuous form. We had to determine our next move and this [the forming of The Make-Up ]
1505-665: The feature length film The Lost Record , named for the Escape-ism record of the same title. In July 2006, Svenonius released a book of 19 essays entitled the Psychic Soviet ( ISBN 0-9656183-9-0 ), published by Drag City Press . Pocket-sized and bound in bright-pink plastic with beveled edges, its form is similar to " The Little Red Book ", a Bible, or a foreign-language dictionary. The book serves as an anthology of past articles and essays by Svenonius previously published in periodicals, edited for readability and flow, with
1548-462: The plot is concerned with the hero's composition and performance of a "masterpiece" song, to allow him to become a meistersinger in the (non-commercial) Nuremberg guild. This follows the surviving rulebook of the guild. The practice of producing a masterpiece has continued in some modern academies of art, where the general term for such works is now reception piece . The Royal Academy in London uses
1591-409: The short-lived project Cupid Car Club , which released only one EP on Kill Rock Stars Records entitled Join our Club . In 2001 Svenonius collaborated with the English conceptualist/producer Mike Alway of If.. Records to create the record Play Power under the pseudonym David Candy . The album was released through Jet Set Records, Siesta Records, and If.. Records. Play Power was part of
1634-467: The stale, bland and formal ritual of rock and roll. Appropriating gospel music 's use of the congregate as a "fifth member", the Make-Up incorporated audience participation through call and response vocals, lyrical "discussion" techniques, and destruction of the fourth wall by physical transgression. The Make-Up dissolved in 2000, reportedly "due to the large number of counter-gang copy groups which had appropriated their look and sound and applied it to
1677-516: The term masterpiece referred to a piece of work produced by an apprentice or journeyman aspiring to become a master craftsman in the old European guild system. His fitness to qualify for guild membership was judged partly by the masterpiece, and if he was successful, the piece was retained by the guild. Great care was therefore taken to produce a fine piece in whatever the craft was, whether confectionery, painting, goldsmithing , knifemaking , leatherworking, or many other trades. In London, in
1720-445: The term " diploma work " and it has acquired a fine collection of diploma works received as a condition of membership. In modern use, a masterpiece is a creation in any area of the arts that has been given much critical praise, especially one that is considered the greatest work of a person's career or to a work of outstanding creativity, skill, profundity, or workmanship. For example, the novel David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
1763-571: The track "Worse to Come" on noise pop band Male Bonding 's debut album Nothing Hurts . Vivian Girls' third album, Share the Joy , was released in spring 2011 by Polyvinyl Record Co. In January 2014, the band announced they were breaking up, with two last shows at The Church on York in Los Angeles , and Death by Audio in Brooklyn . They reunited briefly in October 2015 to play two songs at bassist Katy Goodman's wedding. On July 17, 2019, Cassie Ramone, Katy Goodman, and Ali Koehler announced
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1806-477: Was also a co-owner of the now-defunct M'Lady's Records label. She has also worked as a talent booker and promoter, and as a tour manager for bands like Hinds , Mitski , and Shamir . She currently plays in the New Zealand band Guardian Singles, formed in 2015. Ali Koehler was the touring drummer for Best Coast from 2010 to 2011. In 2013, she formed the band Upset , which has released three albums. Frankie Rose
1849-489: Was formerly the drummer for Crystal Stilts and Dum Dum Girls , and was an original member of the band Beverly . She released her first self-titled solo album as Frankie Rose and the Outs in 2010; under her own name, she has released four albums. Masterpiece A masterpiece , magnum opus , or chef-d'œuvre ( French for 'master of work'; pl. chefs-d'œuvre ; French: [ʃɛ.d‿œvʁ] )
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