9/18/07 Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Post by **Mike** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 12:28 pm

Satellite Party frontman happy he shed major label
By Ricardo Baca
Denver Post Pop Music Critic
Article Last Updated: 09/14/2007 10:02:03 PM MDT

Even though Warner Bros. helped Perry Farrell spread the gospel of his legendary band, Jane's Addiction, the groundbreaking alt-rock frontman now loathes the major-label system after a recent deal-gone-wrong at Columbia.

"In the long run, you're artistically better served when you're a self-supportive organism," Farrell said last week via telephone. "You're much, much harder to kill that way."

Farrell's latest band is Satellite Party, an electro-influenced rock group that bears little resemblance to Jane's or Farrell's other projects, including Porno for Pyros.

We caught up with Farrell in the midst of a busy summer of touring - including a gig Tuesday night at the Gothic Theatre - to discuss Satellite Party's evolution, the woes of being on a major label and the fruits of his standing surf dates with Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea.

Q: What was your goal in creating Satellite Party and recording your debut, "Ultra Payloaded?"

A: I wanted to make something that sounded different than everything else. It might not be something that the radio is playing, but in the old days, when you tried to make new music, you were rewarded. Like the Beatles ... Today, because of the radio format, everybody has this idea in their head that, to get on the radio, you have to sound like the radio sounds like today. But then people stop developing music. They're just trying to latch on and play like the last guy.

Q: You worked with Flea, Fergie and Peter Hook on your record. How did the collaborations come about? And did you know exactly who you wanted to work with for each song?

A: I didn't plan on having anybody collaborate with me. I was writing and programming beats and using this software to make the music, and I wanted to put a little voice on it and then leave it alone. But my wife insisted that I bring some live players down and have them lend their support and ideas to it. Flea and I would always go surfing in the morning. We both had time on our hands, and I took him to my garage and said, "Here's some beats. Let's have some fun." No record labels were involved, and I took my time and did whatever I wanted musically, and the sound is reflective of that.

Q: So where did the major label come in?

A: I met Steve Lillywhite while he was working for Columbia, and I had the songs and they were done, but I didn't have master mixes on them. I wanted to work with Steve, and I worked with him at Columbia. But as soon as we got on the label, he left, and we were left with an old-fashioned record company that wasn't flexible or adaptable. It wasn't a good situation for us. I took my record back. I wasn't on that label for a good two months ... They leave every artist in the dark to die or live on their own.

Q: What did your time on a major teach you?

A: I learned that they aren't necessary. It was a fascinating learning experience. Now I know how to run a project without a record label, and it's not that hard to do.

Q: Do you regret signing to a major?

A: I terribly regret it. It was a waste of time. If it would have been a good experience, had they been on their game and been responsible adults and good music execs, that would have been one thing. But they weren't ... They're looking to rip off musicians, to take our money and merchandise, and I'm letting all the people know that they don't need to do that. Get a good lawyer and booking agent. (Expletive) the record label. You can outsource what a record company does. ... There are a lot of ways you can do it yourself these days.

Pop music critic Ricardo Baca can be reached at 303-954-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com.

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Satellite Party

POP|Gothic Theatre, 8 p.m.

Tuesday with Mink|$26| ticketmaster.com, 303-830-8497

http://origin.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_6885609

Post by **Mike** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 12:40 pm

Not only is Satellite Party playing the Gothic Theatre tomorrow...
They'll also be doing a free show at the Apple Store in Denver.

FREE SHOW IN DENVER

Attention all Satellite Party fans in the Denver area, Perry and the band will be playing a FREE show at the Apple Store in Denver on Sep. 18th at 6pm!

Come on out!

The store info and map can be found here http://www.apple.com/retail/cherrycreek/map/

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea ... =309742463

subculture · Post by **subculture** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 1:25 pm

Yeah we're stoked.
I hope we get to personally say whats up to one of the most influential personalities ever.

And then to see them play the Gothic.....

TODAY.........WE ALLLLL GOT TO BE BRAVE!

OzMic · Post by **OzMic** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 1:53 pm

Have fun Bro...wish i could be in Denver with y'all !!!

:big wig:

subculture · Post by **subculture** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:46 pm

No doubt my man!
Aspen should be killer.. All the leaves changing.
(wish I could play hooky)

We were up in the mountains yesterday.

subculture · Post by **subculture** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 12:44 pm

What a night! So fun.
The Apple Store show was so killer. The Gothic was the same on steroids.

Thank You Perry and Etty for everything! Truly, a night not to be forgotten!

Carl it was killer meeting you.

bman · Post by **bman** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 1:21 pm

review??

subculture · Post by **subculture** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 5:33 pm

Review?

SICK!

Me cheesin with the man!!

subculture · Post by **subculture** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 5:43 pm

More too come.
Not much photoshoppin here.... As far as lights go.

Powerful!!

Post by **Mike** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:13 pm

Nice pics!
If you haven't seen it yet there's a pic of you and the Miss with Perry at the Apple store on the Satellite Party myspace.