Loneliness in noise?

[Balor/SS1535]

I can definitely say that noise/PE/DI has become a "coping mechanism" for me. Artists like Disgusting Sanctum/Agonal Lust, Atrax Morgue or Navicon Torture Technologies have helped quell some of the heavier negative moments in life. Plus the friends I've made through it/because of it and the current relationship I'm in being based on our mutual interest in it have been a great motivator for a curmudgeon like me.

I can say that some of the times that I feel the least lonely are when I am engaging with noise people at shows

Bingo to this, meeting you in person (on accident!) is still a hilarious moment for me.

haha  The total randomness of that whole night is still amazing to me!

[FreakAnimalFinland]

This type of thing is very important to most, including also myself. Of course I would survive without noise gigs, sure, but the gatherings of likeminded, that happens frequently enough, but NOT all the time, is good.

At least to me it feels that when you got month or two between seeing people, you actually got things to discuss. I ain't the type of guy sitting daily for coffee, or friends couch, talking whatever. No thanks. It is more like people discussing what is happening, planning, even sort of brainstorming. Perhaps invitations to collaborate or whatever. Then everybody goes on their own ways. Often somewhat vitalized by idea that there is actually small interests to what they do. Someone asked for compilation. Someone asked if planning any gigs. Someone talking about the best Merzbow CD you just finally managed to get. Sometimes absolutely nerdy stuff. Sometimes more serious. Yet, at least I can't take the non-stop social scene thing at all. There has to be the balance of when you talk and when you do. And if nothing gets done, what is there to talk about? It's not some sort of obligation, of course, but it would feel weird if I'd go to gig, someone asks what's happening lately and I would be like "nothing...".  It is without exception, when I return from noise gig, back home, there is intense will to create, play and record. Plan things and execute things. Yet, the certain amount of loneliness or at least being alone is mandatory to even get started anything worth doing. No point in jamming for fun, hah..

[MT]

Great topic! I think loneliness, or solitude, is common among noise fans. Just by being such a niche thing to be interested about. I've talked about this with other people, how in a way I cherish those early days of "noise loneliness". There was no Facebook, was not into zine culture yet, Chrondritic Sound forum seemed a bit too intimidating, posted there couple times but mostly read what big boys were discussing. But there was no outlet personally to talk about noise, it created an interesting insular state of mind. Living in a small town back then, there was hardly anyone to talk about anything remotely intellectual. There was no outside "noise" to dictate what album is good and what's not. Created this unbiased taste in the beginnings. Observe record sleeves throughly, watch live pictures online to get some kind of idea what's going on. Ordering stuff from distros on a hunch, or by relation to some other project. I am very happy I got to experience my introduction to noise and power electronics this way, discovering and wondering. Waiting for each album to arrive like Christmas.

Nowdays it's completely different, Facebook groups are great for sharing favorite records, this forum naturally (which I should post more to) and even Whatsapp groups with likeminded brigade of noise heads. It's a great way to communicate and share ideas, whenever you feel like reading them and replying. I have no time to "hang out" with noise people every day or even every week. But like Mikko mentioned above, gigs are great places to share thoughts, ideas of new recordings, new live gigs and in general create bonds with people. Maybe the excitement of hunting and discovering is somewhat diluted, but I believe can also be achieved, just depends on the circumstances of an individual.

And to answer the question of the topic; yes and no. Loneliness is needed to create the mindset, but it can also be helpful to have other push me around every now and then.

[Stipsi]

I always lived in  small villages with max 4k or less inhabitants on the hills.
Pretty isolated.
I'm not an antisocial person, but
loneliness and solitude is pretty common for me, both as "intent" and forced, because having peculiar artistic interests in places like mine, is not properly accepted.
I'm a solitary person for nature and this doesn't affect me at all.
Most of my free time I'm alone.
But honestly, as MT said, having forums and social media groups to share noise beliefs is a sorta of cathartic therapy.
At least for me.

[Stipsi]

Great topic! I think loneliness, or solitude, is common among noise fans. Just by being such a niche thing to be interested about. I've talked about this with other people, how in a way I cherish those early days of "noise loneliness". There was no Facebook, was not into zine culture yet, Chrondritic Sound forum seemed a bit too intimidating, posted there couple times but mostly read what big boys were discussing. But there was no outlet personally to talk about noise, it created an interesting insular state of mind. Living in a small town back then, there was hardly anyone to talk about anything remotely intellectual. There was no outside "noise" to dictate what album is good and what's not. Created this unbiased taste in the beginnings. Observe record sleeves throughly, watch live pictures online to get some kind of idea what's going on. Ordering stuff from distros on a hunch, or by relation to some other project. I am very happy I got to experience my introduction to noise and power electronics this way, discovering and wondering. Waiting for each album to arrive like Christmas.

Nowdays it's completely different, Facebook groups are great for sharing favorite records, this forum naturally (which I should post more to) and even Whatsapp groups with likeminded brigade of noise heads. It's a great way to communicate and share ideas, whenever you feel like reading them and replying. I have no time to "hang out" with noise people every day or even every week. But like Mikko mentioned above, gigs are great places to share thoughts, ideas of new recordings, new live gigs and in general create bonds with people. Maybe the excitement of hunting and discovering is somewhat diluted, but I believe can also be achieved, just depends on the circumstances of an individual.

And to answer the question of the topic; yes and no. Loneliness is needed to create the mindset, but it can also be helpful to have other push me around every now and then.

Hey, if there's WhatsApp and Telegram noise groups let me know!
Cheers!

[Atrophist]

Great topic! I think loneliness, or solitude, is common among noise fans. Just by being such a niche thing to be interested about. I've talked about this with other people, how in a way I cherish those early days of "noise loneliness". There was no Facebook, was not into zine culture yet, Chrondritic Sound forum seemed a bit too intimidating, posted there couple times but mostly read what big boys were discussing. But there was no outlet personally to talk about noise, it created an interesting insular state of mind. Living in a small town back then, there was hardly anyone to talk about anything remotely intellectual. There was no outside "noise" to dictate what album is good and what's not. Created this unbiased taste in the beginnings. Observe record sleeves throughly, watch live pictures online to get some kind of idea what's going on. Ordering stuff from distros on a hunch, or by relation to some other project. I am very happy I got to experience my introduction to noise and power electronics this way, discovering and wondering. Waiting for each album to arrive like Christmas.

Nowdays it's completely different, Facebook groups are great for sharing favorite records, this forum naturally (which I should post more to) and even Whatsapp groups with likeminded brigade of noise heads. It's a great way to communicate and share ideas, whenever you feel like reading them and replying. I have no time to "hang out" with noise people every day or even every week. But like Mikko mentioned above, gigs are great places to share thoughts, ideas of new recordings, new live gigs and in general create bonds with people. Maybe the excitement of hunting and discovering is somewhat diluted, but I believe can also be achieved, just depends on the circumstances of an individual.

And to answer the question of the topic; yes and no. Loneliness is needed to create the mindset, but it can also be helpful to have other push me around every now and then.

Hey, if there's WhatsApp and Telegram noise groups let me know!
Cheers!

Not to presume or butt in, but I second this. I've come to absolutely despise "normal" social media -- although as someone who organizes shows I can't get away from it altogether.

[Balor/SS1535]

This type of thing is very important to most, including also myself. Of course I would survive without noise gigs, sure, but the gatherings of likeminded, that happens frequently enough, but NOT all the time, is good.

At least to me it feels that when you got month or two between seeing people, you actually got things to discuss. I ain't the type of guy sitting daily for coffee, or friends couch, talking whatever. No thanks. It is more like people discussing what is happening, planning, even sort of brainstorming. Perhaps invitations to collaborate or whatever. Then everybody goes on their own ways. Often somewhat vitalized by idea that there is actually small interests to what they do. Someone asked for compilation. Someone asked if planning any gigs. Someone talking about the best Merzbow CD you just finally managed to get. Sometimes absolutely nerdy stuff. Sometimes more serious. Yet, at least I can't take the non-stop social scene thing at all. There has to be the balance of when you talk and when you do. And if nothing gets done, what is there to talk about? It's not some sort of obligation, of course, but it would feel weird if I'd go to gig, someone asks what's happening lately and I would be like "nothing...".  It is without exception, when I return from noise gig, back home, there is intense will to create, play and record. Plan things and execute things. Yet, the certain amount of loneliness or at least being alone is mandatory to even get started anything worth doing. No point in jamming for fun, hah..

I agree.  At least personally, the lack of access to the "social scene" (it's just too far from me for that level of daily connection) is what makes the chance meetings so meaningful and productive/inspiring.  If I see people once every month or so, then I have the time to record some new CDs to share and distribute.

[EXU]

It's kinda funny that the truly lonely noisemakers are usually scoffed off by the majority of noise "tastemakers" and "scenesters" (I am not being ONLY derogatory with this words, and not extrapolating it to mainstream).
Most well known and regarded noise (and especially P.E.) is very social conducted, born from scenes, connections and common signifiers in my opinion, the true outcasts are doing crap nobody likes and especially nobody buys and collects. Not even themselves. It's more excretion than creation perhaps.
Also, nowadays, "I live in a tiny town" is not exactly what I would call being alone in this specific scenario we live, with internet being the main conductor behind everything, and money second.
Maybe I'm just leaning too much in the outcast aspect of loneliness instead of some romantic vision of it where everyone gets to be called unique and solitary just because his workmates doesn't get his special interests, it's just that I am not enamored with the vision that because I like wacky shit I am some kind of Diogenes or Maldoror.

[Balor/SS1535]

It's kinda funny that the truly lonely noisemakers are usually scoffed off by the majority of noise "tastemakers" and "scenesters" (I am not being ONLY derogatory with this words, and not extrapolating it to mainstream).
Most well known and regarded noise (and especially P.E.) is very social conducted, born from scenes, connections and common signifiers in my opinion, the true outcasts are doing crap nobody likes and especially nobody buys and collects. Not even themselves. It's more excretion than creation perhaps.
Also, nowadays, "I live in a tiny town" is not exactly what I would call being alone in this specific scenario we live, with internet being the main conductor behind everything, and money second.
Maybe I'm just leaning too much in the outcast aspect of loneliness instead of some romantic vision of it where everyone gets to be called unique and solitary just because his workmates doesn't get his special interests, it's just that I am not enamored with the vision that because I like wacky shit I am some kind of Diogenes or Maldoror.

This is a very good point.  I know of one person locally who has been effectively shunned by the local scene---he used to do a lot of shows, but can't book them anymore; very few to no people would show up at the shows he did book.  Nevertheless, he seems to have a relentless enthusiasm to do things his way, and his label trudges onward.

[impulse manslaughter]

Interaction with other humans can be fun but also tiresome. As a teacher I'm surrounded by people during working days. When I'm not working I spend time with my family but also make sure I have enough time left for reading, listening to records, cooking, hiking, etc. Just enjoying peaceful solitude. Alone but rarely lonely.

[anusenvy]

I cannot confirm but I always felt Maso always had an air of isolation inherent in his work. I do not believe his style of performing, creating, and recording suggest much interest in outside help. I also assumed Maso was fairly shy after hearing a local noise friend talk about his experience meeting Maso for first time at his shop in Japan. Maso's recording endeavors have always made me appreciate solo endeavors. However, I do admit I do not know enough to say what is fact.

[Minus1]

Interaction with other humans can be fun but also tiresome. As a teacher I'm surrounded by people during working days. When I'm not working I spend time with my family but also make sure I have enough time left for reading, listening to records, cooking, hiking, etc. Just enjoying peaceful solitude. Alone but rarely lonely.

This!

Not all of us are Social Butterflies. (Is that the term? It's stuck in my head for some reason.) I socialize. Swimming sessions - friends at the pool. Record Shop hobby job - interact with customers. But I generally CRAVE my alone time.

Is 10%/90% social/solitude acceptable? 😂 I love this (im)balance.

And Noise occurs during parts of that 90%.

Edit: Does anyone do Noise parties?  ie A bunch of people, sip wine, throw on Grunt? 😂

I'm having a difficult time visualizing such a scene in this world. Charli XCX - brat, certainly. But does Noise lend itself to such socializing, outside of a show?

Not in my town! (And no such shows either.)

[prolapsedlielack]

Does anyone do Noise parties?  ie A bunch of people, sip wine, throw on Grunt? 😂

My friend group certainly does. Funnily enough, brat has a high probability of being played in the same night.